April 2024

When I was growing up just south of Boston, we would always say “April showers bring May flowers.” That was New Englanders’ way of recognizing the often cool and rainy early Spring, but with hope for glorious days of sun and blooming flowers ahead.  READ MORE

Howdy, y'all! Don Nicholas here, saddle-sore but with a heart as big as a Texas sunset, ready to spill the beans about my recent wild romp through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin.  READ MORE

Ah, the innocent beginnings of a seed-starter tray on your counter, basking in the sunlight. Until, oops! You forgot to label them. Now, you're stuck in a game of "Guess That Herb" until those seedlings decide to sprout.  READ MORE

April showers bring May flowers” is a proverb that dates at least to 1560. That is, more or less. The 16th-century version was “Aprell sylver showers so sweet/Can make May flowers to sprynge.”  READ MORE

I know that some (OK—most to all) of you think that this stuff is funny, because it meets the Mel Brooks definition: “If I personally fall into an open manhole, it’s tragedy; but if somebody else does, it’s comedy;” but meanwhile, I’m the one falling into the manholes. Oy!  READ MORE

Oh, how people in ancient times revered this slender green spear, not just for its delightful taste and impressive health properties but also for its mystical connection to the world of bodily functions.  READ MORE

It happens every year. Every Spring. I forget all my failures. I forget the tomato seedlings that cooked in the cold frame last May. I forget the waves of weeds that took over in August.  READ MORE

Ever since I was little, I have loved the phrase, "April showers bring May flowers." It reminds me of the rejuvenation that comes each year.  READ MORE

As I take a stroll down memory lane, tracing the footsteps of my hydrangea-filled past, I am reminded that some loves are truly perennial.  READ MORE

Hello, fellow fruit enthusiasts! While I've got a soft spot for a plethora of fruits, there's a fruity affair in my life that's almost a daily celebration—blueberries!  READ MORE

Kumquats—those cute, golden nuggets bursting with flavor! In Chinese, they're dubbed "golden orange," and boy, do they live up to the name.  READ MORE

Why was it so hard for that tomato plant to win my love? Allow me to peel back the layers of this garden tale. Picture a Southern gentleman torn between his devotion to sun-ripened tomatoes and his aversion to gardening.  READ MORE

In the bustling market checkout line, I found myself cradling crimson stalks that could easily be mistaken for red celery. Cue the classic query: "What do you do with that?"  READ MORE

Engaging in gardening imparts various life lessons, but it also offers practical insights. I've encountered some harsh realities about certain vegetables, and it's time to candidly address them.  READ MORE

In the heart of a quaint town, where stone walls held stories, and ancient fields whispered secrets, my 12-year-old self embarked on a journey both ordinary and extraordinary.  READ MORE

In the heart of our bustling city, hidden between towering skyscrapers, exists a magical oasis—the enchanting garden of Maggie and Sophia. Maggie, a retiree with a heart full of stories, was known throughout the neighborhood for her lush haven.  READ MORE

When my brother hit the ripe age of 40, he decided to add a dash of cluck to his daily routine by becoming a chicken farmer. Now, mind you, this wasn't your typical mid-life crisis; it was a feathered journey toward genuine fulfillment, with a side order of the freshest eggs in town.  READ MORE

This year marks the jubilant return of Aquilegia canadensis, commonly known as the columbine, to our little patch of Earth, and the joy it brings is immeasurable.  READ MORE

In the quaint backdrop of my rural nursery, a captivating saga unfolded—a clash of wills between a determined gardener, a cunning squirrel, and the unyielding quest for the perfect tomato.  READ MORE

Once upon a time, in the quaint town of Evergreen, Scarlett and Karl stood at the forefront of a green revolution. Their vision for a sustainable future echoed through the serene streets, where gardens bloomed, and community members embraced the call for change.  READ MORE

Welcome to the enchanting world of Fairy Garden Tales! I'm delighted to share with you a glimpse into the first chapter of this magical journey.  READ MORE

Packed to the brim with tips, tricks, and tantalizing tidbits about these magnificent blooms, this guide is an absolute must-have for anyone looking to elevate their gardening game.  READ MORE

Authored and illustrated by the exceptionally talented Christy Page, this book promises to whisk you away to a realm of magic, wonder, and heartwarming tales that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.  READ MORE

I extend to you a warm welcome to embark with me on a journey through the enchanting world of horticulture woven into the fabric of our latest anthology, The Magic of Gardening.  READ MORE

Once upon a time, in the rolling hills of Italy, where vineyards stretched as far as the eye could see, and nonnas ruled the kitchen with wooden spoons as scepters, the tale of Italian Wedding Soup was born.  READ MORE

The sun hung low in the Tuscan sky, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling landscape. Nestled among the rolling hills was Il Giardino Segreto, an enchanting Italian country-style restaurant renowned for its commitment to farm-to-table dining.  READ MORE

As the golden sun began its gentle ascent over the cliffs of Positano, casting a warm glow on the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, I found myself perched on the terrace of a charming hotel.  READ MORE

Once upon a time, in the heart of Tuscany, I found myself falling head over heels for a dish that seemed to be chasing me across continents.  READ MORE

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the cliffs and the sparkling Mediterranean below, I found myself winding along the narrow roads of southern Italy.  READ MORE