I ALMOST DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START with the February chores, because our Northeastern winter this year has been...well, non-existent! On the downside, I worry the lack of snow could foretell a summer drought. But on the upside, my Witch Hazel, Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena,’ pictured above, is in full, fragrant bloom nearly a month ahead of schedule. Is it eerily-mild where you live, too? You can let me know by leaving a comment. Meanwhile, my to-do list for the month should probably begin with "Plant Palm Trees:" Read more » What To Do When
February 2012 Garden Chores
February 1, 2012
I ALMOST DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START with the February chores, because our Northeastern winter this year has been...well, non-existent! On the downside, I worry the lack of snow could foretell a summer drought. But on the upside, my Witch Hazel, Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena,’ pictured above, is in full, fragrant bloom nearly a month ahead of schedule. Is it eerily-mild where you live, too? You can let me know by leaving a comment. Meanwhile, my to-do list for the month should probably begin with "Plant Palm Trees:" Read more » What To Do In January
January 1, 2012
HAPPY 2012, EVERYONE! I took a stroll through the garden this morning, and what did I find? Well, I found April. As in 50 degrees. As in bulbs popping up. Even my Phlox subulata, above, had sported a pink New Year's Day blossom. Is it strangely-warm where you live, too? You can let me know by leaving a comment. In the meantime, here's my to-do list for January, which I somehow feel should include "open the swimming pool:" Read more » The (Cheerful!) December Chores
December 1, 2011
DECEMBER is a big month for decorating, both within and without the house. But it’s also the time to reflect upon the year’s past achievements. Let’s pause each day to enjoy the winter views from our windows, the silhouettes of trees, the colorful birds. And let’s keep most of the work indoors: Read more » November, 2011 Chores
November 1, 2011
MY TWO WISHES THIS MONTH: First, I’d like to never again see a major snowstorm arrive beforethe trees have shed their leaves. Also, I’d like the soggy ground here to become dry enough to allow those leaves to be gathered, shredded, and used. Tall orders, I know, but a gardener can dream, right? Here are… Read more »
October Chores
October 1, 2011
DESPITE THE CONTINUOUS RAIN HERE (about 19 inches since mid-August), I still claim the tenth month as my colorful favorite. This is when the ancient maples and oaks become giant fireballs of vermilion and gold. I’ll take photographs at mid-month, the height of our Northeastern “leaf-peeping” season. In the meantime, here is my “To Do”… Read more »
Garden Chores for September
September 1, 2011
SEPTEMBER isn’t for the faint-hearted gardener. This is the time to divide and reset perennials, order and plant bulbs, harvest and preserve veggies, set up a window garden, and prepare the vacationing houseplants for their return to indoor life. Feeling energetic? Good. You’ll reap great rewards later on if you accomplish all of the following… Read more »
Essential Chores for August
July 30, 2011
IN AUGUST, the perennial garden winds down…and the veggie garden explodes. It’s time to pickle the cukes, sauce the tomatoes, and freeze the broccoli and beans. Then there are annuals to propagate, bulbs to order, and…anyone else need a valium? The essential chores for August: Container Plantings. These will keep their looks until frost if… Read more »
