Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Along the Garden Path
Sweet Scents of August and More Baby Birds It’s the beginning of August, our North Garden is in full summer bloom and a large shrub on the southeast corner, Harlequin Glory Bower (Clerodendrum trichotcomum ), … Read more.
Color Theory
One of the very first things we decide each year is the color scheme for the gardens. We debate and plan and finally develop a concept that will work for the growing year. Color is … Read more.
Le Bosquet by Samuel Dean
Upon a gentle upland Bordering on a sunlit bay There lies a sylvan glade; Its length o’ertopped By waving branches Of lofty trees That offer cooling haven To those who seek their shade. When beams … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
Lotus, Lilies and Butterflies The Idea Garden by the greenhouses show the most seasonal shift of all Blithewold’s gardens, and their look and mood can change completely as different flowers come into bloom. This week … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
Featured Image: Hummingbird on Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus) Hummingbirds, July Blooms, and Garden Volunteers The flower gardens have been transformed into horticultural theaters with new blooms opening daily and a high-energy natural world playing all around … Read more.
Summer Heat
Phew! It’s been a hot couple of weeks. The plants and the people have been doing their best to stay comfortable in the humidity. Often the heat spells the end to some of our favorite … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
Lusty Flowers, Birdsongs and Busy Bees July gardens are a happy mix of colorful flowers and songbirds and bees gracefully dipping in and out of the gardens. I see visitors mesmerized watching the activity of … Read more.
Along the Garden Path
The Summer Shift with Swallows, Delphiniums and Annuals July’s heat and high sun heralds another transition in all the gardens. Just as May and June had their own style, July brings on its own set … Read more.
The Missing Portrait
In 1912 the French portrait painter Henry Caro-Delvaille sailed from Cherbourg to New York on the S.S. France. Among his fellow passengers was Walter Kilham, an old friend of Bessie and William McKee and the … Read more.
Sweet Pea Splendor
June is when our gardening dreams begin to come true. The Cutting Garden is currently full of sweet peas (Lathyrus) blooming on bamboo arches. This all began with Gail’s vision this past winter. I recall … Read more.