The precept that inspired the free press for several centuries was to make the comfortable less so, and to give hope to those lacking in comfort. It did this through commentary, ideas and opinions that swayed both “the readers and the leaders”. But what of the gardening press? Cultural tips, seasonal reminders, new cultivar descriptions and design ideas have been the staples of garden writing, along with occasional gardener profiles… Continue reading

Last year the veteran garden writer Adrian Higgins called our test gardens at Fordhook Farm “the Yankee stadium of gardening”. (Man, we dig him.) What’s intriguing about his comment is how much non-fans hate the Yankees and the reason why. The Yankee organization has traditionally spent enormous amounts of money to attract stars and then used them to fill stadiums and win championships. I’m sure Mr. Higgins didn’t mean any… Continue reading

Our new Heronswood catalogue arrives December 26th to 29th, before the New Year’s Day weekend. Everywhere dilated pupils will adjust from the dim light of winter to the dazzling brilliance of our new cultivars. Even now, the shadowy afternoons trick the cats into jumpiness, looking for things to see. The new catalogue will shake off all these blues.

Between now and then, enjoy the following previews. These plants are available… Continue reading

Last summer I noticed that my cats prefer the flower garden to the vegetable patch. The former’s superior canopy and fortress-like qualities, as well as the feline sense of style, spur the attraction. However, the “keeks” seem also to share a deep sympathy with flowers—“uber” as well as “unten”. I think it’s in their eyes.

Everyone in the flower business agrees that “the eyes have it”, so to speak… Continue reading | 1 Comment

I recently spoke with an old friend from Seattle. She said that she actually preferred the Heronswood display garden in Kingston now as opposed to its formerly pristine condition. She wasn’t expressing an offbeat, funky taste. On the contrary, both she and her companion, who visited in September, told me they appreciated the more realistic conditions of not only the woodland rainforest recreation, but also the many… Continue reading