Black Tupelo tree, very rare Now here’s a campaign rallying cry you don’t hear too often: “Don’t we have enough trees around here?” It came from the Republican nominee for a Senate – yes, United States Senate – seat in Georgia named Herschel Walker, a former NFL football player who’s running against incumbent Sen. Raphael … Read more
That quote appeared in a story about the election season and how people have been feeling “divided and tired.” Haven’t we all? Though I’ve never been one to go out of my way to avoid political news and I always vote, I became much more immersed in the news cycle when I began working for … Read more
Just as many in America – as evidenced by this year’s election results – are hoping that people are drawing back from the politics of extremism, I’d love to see the same happen in gardening culture. Unfortunately, however, I think gardening polarization is of more recent vintage and will take longer to disappear. I drew … Read more
I haven’t written for this site for quite a while, but today, nothing but a rant will do. In recent years I’ve become an enthusiastic advocate of incorporating ecology into our gardening. That was not always the case. My training as a horticulturist came during the era of “better living through chemistry,” and it was … Read more
An astonishing percentage of Republicans still believe the 2020 presidential election was stolen, though that fever seems to be simmering down slowly. The truth or nothing but the truth. It’s complicated. Thou shalt not steal elections or seeds? The jury is out. I have collected (stolen?) seeds for nearly fifty years. Never copious amounts, and … Read more
Gardens Illustrated is 30 years old this year. I have a first copy, dated April/May 1993. It came out every two months from then. That was a real, delightful game changer! I wonder who else remembers that first edition? American readers may be pleased to note that they are there in this very first edition: … Read more
About halfway through a fascinating article about a botanic garden on the Isle of Wight I’d never heard of – I’ve never heard of any gardens on the Isle of Wight – I wondered idly if the piece would ever end. I kept scrolling and scrolling with continued interest as I absorbed all the conflicts … Read more
Are plants for the rich or for the poor? There seems to be a moral minefield around this question and I’m struggling to keep up with where we’re supposed to be on the issue. Hello; my name’s Ben and I’ve just spent some time on Twitter. Now I’m annoyed and ready to rant! How I … Read more
U.N. Secretary-General António Gutteres spoke solemnly on Monday about the looming catastrophic consequences of climate change. He was yelling “Fire!” The tone: Make no mistake about it. There’s no more if. Only when. Mr. Gutteres didn’t even mention that ticks and poison ivy are already benefiting from a warming planet. I still wanted to … Read more
I really love visiting the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Rosemoor, here in the UK. It’s a big place yet it feels intimate and personal. It’s crammed with unusual plants but is also the sort of place that’s welcoming to novice gardeners. It’s a joy to amble around the garden and see what’s in flower … Read more