Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Plant by plant

Gardening is purported to be one of the best stress relievers — and it is! — but the weeks we spend planting the Blithewold gardens always make me feel a little panicky; my blood pressure rises … Read more.

June Exhibit in the Billiard Room

This month the changing exhibit in Blithewold’s Billiard Room focuses on silver commemorative spoons. Bessie and Marjorie both purchased silver spoons on their travels around the United States and Europe, resulting in an impressive collection … Read more.

Blithewald by the Sea

Blithewald – a gracious 45-room mansion by the sea, surrounded by extensive tree plantings and formal gardens, including a sunken European-style garden with a marble shell fountain. Does this description sound familiar?  The slight difference … Read more.

A-May-zing

It’s not often anymore that my posts fall on Garden Bloggers Bloom Day and I’m thrilled for the excuse to post endless pictures of what’s happening on the grounds right now. The daffodils have pretty … Read more.

Stop and smell the daffodils

Of all the seasons, spring is the one that puts every sense on high alert. We’re all eyes for the colors, have sharp ears for frog and bird songs (we heard the orioles this week), and those … Read more.

The Trip on the Lusitania

  In April 1910 Bessie and William McKee, with Marjorie and 11-year old Augustine, took a 2-month long trip to Europe taking in the major cities and traveling first-class all the way.  They sailed on … Read more.

Growing into May

The gardens are on the move, with and without our help. This week the Bosquet made the (subtle) transition from stunning to glorious; the Rock Garden is coming into its May peak; and in every … Read more.

It’s daffodi-lightful!

All of our predictions (and hopes back in February and March) about the daffodils putting on a show for vacation week were spot-on. It has been a real spring spectacular! Not only did the daffodils … Read more.

Fresh air and exercise

This past week was just what the doctor ordered. Sunshine and temperatures in the 50s and 60s made being up and out absolutely irresistible — for us and the spring flowers we’ve been waiting so (im)patiently for. … Read more.

Seeing flowers

I don’t want you to get too excited by the title of this post. Signs of spring are popping out, bit by bit, but we’re not seeing many flowers yet. We’re still waiting for the daffodils to … Read more.