Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Dole Pineapples
In January 1925, Marjorie Lyon accompanied her favorite relatives, Aunt Alice and Uncle Izzie Pardee and their daughter, Helen, on a three-month trip to Hawaii. Bessie had planned to go with them but had to … Read more.
Familiar Places in Autumn Splendor
Walking through the arboretum this week I’ve tried to take it all in. All my familiar views of Blithewold’s landscape have a majestic beauty about them with colorful foliage embracing the sight. These settings harmonize … Read more.
The Super Bulb
In October and November, we plant thousands of bulbs. This is because in August we dream of spring. It seems strange, but that is the time when we order our spring bulbs. While recovering from … Read more.
October 24th
I’d argue with anyone that Thursday, the 24th of October was the nicest day of 2019 thus far. A perfect 65 degrees, not a cloud to speak of, and a gentle breeze to carry the … Read more.
Oh, October
October is a month of contrasts. By day it is warm and lovely, by night the temperatures dip into the zone of almost really cold. If we are lucky enough to sail through the month … Read more.
Continuity meets transition
As the rains finally return to Rhode Island, and the sweatshirts and jeans are pulled from the back of the closet, I can’t help but get excited. Change is inevitable when gardening in New England, … Read more.
Fall Finale
It seems that we have been waiting all season for our dahlias in the North Garden to show themselves. They have peaked out here and there in August and September, but now that October is … Read more.
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.
Monarch Update
About a month ago I wrote about how to make your garden more pollinator-friendly (you can find that here). We had just found approximately 15 monarch caterpillars on the swamp milkweed in the North Garden. … Read more.
Women’s Work
As we come to the end of our year celebrating the Pardee and Lyon families’ service to country, I offer one last reminder that the role of women during World War I was vital, though … Read more.