HI THERE! I'M BRIANNE TURCZYNSKI, FREELANCE WRITER, HISTORICAL RESEARCHER, & PERPETUAL SEEKER OF THE HUMAN CONDITION. WELCOME TO MY SPACE WHERE I SHARE THE BOOKS I'M READING, MY SPIRITUAL FINDINGS, FLOWERS IN MY GARDEN, AND LOST STORIES. ALL ARE WELCOME HERE.
Small pleasures must correct great tragedies, Therefore of gardens in the midst of war I boldly tell... -Vita Sackville-West The Garden; 1946 In this little beloved town of mine some take pleasure in knocking down the very old homes and building instead new homes of fiberglass and vinyl. One of these very old homes, which was a … Continue reading History’s Peony: A Search & Rescue
This remedy she rejected, saying that she would rather die than do anything that she believed to be a crime or contrary to God's will. -Vita Sackville-West Saint Joan of Arc: 1936 In one of my favorite books (I mean, if I was stranded on a deserted island (touch wood), this would be one of the books … Continue reading Deadly Nightshade
There are few more repaying plants. Rabbits dislike them; their flowering season extends through May and June; they last for a week or more as picked flowers for the house; they will flourish in sun or semi-shade; they will tolerate almost any kind of soil, lime-free or otherwise; they will even put up with clay; … Continue reading The Object Of My Disenchantment
He kept them sitting for hours over the dinner table, he who was usually so impatient to move away; he kept them entertained by anecdote after anecdote, reminiscence after reminiscence, observation after observation... -V. Sackville-West Easter Parade: A Novel Copyright: 1953 Allow me, if you will, to ramble a bit? Ramble like a climbing, … Continue reading Ramble On…
...it is not generally realized by the amateur gardener how many shrubs and climbers will lend themselves happily to layering. It is possible to obtain quite a nursery of young, rooted stock in a short time, at no cost and for very little trouble. Honeysuckles sometimes layer themselves of their own accord, so avail yourselves … Continue reading Honeysuckle Fireworks
Indeed, I think you should approach them as though they were textiles rather than flowers. The velvet vermilion of petals, the stamens of quivering gold... -Vita Sackville-West In Your Garden May 28, 1950 I have been waiting all year for this. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to purchase my roses. They will be the … Continue reading Garden Of Roses…
Far more satisfactory [than the hibiscus], I find, are the hardy fuchsias...although they will probably be cut to the ground by frost in winter, there is no cause for alarm, for they will spring up again from the base in time to flower generously in midsummer...and in case of extremely hard weather an old sack … Continue reading “Go Round Popping The Buds”
The French Idea of gardening... I have recently returned from a wondering holiday in southwestern France. The villagers produce an altogether charming effect, comparable with our own cottage gardens at home. The village street is lined with pots, standing grouped around the doorways or rising step by step up the outside staircase when there is one … Continue reading Waging a Cold War…On Bunnies
"The season for flower shows is now in full swing, and soon the Chelsea Show will open for four days. But beware. On that first day it will be open to Fellows only, so if you are not a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society you will not be able to get in. It is … Continue reading Snippets of Vita: ‘In Your Garden’ (April 30th, 1950)
BRIANNE TURCZYNSKI 