Sunday Afternoon in Vondelpark, Amsterdam

An April day when the temperature doesn’t rise above 50 degrees and the sun slips behind the clouds every few minutes doesn’t sound like a perfect day in the park.  Yet in Amsterdam the park is alive with families, lovers, friends.  They walk, their dogs freely trot alongside. They ride the most amazing bicycles bringing the children with them. There are at least three seats on a single bicycle....   Continue Reading

Floriade

Once a decade the Netherlands Horticulture Council organizes an exposition celebrating the contribution horticulture makes to life.  This year’s theme is “be part of the theatre in nature: get closer to the quality of life.” The event is equal to a World’s Fair of outdoor delights, nature, food production and beauty.  Participants from around the world showcase their garden style, their horticultural production, the natural beauty of their part of the planet....   Continue Reading

April Whimsy

Plant Whimsy

The sweetness of April arrives bringing spring’s green leaves, sprouts, blooms, and wildlife babies. The potential for delight could hardly be greater in any other month of the year.  Garden visitors wander in with their expectations high.  New gardeners, flush with knowledge, walk wide-eyed now identifying annuals, edibles and perennials. The serious horticulturalist seeks out specimens and hybrids, checking to see how last year’s new varieties survived the winter.  Landscape designers explore the style and flow of the garden.  Plant fans hurry in to see the collection of their favorites, be they bamboos, orchids, agaves or roses.  There are so many opportunities to enjoy and explore a garden.  Yet whatever category you find yourself, if you are visiting a garden in April, you want to be open to whimsy....   Continue Reading

Adventure 2012

We are packing for a trip to see tulips in the Netherlands, tiled courtyards in Spain, cork trees in Portugal, orchids in the Canary Islands, water gardens in Morocco, and iris in Giverny.  A plan devised on new year’s eve has come together and the time for departure is near.  We plan to update here with descriptions and photos so check back as you please.  We will be wandering, wondering and noticing and love to share what we find....   Continue Reading

Shamrock Green

A Little Bit Irish

In March almost everyone claims to be a little bit Irish. It might be because of the music, the dancing or the festivities but really it is all about the green. In March dormancy gives way to spring green shoots of new growth and that is worthy of a party whatever your ancestry.  Public green space is worth celebrating too, and Boston holds the distinction of establishing the first public park in the nation. What city is there more Irish than Boston?  Boston Common was designated public green space in 1634.  Yet there is also a public garden attached to the Common and it was the first created in the nation....   Continue Reading

Late in the day

We arrived late to the garden, about 3 p.m.  I was anxious to arrive earlier but our day was busy and we couldn’t get there any sooner.  Yet when I realized the garden was open until 8 p.m. I suddenly relaxed.  Late in the day is a great time in a garden.  The visitors are fewer, there are quite spots to sit and relax.  Then to my great delight, a roadrunner sauntered out and began walking across the sidewalk.  The wildlife likes late in the day as well....   Continue Reading

Promenade, 91st Street, Riverside Drive

Hearts & Flowers

Some of my favorite grade school memories are from Valentine’s Day.  We decorated boxes with red paper hearts, pink ribbons and flowers. In the days leading up to the celebration we watched as classmates slipped envelopes inside and anticipated the sweetness the messages would reveal.  The celebration of Valentine’s Day has spread around the world.  The day has something for every sense; chocolates for taste, flowers for scent and beauty, romantic words and cuddles of affection, an infusion of delights engaging our emotions....   Continue Reading