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. [...]
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 [...]
I started a bit of lettuce. Luckily, it’s a romaine called Freckles that is heat tolerant. I thought I’d look up some new salad ideas and came across a minted bean salad from Vegetarian Times which sounds delightful. I share. 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup olive oil 1 clove garlic salt and pepper Whisk [...]
Iris are one of the most beautiful early blooms of the season. Once established, they need little care other than dividing every 3-4 years. Planting them in the right location is key. Plant iris in full sun, if you live in an extremely warm location, they can take part shade. Plant in a spot with [...]
I love columbine flowers, they vary in size and color and reseed naturally in almost any part of the garden sun or part shade. They bloom their second year in late spring/early summer. First year you’ll spot them as foliage, green/blue deeply lobed leaves in threes. Most plants have a lifespan of 3-5 years, but if [...]
When people have shade in their yard, they either don’t realize that shade is less than 4 hours of sun, or they’re bummed. Consider it a blessing. When it’s mid summer and 90-something degrees, you’ll be lounging and happy. There are so many great ways to add color and unique foliage to a shade container. [...]
Things are just about to burst open!