A new book I’m reading emphasizes the word watching in the expression bird watching. As in: Don’t be in such a hurry to merely note that you’ve seen a bird, but instead really have a close look at what it’s doing,… Read More ›

If I say “English garden,” you probably conjure a mental picture of colorful mixed borders and garden rooms enclosed by hedging. But what’s the essence of an American garden? That was what a new book called “American Roots” set out… Read More ›

Becoming a successful vegetable gardener involves a lot of trial and error. As the seasons pass we hopefully get better at it—harvesting not just food for the table, but food for thought too, insights gleaned along the way to guide… Read More ›

In emails received from many parts of the country, I’m hearing gardeners say the same thing: This year has been really hard. Count me in on those voicing that sentiment.  Gardeners know first-hand that climate change isn’t something in the… Read More ›

Ecological horticulturist Andy Brand can’t help himself. He just has to look closely at everything outdoors: every plant, every insect, every process that’s unfolding. And he has to take camera phone pictures, too—lots and lots of pictures.  These up-close observations… Read More ›