Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Along the Garden Path
Magnificent Monarchs, Asters and Salvias The perennial New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) are all in glorious full bloom in the Idea Garden. In addition to their colorful visual effect in the garden, they also add … Read more.
Think Pink (and Purple)
I had a recent small obsession with pink. You may notice it in the Rose Garden – particularly with the dahlias. I chose pale pink, hot pink and a few with lavender tones to balance … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
Garden Rebound The drenching rain and the cooler temperatures are just what the gardens wanted. Some flowering plants are re-blooming and others are just starting. Many of the late season flowers are triggered to bloom … Read more.
Shared History
At the end of August 2018, on a beautiful sunny day, two Pardee cousins got together at Blithewold to reminisce about ninety years of shared history. Marjorie Jeffries is the granddaughter of Bessie Pardee Van … Read more.
Inspiration, Perspiration, Reflection
Nostalgia swirls in the September air like leaves on a breeze. Maybe it’s the back-to-school vibes that are forever in my heart or maybe it’s the cooler air and darkening days – whatever the cause, I … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
September’s Charm Each week of September has its own charm. Towards the end of September, a garden walk reveals many floral discoveries for shrubs, perennials and annuals. They all mix together exuberantly for a late-season … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
A Changing Atmosphere in the Gardens The changes in temperature, moisture and light have created a more relaxed mood in the gardens. As the season progresses, plant characteristics become increasingly obvious. Taller plants start to … Read more.
September Sage
If you have been an avid reader of this blog, you may recall that September is my favorite month in the gardens. The weather still has a hint of summer, but with (slightly) cooler temperatures; … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
In Good Company It’s rewarding to create a garden with plants that keep good company with each other. Just like a good friendship, combinations of plants should work well together: harmonizing in colors, sharing space … Read more.
The First Pardee Family Reunion
Bessie Pardee Van Wickle McKee was the twelfth of Ario Pardee’s 15 children. She was raised in a large mansion in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, as a strict Presbyterian with strong family values. The Pardee children remained … Read more.