Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Getting in a groove

Now that we’ve relocated all the perennials we had-to-had-to move and frantic spring is speeding along to an early languid summer (can you believe the maples that are fully leafed out already?!), I feel like … Read more.

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.

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.

To Do: slow down – fast!

Spring in New England gets going in a big hurry and it seems to induce a mad mad rush to get-it-done-now-! in all of us. But now is also the time to slow down, savor … 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.

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.

What to do on a rainy day

Gail and I always choose the dirtiest days to go “shopping”. We set aside Friday mornings in late April and early May to go to nurseries to buy the plants we don’t grow ourselves – … 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.

dirty weather

Nor’easters tend to stick around like a tedious dinner guest and this one is definitely over staying its welcome. This week is probably a wash and the ground is still pretty squishy (with rain in … Read more.

We’re ready!

The gardens have all had their spring clean-up and Julie, Gail and I even got to the Rose Garden’s east side climbing roses today! Pruning climbers isn’t rocket science but it’s definitely tricky and totally … Read more.