It started six years ago, as the cheapest, quickest way to stabilize a part of the yard where we ripped out overzealous poison ivy and rangy scrub oak.
The garden was set on the poorest, rockiest, rootiest soil, and built with little more than memories of places I had loved, and time spent outdoors with my dog, Spot. I amassed a lot of information about water, dirt, mulch, light, and temperature, as well as growing, collecting, eating, cooking, saving, and sharing food.
As all of this was happening, I acquired a marble statue of Persephone, and that inspired me to build her a home dedicated to Carl Jung's mythic shadow side. Spot died, how I miss him. Groundhogs, rabbits, and chipmunks encouraged me to shift from vegetables to flowers, and think about the garden as a place to sit and look out at a view. Then there was the cutting garden with dusty miller and dahlias for the wedding. And then there was the wedding, with Newbury Street stylists coiffing hair in my potting shed.
Very soon, I think this patch of land will become something else, although I am not sure what. Before it is a hazy recollection, I want to try and write down the story. It was such a wonderful place.
I need a name here too. his is the new berry patch. I planted six thornless bushes that are meant to produce big fat berries. The location does not get much sun, but it is close to the back door, so we are trying it because it is close to …
A garden does well to seduce its mistress with well considered paths, doorways and sitting areas. My garden surprises me every time I walk its paths. It delights me and soothes me every time I take one of its pleasant seats. Here is the April 18 view from the blues …
I love my Sainted Lady. Primroses have joined the shell flowers. Daffodils are coming. Gardens need residents. She is my favorite tenant. Of all our cultural myths and legends, this is the most complicated, and the most embattled. I am a great believer in prayer, and in help. I believe …
I call this area the Blues Corner. When two blue adirondack chairs were set down in this corner of the yard, they seemed to call out, Turn your back to your troubles, and sink into the blues. At that moment, the Blues Corner was born. There is blue stand for …
April 10 is the date on this photo. To me, this is my garden at its best. My heart is singing to behold such beauty. Where, you ask?First of all, the Hellebore is blooming, still. Since March. How is it possible? For me, Hellebore is a brave promise that someday, …
