Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold
Sow chilly
I’ve gone soft. The thaw we had a couple of weeks ago has totally ruined me for the rest of winter. I can’t go outside in the freeze anymore without complaining every bit as bitterly … Read more.
Heliotropium arborescens
When I first started at Blithewold I wasn’t the biggest fan of heliotrope. It’s been a Rose Garden staple since way before my time, and I developed an almost instant aversion to it. I found … Read more.
More decisions (and a retraction)
Our seed orders have started to come in! I discovered though that I have to offer an official retraction of a snarky complaint in this post about Select Seeds‘ shipping charges. Well, obviously, I … Read more.
Hearts
Just in time for Freaky Friday and Valentine’s day (I love that these days are back to back this year), my favorite Tim Burton creation, the Witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’) has just begun … Read more.
“Mainstream plants”
I’ve heard Dr. Allan Armitage speak a couple of times now (both times at New England Grows) and he could probably say the same thing over and over again (he may well have) and I’d … Read more.
House planets
I think it’s safe to say that everyone who has ever set foot in the greenhouse makes an immediate beeline for the citrus plants. The Citrus limon ‘Ponderosa’ (a.k.a. American Wonder Lemon) definitely has its … Read more.
Only 6 more weeks
I have always loved Groundhog’s Day (the actual day more than the movie) because, whether Phil sees his shadow (he did this morning) or not, it signifies to me that spring is on its way … Read more.
Is that your final answer?
Gail and I have been focused for the last couple of weeks on the seed orders and for the past couple of days we’ve been editing choices, paring down ideas, trimming the fat and trying … Read more.
Cast iron plant
I keep getting distracted from my intention to talk about some of our favorite houseplants so without further ado, I give you Aspidistra eliator – the Cast Iron Plant. The common name pretty much says … Read more.
New perspective
The entire horticultural staff went to the first of our winter conferences this week. I can really only speak for myself, but I think we get a lot out of these outings. Not only did … Read more.