The Summer lull seemed to come early, along with rising temperatures and a lack of any meaningful rain.  August will soon be upon us, and contrary to popular belief, she would bestow a dynamic landscape of possibility and change.  And…

The sun bore down with great intensity, revealing every imperfection, flaw and anomaly.  Like a great spotlight, she brought attention to our issues and exploited our weaknesses. With the scant amount of rain we’ve received thus far, certain problems are…

Summer marched forth to the cadence of the cicada, stumbling ever so often, as her rhythm slowly became out of sync.  Her easy going nature seemed strained, and her once verdant beauty disheveled and unkempt.  A kind word and a…

Nascent Summer seems to have settled in nicely, replete and contented. Yet her once dewy, fresh face begins to grow sallow and somber under the impossible weight of hot, humid temperatures and lack of meaningful moisture. Her youth, vigor and…

Every flower awaited its turn, like an eager dance partner, as the bees flitted and twirled amongst them. Summer’s arrival finds our gardens and landscapes in full bloom.  It’s no coincidence that Summer’s arrival coincides with National Pollinator Week.  A…

The Cottonwood’s downy seeds fell like snow.  Drifting and swirling upon the air, some suspended momentarily as they sought the perfect landing place.  Soon, they began to snag and accumulate.  It was magical, slightly alarming, and a complete contrast to…

The sun dappled and danced upon the lawn as it beamed through the lush canopy.  Although temperatures have been mostly mild, the sun is still a major factor in our yards and gardens, even if we don’t always feel her…

  And just like that, the landscape exploded – trees, shrubs, perennials.  The pace seemed to hasten as we neared Memorial Day, the gateway to Summer, with warming temperatures and rain.   It wasn’t long before we felt out of step…

  The bee floated amongst the flowers, hovering and bouncing between the blooms, landing and lingering upon only the most appealing.  He made several passes, returning to some, while ignoring others.  He seemed discerning in his quest, much like today’s…

The air wafted, sweet and warm, through the budding branches, over the greening grass, in and about the burgeoning perennials.  The earth was softening, and the landscape was preparing to burst with color and life.  Nature was beckoning us outdoors…