The Birds And The Bees

Bee on 4th of July Climbing Rose Bush

“Let me tell ya ‘bout the birds and the bees And the flowers and the trees And the moon up above And a thing called ‘Love” Remember the song The Birds & The Bees?  “It was released on Era Records and sung by Jewel Akens in 1964 for whom Akens Continue Reading

Roses, What’s In A Name?

Uncle Joe

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” Juliet                                                             William Shakespeare   What’s in a name? The name of a rose adds to the intrigue and delight of rose gardening. Everyone giggles when they observe Dolly Pardon on the Continue Reading

10 Things To Get Ready for Spring Gardening

Hybrid Tea Rosie O'Donnell Fading

January is inventory month. It’s time to reflect and take stock of things. We anxiously wait for the first robin, a sign that spring is here in the north. I know growing up in northern Illinois was brutal. I can tell you stories of snow so high it covered the Continue Reading

Rose Garden Lullaby

Rose Garden Draped in Snow

Snow blankets all around you, moon glistens like candlelight flickering to warm you. Owls haunt me in the still of the night to dream a little dream of gardens bright. Winds whisper of mystery and wonder as they hold those memories within your silent canes. When I nestle in down Continue Reading