Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

October Opportunities

It is a magical time in the gardens now, with the weather turning cooler and flowering annuals – cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens), black-eyed susan vine (Thunbergia alata ‘Yellow’) and white cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) – … Read more.

Sound Therapy

An August garden has a unique set of sounds that I look forward to every year. Although I love the quietude of a garden, August’s ensemble of nature’s sounds is a comforting reminder that flora … Read more.

Observing Nature

Noticing the natural world is an everyday occurrence when you spend time outdoors.  As gardeners, we see the strong connection between plants and animals, we happen upon curiosities and are simply awestruck by many new … Read more.

Nature’s Exuberance

If ever there was a season to see lushness in the gardens, now is the time!  The gardens, trees, and shrubs are bursting with foliage and flowers with all this rain.  Of course, the weeds … Read more.

Horticultural Interns 2019

One of the best ways to learn is by experience.   This summer Betsy, Joe and I are fortunate to have two horticulture interns join us in the gardens along with our hardy garden volunteers.  Blithewold’s … Read more.

Sink into Spring

A delightful consequence of the constant rainy weather is the lushness of growth this spring. If ever there was a time to take a spring walk in a garden it is now — we all … Read more.

March Mudness

As basketball fans anticipate March Madness, gardeners anticipate the mud season as a final mental toughness test for the time between late winter and early spring. March’s muddiness can be just another hoop to jump … Read more.

Everything is Beautiful

Roses.  Roses.  Roses.  Everything is so rosy here at Blithewold!  This is my fifth season working with Gail in the gardens, and I find myself blown away by the roses once again.  Last week I … Read more.

Showers and flowers

April showers (and May showers and June showers) bring lots of flowers!  Yes, I know it’s been a chilly spring full of rainy days and nights, but all the rain is a blessing to our … Read more.

From planning to planting

I am so ready to see the sun!  After the drought last summer, I didn’t think I’d ever grow tired of rain again, but here I am.  It’s not so much that I don’t want … Read more.