Looking forward to 2015 Garden Trends
As all of the din, excitement and exhaustion from Christmas winds down (though technically there are still several of the 12 days of Christmas left to go), we turn our attention to the next year. As the old Welsh Christmas/Yule/New Year carol exclaims, “fast away the old year passes … hail the new, ye lads and lasses!” Of course, the end of the year means … Continue reading Looking forward to 2015 Garden Trends
A gardener’s holiday gift list
Let’s take a few minutes now to talk about some last-minute details about the holidays. Of course, many people work themselves into a frenzy around the holidays. But that’s not what the holidays are really about. They are about simplicity, about family and friends, about reflection and, for many, religious observance.
Now, there is more than one holiday this time of year. Christmas, of course, plays the lead. But there’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, solstice and Yule. People even celebrate the imaginary Festivus, created for an episode of “Seinfeld.” Continue reading A gardener’s holiday gift list
Norse Legend Leads to Christmas Tradition
Where does this tradition of giving someone an innocent (or not-so-innocent) peck on the cheek whenever you find yourselves beneath the mistletoe come from? And just what is mistletoe anyway? Continue reading Norse Legend Leads to Christmas Tradition
Is your Christmas cactus an impostor?
A cactus, of all things, is one of those plants that have come to represent the holidays. But, my friends, it seems that there has been an insidious marketing campaign to confuse consumers. For the cactus you buy in the store labeled “Christmas cactus” is an impostor. It is, in fact, a Thanksgiving cactus. Now this wouldn’t be such a big deal, except that there … Continue reading Is your Christmas cactus an impostor?
TBT: Christmas trees (real ones) have tradition, lore
This article was originally published in the Charleston Gazette-Mail on Dec 8, 2013. Perhaps the most widespread symbol of the celebration of the Christmas holidays is the Christmas tree. Storied with lore, both ancient and modern, the Christmas tree finds itself in homes, stores, offices, churches and public squares. How did an evergreen tree become the center of attention for a religious holiday? And … Continue reading TBT: Christmas trees (real ones) have tradition, lore
Happy National Poinsettia Day: There’s more than meets the eye in your Christmas poinsettia
The chill of early December gives way to winter cold. Mornings are filled with the sparkle and glint of the play of sunrise on frost. And many homes, shops and offices are bedecked with the finery of the holidays as the season of celebration approaches. More often than not, you’ll find poinsettias — hopefully real ones — among the decorations of the holiday. This plant … Continue reading Happy National Poinsettia Day: There’s more than meets the eye in your Christmas poinsettia
Natural Christmas from old traditions
Turkey Day has come and gone, crowds have rushed out to buy more than they need or can afford, and traffic around shopping centers will be unbearable. It’s Christmas! It’s time to, in the words of Auntie Mame, “Haul out the holly.” I’ll be honest — when it comes to decorating for Christmas, I prefer a simpler, natural approach. I’m not a fan of giant … Continue reading Natural Christmas from old traditions
Local gardeners grow cranberries “the size of quarters”
Cranberry salad … cranberry sauce … cranberry relish … cranberry juice … cranberry cocktails — aah, the holidays are upon us. There are many ways to enjoy this tart native fruit during the holidays and the whole year-round that don’t include cutting off a slice from a jiggling cylinder of cranberry goo. You can even grow your own cranberries at home, no bog required! Vaccinium … Continue reading Local gardeners grow cranberries “the size of quarters”
Thanksgiving flavor from ancient herbs
Family and friends are gathered ’round the table. The dog sits patiently below, waiting for a morsel dropped by accident or on purpose. Platters and bowls fill the table, a reminder of the bounty that sustained our forebears when they first arrived on this continent — and a current testament to overabundance and gluttony. My mom gets so excited about Thanksgiving dinner that she can’t … Continue reading Thanksgiving flavor from ancient herbs
Fall bulbs for a colorful spring
The mercury (or red-dyed alcohol) creeps farther down the thermometer. Glimmering morning frost that highlights the world around us gives way to a bone-chilling freeze. Autumn colors fade from the hillside, leaving shivering, naked trees in their wake. Fall slowly gives way to the winter creeping up behind it. As temperatures dip, many gardeners find time for one last activity, a celebration of a gardening … Continue reading Fall bulbs for a colorful spring
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