Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Subthig’s bloomig
Besides the visible beauties in bloom like the daffodils (about halfway towards peak!), forsythia, Cornelian cherry, maples and spicebush, my nose knows there are other less visible blooms too. Evergreens like Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), … Read more.
Wherefore art thou?
The daffodils are definitely on their way towards peak and if I had to guess I’d still predict that peak will be perfectly timed during next week’s school vacation. (see below for the latest “daff … Read more.
Early days
We open officially for the season starting tomorrow (!) and the daffodils are just beginning to open up. You know what they say about early birds … and, says me, there’s definitely something to be … Read more.
Ready… set…
Even though the gardens and grounds are open year-round, we try to look our very-extra-best for the official opening of the mansion and the true start to our summer (please let us have spring first!) … Read more.
Spring feverish
Spiking temperatures in the heat of the sun are making us sweat and bitter winds give us the chills. Add to that the frenetic frantics of “gotta get the gardens cleaned out NOW!” coupled with … Read more.
Spring into winter
Spring took two steps back last night. We didn’t get as much accumulation as predicted but it sure felt like winter. Even the birds, who have been so LOUD lately, observed the snow’s silence this … Read more.
The reference desk
Like any gardener, I am desperate to know the names. As much as labeling the plants in the gardens is a thorn in my side (they’re photo-wrecking shiny eyesores and no matter how hard I … Read more.
First opportunities
I’m probably not alone in preferring to work indoors whenever it’s cold and wet outside; and in going absolutely bonkers if I can’t get outside whenever the sun is warm and the air is soft … Read more.
Marching right along
Yesterday’s snow flurries and bitter chill felt a little like a set back but March still somehow manages to take another two steps forward for every one back. It’s no longer enough to patrol the … Read more.
March appreciated
My brain thinks I don’t like March much. Looking out at rain pouring over a taupe-loafer colored world, it’s not too difficult to understand why… The whole idea of March just seems fraught with drear … Read more.