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Gardening is one of those paradoxical and all-encompassing hobbies: the more of it you do, the harder it is to peel yourself away from the garden, and the more the garden needs you, and you it. At least that has been my experience so far. Does anyone else feel this way?

Two summers ago I started an experimental flower patch in front of our house. I say experimental because so far the results have been unpredictable, and the successes not always a given.  While the back-yard gets quite water-clogged during wet seasons (which is sadly most seasons here in Western Mass) and is perennially tick-infested, our front-yard held great promise. The gentle slope and gravity would provide good soil drainage, while the southern exposure would be a welcoming habitat for flowering perennials, and a magnet for pollinators large and small. Against the heavy clay soil I thought, naively, I could do battle with periodic sprinklings of organic matter (mostly compost, shredded leaves and pine needles) and a continuous stream of optimism and hard work. Changing the chemistry of existing soil at a larger scale has proven to be more difficult than I had initially thought, but it has certainly been a worthwhile effort. After two years, numerous heat patches and back sores, the results are in and I thought I’d share with you my little happy place…

Here’s how it all started… 

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The extended holiday weekend is finally here, marking the unofficial start of summer! Across the nation, barbecues will be sizzling, umbrellas will be popping, and copious amounts of sunscreen and bug repellent will be applied. Observing Memorial Day in all its solemn meaning is also an opportunity to reflect and be grateful for the ultimate sacrifice that gave us this beautiful, imperfect, free world, but also to celebrate that freedom by seeking small moments of joy in the company of others. A trip to the beach, a nature walk, hanging out with friends – it’s always those random, ordinary moments in which life sneaks in to show us its true meaning – connection. Connection to the past, to nature, to one another. 

But, as we all know, there will be more than connecting and fun-having this weekend. There will be plenty of wallet-opening and card-tapping because turning the page between seasons also comes with some wonderful shopping deals that should not be missed. Below are only a few of my favorites! 

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Happy weekend, dear friends! I hope you’re well! It’s been a beautiful week here in Western Massachusetts, with warm, sunny days that have melted away early spring and brought back some color and activity in my garden. While spare moments have been rare and far in between lately, the few I’ve had I’ve spent in joy, in the company of our latest borrowed pup, Sam, whose presence in our house has brought much happiness, and a worrisome decrease in my productivity.