Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Where Summer Begins in the Garden

This week truly feels like summer. Humidity is on the rise, temperatures are reliably 80+ degrees every day with night temperatures in the 60s. The gardens have shed their gentle spring blooms for summer’s ebullient … Read more.

Labor Day Lunch

Marjorie Lyon was known for her gracious hospitality. Two of her favorite celebrations were July 4th and Labor Day, both of which were constant, unchangeable traditions for decades. Labor Day was Marjorie’s annual farewell to … Read more.

Lotus Love

When August arrives we all take a moment to reflect on the gardens as the heat forces us to slow down a bit. I am so grateful for our tropical plant collection when the intense … Read more.

Picking up steam

I’d like to take just a moment to fulfill my duty as a New Englander and complain about the weather. For the past week or two it’s been hot. And not only has it been … Read more.

Dramatic differences

Being in the garden every day teaches a valuable lesson in paying attention to the subtle changes but go away for a week or two and the changes will practically hit you over the head. … Read more.

When it pours

A rainy day offers many possibilities to the dedicated gardener. Even though a few of us might see a storm as a welcome opportunity for a break (I’m sure I’d like to wrap up on … Read more.

The axis of summer

In a way it’s a little strange that this seems (maybe especially to non-gardeners) to be the hub of our gardening year – that all of our efforts revolve around this very point.  We know … Read more.