Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

The End of the Summer

Every year, when October comes around, I am reminded of a delightful, sentimental letter sent from Bessie McKee to her sister Alice Pardee Earle in October 1911. Bessie had enjoyed a wonderful summer at Blithewold, … Read more.

Captivated

September is such a beautiful time in the garden!  Fellow gardeners will know the great joy that comes in September after months of planning, moving, trimming, weeding, etc.  This is the time when the garden … Read more.

Blithewold’s Best

This week I have the privilege to introduce to you Sean Coffey, one of our Horticulture Interns.  It has been a pleasure working with him and we always enjoy hearing his perspective on the gardens … Read more.

September 1917

One hundred years ago this month, on September 10th, 1917, Marjorie Lyon left her family in Bristol and traveled to Columbia, South Carolina. The evening before, she had celebrated her 34th birthday (three days early) … Read more.

Bouquets for Days

Slow flowers are on the rise.  You may recall that we highlighted this trend a few years ago when the esteemed Debra Prinzing spoke at our Gardeners Day luncheon.  (For more on Debra and slow … Read more.

Props

  Just home from the hospital, after those “ops,” I have to admit it, I needed my “props”! (Sunglass and visor, my stool and my stick) They really were useful and helped turn the trick. … Read more.

1/16/1904

JANUARY 16th Saturday.  Ther 54 degrees, about same all day, rainy cleared towards N[oon].  Wrote.  Called in P.M.  Flinch at Mrs. Serger’s in eve with Henry.  Mrs. W. returned from Vicksburg.  S.L. Guild made $41.60 … Read more.

Highs and lows

Today we reached the point in the season when it truly feels like summer.  It’s hot and humid outside and we are waiting on another thunderstorm to possibly roll through the area.  What better time … Read more.

Preparation for War

As we prepare to celebrate another Fourth of July, we may want to consider for a moment the enormous sacrifice that made the freedom of our country possible.  And how it was nearly dissolved some … Read more.

Everything is Beautiful

Roses.  Roses.  Roses.  Everything is so rosy here at Blithewold!  This is my fifth season working with Gail in the gardens, and I find myself blown away by the roses once again.  Last week I … Read more.