The Secret Garden

Come Tour The Secret Garden With Me

– Posted in: Mud Season, The Secret Garden

I've been fascinated with secret gardens ever since I read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. My favorite part is when Mary finds the key and enters the secret garden for the first time. My garden isn't very secret until the trees leaf out, but it still feels secluded and special. I'm in a different world when I'm there. Come join me!

Red Elderberry: Wildflower Wednesday

– Posted in: Native/Invasive, The Secret Garden

I've lived here over five years now, but just when I think I've seen all the plants that grow wild here, another one catches my attention and arouses my curiosity. Several people suggested it was baneberry, and baneberry does bloom around the same time, with a similarly shaped flower. Only one problem: Baneberry is herbaceous, and the flowers were blooming on a woody plant. Hmm, what could it be?

A Tour Of The Gardens: Garden Bloggers Bloom Day June 2016

– Posted in: Bird Sanctuary, Cutting Garden, Deck Alcove, Fern Alley, Front of the House, Herb Garden, New House, New Gardens, North Deck, Parking Pad Bed, Roadside Beds, Slope Garden, South Deck, The Secret Garden, West Deck

It's been four years since I started working on the gardens here at the "new" house. I thought it was about time I gave you a full-fledged tour. It takes a bit of time to see all the gardens, so prepare for a leisurely visit. Can I pour you something to drink? Let's start the [...]

My Spicebush Is Blooming! Wildflower Wednesday April 2016

– Posted in: Native/Invasive, The Secret Garden, What's up/blooming

My spicebush is blooming! Only a mother--I mean, a gardener--could be so happy about the blessed event. See: Well--ahem--yes, they are rather small. Try this:Okay, let's really zoom in: I saw my first spicebushes in 2009 in the Mundy Wildflower Garden on the grounds of Cornell Plantation in Ithaca, New York. There were several of [...]

A Stroll Through Fickle February

– Posted in: The Secret Garden

Fickle February. That's what I'm calling it, mostly because it has better alliteration than Roller Coaster February. A roller coaster of weather is what it's been. Every time it's gotten mild, I've been outside walking the trails I've made and taking pictures. Then it gets cold and I hunker back inside. These photos are a [...]