Though April showers may come your way, They bring the flowers that bloom in May,So if it's raining have no regrets, Because it isn't raining rain you know, it's raining violets.- Al Jolson April was a month of activity in the garden, and our old nemesis, weeds are beginning to rear their heads, so we need to extract the little devils before they take hold and are … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Late Spring from ‘The English Lady’
Gardening Tips for Early Spring from ‘The English Lady’
“Those March winds shall blow, and we shall have snow and what will the Robin do then poor thing? He’ll hide in the barn and keep himself warm and hide his head under his wing.” March was a month of “wait and see” as we anticipated walking around our gardens. This morning, I walked outside, into a westerly breeze and a gentle sun. I took a deep breath and as I did, I … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Early Spring from ‘The English Lady’
Gardening Tips for Early Spring from ‘The English Lady’
This winter, as in other winters when I need a blossom boost, I enjoy the fragrance of the paper-white narcissi that I planted in tall glass vases. I surrounded the bulbs with seashells from White Sand Beach here in Old Lyme and kept them in a dark cool area, ensuring the shells and the bulbs were moist as the roots developed. When the bulb foliage reached about six … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Early Spring from ‘The English Lady’
Gardening Tips for Late October/Early November From ‘The English Lady’
“The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of.” Henry David Thoreau Over the next few weeks, with the soil remaining above 40 degrees, it is an ideal time to divide summer blooming perennials, which have been in the ground for three years or more. Dividing perennials gives them a new lease on life and encourages more … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Late October/Early November From ‘The English Lady’
Gardening Tips for Late July/Early August from ‘The English Lady’—”Deep Summer is When Laziness Finds Respectability”
Watering is so important during the heat of summer. If you planted trees or shrubs this spring, particularly evergreens, these plants require extra moisture to establish a strong root system. We have had an abundant amount of rain this spring and into the summer, however it is important to keep an eye on the weather. Here in New England, plants require at least … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Late July/Early August from ‘The English Lady’—”Deep Summer is When Laziness Finds Respectability”
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for May: ‘The Month of Expectation, Wishes and Hope’
“The darling buds of May” is such an apt phrase for one of the most enchanting months with bloom on spring bulbs and flowering trees, the Amelanchier, the Dogwood and the Cherry to name a few and the new awakening red foliage of Maples winking in the sun. By now, you have probably removed most of the winter debris, pruned broken branches and re-edged borders. Do … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for May: ‘The Month of Expectation, Wishes and Hope’
Gardening Tips From ‘The English Lady’ For April: The Month of ‘Suns in Showers’
Those April showers that come our wayThey bring the flowers that bloom in May.And when it’s raining, let’s not forget,It isn’t raining rain at all, it’s raining violets.~From a song by Al Jolson~ April is the month of activity in the garden, and our old nemesis, weeds are beginning to rear their heads, so we need to extract the little devils before they take hold and are … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips From ‘The English Lady’ For April: The Month of ‘Suns in Showers’
Gardening Tips From ‘The English Lady’ For March: The Month of ‘Wait and See’
‘Those March winds shall blow, and we shall have snow and what will the Robin do then poor thing? He’ll hide in the barn and keep himself warm and hide his head under his wing’. March is a month of ‘wait and see’ as we anticipate walking around our gardens. This morning, I walked outside, into a westerly breeze and a gentle sun. I took a deep breath and as … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips From ‘The English Lady’ For March: The Month of ‘Wait and See’
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for February—’the Border Between Winter and Spring’
This winter, as in other winters; when I need a blossom boost, I enjoy the fragrance of paper white narcissus that I planted in tall glass vases. I surrounded the bulbs with seashells from White Sand Beach here in Old Lyme and kept them in a dark cool area keeping the shells and the bulbs moist as the roots developed. When the bulb foliage reached about six inches, I … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for February—’the Border Between Winter and Spring’
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for January, ‘The Month for Dreaming’
Happy New Year, everyone! Well, here we go, as you sit in your arm chair and dream about fragrant bloom and delicious vegetables in your garden. However, it is never too early to plan for this season in your garden. My motto has always been to plan, before action and production. Mother Nature is waiting for us with her gifts of renewal, growth and nourishment as we begin … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for January, ‘The Month for Dreaming’
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for December—a ‘Time to Make Amends and Tie Up Loose Ends’
Hello everyone; so much to do and so little time in this holiday season ... Remember, to breathe, stretch and take time out for yourself each day. On a pleasant December day, go out into the garden. There is still time to plant your spring bulb; the earth is still workable so enjoy the fresh air and the gentle exercise. Plant the bulbs three times as deep as they … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for December—a ‘Time to Make Amends and Tie Up Loose Ends’
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for November, When There is ‘A Sort of Delightful Menace in the Air”
We have been fortunate here in New England to have the pleasure of a lovely summer not too hot with adequate rain. Followed by a warm fall with more than enough rain into November to encourage healthy root growth for a vibrant spring next year. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this weather foretells a mild winter – we can only hope, but then again, this is New … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for November, When There is ‘A Sort of Delightful Menace in the Air”
Gardening Tips for Late September/Early October from ‘The English Lady’
Rain through August and September has been quite plentiful, that said, our gardens need rain as do our reservoirs. In the meantime, if you are planning to plant evergreens; late September going into October is the best time to plant evergreens in our zone. Evergreens planted now can begin to establish strong roots before winter and providing them with … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for Late September/Early October from ‘The English Lady’
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for August, ‘The Border Between Summer And Fall’
August has always been one my least favorite months in the garden; but plentiful spring rain has resulted in bountiful fragrance, bloom and foliage. We have a relatively short growing season here in New England and to enjoy a healthy colorful border is so satisfying. However, by this time in the season, when early perennials have gone by, there are a few gaps to fill in with … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for August, ‘The Border Between Summer And Fall’
Gardening Tips From ‘The English Lady’ for July: The Month of ‘Hollyhocks and Hammocks, Fireworks and Vacations’
OLD LYME -- Watering is so important during the heat of summer. If you planted trees or shrubs this spring, particularly evergreens, these plants require extra moisture to establish a strong root system. We have had an abundant amount of rain this spring and into the summer, however it is important to keep an eye on the weather. Here in New England, plants … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips From ‘The English Lady’ for July: The Month of ‘Hollyhocks and Hammocks, Fireworks and Vacations’