Standing once again in my in-law's dining room (which looks out over their beautiful backyard) I ticked off the flowers that I had found emerging from the winter soil. Tulips, daffodils, day-lilies, irises. "But no peonies yet." My mother-in-law insisted… more »

I'm not one to make a big deal about birthdays. I do like to take it as a day to do a little something special for myself. One thing I'd been wanting to do is get my early garden starters and get them in the ground now. I waited a bit too long last year… more »

It appears as though I'm not the only one excited for spring. Some enthusiastic critter, probably bunny or squirrel, has taken a few bites out of my daffodils. I'm not too upset, I can certainly understand the impulse, it's been drab and brown around her… more »

One of the things that is the hardest for me to deal with is the slow time in the garden. Some things happen quickly; new blooms appear, seeds sprout, a tomato blushes the moment you look away. But the garden is also a slow creature. Some investments you… more »

Happy Easter! Spring is Here!   Gardeners, plant and nature lovers can join in every Sunday. Visit As the Garden Grows for more information. more »

The time has come, the ground is getting softer, the weather is getting warmer, the dirt is drying out and losing it's clay squelching. It's time get get out the graph paper, start cruising the garden stores, and laying out the seed packets. Were you sma… more »

Absolutely one of my all time favorites are cut out sugar cookies. They are good for any occasion. Obviously they are most traditionally used for Christmas Cookies but I like making them for lots of occasions. All it takes is a holiday or party theme coo… more »

Wandering out into the backyard to take out the trash and I was startled to see some of the perennials emerging out of the the drab and colorless ground. At once I had the camera and was outside checking all the usual haunts and am proud to announce that… more »

When I was a teenage I worked in a drugstore that was a tornado of holiday activity that fluctuated throughout the year. I became intimately acquainted with holiday confections. One of my favorites was easter time for a couple of reasons. Cadbury eggs fi… more »

These are things I said today. "If you bite, I take away!" "If you spill, you won't get more!" "Take your shoes off by the door!" "Baby toys are not for you!" "Fine! Cry, till your face turns blue!" "Do not eat that ladybug!" "Do not… more »

Everywhere in the blogosphere gardeners are rifling through their seed catelogs, surfing online seed distributers, greenhouse plans, and frowning with envy at our southern and international fellow gardeners who have plants in bloom, in fruit, and who are… more »

Nothing outside, just this lonely fellow inside. I thought he was dead but he perked up even in the cold by the window.   Gardeners, plant and nature lovers can join in every Sunday. Visit As the Garden Grows for more information. more »