Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Outside in

This time of year I absolutely live for the softly warm spring days that get me out in the garden. But after a few days of that I’m always ready for the rain days that … Read more.

Phenology is cool

If you learn how to read the looks of things in nature you can figure out just when it’s the right time to do just about anything in the garden. — You can be your … Read more.

A new leaf

Look up. Look out. New leaves are turning all over the place! I think if you had the patience you could practically sit and watch the births like chicks hatching. I don’t have that kind … Read more.

Easily sidetracked

No matter what I set out to do, something else always grabs me. All gardeners are familiar with this phenomenon (and some have already written winningly about it!). I went into the greenhouse with every … Read more.

Spring in our step

I could tell this morning, when the birds were louder than the chuckle and siss of my coffee maker, that spring has sprung officially and certainly, no doubt about it. It even seemed almost a … Read more.

Open for business

Vacation week is perfectly timed this year or else it’s the daffs that are right on time. No matter if you think that spring is early or late this year, it’s surely happening now. And … Read more.

Take your vitamins

I got a full dose of vitamin D yesterday – I think everyone here did. It was our first short-sleeve warm sunny day and it seemed like the world was out taking deep sips. I … Read more.

Tough love

Wherever you are, in spring there comes a time when you should really stop avoiding your rose pruning duties. I don’t know what it is about roses but they seem to give people anxiety. I … Read more.

C’est la vie

I’m back! Mostly. Pretty much. Almost. Paris was a fantastical and footsore dream and I’d love nothing better than to go back there right now – we’re scheming about finding grants to attend the beekeeping … Read more.

Winter is fattening

Sometimes that’s not a bad thing. (I’m not talking about Superbowl Sunday chili binges and consolation snacks for sad Patriots’ fans.) Deliciously spring-like temperatures and the weekend’s warming sun have started plumping up the buds … Read more.