“Up from the meadows rich with corn, Clear in the cool September morn.” John Greenleaf Whittier There are many things to celebrate in the late summer garden. My favourite Colour Fashion sunflowers are finally blooming in many shades of bronze and only one lone yellow. The brilliant fuchsia coloured nicotines… Continue reading
“Summer treads On heels of spring.” Horace Odes Book VII The heavy spring rains have made for an extraordinary summer garden here in the valley. I am surprised every time I go outside to see the coneflowers, lilies, yarrow and other perennials that are at least a foot taller than… Continue reading
“July is the year at high noon.” Hal Borland Here in the valley the vegetable garden is off to a good start after the wettest spring in many years. Two types of snow peas, bush and climbing, both look like they have escaped from the tropics with their giant leaves…. Continue reading
“Spring, with her golden suns and silver rain, Is with us once again.” Henry Timrod After a cold and icy winter spring is finally upon us. The first warm days brought on the little species crocuses and snowdrops. I seem to have fewer crocuses now after the chipmunks and squirrels… Continue reading
“Lion-like March cometh in, hoarse, with tempestuous breath.” William Dean Howells March always seems to me to be the best and the worst part of winter. Best because it means we are almost done with it and worst because looking out the window there is still snow and ice. The… Continue reading
“The truth about February is that she is the worst month of the year.” A.A. Milne During a recent cold snap I was reading a certain jaded English essayist. He suggested a party game for the entertainment of his house guests. Guests were to compile anonymous lists of their most… Continue reading
“…..chill November’s surly blast Made fields and forests bare.” Robert Burns The cold and bleakness of November is a bit easier to face knowing that the garlic has been planted and the potatoes, such as they are, have been dug and put away for winter. I’m grateful that I don’t… Continue reading
October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came: The ashes, oaks, and maples, And those of every name. – George Cooper – The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us. I’m looking forward to some relaxing days in the garden to putter around and do some clean… Continue reading
…. I have seen Full many a chill September. Oliver Wendell Holmes I’m hoping that the weather gods bring us some cooler weather in September. The supposedly short northern summer seemed endless this year. Even the drought summer of 2016 didn’t feel like it went on for as long as… Continue reading
