The following story appeared in a literary magazine nearly 80 years ago. The author was unknown when it was published; perhaps you can help us…
It is a truism that plants, like people, benefit from good grooming. And, as with people, good grooming practices differ from plant to plant. …
This season I’m trying out some forthcoming Wave petunias that are faring well. Although pleased with them, I’m now saddled with a chore I don…
Although basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia, it flourishes in our summer gardens. We commonly season It…
“It was a dark and stormy night, ...” as Snoopy always said when he started out to write a novel while pecking away at his battered typewriter…
In last week’s article, Mark Weathington mentioned that turf was terribly labor intensive, soil improvement was imperative, and we should buy …
It’s a funny thing. I always thought that when I “retired,” I’d move to the mountains and have a place where in the springtime the hill would …
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Global pandemic, crazy weather, invading pests: things feel beyond my control — but only when I forget about my gardening super powers.
You may wonder why this column talks about being busy and making art and when little boys go to the dentist and such things, when our society …
If a global pandemic disrupts food supplies, I’ll be ready — at least that’s what I told myself when I planted eight cucumber plants. Yes, the…
A long time ago in a graduate history course, the professor marked in red the monotonous rhythm of the sentences in one of my paragraphs. Ever…
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
These past few weeks — while staying at home, etc. — have been mighty busy. Or perhaps it’s just my age. No, we won’t go there. Surely you are…
My adventures in basildom all began when Lise gave me a cutting from a new basil she was testing for PanAmerican Seed. The stalks had densely …
The first fruit of the growing season, North Carolina strawberries boast a distinctive sweet scent and intense flavor. In 2017, the crop was v…
“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Proverbs 1:10
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
Up on Huckleberry Knob, where the spring water is pure and raccoons say blessings before meals, I recently lost a friend and neighbor. Deaths …
Gardeners are quick to claim Thomas Jefferson as one of our own. An ardent horticulturist, Jefferson sought plants with economic value that co…
Substantial information has been published on keeping healthy during our current climate. This article is a summary of best practices around f…
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” Matthew 4:1
My wife says I’m becoming deaf, or as the old folks say, “hard of hearing.” Of course she’s been saying that ever since we married — that I ha…
Just like aerosols people are so worried about these days, there is a lot of information floating around concerning the coronavirus. Much of i…
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the worl…
As I write this column, I’m on day 27 of confinement. Because I’m a member of the Silent Generation, I’m taking this lockdown very seriously. …
I figured if Winston Churchill could take up oil painting in his retirement, why couldn’t I? So I did.
During this time of uncertainty and unprecedented collective caution, I am reminded of the victory that we have over the struggles and uncerta…
“They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took Peter, James and John along with hi…