Blogs

Let it be has been my mantra at The Cottage this year. It has led to new discoveries in every nook and cranny. There are so many secrets found in our gardens. What nature requires of us is simple. Pause, observe and appreciate nature’s gifts. This has been the perfect year to just let it be. Our garden does not need to be tinkered with daily for perfection. Nature knows what she is doing, so

Chiswick House and Gardens in London was a treat to visit during my August reset. Last year, England was part of my August reset. Thoughts of leaving Paris on a high-speed train underwater to a place I daydreamed about was exciting. The two hours from Paris on the Eurostar was uneventful. London was closer than I anticipated. One of my garden club members Eileen met me in London for this brief, but full trip. My

Composting can be classy with the Smart Pots Compost Sak. Compost bins are usually these hidden piles of debris. While we are proud to compost, some of us consider it our secret. After all, composting is usually an unsightly pile of debris, a black bin, or something we hide at the rear of the garden. Some people who do not understand the value of composting feel it attracts unwanted critters. Others find composting bothersome, so

Life imitates the garden in so many ways. There are ups and downs, good seasons and bad. No matter what happens, we can find solace in the garden. Dear Mrs. Obama, Congratulations on your new podcast journey. It always helps to have a friend to talk things through, no matter the topic. I too have found my voice in podcasting. The joy it adds to life is amazing. I wish you much success n what

Abernethy & Spencer is the oldest Greenhouse in the Mid-Atlantic. On a long winding road with such breathtaking scenery, Peggy Riccio and I found a Jewel in the Crown of Loudon County Virginia. Exploring almost anything that has to do with horticulture – from gardens to plants – offers us the opportunity to dig deep into the Mid-Atlantic region. Abernethy & Spencer was the best-unexpected treasure of this year. SURVIVAL AND REVIVAL Variegated Bleeding Heart