Spring Flowers

It has been an odd Spring here in North Carolina with heavy rains and wild temperature swings, not to mention the usual yellow fog of pine pollen that smothers the area for 2 or 3 weeks each year.  I was concerned that the frequent swings between 70's-80's and freezing temps would put a damper on...

Pineapple Sage

One of my favorite plants in our yard is a Pineapple Sage.  I bought a tiny 4" pot of this beautiful herb about 5 years ago and it has been my Autumn delight ever since.   Here it is in situ in what we call the Bird Bed out back (so named for the feeders):...

Back in Black! The World’s Most Amazing Black Rat Snake

Most days I truly enjoy where I live.  I feel blessed to have such a beautiful view out my kitchen window, and I love spending time on either the screened porch, the covered deck or the paver patio out back.  A tremendous sense of peace fills my soul as I watch the birds flitter about...

Lenten Roses – Harbingers of Prettier Things to Come

I'd never heard of Lenten Roses (Hellebores) before I moved to the South where they are fairly popular.  You can buy full sized plants in bloom at nurseries for $15 to $25, or if you are a more patient sort (and cheap, like me!) you can mail-order small rooted divisions for considerably less.  A few...