Return to the Classics…

As I mentioned in the last post, I love the fall season. Not only does the air feel crisp and cool, but a new season of fashion arrives to tempt us to refresh our wardrobe. I'm no longer the "faithful follower of fashion" I once was; however, I still appreciate the creativity and ingenuity designers… Continue reading Return to the Classics…

September, the second spring…

In the Northern Hemisphere, we are officially embarking on the autumn season; however, for those of you who live south of the equator, your Spring is just beginning. September is often called the second spring, even for us in the north.  I've often thought that September should be the first month on the calendar.  It's… Continue reading September, the second spring…

Ode to Paris…

If you've been following the blog for some time, you will know all about my love of Paris.  Up until several years before the pandemic, I travelled to Paris almost annually...and I miss it.  I'm not going this year, and for sure not next year (the Olympics), so Paris is coming to me!   What… Continue reading Ode to Paris…

Roses as big as cabbages…

  Is what Marco Polo exclaimed when he first discovered peonies.   The Chinese name for peonies means "most beautiful", and who can disagree? What is remarkable about these perennial beauties is just how easy they are to grow. Also, for us who garden in colder regions, peonies can be the star of our gardens. They… Continue reading Roses as big as cabbages…

Do I have a boxwood problem…seriously?

I remember the first time I spotted boxwood at a local Home Depot.  I couldn't believe my eyes...I didn't think we could grow boxwood successfully in zone 4B.  It was one of those "start the car" moments (remember the Ikea commercial)...I couldn't have loaded up the cart any faster!  This was the beginning of my… Continue reading Do I have a boxwood problem…seriously?

Everything is blooming…

With all the smoke in the air, I feel like I'm on the set of a scary movie! The air quality has been so poor, making gardening (at such a busy, crucial time) nearly impossible. Yet, somehow the garden does not disappoint...so many plants bloom in the same week. I don't recall this happening in… Continue reading Everything is blooming…