More Columns From This Author

Finding the first hellebore
February 1, 2012

On a recent, relatively mild afternoon, as I stepped into the back yard to gather some camellia flowers for an arrangement, I literally squealed with delight when I casually glanced at the clump of our hellebore, Lenten Rose to be specific, growing in the vicinity.

Carefree houseplants bring the garden indoors
January 18, 2012

When, more than one of the dinner guests we recently had, commented, as to how healthy the potted plant kept on the kitchen floor looked, it suddenly dawned on me, that I have achieved something I earlier couldn’t: keep a houseplant alive and well!

Looking back and looking ahead
January 4, 2012

January, as I have learned from the American Heritage Dictionary, is the month of the ancient Roman god Janus who is depicted as looking in opposite directions. While not exactly a relevant analogy, it is interesting to note that each January we look ahead by making resolutions but look back as well.

Pomegranates are here
December 21, 2011

Unlike most fruits, pomegranates make AN appearance on a grocer’s produce shelves for a short period only, thus making us crave for them even more; ask anyone who has had the pleasure of consuming one, and be prepared to hear what an adventure it is to reach the edible part and how unique the taste is.

It's wreath making time... again
December 7, 2011

Just as another gardening season has come to an end and left us a little lost, the time to make holiday wreaths and decorations is here. The cue for me to get into wreath-making mode, this season, was our visit to Colonial Williamsburg on the gorgeous Saturday following Thanksgiving Day.

Camellias bloom in succession
November 23, 2011

As cold weather approaches, a great portion of plants in the garden become either leafless or completely dormant; but not the camellias. In fact, these striking evergreens come to life by putting forth blooms from early fall through mid-winter, depending upon the kind grown.

Berries, berries, berries
November 9, 2011

Whereas the summer berries –blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and others – are a treat for our palate, fall and winter berries are a feast for the eyes as well, or even to have fun with.

The night-blooming jasmine
October 26, 2011

While still dawn on one of those warm mornings we sometimes experience in early October, when I opened a window facing our back yard, a cloud of an intoxicating scent caught me off-guard completely: tucked with the other container-grown plants sitting on the patio, the potted night-blooming jasmine was in full bloom.

Surprises come in small packages
October 12, 2011

Tucked near the 30-some-year-old boxwoods in our front yard, we have a forgotten magical patch. Not only is it forgotten, but neglected too; because, over the course of time, the area has been walked upon to the extent that, except for some weeds, it generally stays bare, and just recently, has had clay dirt piled all around when a portion of the bed was dug due to a plumbing problem.

Seedpods add fun to the garden
September 28, 2011

As summer comes to an end, the flowering annuals and perennials give us a signal that it is time for them to retire for the season. They do, however, leave a legacy behind: The seeds.