Text and photos ©Nancy J. Ondra
Wow, it’s been crazy around here for the last two weeks. One exciting thing was a very special garden visitor here at Hayefield; more on that in a few days, I think. The other big event was at Linden Hill Gardens in Ottsville, Pennsylvania) this past Saturday evening, where they hosted the wrap-up party for the Perennial Plant Association’s annual conference, which was held in Philadelphia this year. (more…)
Text and photos ©Nancy J. Ondra
Have you ever noticed that other gardeners always have more difficulties than you do? You mention that you have deer/rabbits/voles/Japanese beetles/shade/whatever, and then you hear how the other person has the same problem but much, much worse than you could ever imagine. I’ve noticed that it’s the same with rocks: You grumble about hitting a few rocks when digging a fencepost or trying to plant, and invariably, someone else has more/bigger/harder rocks in their garden. Well, whenever I hear someone complain about rocks in the garden, I have to think that they don’t realize how bad it could be! (more…)
Text and photos ©Nancy J. Ondra
Ah, the rituals of spring: spotting the first green sprout, finding the very first flower, delighting in the first daffodil. And, best of all, plant shopping! I have a few favorite local places for my regular shopping, but at least once each spring, I take a road trip to a place I consider a plant-shopper’s paradise: Black Creek Greenhouses in East Earl, Pennsylvania. Located about a half-mile off of Route 625 in eastern Lancaster County (also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country), this glorious range of greenhouses has it all: a beautifully organized facility, incredible prices, and an amazing selection of both old favorites and cutting-edge new cultivars. So, let’s grab a cart and start shopping! (more…)
Text and photos ©Nancy J. Ondra
Last night, thanks to a very generous friend, I had an opportunity to see the Philadelphia Flower Show. I can’t even remember how long it’s been since my last visit, but I’m sure it’s the first time I’ve seen it in its “new” venue.
