Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Noticing November Beauty

It has been so warm the past few days, I nearly forgot it is November. This mild weather is welcome to us as we finished planting tulips and other spring bulbs in the gardens this … Read more.

Dahlia Dreams

October is secretly a beautiful month in the garden. The moderate daytime and nighttime temperatures make for an extended season of blooms. Dahlias especially appreciate this change of pace. They are no lovers of our … Read more.

October Inspiration

October in the garden is a glorious last hurrah. As I write this, the sun is shining outside and the breeze is blowing in through the Potting Shed door. It is a beautiful day. We’ve … Read more.

Continuity meets transition

As the rains finally return to Rhode Island, and the sweatshirts and jeans are pulled from the back of the closet, I can’t help but get excited. Change is inevitable when gardening in New England, … Read more.

Fall Finale

It seems that we have been waiting all season for our dahlias in the North Garden to show themselves. They have peaked out here and there in August and September, but now that October is … Read more.

fall spectacular

There’s been a flurry of bulb-planting activity here the past few weeks. Fall is like a mirror image of spring for a gardener. Everything you worked so hard to create is taken apart and put … Read more.

A feast of flowers and foliage

After what feels like the most extended summer season I’ve seen in years, autumn is here in full rainy force.  To cheer us all up during this time I thought I’d take a moment to … Read more.

October Bliss

September may be my favorite month in the garden, but October is currently giving it a run for its money.  This first glorious week of October we have been lucky to have nearly perfect weather: … Read more.

Pretty Leaves to Christmas Trees

The past couple of weeks Gail and I have had our attention divided between fall garden cleanup and Christmas decorating.  Despite the drought this past summer, the trees have still managed to show a good … Read more.

November is brilliant

The colors are turning here in a spectacular way.  With every twist of the path I spy a new favorite plant to photograph.  Gail and I can’t stop taking pictures of all the gorgeous trees … Read more.