Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Along the Garden Path
Autumn Sights, Scents and Sounds The walk around the gardens this week has my senses going in all directions. They’re all still blooming with a colorful assortment of flowers, and their mix of colors, seed … Read more.
An end, a beginning
What a strange and fitting ending to the season this week has been. We return from a holiday to heat and humidity, which then turns sharply into a storm (the outskirts of Hurricane Michael) and … Read more.
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.