Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Along the Garden Path

August Blooms, Meadow Sounds and Breezes by the Bay Why would you walk along our garden paths in this August’s heat?  Because the gardens are so full of blooms that now’s the time to check … Read more.

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.

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.

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.

Pollinator Week

Happy National Pollinator Week! If I say the word “pollinator”, you may immediately think of honey bees. It is true that honey bees are a huge help in pollinating many plants. However, they aren’t the … Read more.