“Every girl should have a little black dress in her wardrobe, and black rose in her garden.” … Zona Forsyth As the days grow shorter and the nights stretch longer, the season brings a perfect opportunity to explore the darker side of garden design. While it might seem a bit spooky
“Gardens are not made by singing ‘Oh how beautiful’, and sitting in the shade.” …. Rudyard Kipling Not long ago, I was in a café in Stockholm, sitting with a friend who works as a marketing professional. We were making small talk while waiting for the rest of our gang to
“Bugs are not going to inherit the earth. They own it now. So, we might as well make peace with the landlord.” …. Thomas Eisner Insects have been around for millions of years, predating human existence. They play a vital role in the biological chain of life, contributing to the health
By Zona Forsyth and Lesa Jones “A rose must remain with the sun and the rain or it’s lovely promise won’t come true.” …. Ray Evans In our last post we talked about the historical significance of the rose over the centuries. In this segment we will discuss their
By Lesa Jones “Of all the flowers, methinks a rose is best.” …. William Shakespeare I just love roses. Contemplating the addition of roses to my garden has led me to a decision, despite residing in a deer-populated area without any protective fencing around the property. My aim has always been
“In nature nothing exists alone” …. Rachel Carson When I first moved to Sweden from Southern California, I was so excited because I was finally living in a climate that I could grow two of my favorite flowers; Tulips and Peony. The first year I ordered 50 Tulips to add to
Author: Zona Forsyth “Lavender is the Soul of Provence” …. Jean Giono Lavender (Lavandula ssp.) is one my favorite perennials because of its’ beauty and versatility in and around your home and garden. Lavender is thought to have originated from the Mediterranean regions in and around modern-day Greece and Africa and
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” ….Warren Buffett Planning a garden can be very exciting, especially when you are out at the nursery selecting your trees, shrubs and flowers, anticipating the day you can plant your garden and enjoy the
Citrus trees make a great potted plant.
Some of my favorite trees in the yard are the Christmas trees we purchased. I have an Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens and Atlas Blue Cedar. There are also some Cedrus atlantica that have become striking focal trees in my yard that were selected one year as Christmas trees from my
The fall color has always been one of my favorite natural phenomena. It is a topic of discussion annually. There are those that will drive hours to go and sit in a field of spring wildflowers and they are the same folks that will drive to see the fall colors.
“As long as Autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see” ...Vincent Van Gogh. As I sit on the deck sipping my morning coffee and overlooking the Baltic Sea, it is the beginning of fall. As the fresh crisp air