Driving through the wet snow and slush to the Smith College Lyman Plant House was no fun, but the trip is always worth it, even when the Bulb Shows and Chrysanthemum Shows are a happy memory.Before I even got to the famous bulb display I passed orchids in bloom like this moth orchid, Phaleanopsis. There were big orchids like this Cattylea. Tiny orchids. Cascading orchids. Birds of Paradise were in bloom in a Tropical Room with a doorway…
In 1974-75 I was a new gardener living in Maine. I joined the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) where I met wonderful experienced and inspiring gardeners. I also learned about Johnny's Selected Seeds, a new Maine seed company founded by Rob Johnston, Jr. I was living in North Berwick, but we drove up north to see Johnny's seed fields and were totally inspired by the health of the plants, the energy of the crew and the…
In 1974-75 I was a new gardener living in Maine. I joined the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) where I met wonderful experienced and inspiring gardeners. I also learned about Johnny's Selected Seeds, a new Maine seed company founded by Rob Johnston, Jr. I was living in North Berwick, but we drove up north to see Johnny's seed fields and were totally inspired by the health of the plants, the energy of the crew and the…
With chatter about the bad economic conditions continuing unabated, many people are thinking about the ways a vegetable garden can save them money. I’m always a little leery about this motivation, especially the first year of a garden’s life when there may be necessary capital expenses for tools and soil improvement, but I would never discourage anyone from planting a vegetablegarden and discovering the unexpected pleasures there. I do have some advice for those who…
"If we are to describe the gardener's March according to truth and old tradition we must carefully take note of two things: (a) what the gardener is supposed to do and wishes to do, and (b) what in fact he does, not being able to do more!"So spake Karel Capek in his delightful book The Gardener's Year published in 1931. No less true today.Seduced by the brilliant sun and the mild temperatures we've had for the past few…
"If we are to describe the gardener's March according to truth and old tradition we must carefully take note of two things: (a) what the gardener is supposed to do and wishes to do, and (b) what in fact he does, not being able to do more!" So spake Karel Capek in his delightful book The Gardener's Year published in 1931. No less true today. Seduced by the brilliant sun and the mild temperatures we've had for the…
In a check out impulse I bought a not very promising bag of bulbs at my garden center last fall. I set them up in the basement where they were very slow to show any activity, and very slow to throw up flower shoots when I finally brought them upstairs. I think my house is so cold that they didn't get much hint that spring, even a false indoor spring, was approaching. But the wait was worth it.…
When I drove into the Greenfield High School parking lot last Saturday morning at 10:30 the parking lot was already full. Fortunately, I saw a couple with full canvas shopping bags get in their car and drive away; I took their spot. When I walked into the school lobby it was clear Winterfare 2009 was in full swing with more local farms represented than I knew existed in our area. One of the largest booths…
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There is no end to the chores. We go through a lot of firewood so Rory helped the Major.But then it was off to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst. We aren't allowed to take photos in the galleries, but the special big murals that Carle painted give a taste of the tissue paper he works with in his unique way. One exhibit was celebrating Carle's 80th birthday and the 40th Anniversary of The…