Despite record high temperatures last week-end, 88 on Sunday, fall is coming. The low of 39 (with scattered frost) two weeks ago was evidence of impending autumn-ness. And the day length is likewise very telling. Even with idiotic daylight savings time, it’s nearly dark by 7 in the evening and remains dark in the morning until well after 7:30. Not that I have an opinion on daylight savings time. I hear it’s great for golfers. FORE! Anyhow. The point is, it’s feeling a bit like fall no matter what the temperature may be one day or when the sun rises or sets. You can see the evidence, as well.

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Filed under: Art and Nature Park, Horticulture

Let’s cut to the chase. If I don’t do this who will? I can now call myself an “award winning writer”. I recently attended the Garden Writers Association’s annual meeting in Dallas, Texas (more about the actual event later, Jimmy Turner). This meeting is where Garden Writers gives out its Gold Awards. And the good news is….. I won. I won the 2010 Gold Award Best Electronic Media Writing for my posts on this IMA blog you are reading right now. To say the least, it was quite a thrill.

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Filed under: Horticulture

As Irvin so beautifully illustrated last week, winter has arrived. I have had to break out my heavy coat and glove liners for working in the gardens.  At home, I’ve had to light the furnace and there have been “three-cat-nights.”  But if I see one more Snuggie or Dreamie commercial , I’ll scream. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Horticulture

Frost has come to the gardens both here at the IMA and at home. This can be seen as an act of horrid evil wretchedness or finally sweet deliverance depending on one’s mood or moods. As stated in an earlier post I can be found experiencing both moods simultaneously. But while the frost brings a certain part of the garden to an end at the same time it brings another whole dimension of gardening to life – fall color.

Even though I miss my gaudy tropicals terribly I know their demise means the autumnal show is ready to start. And who doesn’t love a good show? Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Horticulture, Musings

This coming Saturday is National Tree Hugger Day. That’s October 17. In the current mood of people embracing all things green and sustainable it seems only right we have a National Tree Hugger Day. This event is not just for tree hugger extremist but rather an opportunity for all of us to show a little appreciation for these plants that bring so much joy into our lives. Not sure how to hug a tree? Here’s a little instructional video.

See? Wasn’t that easy to understand? I bet you are already half way out the door to find a tree to hug. Well go ahead. You can come back later to finish this blog.

Now I could go on and on about how much carbon trees soak up, or how they lower the temperatures especially in urban areas, or how they increase the value of your home. But really, does everything in nature have to do something for us or have economic value as a prerequisite for us to care about it? Can’t we just appreciate the trees for what they are? Do you hug your family and friends so you can get close enough to rummage through their pockets for a few dollars? Really people. I’ll stop ranting now.

A musical interlude to calm my nerves.

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Filed under: Current Events, Horticulture