After months upon months of grey and brown tones, I’m happy to see the colors start coming to life. Spring brings sweet smells of hyacinths and pansy. Each year I either force some hyacinth (this requires a little planning) or buy some in late Winter so I can enjoy them when I really need it [...]
Whether you say crocuses or croci, they’re looking lovely in Chicagoland. They’re just plain cheerful. The beginning of our gardens! Today, I spent about five hours adding compost, outlining a new bed or two, and trying my hand at growing poppies again. I’ve not had any luck with poppy seeds. Fingers crossed this year. I [...]
Oh, how I wish this were happening outside. That’s what is happening in my house… still cold, grey, and hibernating… Well, it’s not the Spring we had last year, with temperatures nice and mild. But there is not a doubt in my mind that we will have more light and the warmer temperatures will [...]
This winter is so long and drawn out this year. Getting 6 inches of snow on Tuesday didn’t help. Luckily it is time for the Chicago flower and garden show! You’ve got until March 17th to go… go… go, you’ll be a happier individual for it. The streams, ponds, and beds of tulips were magical. [...]
Chicago was 60 degrees yesterday, Jan 29th of the year 2013. Wow! I road my bike without a jacket. Very strange indeed. I had put out some extra sunflower seed for the wildlife and spent a good amount of time watching this squirrel “plant” a bed. We’ll see this summer if his efforts produce a [...]
Nothing can make the winter seem longer than sitting in my house, sick, achy, constantly blowing my nose, and slipping in and out of consciousness. Lucky for me, the Select seed catalog arrived. It’s perfect for looking at a few moments and laying aside. Perhaps that’s why I’ve got visions of meadows in my head [...]
Well winter really hasn’t hit Chicago much yet this year. In fact, a few lilacs were budding and thinking it Spring. EEEK! The kale, sage, thyme, and some snapdragons are going strong. That, I don’t mind. The fresh sage and thyme were great to have for the Thanksgiving feast! I did get some garlic in [...]
As the days run a constant 70 and the nights hit the 50s, the reality of Autumn sets in. Luckily, there are still a few surprises in my garden and welcome blooms. Enjoy!
We’ve had an extremely long growing season this year. I had plants trying to come up in February? In Chicago? Yes! I recently stopped in at one of my favorite garden centers, Gethsemane, in Andersonville, and while chatting with a worker there, realized that yes, it is reload season. Annuals may be a little leggy [...]
My herbs are gigantic, so any idea I read or see concerning herbs sticks in my head. Latest and greatest is from 1,001 Ingenious Gardening Ideas, (page 204 if you’ve got the book). Harvest herbs of rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, and chive. Make sure all the herbs you harvest are between 5-8 inches in length. [...]