Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

How to Know the Wildflowers

As April’s daffodils fade, a new beginning comes with May’s abundance of wildflowers, spring ephemerals and flowering trees and shrubs. The daffodils had the irresistible charm of heralding the start of spring, but for me … Read more.

Spring is Not Cancelled

As we all are spending more time at home following the Covid 19 isolation guidelines, the importance of a garden is relevant now more than ever.  This time at home could be a period to … Read more.

Familiar Places in Autumn Splendor

Walking through the arboretum this week I’ve tried to take it all in.  All my familiar views of Blithewold’s landscape have a majestic beauty about them with colorful foliage embracing the sight.  These settings harmonize … Read more.

October Opportunities

It is a magical time in the gardens now, with the weather turning cooler and flowering annuals – cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens), black-eyed susan vine (Thunbergia alata ‘Yellow’) and white cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) – … Read more.

Actions in the Garden

September brings an amazing liveliness throughout the gardens. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and songbirds are in constant motion. This busy activity is mesmerizing as the gardens come to life with an energetic performance. All this merry … Read more.

Sound Therapy

An August garden has a unique set of sounds that I look forward to every year. Although I love the quietude of a garden, August’s ensemble of nature’s sounds is a comforting reminder that flora … Read more.

Shady Summer Retreat

In May, we were fortunate to have horticultural interns join our crew to help us with all our spring and summer workload in the greenhouse and gardens. Betsy, Joe, and I mentor these interns thru … Read more.

Old and New Favorites for the Summer Garden

In January, when planning our designs for the gardens on the cold winter’s days, Betsy, Joe and I look for interesting new plants that we feel visitors would appreciate. Our winter plant hunts in the … Read more.

Observing Nature

Noticing the natural world is an everyday occurrence when you spend time outdoors.  As gardeners, we see the strong connection between plants and animals, we happen upon curiosities and are simply awestruck by many new … Read more.

Nature’s Exuberance

If ever there was a season to see lushness in the gardens, now is the time!  The gardens, trees, and shrubs are bursting with foliage and flowers with all this rain.  Of course, the weeds … Read more.