All the philosophy in the world isn't going to do much to actually pull those weeds. Unfortunately. So, just like every war needs strategy, so every war needs weapons. I have found that in all the wide array of weeding tools out there, there are only two that are essential. Well, three if you're old like me. First comes the small trowel. It must be narrow and pointed to properly dig up those roots. I love the wooden handle as well as the measurements on the side, as this come

Part One: A Little Philosophy Every battle needs a strategy. And behind every great strategy lies a great big something called hope. Having lived through more years than I care to admit, I know the importance of hope and vision. We don't want our gardens to feel like burdens, like something we just don't have the capacity for. For the act of gardening, the process of it all, the work and the sweat, has an abundance of side benefits, more than just the luxury of strolling thro

My hydrangeas are showing lots of promise for an amazing show this summer. And while I love the display they put on for months, I think this is my favorite part, when they're new, just showing a hint of the color to come. I have transplanted them a few times over the years, and finally found that they are happiest and healthiest in dappled shade. They are facing the south-west, but are sheltered from the bulk of the sun by an old, large apple tree. I haven't messed with the s

What is it about white flowers that have so captured me? I can't say I've ever thought about them much before, preferring my usual run of yellows, peaches and pinks. But then there was the year I went on a wild rant against the feverfew that had taken over my garden. Feverfew, in case you don't know, has propagation qualities that would put bunnies to shame. Well, my garden that summer was a disappointment. The roses and lilacs, anemones and black eyed Susan’s all bloomed as

I went outside to get my newspaper this morning, and took a walk through my garden . If you stick with me, you will take many a stroll through my garden with me. But, even though the roses are blooming and the hydrangeas are budding up, would you believe it was the buttercups that caught my eye this morning? There's just something about those little, glossy flowers. Maybe it's their happy faces, or the way they cluster close to the ground . Or maybe it's simply because they h