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

Garden of Useful Plants, Montreal Botanic Garden

A Year of Happy!

Inspired by a new year we follow a familiar path as we resolve to; spend more time with family & friends, learn something new, help others, eat better, exercise more, reduce stress, and save money.   The list designed to inspire us to be our better selves often does just the opposite and creates more stress within the first month of the year. If only there was an easy way to achieve these resolutions! Well, “There is a garden for that!”...   Continue Reading

Desert Botanical Luminaria

We wandered about the Desert Botanical garden last night.  We bundled up and enjoyed the cool night for several hours.  It had been a few years since we went to the Luminaria, our last time was in the rain and the chill remained keeping us away for a few years.  It was a wonderful night this visit.  Plus the garden has expanded and improved the venue.  More lights on trees in addition to the luminaria.  The musical groups have a larger staging area with chairs for listeners to stay awhile and enjoy the very talented groups that are playing....   Continue Reading

Rooftop Gardening

Up on the rooftop. . . .

Where will gardening grow as more than 1/2 the world’s population moves into urban environments? (citymayors.com)    Urban living is associated with greater opportunities yet one cost of city life is giving up ready access to green space and gardens.  Is the future a space age view like the Jetsons or will gardeners prevail and work green space into the picture?...   Continue Reading

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Fall foliage is such a spectacular show of color creating a magical glow of light under the trees.  The honey locust trees are the color of gold,  the Chinese Pistachio leaves turn red.  The cottonwoods were just beginning to change color. The sky a bright blue with patches of white puffy clouds.

A perfect temperature in the mid sixties provide great weather for wandering through the garden.  The contrast in colors from an April visit to November is fun to experience.  The spring blooms of aloes and wildflowers that grow at knee level  are gone.  The color now is up in the air.  The leaves command the attention.  Sitting under the Pistachio trees enjoying the changing light as the sun moves in out of the clouds.  The leaves in shades of light green, yellow green, gold, peach, orange and red all backed by the bright blue sky make a momentary masterpiece not to be captured but only to be enjoyed at this moment....   Continue Reading