W ho would have thought that I would have to spend a chunk of August in Detroit? That’s right, Detroit. Of all places. Detroit. May… Continue reading
My, but I have been having fun this week. I needed to contact Janice Chumley, the integrated pest management technician at the Cooperative Extension Service… Continue reading
Jade the Dog hunts red-backed voles in the perennial beds. Mayhem. Destruction. Fewer red-backed voles. What a trade-off. The vegetable garden is interesting… Continue reading
The mere mention of Impressionist painter Claude Monet brings forth, in many minds, stunningly beautiful pieces of art that capture the colors, textures, emotions, even… Continue reading
It’s the best: three “grands” old enough to entrust with scissors and willing to go forth and cut slugs in half. This is akin to… Continue reading
I met a soon-to-be retired couple this afternoon. They are moving to Homer from Anchorage and building a new house. And one of the big questions… Continue reading
Yikes. I was in Bellingham for six days. I thought that six days wouldn’t be significant. That my garden wouldn’t miss me. Wrong. People, you… Continue reading
I’ve been fussing around with the delphiniums. Now is the time to stake these beauties, now — before they bloom and the wind tears into… Continue reading
T his gardening season is off and running. Here at elevation 396 feet, I have the entire vegetable garden planted; all of the annuals have… Continue reading
Busy. This is the point in the gardening season that so much happens at once. We have had a long spring, very unusual, and the… Continue reading
O, the wonder of bulbs. Over the years I have been reluctant to invest in them. There are too many variables that can lead to… Continue reading
The very best aspect of procreation are the ensuing grandchildren. Cecilia, our 9-year-old granddaughter, has recently moved from Hidden Hills to part way up East… Continue reading
I just finished a charming book: “Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life” by Marta McDowell. The second half gave me food for thought. It went into detail… Continue reading
The strawberries are setting fruit — again. I really am impressed by the quantity of berries that John harvested from our two beds. We haven’t… Continue reading
Birds! Hummingbirds to be exact. Never ever have we had them stay around like this. Usually we catch a glimpse and are delighted, but this… Continue reading
I regret the size of our deck, too small. The idea behind this house and garden was for the two of us to age into it.… Continue reading
For the last two weeks this garden has been put to excellent use — grandchildren. Our daughter, Andrea, came “home” with her daughters. These two… Continue reading
Mysterious weather. On Sunday morning, with rain threatening, I watered. Even though we had a deluge the day before the ground really isn’t all that… Continue reading
I was recently asked a very simple question: What is the best thing happening in your garden right now? Without missing a beat I replied:… Continue reading
My mind is jam packed with worry about you new gardeners. You are at the forefront of my thought process. What to do about you?… Continue reading
