Monthly Archives: December 2010

HerbDoc recently had an unexpected – and welcome – visitor to her garden: It’s common to see various owls and hawks in this area, but I was amazed to look out my window the other day and spot this Red-shouldered … Continue reading →

“Be careful what you wish for!” my oh-so-funny friend warned, and of course, she was right. It was not even a week ago that I was writing wistfully about waiting for snow. Yesterday and last night, we got it – … Continue reading →

Here’s HerbDoc with the first  of a series of holiday week posts on – you guessed it – herbs! Here in Rhode Island, the majority of herbs in the garden have been put to bed for the winter, except for … Continue reading →

Aside from a cursory dusting this week, we remain snowless here in southern Rhode Island. It’s so close to Christmas, and yet, if you explore the woods, it could be November. The trees stand stoically in their duff of fallen … Continue reading →

The great thing about growing diverse orchid species is that they flower at different times. That means I have something in bloom throughout the year. This is Oncidium Twinkle “Pink Profusion.”  I have only had it for about six months, … Continue reading →

This seems like an appropriate time of year to consider the Christmas Cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesii. Those of you who own these are seeing them come into bloom right about now. I think they add a flamboyant and tropical touch to … Continue reading →

I have been trying to make a happy home for a Kalanchoe (pronounced “collin-co-wee”) for years but without much success…and now I know why. Admittedly, I could have solved the problem by doing a bit of reading but no, I … Continue reading →

I am the first to admit that I like spicy foods. But I’m also a Rhode Islander, and to me, “spicy” is a jalapeño pepper or two in my homemade salsa. So you can imagine my wonderment when I read … Continue reading →

I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but I like this part of the gardening calendar best. Not because it’s time to relax, although of course it is. Not because I get to take stock and plan for next year, although … Continue reading →

Another dispatch from my former home city of Montreal: This one has to do with the city’s squirrels, which are apparently harassing park visitors. News reports tell of squirrels stalking people and even leaping into baby strollers and snatching food … Continue reading →