Sunday, April 12, 2009

Quote of the day

"I never had any other desire so strong, and so like to covetousness, as that one which I have had always, that I might be master at last of a small house and a large Garden." -- Abraham Cowley, The Garden, 1666

I believe one of the signs of a true gardener is this: We would gladly give up a big room in a house to gain even a modest garden. Maybe it's because we'd much rather be outside than in. Maybe it's because housework is, well, work...while gardening is pleasure. I know I'd rather spend two hours pulling weeds than 30 minutes scrubbing a bathroom.

Wouldn't you?

No ornate room with everything artfuly arranged is more beautiful than a simple garden, even one blowsy and untamed.

2 comments:

  1. I have plated some of these flowers you have in this picture. They have had some blooms on them,but they don't look as good as these. do you know any secret to these beautiful blooms? (HAWK)

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  2. Hawk,
    The photo of the dainty narcissus Tete-a-Tete is lovely, isn't it? Are your bulbs Tete-a-Tete or another variety? Some narcissus don't do well in Southeast Texas because of our heat. I've seen blubs in some garden centers here that are destined to die or at least decline. Choose bulbs suitable for here. Three websites I recommned for good choices include Neil Sperry (neilsperry.com/gardens) Southern Bulbs (southernbulbs.com) and White Flower Farm (whiteflowerfarm.com. Send me your email address and I'll send you a link for a story I wrote last fall on good bulbs for our area.

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