The plants have no idea of the virus that looms over us. They are simply carrying on, pushing onward and upward. Their presence, the delight they bring, is helping to calm our souls, give us something other than hand washing and mask wearing ( we are doing both!) and ‘mission accomplished’ trips to the store from being, always, in the very forefront of our minds. The woodland landscape here at the nursery is filled with bird chatter and bee activity and new blooms and texture. A feast. A bounty. A world enchanted. Here are a few quick snaps of plants catching our eye at the moment…be well and safe dear friends!

Cypripedium parviflorum

Hydrastis canadense

In The Gardens

Cypripedium parviflorum var. makasin

Finally some rain today and this is a blessing. June has been lovely…warm and dry, with a bit of wind, which keeps the black flies and mosquitoes at bay. No complaints really, but it does mean that we spend a good part of our day watering pots in the nursery. Of course, we set up the sprinker system, but often need to shut it off when customers are here. During the heat of August, they may be asking us to keep it on. Please?! Try and imagine our grown up Fernwood customers abandoning their intent to find the perfect hosta and running through the sprinklers instead. It could happen, and if it does we’ll get photos and be sure to write a blog post about it! Though for today, we will be relieved of this one chore of watering, and the plants will get a good natural soaking.
The ladyslippers are either opening or opened. The yellow ladyslippers always catch people’s eye. They are certainly a favorite and the small ‘slippers’ are unique among flowers. We like them the best in the early morning when the dew is still on them. Sweet. What else is blooming?

Azealea

Azalea

azalea

The azaleas are also blooming and gorgeous . Also the thalictrum and a large patch of senecio.

Thalictrum

Senecio

In the vegetable garden, the very last of the carrots were sown…just before the rain. Some winter squash and another planting of greens. The first crop of spinach will be harvested and frozen. Often we make several spanakopitas ( greek spinach pie made with feta cheese and phyllo dough) with the fresh spinach, save one for dinner, and freeze the rest. In mid winter it’s nice to reach into the deep freeze and pull out a greek pie all ready to bake.
The broccoli is beginning to form heads and the tatsoi and pak choi need picking before they bolt. In some ways it has been a late spring and the coolness has prolonged the growth of some things….tomatoes and peppers would appreciate a little more heat and a little more sun. In the meantime, we are happy for the things that enjoy the cooler temperatures and we will have to wait for the rest.
One last photo of those wonderful primula that continue to be a showstopper in the bed along the drive. This one taken looking directly down onto the flower……such great patterns in nature!