Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Emphatic, Glorious spring
May arrives with armfuls of bouquets in her arms. Tulips, tulips, and more tulips. We love making color combinations for our gardens each year and testing out new varieties in the Idea Gardens for future … Read more.
Spring Returns
The time is here! The daffodils are beginning to bloom. From ‘Little Gem’ to ‘Ice Follies’ to ‘King Alfred’ and ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’, flowers are emerging all over the property. They are not alone, either. … Read more.
Rewarded Patience
The meeting of winter and spring is a humbling time of year. There are days when we go out confidently feeling that spring is here, but March reminds us “Not yet”. Winter’s fingers have not … Read more.
Winter Blooms
In late February, just as my spirit is beginning to get bogged down with ice and snow, hope appears very low to the ground. So low, in fact, that I usually have to lie on … Read more.
Garden Vision
We are here. Dead of winter. Everything looks brown and cold and lifeless. Or does it? The longer I garden, the more easily I can see the future garden in the plants at rest. It … Read more.
The Fullness of Fall
Autumn in the gardens here is an extra special time of year. Daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s have made working even more enjoyable than usual. The mild nighttime temperatures have extended the season … Read more.
October Inspiration
October in the garden is a glorious last hurrah. As I write this, the sun is shining outside and the breeze is blowing in through the Potting Shed door. It is a beautiful day. We’ve … Read more.
Pollinator Heaven
I have been drawn to the Pollinator Garden lately. I can’t pass by this area without walking over to get a closer look. We established this garden in the meadow five years ago. It allowed … Read more.
Heating Up
As we head into August, the heat waves drive many of us indoors. In the gardens, the heat spurs on an incredible season of growth (as long as we keep up with irrigating). As I … Read more.
Sizzle of Summer
The sizzle of summer has arrived, and so have a whole new batch of plants that are at their best when the heat and humidity is at its worst. Experiencing the grandeur of these heat-lovers … Read more.