photo bybairli1
Gardens, House and Home

Helping Mums Survive the Winter

stop at Pixabay Chrysanthemums photo by bairli1 I wrote this article which appeared in the Jefferson Gazette in 2023. In the fall, garden centers are filled with rows of colorful Chrysanthemums. This fall bloomer that comes in many shades from burgundy to bronze to bright yellow, creamy whites, pinks and shades of purple, is a… Continue reading Helping Mums Survive the Winter

Travel, Travel Plans

A 7-Day Tour of Pennsylvania’s Botanical Gardens

Read notes about my travel plans here.~This is a 7 day travel agenda that visits some of Pennsylvania's best botanical gardens and arboretums.~This plan is designed to begin on a Saturday in order to accommodate the open/closed days of some establishments.~This plan is intended to be traveled between May and September.~Any prices listed are for… Continue reading A 7-Day Tour of Pennsylvania’s Botanical Gardens

Gardens, Staycation Vacation, Travel

Day trips from northeast Ohio: botanical gardens, arboretums and garden centers

As spring days grow warmer and flowers burst into bloom, botanical gardens and arboretums inspire us with grand ideas for our own yards and garden beds. A half day walk through a garden followed by a visit to a great garden center is a dreamy day trip for anyone who aspires to be a great… Continue reading Day trips from northeast Ohio: botanical gardens, arboretums and garden centers

Gardens, House and Home

Real Gardeners Don’t Dig Cheap Dirt: Saving the Garden Center

Everybody wants a bargain. My gardening friends tell their gardening friends where they found the best price on vegetable and flower seeds. Social media gardeners discuss the cheapest place to buy everything from strawberry plants to decorative clay pots. Before the season of gardening frenzy goes into full swing, I’d like to wave a red… Continue reading Real Gardeners Don’t Dig Cheap Dirt: Saving the Garden Center

OSU Master Garden, Parkinson's Disease

Living with Parkinson’s Disease: Becoming an OSU Master Gardener

I'm not sure when I first heard about the Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) program, but it was many years ago. At the time, I was working full time and taking on another project would have been more than I could have handled. But I loved the idea of it. With its… Continue reading Living with Parkinson’s Disease: Becoming an OSU Master Gardener

Gardens, House and Home

Coexisting with Critters In the Garden

My friends would tell you that I have a beautiful garden. I also have deer, rabbits, raccoons, field mice, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, fox, possum, coyotes, mink, feral cats, birds, moles, voles, turkey, and dogs that a thoughtless neighbor turns loose each night before retiring to his bed. I started a garden as soon as I… Continue reading Coexisting with Critters In the Garden