Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Serving up a feast
Whenever anyone asks, “When is the best time to visit Blithewold?” Gail and I usually run through a list that includes spring for the daffodils, early summer for the roses and Rock Garden, and late … Read more.
Let’s call it summer
Usually we can identify what season we’re in by the weather but this May into June has been weirdly crisp and fall-like. (I’m not complaining — it’s lovely. The only downside is that the soil … Read more.
Ahead of schedule
I don’t want to crow in case any of you are feeling swamped – either by the end of the garden’s season or in anticipation of the holidays – but as Gail would say, “we’re … Read more.
Heavy lifting
Physical labor was one of the first things that drew me to gardening. — Back when I was 18 and restless from so much sitting in school and studying. (Do most people take up jogging … Read more.
Grand finale
This weekend is the gardens’ final huzzah and I can hardly believe it. The season went by so quickly and it’s quite possible that the gardens have never been prettier than they are right this … Read more.
Where are all the butterflies?
The airspace over and through the gardens should be all aflutter right now. The garden is alive to be sure — it buzzes and hums; it zings and whooshes and pips (we still have hummingbirds), … Read more.
Slow gardening
This week has to have been the prettiest week of the summer so far. The sky is clear as a bell, a slightly lower humidity level has made it easier for internal thermostats to function … Read more.
Mulch ado
After something like 9 inches of rain fell on the gardens in the last week or so we haven’t had to worry too much (too mulch?) about soil moisture. But we’re nearly done planting (wahoo!) … Read more.
Perennial planting spree
I think we outdid ourselves. In the last couple of weeks Gail, Betsy, the volunteers, and I planted about 700 perennials and a handful of shrubs. Going into our planning season this past winter, Gail … Read more.
Tulip days
Just because Daffodil Days are over doesn’t mean the daffodils are done (especially this year). But we’re onto the next thing. Even though there aren’t anywhere near 50,000 tulips, they are doing their best to … Read more.