

MUSTERING INDUSIASM
The title is an instructive pun pointing out two common issues every gardener faces in late summer (1) heat aggravated fatigue/burnout...
Sep 1, 2025


Blue Mistflower, y muy occupado
First, the occupation. I have been very busy, especially with garden related work, and in miserable working conditions, so was unable to...
Aug 1, 2025


MOWING, with emphasis on Robotic Mower
[SORRY, I needed to go long again] Most homeowners have some lawn -- for many far too much, and often its a chemical dependent attempted...
Jul 1, 2025


ELDERBERRY
One of my favorite garden plants is elder or elderberry -- not to be confused with boxelder ( Acer negundo ) or groundelder/goutweed (...
Jun 1, 2025


Tulip Tree, BAD CHOICE FOR THE small YARD
NOTE: I am having trouble staying connected to the editor function on WIX which affected my ability to build the essay this month. I...
May 1, 2025


Let's Get Something Straight
PROLOGUE: Since related to the main topic, I will here again note that perennial is one of the most misused terms in gardening, and the...
Apr 1, 2025


Gardening Injuries - OUCH or worse!
PROLOGUE: I do this blog to encourage people to garden, to help avoid problems as well as to provide better results. A commercial-free...
Mar 1, 2025


GARDENING AS WE GET OLDER
[Oops, I went long again, but I think you will find it interesting. There is more "essence of The Mad Botanist" in this edition, i.e., I...
Feb 1, 2025


CATALPA
I have often seen and heard catalpa referred to as a trash species, to be avoided. I disagree! Catalpa speciosa (northern catalpa) is...
Jan 1, 2025


GARDEN ENGINEERING
Forewarning -- I done went and wrote too much, again :) Oh well, consider it a winter solstice gift. While I love plants, there can be...
Dec 1, 2024