Category Archives: Country Gardening

Advice, commentary and exploration

Outside/Inside

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Outside, my front yard looks like this: And my back yard looks like this, beautiful with early morning shadows, with about two feet of snow (so far – it ain’t over yet – generally speaking, we get most of our snow … Continue reading →

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Do You Know Your Eco-Region?

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Most of you are very familiar with Plant Hardiness Zones, which help you make informed decisions about what to plant based on climate. But do you know your ecoregion? Your ecoregion is the unique combination of living and nonliving factors … Continue reading →

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Violas

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Country Gardening   Violets are the traditional flower for the month of February. In the 1800’s and early 1900’s Sweet Violets (Viola odorata) were grown commercially in greenhouses as they were tolerant of cool conditions in unheated or low-heat houses. … Continue reading →

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Winter Gardens

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Eliza Waters

For those of us in the Snow Belt, winter in the garden is pretty much limited to observation from inside the house, which can be quite rewarding if you have evergreens, interesting twiggy shrubs and good, solid background structure. If … Continue reading →

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Sound the Trumpets

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Luminous Beauty on a Winter Morning Miniature Amaryllis (Hippeastrum ‘Trentino’) related article: https://elizawaters.wordpress.com/2013/10/21/forcing-amaryllis/

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Plentiful Bounty

Posted on November 30, 2013 by Eliza Waters

In our area of New England, there is a bounty of fruit this year, perhaps due to plentiful spring rain or from plants’ natural response to the dearth of fruit last year. Apples, sumacs, rosehips, barberries, winterberries and that rapidly … Continue reading →

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Life during Dormancy

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Eliza Waters

In late November and early December before snow comes to transform the land, the garden seems dull and boring. Almost everything has died down to various shades of brown, from tan to rust to near black or gray. Evergreens provide … Continue reading →

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Tall Weeds

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Eliza Waters

Tall weedy seed heads provide valuable food for wintering birds. Consider leaving your weeds for winter wildlife. reposted from YardMap click here for good garden perennials to plant for birds

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Help the Monarch Butterfly

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Eliza Waters

After a record low year for monarchs we can’t help but think about what positive actions we can take to support this dramatic butterfly’s population. One easy thing: Plant some milkweed. Right around NOW is the perfect time to do … Continue reading →

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Shagbark Hickory

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Eliza Waters

We took a walk this weekend along an old logging road that is lined with shagbark hickory, oak, sugar maple and beech. The day was cool, but not too cold, perfect for a stroll. Deciduous woodlands are so lovely to visit … Continue reading →

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