Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Snow blooms

My definition of “bloom” gets pretty loose this time of year and in order to participate in Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day, I am not above breaking all the rules. Given that it’s the middle of … Read more.

A big gift

‘Tis the season for us to count our blessings. Here in the greenhouse, Gail and I count some of our blessings by the hundreds and have just added peace of mind to our list. Today … Read more.

December’s blooms

Thanks to Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day (hosted by Carol of May Dreams Gardens) I have gotten into the habit of checking the Higan cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’) in the Rose Garden for blooms this time … Read more.

Into each life a little rain must fall

This morning a fellow dog walker said to me, “Ugh – this rain is horrible!” To which I replied, “yeah… but we need it.” She looked at me a little sideways. And to myself I … Read more.

Riding the wave

It almost looks like we could ride this heat wave straight into fall. The Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) have been dropping bright red tokens since mid-July; the scent of ripe grapes hovers on whatever little breeze … Read more.

Virtual bonfire

Summer solstice is a perfect occasion for taking stock of the season so far. We’re at a midpoint – at the start of summer – with a lot to look forward to and plenty to … Read more.

A chill wind

We’re currently experiencing the weather that your local nursery professionals warned you about. We haven’t had a frost here but I’m still glad that our tender plants are still safely tucked up in the greenhouse. … Read more.

Spring preview

I’m no doubting Thomas but I can tell it’s spring because I’ve seen it up close, and I’ve smelled its intense sugary sweetness in the air. Spring and I were both in Zone 8 last … Read more.

Beggars can’t be choosers

I’ll take what I can get bloom-wise right now. I might even go out in the rain and get a little bit excited over a single pink bud on a pretty sorry looking dawn viburnum … Read more.

Welcome to March

Maybe I was too hard on March. Last week, like a miracle, a light switched on during my morning dog-walk. And today dawned with blue skies and sunshine. Maybe March isn’t going to be as … Read more.