Sunny days and cool nights — fall is my favorite time of the year. I know as a gardener I should say spring, but for me, fall wins every time. And guess what, gardeners? Fall is a good time to observe your garden and add color to your landscape.
When in the kitchen, my thoughts are always “toss a little garlic in the pan.” Well, the same goes for the garden: “Toss a little garlic in the plant bed.”
With tunes of John Lennon whirling around in my mind, I am planting strawberries. As with most things in my garden, berries were not in the plan; this is more of the right word in the right place kind of adventure.
In a small courtyard with a white, wrought-iron settee, an intimate group of family and friends gathered to say goodbye. Through thoughtful prayers, tears, and a eulogy delivered with wit and love, I realized this was the perfect way to honor a life well-lived.
When COVID-19 arrived in March, West Virginians were spending about $8 billion a year on food — but less than one-tenth of it was food produced in West Virginia, which has more small-scale farms per capita than any other state. Until the pandemic began and people started staying home and coo…
Is it just me? Can you believe August is over? Despite all the talk about classes starting soon, advertisements for sweaters and a general shift in the air, I can’t believe September is here.
Birds love it, dogs and deer love it, and plants love it, too. Of course, I am talking about water. Gardens love a rainy day, but what happens when it’s hot and dry for what feels like forever. You gotta help nature out and water the plants.
Last night, I attended my high school reunion. It was not the festive party with hugs and handshakes for which we had all hoped. This year, we met online. Nevertheless, as old friends do, we shared stories and laughter and toasted to those we missed, all through a video screen.
It’s that first glimpse, that moment when you open the garden gate in anticipation of the colors and shapes that will greet you. That is always my favorite part of a garden tour.
Here I go again, driving around town looking at gardens.
Agriculture officials in West Virginia and at least 30 other states are scratching their heads over free, unsolicited packets of seeds from China turning up in the mailboxes of thousands of residents during the past week.
Along the river bank in Malden surrounded by salt, coal and history sits the Alma Lee. She is a true southerner with wide porches and welcoming spots to rest and take in the water views.
Today I went to visit a lily pond. I had seen the photos and heard a few rumors; let’s just say it did not disappoint and provided the perfect mid-day retreat.
As many of you know, I have been working on my shade beds this year and I continue to seek plants that will grow, spread and create interest in these areas.
This week as I pondered ideas to write about, three friends on three separate occasions sent me pictures of hydrangeas from their gardens and gardens they pass in their travels around town. It seems like the universe, or at least good friends, were pointing me in the direction of this native…
My summer is usually filled with anticipation of garden tours and visits to historical homes, but not this year — and I am disappointed. I love the sneak peek into backyards and side gardens, learning something from each and every one.
I don’t remember the first time I saw a purple hyacinth bean vine, but I can remember thinking it was a fabulous vine and one I wanted to grow in my garden.
I spy with my little eye, a shiny blue ball sitting among all the green in my shade garden. This gazing ball not only makes me smile, it has a history of kings, butlers, witches and fairies.
I double-dog dare you not to smile when you see a patch of zinnias. They are irresistibly bright and cheerful. Seriously, flowers that are colorful and easy to grow — that makes me smile.
Having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. That’s true for art class, home repairs and gardening. Just like when you build your collection of the perfect knives and pans for cooking Sunday dinner, you want to think about building your gardening tool arsenal.
As we are learning to keep our distance yet craving to visit others, I have noticed my gathering spaces are changing. No more dinners on my cozy back porch or parties in the house. Now we are causally gathering in the front yard, the side yard — or even in the driveway.
Winter in the springtime? Yep, it’s a thing. As Appalachian folklore and gardeners will tell you, there are several mini-winters that happen throughout the spring.
These days everyone is talking about what they are binge watching. Something about a tiger, or a mountain range or a creek. They all sound entertaining, but it got me to thinking about binging and gardening, and blooming plants.