Nancy Marie Allen

April 16, 2019January 26, 2020

Astounding Alliums

Alliums are a diverse group of flowering onions which are care-free and resistant to rodents, rabbits, and deer. They thrive in full sun but will tolerate a bit of shade. Valued by gardeners for adding stately drama to the garden, they are also beloved by pollinators. If that isn’t enough to excite you, alliums are wonderful in cut flower arrangements and the dried seed heads remain accents in the garden long after the blooms fade. They’ve been grown in cottage gardens dating back to the 16th century and many heirloom varieties are still available today.

Alliums (Eden Brothers) — Tall Globe Alliums (Photo courtesy Eden Brothers)

Most of us are familiar with the tall globe alliums, those large purple flower balls so popular in spring landscape plantings. These somewhat alien-looking spheres grow from bulbs planted in the fall. Foliage emerges in early spring and then dies back as the giant flowers appear like reverse punctuation marks amongst late tulips and spring perennials. Combined with white Ornithogalum Magnum and Lady’s Mantle, the effect is magical. When planting, be sure to tuck allium bulbs behind perennials that will hide the dying foliage. Tall globe alliums come in different shades of purple as well as white and grow 36 to 48″ tall in hardiness zones 5 to 8.

Allium Garden — Alliums with Lady’s Mantle and Ornithogalum Magnum (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Allium Christophii, also known as Star of Persia, tops my list as the star of my bulb garden. In early June, the 8 to 10-inch silvery-violet blooms absolutely sparkle in the garden! Although not as tall as the more well-known globe alliums, the huge blooms have the appearance of flower fireworks, immediately drawing one’s attention. The color and form blend perfectly with roses and peonies, but the most wonderful thing about Allium Christophii is that the giant flower heads dry perfectly right on the stem and last for weeks after blooming, thus extending the show into summer. Allium Christophii is a robust plant that grows 18 to 24″ tall and is suited for hardiness zones 4 to 8.

Allium Christophii (Ashridge Trees) — Allium Christophii sparkles in the border (Photo courtesy Ashridge Trees)

Allium Christophii combines well with roses (Photo courtesy Scott Aboretum)

Allium Christophii Close-Up (Photo courtesy Harts Nursery)

Looking for an allium that blooms late season? The common garlic chive is usually found in the herb garden since you can use the mild-tasting garlicky leaves and flowers in cooking. When added to the perennial border, however, the long-lasting soft white blooms add late summer into fall interest along with asters, sedum, purple coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans. Be prepared for a lot of buzz as these little flowers will attract a variety of bees and butterflies to your garden! The seed heads also remain visually interesting well into fall but you’ll want to remove these at the end of the season or the plants can aggressively self-sow. Garlic chives are about 20″ tall and are easy to grow in hardiness zones 3 to 10.

garlic chives (Kraut Source) — Late-blooming Garlic Chives (Photo courtesy Kraut Source)

I hope I’ve encouraged you to try alliums in your garden. There are many to choose from and, once you’ve planted the bulbs, you’ll enjoy the stunning flowers for years to come as they slowly multiply and enhance the beauty of your garden!

Allium Christophii combines well with roses (Scott Aboretum) — Allium Christophii with Roses (Photo courtesy Scott Arboretum)

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April 9, 2019January 26, 2020

Common Sense Gardening

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything” – William Shakespeare

girl and puppy sitting on green grass surrounded with shrubs during daytime — Photo by Leah Kelley on Pexels.com

Spring requires a lot of energy! With all the outside work to be done over the next few weeks, I sometimes long for a little more “spirit of youth” in myself. On a fair day, it comes back to me in the form of unbounded enthusiasm for working in the yard. The April sun calls to me but once I’m outside working, reality sets in as my body reminds me of my age. Still, loving gardening as I do, the work goes on, albeit at a slower pace.

yellow flowering green plants — Photo by Hoang Le on Pexels.com

Sunday being sunny and mild, my husband and I planted two gallon-sized lilac shrubs in an area we can see from our kitchen. The heaviest work of digging the planting holes and removing rocks fell to my husband, while I did my share of pot hauling, back-filling with soil and watering in. This new garden is a work in progress, including a vegetable patch and perennials, into which we are slowly incorporating some shrubs to gradually blend everything in with the taller trees beyond. Although we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves working outside on this beautiful spring day and could have kept going, we chose to respect our age and wisely left other projects for another day. This is our “common sense” gardening approach and really our approach to everything these days – do what you can on a given day but don’t overdo it!

garden mulch farsai-chaikulngamdee-317437-unsplash — Photo by Farsai Chaikulngamdee on Unsplash.com

When I think about common sense gardening and working smarter, I’m reminded of that famous garden sage, Ruth Stout. Born in Kansas in 1884, Ruth moved to a country setting in New York State when she married at age 18. She knew nothing about gardening but instantly fell in love with the rural landscape which included apple trees and fragrant lilacs. After hiring someone with a plow to turn over the soil, she planted a vegetable patch, gardening the same way everyone else did at that time. One year in April when the man hadn’t arrived in time to plow, she decided that maybe there was an easier way to garden without turning over the soil at all.

Ruth’s revolutionary gardening method was to plant everything in layers of mulch with no digging needed. As the straw and hay mulch decomposed, the nutrients fed the plants, requiring no other fertilizer. Amazingly, everything that she planted grew with very little effort! Ruth wrote many popular books based on her “no work” method and gardened this way until her death in 1980 at 96 years old. Although I don’t use her layered garden technique, other than applying a yearly mulch, I will always have great respect for her common sense approach to gardening and life.

agriculture basket beets bokeh — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

As we age, it’s hard for us to admit that we can’t do it all anymore. Over the last couple of years, we’ve enlisted the help of landscapers to mulch and edge our large perennial gardens since the sheer effort of accomplishing this task every spring has become daunting. Don’t get me wrong, we are very active Baby Boomers who do a lot of physical work maintaining our home and yard, and we don’t see that stopping anytime soon. We’re not lazy by any means; we’ve just learned the difference between what is easily accomplished on our own and what requires a little help. There’s no shame here, no guilt, and no aching back! Like Ruth Stout, we’ve found an easier way to make it all happen.

beautiful blooming blossom blossoming — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

They say that “slow and steady wins the race,” and I believe that’s really the key to healthy aging. I’ll do what I can, when I can, and be thankful for all I do accomplish. To me, no matter how long it takes, every day spent working in the garden is a gift!

March 29, 2019January 26, 2020

Early Spring Power Perennials

We all have favorite early spring bloomers and, today, I’ll talk about some of mine – three stellar plants that are beautiful, hardy and low maintenance – my criteria for qualifying as “power” perennials!

For most of us right now it’s all about the early blooms of bulbs, but soon enough our sleeping perennials will emerge in a big way. Combining perennials with bulbs is not only beautiful but a great way to keep the garden looking tidy as the growing plants will hide the dying foliage of the bulbs that have come and gone. The earliest perennials will even share the stage with our blooming bulbs and enhance their beauty.

bleeding heart kelly-sikkema-660081-unsplash — Old-fashioned Bleeding Heart (Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash)

One example of such a plant is the classic, old-fashioned Bleeding Heart, so named for the multiple pink heart-shaped blooms that are carried on its graceful arching stems. When planted in compost-rich soil in an area with plenty of morning sun, these plants can grow 2 to 3 feet in height and width. With their large size, they make an impressive statement all on their own but combined with daffodils, tulips, or bluebells, the effect is enchanting! I love the combination of white “Thalia” daffodils with pink Bleeding Heart and a sprinkling of bluebells. The plants will remain robust for many weeks after the early bulbs have bloomed but, in the heat of summer, Bleeding Heart dies back to the ground where it will sleep until the following spring. Because of this, I find it best to plant another perennial nearby that will fill the leftover gap. Hostas, which enjoy similar growing conditions but are slower to emerge in spring, make the perfect summer companions. You can grow Bleeding Heart in US Zones 3 to 9 and they’re deer and rabbit resistant.

Heuchera Black Taffeta Wayside Gardens — Heuchera “Black Taffeta” shines next to bright greens (Photo courtesy Wayside Gardens)

The second early power perennial on my list is the Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells. Growing in popularity every year, these tough little plants come in color variations too numerous to mention, from the deepest purple to the brightest yellow-green! They sport tiny flowers on dainty spikes throughout the summer months but it’s the color of the foliage that makes these plants shine in pots and borders. In my Zone 6 garden, heucheras remain evergreen and are one of the first perennials to spring back every year! On the smaller side at 12 to 18 inches in height and width, heucheras look stunning grouped together at the feet of larger perennials, especially with a contrasting or complementary color. I use heuchera “Lime Rickey” nestled around cimicifuga “Hillside Black Beauty” to make both colors pop. They prefer afternoon shade but can take more sun if kept evenly moist. Heucheras grow best in US Zones 4 to 8 and are deer and rabbit resistant.

Candytuft ToGoGarden iberis-sempervirens-snowcone — Candytuft Close-Up (Photo courtesy ToGoGarden)

Looking for some eye candy? Candytuft or Iberis is another old-fashioned plant that remains evergreen in my garden and blooms for weeks with masses of pure white flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, these low-growing plants prefer rocky, well-drained soil and are perfect for use in rock gardens along with creeping phlox, rock cress, “Basket of Gold” alyssum and colorful spring bulbs. They grow anywhere from 6 to 10 inches tall and spread 12 to 30 inches depending upon the cultivar. After blooming, I like to remove the spent flowers and enjoy the dark green foliage through the rest of the season. Candytuft prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade, especially in hot areas. Drought-tolerant once established and also deer resistant, they can be grown in US Zones 3 to 9.

nature flowers plant spring — Cheerful Pansy Faces (Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com)

April to mid-May is the perfect time of year to visit local nurseries where only the hardiest plants have been moved outside, all ready for gardens and pots. This is a great way to find early blooming perennials to fill out your spring garden including the fine plants mentioned above. And don’t forget to add some cheerful pansies and violas while you’re at it!

Potted Perennials in Spring — Sweet Alyssum, Heuchera, and Violas in Early Spring Pots (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

March 25, 2019January 26, 2020

The Power of Fragrance

With the advent of spring, I’ve been treated to many beautiful flower photos on social media while, in my own garden, the earliest bulbs are just beginning to waken from their winter’s rest. Over the next couple of weeks, the garden will come alive with tiny blooms while their sweet fragrance will once again fill the air.

flowers plant spring macro — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The first emerging spring flowers such as Snowdrops, Chionodoxa, Puschkinia, and Crocus may be small in appearance but they can be big on fragrance. Since you would have to be at ground level to catch their delicate scents, many people miss them altogether. To capture this fleeting essence of early spring, I like to cut some of these little gems and place them in vases inside where their soft colors and subtle fragrances can be enjoyed close-up.

selective focus photography of yellow flowers — Photo by David Jakab on Pexels.com

As I take it all in, I know it’s just the beginning of many weeks of delightful garden scents as Daffodils, Hyacinth, Tulips, Lily of the Valley and Alliums make their debut! Soon, the fragrances of blooming shrubs and perennials will envelop us. One only has to take a walk on a warm spring day to fall under this intoxicating aromatic spell; all around, fragrance permeates the air!

relax old rest book — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

There are many scents that I enjoy this time of year, but if I could pick just one flower that speaks to me most powerfully, it would be the Lilac. Here in New England, it’s hard to find a yard that doesn’t include at least one lilac shrub. Many people have several different colors and some properties even boast lilac hedges. It’s a perennial favorite and for good reason – there is simply nothing else like the fragrance of lilacs!

white lilac veri-ivanova-17534-unsplash — White Lilac (Photo courtesy Veri Ivanova – Unsplash)

More than any other flower, lilacs hold the magical power to transport me to another time and place. The scent carries sweet associations of my childhood as I envision the white and purple blooms by the back porch, my mother filling a vase for the house or my little self carrying a small bouquet to school. It’s the fragrance of many cherished memories!

close up photography of pink roses under sunny sky — Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

The romantic scent of Roses also has a powerful effect on me, carrying me back to a gentler time when ladies wore long flowing dresses and carried parasols to protect their fair skin from the sun. My mind conjures up images of Downton Abbey, the grand entrance filled with huge oriental vases, all overflowing with fragrant English roses. Thanks in part to the efforts of breeder David Austin, the romance of rose growing has resurged in recent years and it’s easy to find roses of many colors everywhere you buy plants. Once you’ve added fragrant roses to your garden, you will never again want to be without them!

girl sitting on grass smelling white petaled flower — Photo by Tetyana Kovyrina on Pexels.com

The next time you pass a beautiful bloom, go ahead and give it a deep sniff. Take the time to stop and smell the flowers! It may surprise you to find out that many plants we don’t typically think of as fragrant carry their own sweet scents such as Pansies, Violas, Iris, Astilbes, Daylilies, and even some Hostas. This year, try incorporating some fragrant flowers into your gardens or outdoor pots and experience what the power of fragrance can do for you!

March 20, 2019January 26, 2020

Springing Into Action

Although I wait all winter for spring to arrive, it always seems to catch me off-guard. I find myself bubbling with enthusiasm for just about everything yet it’s hard for me to focus. There are so many things I want to do in spring, so much waiting for me to accomplish, that sometimes it’s a little overwhelming.

I have to admit that I make a lot of demands on myself in caring for my house and gardens. Creating and maintaining the “look” that I want, inside and out, takes a lot of time and effort. As I get older my energy wanes but my desire to do it all does not and so I must seek inspiration to help spur me into taking action.

Front Door with Peonies 6-11-17 — The Front Garden in Early June (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Since there’s still snow on the ground, I have to put gardening aside for warmer days and focus on the house chores, but where to begin? Yesterday, after walking from room to room and reminding myself of all that needs to be done, I decided to pick just one task and see it through. Maybe that would provide me with the all-important impetus to begin my spring cleaning.

Living room with Plant Stand (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

My chosen project was a bit odd but one I will share nonetheless. For about 20 years I’ve had a fragrant jasmine in my living room which eventually grew so large that it wound itself around the top of the plant stand it called home. Sadly, this beloved plant decided to give up on life this winter and I had been watching the slow and steady decline over many weeks. The leaves had begun to yellow and crisp, there were no signs of new life, and I had to face the fact that my jasmine was finally done with this world. I mourned the loss of my old friend but was forced to make funeral arrangements!

night blooming jasmine — My Once Night-Blooming Jasmine (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Clearing off all my other plants from the stand, I grabbed my trusty pruners and cut the main trunk of the jasmine; the winding branches soon followed it into a large plastic bag to be composted later. Once the plant was removed, I vacuumed the surrounding floor of debris and tackled cleaning the plant stand until it sparkled. After returning the other plants to their home, even they looked brighter.

plant stand 1 — The vacancy will be filled with more plants (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Completing this small task, and one that I had been putting off for weeks, gave me such a sense of accomplishment! I had faced something unpleasant that needed to be done and made it through. I immediately started thinking about what other plants would fill that space to create a similar look. I was energized and inspired! And I think that’s what spring is really all about for me – that inspiration, that renewed joy of living! Once it strikes, there’s no stopping me, and the next few weeks will be a whirlwind of activity as I celebrate this wondrous season by once again springing into action!

I hope this first day of spring has brought you some inspiration as well!

birdbath 20 March — The calendar says spring but outside in the garden there’s still snow (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

March 15, 2019January 21, 2020

Jungle Love

“I met you on somebody’s island
You thought you had known me before
I brought you a crate of papaya
Then waited all night by your door”

“Jungle Love, it’s drivin’ me mad, it’s makin’ me crazy . . .” (from the song by the Steve Miller Band)

Pine Island Trees — Palm Trees Mingle with Pines on Florida’s Pine Island (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

On a recent trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast, my daughter and I were fortunate to make Pine Island our home base. Friends of my daughter’s graciously put us up in their guest cottage while also sharing gourmet meals and the use of their car for nearby day trips. It was a dream vacation and, upon arrival at this lush tropical paradise, I was instantly struck with jungle love!

Our hosts’ six acres of land in the village of Bokeelia was covered with palms, mangoes, bananas, coconuts, the ubiquitous pines and much more, some trees happily sharing their branches with air plants, hanging moss and the bright blooms of orchids. Bold bromeliads of many shapes and sizes covered the ground with a sizzle of hot color, while overhead, circling birds constantly filled the clear blue sky. A neighbor’s towering pine held a pair of huge nesting Ospreys at its very top, each parent taking turns flying off to bring back food for their young. There was such an abundance of vegetation and bird life that it was hard to take it all in, and this old Yankee gal was always finding something new to gawk at.

Pine Island Bromeliads — Bromeliads are Common Florida Landscape Plants (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Pine Island is definitely off the beaten tourist trail and not what most people expect when you mention a Florida vacation. The largest island of Florida’s west coast, its 18-mile length is partially framed by Mangroves whose myriad tangled roots provide a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. As the name implies, there are pine trees everywhere, and although there is plenty of water all around, there are no sandy beaches. It’s this lack of beaches that keeps most tourists away and helps Pine Island maintain its remote jungle wildness.

No Beaches but Plenty of Water Views (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Just a short drive down the road in Matlacha (Mat-la-shay) are galleries, shops, cottages and restaurants, all brightly painted to complement the canal and water views. Although much more touristy than Bokeelia, the area has a laid-back retro feel to it, and life progresses at a leisurely walking pace. The fresh tropical salads and seafood served here, such as Grouper and Mullet, were especially delicious!

MatlachaStreetView625X_edited-1 — Colorful Matlacha Shops and Galleries (Photo courtesy Authentic Florida)

We took several short day trips off the Island which included visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers and the enchanting islands of Sanibel and Cayo Costa. Our last full day was spent at the Naples Botanical Garden where we were wowed by 170 acres of tropical beauty including the largest orchid garden in the continental United States.

Sanibel Island Beach — The White Sand and Aquamarine Water of Sanibel Island (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Although I wanted to share my experience of staying on Pine Island, I was also hesitant to write about it. Just like its residents, I don’t want this pristine tropical island to be ruined by development. As people continue to move to Florida in droves, I wonder how long this remarkable place will retain its tranquil wildness. I can only hope it will be for a long time yet to come.

Red Orchid — One of Many Striking Orchids at the Naples Botanical Garden (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Special thanks to our hosts, Ana and Steve, who made this trip not only possible but oh so enjoyable. Good night, Pine Island!

Pine Island Sunset (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

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March 3, 2019January 26, 2020

The Promise of Spring

Spring is the season of promise! There’s something in the air, redolent of fresh growth as early flower bulbs cautiously poke through warming soil and buds swell with new life on shrubs and trees. There’s something in the increasing strength of sunlight and, yes, even in our outlook as March makes herself known. There’s something that tells us it cannot be long now!

red flower bouquet on brown leather boots during snow weather — Photo by Alena Koval on Pexels.com

It’s the promise of spring that beckons us outdoors in spite of the cold. We can sense life quickening just under the snow, waiting for the right conditions of warmth and sunlight to make its appearance once again. Soon the birds will break into vigorous song, the world will blossom with rebirth, and our hearts will be uplifted! But right now, at least here in New England, the promise of spring is really all we have to hold onto for we are still firmly held in winter’s grip.

personal organizer and pink flowers on desk — Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

The calendar tells us one thing, but it’s always a long and tiresome wait for spring to finally make her grand entrance. We watch daily for signs that things are progressing as they should but somehow the change never comes fast enough. Spring takes her time, ever a cautious driver who feels safest in the slow lane!

adorable animal bloom blossom — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I understand why so many people take trips this time of year. Not only does getting away from the cold rejuvenate us but, while we are away, we imagine spring already coming around and getting ready to greet us on our return home. Although that usually doesn’t happen and we descend from the plane back into the wintry world we left just a few days before, we remain hopeful that warm and sunny weather will soon follow.

yellow tulip flower during daytime — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

And so I leave you, dear reader, while I take my own get-away trip this week to Florida. The warmth of the sun will heal my winter-weary soul and all that lush tropical greenery will inspire me with its beauty. When I return, I’ll resume my patient wait for all of the pleasures that make up spring in my neck of the woods. It cannot be long now!

February 25, 2019January 26, 2020

Gardens Lost and Found

I have always lived with gardens and throughout my life I’ve enjoyed an ongoing series of gardens lost and found.

Bond Street — My childhood home had a large enclosed back yard and garden (Old Photo)

The earliest memories of my childhood home revolve around the large perennial garden my mother tended in our backyard. Most of the plants had been growing there for years before our family moved in but my mother happily adopted them as well as adding many of her favorites including Lupine. My father loved planting vegetables such as green beans and tomatoes in another small garden patch. A row of large hostas that he planted in the front of the house survive to this day and still bloom every September, almost 66 years later! In addition, we had fragrant white and purple lilacs growing by the back porch and a pink rhododendron that grew so large it was the envy of the neighborhood! I can see my parents even now, planting and picking flowers and vegetables, cherishing every minute while they worked their own little bit of heaven on earth!

Old Garden 6 — Some garden magic – a robin’s nest hidden in a clematis vine (Photo by Walter Allen)

When my first husband and I bought a house in the same seaside town, it wasn’t long before we started gardens of our own. The yard was small but we used all the available space to create a vegetable garden and several little flower gardens. It was here that I first started planting bulbs and roses, squeezing in more and more plants every year. Although I took pleasure in other hobbies, gardening had become my first love and there was nothing I enjoyed more!

15 Revere Street — Our first home and yard were small but we still had gardens (Photo courtesy Realtor.com)

Twenty years later I moved with my second husband to another town about 25 miles from the coast. This was a very different setting with two acres of heavily wooded land and lots of room for gardens! We created a large, fenced-in area for growing vegetables but, over the years, I filled it with flowers and shrubs as well. Rubbing shoulders with the vegetables were lilacs, hydrangeas, roses, peonies, clematis, and honeysuckle. An asparagus patch filled one end of the garden while a pea trellis and tomato stakes dominated the space at the opposite end. The center was filled with nasturtiums, herbs, kale, zucchini, and eggplant amongst others. Even though the surrounding tall trees cast afternoon shadows, the garden had enough sunlight for the plants to flourish and was a sight to behold in high summer!

Boxford — Our new home had space for lots of gardens, front and back (Photo by Walter Allen)

We continued to live in garden bliss until, late in the summer of 2016, disaster struck in the form of a new septic system. The old system dated back to 1964 and was literally crumbling in upon itself. It had to be replaced but doing so also meant digging up the entire back yard with our beloved vegetable garden situated in the exact center!

Old Garden 5 — Chickadees nesting on the garden pea trellis in early May (Photo by Walter Allen)

In the brief window of time before the work started, we managed to save many perennials by potting them up. Briefly, we thought of saving the shrubs we had lovingly cared for. I say “briefly” because the sheer effort and cost involved in digging up and relocating each mature shrub was daunting and more than we could handle. Sadly, I had to face the fact that many of my garden plants were soon to become casualties of war. When the heavy equipment rolled into the yard and we were left with a huge gaping hole, I mourned that garden like the loss of an old friend!

Old Garden 3 — The old garden was carpeted with salt hay and had plenty of room (Photo by Walter Allen)

Because I simply cannot live without a garden, you might have guessed there’s a happy ending to my tale. The following spring my husband and I began a new garden to take the old one’s place. Wisely deciding against building atop the new septic system, we chose a narrow but sunny site next to our kitchen. I was able to replant the saved perennials in one area while still leaving plenty of space for a few favorite vegetables. The overall garden space was much smaller but provided easier access right off our kitchen deck; it would also be much more manageable in size for us aging Boomers.

Boxford Back Yard — Garden gone – nothing but a lawn is left of our previous vegetable garden (Photo by Walter Allen)

This year I will begin replacing some of those wonderful shrubs that once filled our yard. I’ve already ordered Hydrangea paniculata “Little Lime,” Honeysuckle “Gold Flame,” and Rose “Coral Cove.” These smaller-sized shrubs won’t dwarf the new garden and will add color and texture all season. What was once lost will be found again. I just can’t wait to get planting!

Veggie Garden August 2018 — Our new vegetable garden last July (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

February 18, 2019January 26, 2020

The Gift of Time

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about time and the power it wields over us. We can’t feel or see time; it’s intangible and formless, yet it defines our lives.

man and child walking near bushes during daytime — Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

We all share universal phrases about time: What time is it? Is there enough time? It’s time for a change. I’ll get to it when I have time. Time for bed. Time to go to work. Look at the time! Time’s running out . . .

And it’s that last one that scares us the most. As we age into our 60’s and beyond, is there anyone amongst us who doesn’t think about how much time we have left? Like my husband is fond of saying, “There’s more sand now at the bottom of the hourglass than at the top.” Time is outside of our control; we are forced to continually move forward in time knowing there are no brakes we can apply to stop it!

shallow focus of clear hourglass — Photo by Jordan Benton on Pexels.com

It frightens us to think about running out of time because when our time ends, we end – at least in the physical sense. But what happens after our time on earth ends? Many of us believe there is something more on the other side, an afterlife free of pain and suffering, an afterlife free of the constraints of time!

angel art black and white clouds — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

But what can we do right now to make the best of our time here on earth? As we grow older, our priorities change because the time we have left becomes so very precious. As the sand of life slips through the hourglass, how will we spend that remaining time?

close up of tree against sky — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In retirement, I’ve made a choice to enjoy my remaining time by doing what I love but also by giving and receiving love. Love empowers us; the more love we give, the more we receive and the more fulfilled our lives become. Love is really our only weapon against the ravages of time for love transcends time, making life worth living!

baby child father fingers — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Although it’s become a cliche to “live in the moment,” the present is all we really have. By opening our hearts to love each day, we can alter our perception of time and maybe even learn to finally embrace it as the priceless gift it truly is!

February 10, 2019January 27, 2020

Winter Houseplant Spa

SET A DATE FOR HOUSEPLANT PAMPERING

Late winter is the perfect time to treat your houseplants to a rejuvenating “spa” day. Just like us, plants get winter-weary and experience their own form of cabin fever. Many were brought back into the house last autumn after a luxurious, moisture-laden summer vacation and for months now they’ve survived with little natural light, no fertilizer, and desert-dry heated air – not exactly favorable conditions for most plants. By February, your houseplants are ready for some serious pampering.

PLUMP THEM UP WITH HYDRATION

The first step toward rejuvenation is to thoroughly wash and rehydrate your plants while trying to emulate a soaking summer shower. Small plants can easily be brought to the kitchen sink where the leaves should be gently but thoroughly sprayed with tepid water, top and bottom, washing off winter dust and grime, while larger plants can be placed in the shower or tub. If you have any plants that are too large to move, simply clean each leaf with a damp cloth. Take the time to inspect each plant for insects or disease and remove any dead foliage. While you’re at it, scrub the pots and saucers clean of any dirt or slime. After the leaves are clean, wet the soil (again with tepid water) until the pot is heavy and you can see water draining from the bottom. Alternatively, you can soak the pots in a water-filled sink or tub for an hour; just fill to cover about 3/4 of the pot size. In either case, it’s important to let all the excess water drain away from the plants so that the soil doesn’t become soggy. Remember, you want to hydrate, not drown!

beck-house-plant-bath-720px — Houseplant Bath (Photo courtesy Fafard Container Gardening Archives )

TIME FOR A HEALTHY SNACK

Once your plants have been sufficiently hydrated, you may want to start fertilizing again. I always stop fertilizing in October and let my plants “rest” during the darkest months when growth slows to a crawl. By mid-February, however, the days are growing longer and that extra light translates into growth triggers for many plants. After a long winter’s fast, they’re ready to begin feeding again. I prefer to use a gentle organic fertilizer for my houseplants, like Neptune’s Harvest; the seaweed formula is much less fragrant and therefore better suited to indoor use. Begin a regular feeding schedule but don’t overdo it – think of fertilizer as a healthy snack rather than a six-course meal!

DECISION-MAKING TIME

Now is also the perfect time to take a serious look at your houseplants. Are there any that need a larger or smaller pot? Are there some that are diseased or just doing poorly? Decide what needs repotting in fresh soil and what should be (dare I say it!) discarded. It’s also a good time to begin stem or leaf cuttings from your favorites that you can later share with friends.

heart leafed philodendron — Heart-leafed Philodendron roots easily in water (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

REPOT OR NOT?

When repotting, you can use a good quality all-purpose soil for most houseplants but you can also choose a potting soil specific to a certain plant type such as African violet soil or orchid mix. Bear in mind that plants perform better in the type of soil they prefer. Another important point is to choose the right size pot for your plant and this can be a little more tricky since some plants like to be potbound while others have roots that spread rampantly to fill any space. You may have to do a little internet research for your specific plants but the effort is well worth it; after all, they’ll be living in this environment for a long time and the right conditions can make the difference between thriving and just surviving!

person holding green cactus on pot — Repotting Plants for Spring (Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com)

MOVE THEM AROUND

Now that your plants have been rehydrated, fed or repotted with fresh soil, make sure you place them back into the best light conditions possible, remembering that this time of year the light is growing stronger daily. Orchids tend to burn easily in the bright sunshine of spring so you may want to back them off a little from the ever-strengthening daylight while any potted herbs will be happy to fill that sun-drenched spot. Sometimes just moving a plant to a different location will give it a new lease on life.

Amaryllis and Orchids 2 — Orchids appreciate filtered spring sunlight (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

ENJOY A LITTLE TENDER LOVING CARE

Just as the seasons change outside, conditions inside our homes do, too, so it’s important that we take a little extra care during the year to keep our houseplants happy. All plants love the attention given during a spa day and will respond almost immediately with uplifted foliage and new vigor, looking fabulous again! And now that you’ve finished properly pampering your plants, how about that fragrant Epsom salt soak by candlelight for yourself?