Preparing One's Garden For Winter
In Themes Of War…
Tag: photography
Dahlia: A Nuisance
...a dahlia is a nuisance, because its tubers have to be lifted in autumn, stored in a frost-proof place, started into growth under glass in April, and planted out again at the end of May. -Vita Sackville-West A Joy of Gardening; 1958 I had no idea what a dahlia was when my husband brought home a … Continue reading Dahlia: A Nuisance
Vita’s Wish For Nasturtium…
What about Tropaeolum speciosum, the flame nasturtium, with brilliant red trumpets among the small dark leaves? This is the glory of Scottish gardens... -Vita Sackville-West In Your Garden November 24, 1946 Something rather peculiar happened when I was planning my garden back in April. I knew I wanted to plant seeds, two in particular; the … Continue reading Vita’s Wish For Nasturtium…
Just In Time For Tea
The marvel of Peru, Mirabilis jalapa, is familiarly called four o'clock, because it opens only at tea time and shuts itself up again before breakfast. It is an old-fashioned herbaceous plant, seldom seen now, but quite decorative with its mixed coloring of yellow, white, red, or lilac, sometimes striped or flaked like some carnations. -Vita Sackville-West … Continue reading Just In Time For Tea
What Is A Tussie-Mussie?
A dear neighbor brought me a tussie-mussie this week. The dictionary defines tuzzy-muzzy, or tussie-mussie, as a bunch or posy of flowers, a nosegay, and then disobligingly adds that the word is obsolete. I refuse to regard it as obsolete. It is a charming word; I have always used it and shall continue to use it, … Continue reading What Is A Tussie-Mussie?
Hollyhocks That Grow On Trees?
Spring and summer are well provided with flowering shrubs, but it is a puzzle to know what to grow of a shrubby nature for colour in the late months of July, August, and September. There are the hibiscus (Althea Frutex) which are attractive with their hollyhock-like flowers... -Vita Sackville-West In Your Garden June 25th, 1950 Everyday … Continue reading Hollyhocks That Grow On Trees?
Expeditions: MICHIGAN SUMMER
I write this note far from home, on a not unenviable expedition which involves wandering round other people's gardens. -Vita Sackville-West August 17th, 1947 In Your Garden This summer we have done our usual expeditions. We have gone to the family cottage a couple times on the East side of the state, and also to … Continue reading Expeditions: MICHIGAN SUMMER
Life After Deadheading
My liking for gardens to be lavish is an inherent part of my garden philosophy. I like generosity wherever I find it, whether in gardens or elsewhere. -Vita Sackville-West March 26, 1950 In the quote above she speaks of pruning. From her books I gather that Vita thought pruning in the Spring a foolish way … Continue reading Life After Deadheading
Astilbe & The Romanovs
People often ask what plants are suitable for a shady situation, by which they mean either the north side of a walk or house, or in the shadow cast by trees. There are so many plants that no one need despair. -Vita Sackville-West A Joy of Gardening; 1958 Astilbe and the Romanovs, perhaps that will … Continue reading Astilbe & The Romanovs
Fresh Eyes
Within minutes of arriving Vita was 'flat in love with Sissinghurst'. 'The place, when I first saw it on a spring day... caught instantly at my heart and my imagination. I fell in love at first sight...It was Sleeping Beauty's Garden: but a garden crying out for rescue.' Standing in the middle of the vegetable … Continue reading Fresh Eyes
BRIANNE TURCZYNSKI 