Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Garden (and Life) Lessons

How does one not fall in love with September? The weather is temperate, the gardens are in full bloom, and there is an abundance of insect life everywhere you look. It is glorious. Despite all … Read more.

The Prettiest Poppies

Every June I am captivated by the Shirley poppies (Papaver rhoeas). How could I not be? With their tissue paper thin petals that come in a candy store of colors. Those gentle petals that unfurl … Read more.

Daffodils!

Spring is here and it is beginning to feel like it. Although March has decided to use her last week to remind us not to be too eager, April is set to show us it … Read more.

Lessons from a Hot, Dry Summer

With autumn finally here, I am taking a moment to reflect on the summer that was. It was, by far, the hottest and driest summer I’ve experienced at Blithewold. If you were lucky enough to … Read more.

Hopes and Dreams, Heat and Humidity

When rising temperatures and humidity levels make me question my decision to work outside for a living, the gardens we create here at Blithewold remind me that I made the right choice. Anyone who gardens … Read more.

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.

Poised to Bloom

I tend to think of spring as soft and sweet. But this spring has started off with a chip on its shoulder. After a few days of teasing warmer weather, the chill of cold air … Read more.

Coming Up Roses

June is the perfect month. The temperatures this year have been steady in the 70s with sunshine and a light breeze. We have had several inches of rain this week, but the gardens only look … Read more.

Pine Alley

Crisp December air coming down from the endless clear sky surrounds me as I step out of the Bosquet and onto the shrub walk. The wind grows stronger as I approach the blazing blue water. … Read more.

Holiday Hothouse

It’s that time of year for many happy celebrations. I love the lights and the general sense of love and joy that is present during the holidays. I also love our greenhouses. They are so … Read more.