In his new book, Wild Plant Culture, restoration ecologist Jared Rosenbaum says something provocative about gardening with native plants.  “It’s time to expand our vision past supporting birds, butterflies, and bees, and fully integrate the most challenging animal of all,... Read More ›

We’ve all heard the environmentally conscious advice: The way we used to clean up our gardens – extra-tidy, but to within an inch of its life for every unseen beneficial creature out there trying to tuck in for winter –... Read More ›

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 ›

One thing that Ken Druse and I are certain about when it comes to plants: that they will often surprise you, Some grow bigger or stay smaller than the catalog promised, and some are better- or worse-behaved, or tougher or... 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 ›

Since I took a walk with today’s guest about 10 years ago, I’ve adopted a whole different way of looking at what I might have once seen as imperfections in plants. Now when I spy a squiggle in a columbine... 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 ›

A collection of historic apples that was threatened by disease is having a second act at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, Mass., where a three-year-long restoration of their orchard of 119 antique varieties has just... 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 ›

Maybe like I do, you always mean to be better at seed saving, and it gets away from you. Well, right now is the perfect time with pen and paper or your cell phone in hand for making a list... Read More ›