OLD LYME -- The darling buds of May” is such an apt phrase for one of the most enchanting months, bloom on bulbs and trees and the fresh foliage on trees winking in the sun. By now, you have probably removed most of the winter debris, pruned broken branches and re-edged borders. Do not however, apply that spring layer of composted manure as the soil needs to warm up to 60 … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for May from ‘The English Lady’: A Feast of Color Highlights the Merry Month of May
Gardening Tips for April from The English Lady:
Those April showers that come our way They bring the flowers that bloom in May And when it’s raining, lets not forget, It isn’t raining rain at all, its raining violets April is the month of activity in the garden, and our old nemesis, the weeds, are beginning to rear their heads, so before we actually begin to extract the little devils before they get too large or strong, … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for April from The English Lady:
Gardening Tips for March from The English Lady: Spring is in the Air, Making it a Busy Month in the Garden
March is a month of ‘wait and see’ as we anticipate walking around our gardens. This morning I walked outside, into a southwesterly breeze and a pleasantly warm sun. I took a deep breath and as I did, I caught the rich fragrance of the soil beginning to awaken. All of us are itching to get into the garden and I believe that foray will be earlier than last year owing to our … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for March from The English Lady: Spring is in the Air, Making it a Busy Month in the Garden
Gardening Tips for February from ‘The English Lady’: So Much to Decide, So Much to Do This Month
This winter, as in other winters, when I need a blossom boost, I have enjoyed 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 them moist as the roots developed. When the bulb foliage reached about six inches, I introduced the … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for February from ‘The English Lady’: So Much to Decide, So Much to Do This Month
Gardening Tips for January by The English Lady: New Year, New Chapter, New Opportunities
Happy New Year everyone! Recently on Dec. 21, we experienced the Winter Solstice and turned the corner so that with each day, we move gradually from the dark into the light to a longer, brighter day. A few weeks ago, I planted my Paper-white Narcissus on pebbles, with just enough pebbles to anchor the bulbs in place or you may use potting soil. I use tall glass vases and … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips for January by The English Lady: New Year, New Chapter, New Opportunities
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for November — ‘The Month of Last Red Berries, First White Snows’
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 — ‘The Month of Last Red Berries, First White Snows’
Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for October — a Month of Soft Sunshine, Consummate Color
Welcome to October everyone. I love gentle breezes of all and soft sunshine and the foliage colors are breathtaking. The soil is still warm and you can plant until the first week of November. In fact, early November is a great time to plant spring bulbs. You also have time over the next few weeks to divide summer blooming perennials, which have been in the ground for … [Read more...] about Gardening Tips from ‘The English Lady’ for October — a Month of Soft Sunshine, Consummate Color
Gardening with The English Lady: Tips for September, the Month of ‘Warmth, Depth and Color’ (Patience Strong)
Rain through August has been quite plentiful. The weeds continue to grow but I have been able to keep a handle on them with the use of natural Bradfield Organics corn gluten-based weed pre-emergent, which can be purchased at any reputable garden center. HYDRANGEAS ... AND THEIR PRUNING The reason that Hydrangeas do not bloom is that gardeners prune them at the wrong … [Read more...] about Gardening with The English Lady: Tips for September, the Month of ‘Warmth, Depth and Color’ (Patience Strong)
Gardening with ‘The English Lady’: Tips for August, “The Sunday of Summer”
August has always been one of my least favorite months in the garden; but plentiful spring has resulted in bountiful fragrance, bloom and foliage. We have such a short blooming and growing season here in New England that any extra time to have a good-looking border is much appreciated. However, by this time in the season, there are always a few gaps to fill in with annuals … [Read more...] about Gardening with ‘The English Lady’: Tips for August, “The Sunday of Summer”
Gardening with ‘The English Lady’: Tips for July, a Month That Offers ‘A Blind Date With Summer’
"July is a blind date with summer," says Hal Borland. Such a wonderful description of a beautiful month, so let's take a walk in the garden! WATERING 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 … [Read more...] about Gardening with ‘The English Lady’: Tips for July, a Month That Offers ‘A Blind Date With Summer’
Gardening With ‘The English Lady’: Tips for June “When the World Smells of Roses”
“Ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out,” is an old English saying that means do not put away your long johns until May is over -- well, we certainly have had a few very cool nights recently, which is just wonderful, allowing one to sleep with the windows open. I cannot remember the last time we had a real spring like the one we are experiencing this year, with plenty of rain. … [Read more...] about Gardening With ‘The English Lady’: Tips for June “When the World Smells of Roses”
Gardening With ‘The English Lady’: Tips for the Merry Month of May
“The darling buds of May” is such an apt phrase for one of the most enchanting months, bloom on bulbs and trees and the fresh foliage on trees winking in the sun. By now, you have probably removed most of the winter debris, pruned broken branches and re-edged borders. Do not however, apply that spring layer of composted manure as the soil needs to warm up to 60 degrees for … [Read more...] about Gardening With ‘The English Lady’: Tips for the Merry Month of May