Tag Archives: gardening

Spring Bulb Show

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Eliza Waters

For two weeks every March, Smith College’s Lyman Conservatory in Northampton, Massachusetts hosts a spring bulb show. Two greenhouses are chock-full of forced narcissus, tulips and many types of miniature bulbs as well as branches of spring flowering shrubs such … 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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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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What the heck is that? Real Insect Aliens

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Eliza Waters

“Huh, what’s this? How does a tiny ball of lint move by itself?” Sitting in my adirondack chair outside, I saw a 1/4″ ball of fuzz on the armrest move. I am more curious than squeamish, so I looked closer … Continue reading →

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October Gardening

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Eliza Waters

GARDENER’S CORNER (Zone 5/6) In October, frosts diminish our gardens until even the last of the asters and chrysanthemums pass. Now we come to appreciate the backbone of the landscape: dried perennial grasses, evergreens, silhouettes and bark of trees and … Continue reading →

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GARDENER’S CORNER When rain is abundant in spring, just about every garden consequently suffers from some sort of mold, mildew or fungus problem come late summer. Unfortunately, once it becomes apparent that you have a problem, it’s generally too late … Continue reading →

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Eliza Waters | 4 Comments

September Flowers

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Eliza Waters

  Suddenly, there is rich renewal of flowers after a few weeks lag following the phlox fading away. Now the fountain and miscanthus grass are stealing the scene along with the fantastic show of wild asters. I must have at … Continue reading →

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Winding Down

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Eliza Waters

GARDENER’S CORNER As the gardening season winds down, we enjoy the cooler weather as we begin the work of putting our gardens to bed for the year. Time to assess what worked, what didn’t and any changes we’d like to … Continue reading →

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