Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Fresh perspective

The other day when Fred and Dan had the ladder out they invited me up on the north porch roof for a look at the North Garden. I’m a little bit scared of heights and … Read more.

Finding relief from the heat

It’s been pretty hot here lately – unpleasant enough that we gave the volunteers the week off – but this morning, even at dawn, the sun had a particularly malevolent look in its eyes. The … Read more.

Excitement at Blithewold, Summer 1899

In August 1899 there was a flurry of excitement on Narragansett Bay, all played out in the waters off Blithewold. The Herreshoff boat-building company in Bristol had built a yacht that they intended to sail in … Read more.

A perfect partnership

Ever since Dick, our vegetable gardener extraordinaire, first joined his wife Mary in the Blithewold gardens, we’ve had more produce than we know what to do with. (Dick orders the vegetable seeds, starts them, plants … Read more.

More attractive plants

I’ll use the excuse of Garden Bloggers Bloom Day (generously hosted as always by Carol at May Dreams Gardens) to show off a few more of the attractive plants in and around our pollinator’s garden. … Read more.

The most attractive plants

I’d say it’s easy to plant a garden full of attractive plants except that it isn’t so easy. There’s way too much to choose from and what qualifies as attractive changes, for me at least, … Read more.

Sad news

I’m very sorry to have to report that Ginkgo Jr., Blithewold’s fledgling red-tailed hawk died this week. Veterinarians at The Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island treated him for a traumatic head injury which left … Read more.

Feels like July

There’s really no need to check the calendar. It suddenly feels like going to the beach and that can only mean one thing. It’s July. I’m inclined to think that July is a state of … Read more.

Our fledgling

Yesterday morning everyone at Blithewold – staff, volunteers and even a few visitors – ran an emotional gamut from excitement and pride, to awe, to dismay, fear, sadness and around again to hope. All for … Read more.