The period of May and June is my most favorite time of the year. To me, Spring means hope, renewal and… lots of work!

In our backyard, we have such beautiful flowering trees and shrubs. There were some specimens here when we bought the property from The Beale’s estate. James Beale was an arborist and researcher. His wife, Helen, was a plant virologist. 

John and I have added so much more to this park like property over the years. It is a succession of beauty.

Most of our trees were purchased from Joseph Keller’s The Garden of Ideas. Initially, we had roses from Paul Young and Hans from Young’s nursery in Wilton. But, unlike Brooklyn, our Ridgefield soil is too clay-like. 

I’m reminded of just how many nurseries I have enjoyed over the years, and whose plants I have added to my garden. From Maine to Vermont to the North Fork of Long Island and friend’s gardens. My garden still has my Grandma Ellingham’s German white bearded iris, the same color as her hair. And hostas from my Aunt Hazel along with coral bells. 

It was such a pleasure to have met June Crone, the owner of The Plantage in Mattituck, N.Y., some years ago (now called North Fork Boutique Gardens).

I had always admired their perennials and purchased many. When I recently drove into the nursery I was struck by a beautiful mural on a barn wall, which read: “For the Beauty of the Earth....”

That wonderful hymn goes thru my head many times this season...

I attended a memorial Mass this past month, for a dear friend. They played this.  

Wonderful choice, wonderful lady.  

Here is a photo I took just yesterday of one of the largest enkianthus I have ever seen. I just ordered a new small one to plant near our two lilacs we have planted, one for Miss Eleanor Margaret and one for Miss Ariel May.  

The Bells are Ringing... 

So much “Joy” in creating and delivering bouquets along with a note.