Tag Archives: gardening

Spring Chores

Like many of you, spring has called me to do other things, mostly yard work. Initially, I tried to keep my pace on WordPress, but soon realized it was impossible, unless I wanted to forfeit sleep. (Not a good option!) … Continue reading

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Soft

A beautiful soft pink tulip at the bulb show. I neglected to get the cultivar name (possibly Darwin Tulip ‘Ollioules’), but I think its color is lovely!

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Snowdrops

Snowdrops boldly announce the end of winter! While they have gladly self-sowed themselves around my yard, these next to the foundation come up while most of the yard is still covered with snow. Sweetly fragrant, they perfume the air near … Continue reading

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Bring Back The Monarchs

Does your yard provide good habitat for wildlife? Although my town has acres of wild land and most of us here have seen wild animals roaming through our yards, nationwide 6,000 acres of wild land are being lost every day … Continue reading

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Spring Bulb Show

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?

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

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

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

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

“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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