Thoughtful musings on various topics by interesting people at Blithewold

Winter Blooms

In late February, just as my spirit is beginning to get bogged down with ice and snow, hope appears very low to the ground. So low, in fact, that I usually have to lie on … Read more.

Bristol News: March 1, 1897

One hundred and twenty-three years ago, on March 1, 1897, Marjorie Van Wickle was at the Jekyll Island Club in Brunswick, Georgia, with her parents Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle.  While she was there she … Read more.

Wintertime Garden Inspiration

January often heralds the official arrival of the winter doldrums. Gail, Joe, Fred, and I are here to offer a cure – inspiration for your gardening plans this year. Last year, we started our series … Read more.

Merry, Warm, and Bright

It has been positively frigid this week, which makes the warm humid atmosphere of the greenhouse an even sweeter relief than usual. Staff and visitors aren’t the only ones enjoying this indoor climate. Blithewold’s tender … Read more.

Sweet Surprises

The day before the start of March, February has hit us with another round of snow. It is light, white, and fluffy. As much as I dislike the chill of winter, it’s hard to be … Read more.

Seed Season

It’s that time of the year when seeds are on my brain. There is a whole box of seeds teasing me with dreams of future plants we will (hopefully) have in our gardens. A whole … Read more.

Winter Rest(oration)

I have often heard my friends say that it’s too bad trees are dead in the winter time. The gardens can give off a similarly lifeless appearance as the plants lie low during this darker … Read more.

Happy Holidays

Though it’s warm, wet, and windy outside today, we are dreaming of a cozy holiday season here in the Blithewold greenhouses. We hope you find time to rest amidst the mayhem and find beauty in … 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.