Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

On Chemistry

We are asked – fairly frequently – what do we do to make our gardens grow so lusciously? – What do we use for fertilizer? Our answer “not much” is hard for fellow Rhode Islanders … Read more.

Froggy Morning

On a hunt for my missing camera this morning (“have you seen it?!”, I asked the birds. “To weetle weetle weetle”, said the birds.), I cruised through the Bosquet past nearly done daffs and wide-eyed … Read more.

beautiful chaos

Looking around the potting shed there are piles of to-do lists masquerading as debris, an open container of cookies, a variety of hand tools, filthy gloves, plants in various states of need, open books, unwashed … Read more.

Pride of ownership

For weeks, Gail and I have been staring at our newest bed in the Display Garden like nervous painters in front of a blank canvas. There’s something about a “tabula rasa” that can be just … Read more.

Thursday (feels like Friday)

Is it really only Thursday?! We’ve been busy busy busy. The Tuesday crew (a very photogenic bunch – they’re the only ones I have pictures of!) had a varied morning – first they un-planted one … Read more.

The fountain

A reader asked if the fountain in yesterday’s picture was a new feature and I thought it would be fun to show that it’s actually almost older than time (at least by the looks of … Read more.

right… about… NOW!

Every time I walk the propery, I think it just can’t get any prettier. But I have to say, after walking around this morning, the daffodils must finally be peaking — it’s gorgeous out there! … Read more.

Rise and shine!

Spring is happening so quickly with this warm weather spell! Everywhere I look here there are things waking up with a stretch saying “mmm… what’s for breakfast?!”. The Magnolia stellata (Star magnolia) is rising with … Read more.

Nothing but blue skies!

Spring has sprung — for real this time! Here’s a few things that have been happening here today: The pumphouse is getting a much needed (and ever so slightly overdue) fresh paint job! Gail and … Read more.

Drop everything!

Whoa – hey. My eyes are squinty! What’s happening? — Hold on, I remember this — could it be?… It IS! THE SUN’S OUT!!! Everybody up and at’em! Let’s go! Just look at the sun … Read more.