Do you have beautiful conical evergreens on your property or in your garden? (ones that would make great holiday decorations?) Have they been poached for Christmas trees? Sadly, stolen Christmas trees are a real problem, and if you need help deterring poachers and thieves, there is an answer. Craig at Ellis Hollow just made the … Read more
When I first became passionate about gardening and horticulture in college, I would devour books and magazines about gardens and plants. I remember joining a magical garden book club where I think you bought one book, but that somehow got you an additional three free books. Did that exist, or am I having false memories? … Read more
While I was scrolling through the Library of Congress’s old photos in search of WPA workers (for this post), I came across 1942 images of people working in my town’s community gardens ( thus, gardenblog-worthy). The text for the photo above reveals that the gardeners are tenants (as all residents of the new town were … Read more
With the sun setting over the Pacific just beyond the mighty outcroppings of rock and groves of fir and redwood, we welcomed the adrenaline rush brought on by navigating the wild switchbacks on the road descending into Petrolia, California.Petrolia (pop. 400) is home to a general store and a church. It is situated in the … Read more
I admit I am a little fascinated by past generations of beautiful socialites (I find these slightly historical characters far more salacious and interesting than the more boring celebs that fill People Magazine). They were beautiful, worldly, rich, beautiful (did I say that already?), political, influential, literary, and incestuous as hell (amongst their elite group). And … Read more
Do you find the terms associated with seeds a little confusing? What do open-pollinated, hybrid, heirloom, and organic mean, and why does anyone care? Let me start by saying that there is absolutely nothing wrong with any seed choice you make. However, you might find you have a few preferences if you understand what these … Read more
It isn’t that I have a hard rule against it, but I don’t tend to buy tomatoes out of season. We were having burgers for dinner last night, though, and I just wanted a tomato on top. The last time I broke my rule, I tossed the whole thing out before I even served it. … Read more
My father taught me that it is terribly important to do things properly. And his carpentry and work around our house exemplified this philosophy. This is my father, popping up through the roof in the process of making a dormer window for my bedroom. And here is the window, completed. I am still amazed at … Read more
Call it an obsession if you will, but I am continually searching for the biggest and boldest plants that will wow our guests when they enter Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. One way of doing this is to bring in plants that many have possibly never encountered before. Geranium maderense by FarOutFlora With a touch of … Read more
I have been pouring over all the coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show that ended over the weekend…I soooo miss being able to hop on the tube and head over in person… As usual, there are lots of ideas and interesting tidbits to study and learn from and take away as inspiration. I am going … Read more