THE COLOR ORANGE, ON DISPLAY OVER AT SHUTTERBUG'S, TODAY

Sam's got something new for us at 'Shutterbug on Knights Pond!'

Cottage Gardens

All Photographs courtesy CBI ©2007

"COTTAGE GARDENS IN NEW ENGLAND...
A CALCULATED INFORMALITY"
By Deb Lambert

A cottage garden, an English garden, an informal country garden... however you refer to this garden genre, a sound design that includes appropriate plant material, is key. All successful landscapes, whether formal, informal or somewhere in between, start with a plan. Before you start digging, put pencil to paper and start planning. If you’re not confident enough to design, choose plants and implement such plans, there are many qualified professionals to guide you through some, or even all, of the steps involved. For now, let’s assume that you have at least a nodding acquaintance with the concept of a cottage garden, many of the plants we’ll discuss and any limitations imposed by your own backyard.

Whether it involves a redesign of a small front yard or designating a portion of the larger landscape to the creation of a cottage garden, the design phase must take into consideration topography, soil type, exposure to wind and available sunlight. Let’s approach the planning phase assuming that we’re working with an ideally open, sunny, level area of moderate size with a friable, fertile soil.

Before we delve into color, texture and ornamentation, we need an understanding of the basic concepts. That informal, seemingly casual arrangement of plants has, at its foundation, a simple, but very calculated formula. Based on a series of three tiers, plant height is graduated, from the rear of the bed to the front. While ultimate height of each tier is the domain of the individual gardener, we’ll make some assumptions for this particular example. Allowing for a mature height of 5-6 feet, makes the back tier ideal for tallest perennials, certain roses and perhaps a few shrubs. At 3-4 feet, the middle tier would accommodate perennials, roses and grasses of more moderate scale. With an ultimate height of 1-2 feet, the front tier is well-suited to the cultivation of lower, bordering plants.

How will we frame up this garden? A tall privacy fence would provide a suitable backdrop, and possibly some protection from wind - particularly important for long-stemmed specimens, grown for arrangements. In my mind’s eye, a cottage garden combines the basic English concept with a bit of New England influence. White picket fences, an arbor with a moon gate, neatly pillared roses in the background, a weathered garden bench, maybe a sundial and birdbath, a low fieldstone edging, a winding pathway and, of course, exuberant “mops” of white, blue and pink hydrangeas.

Bones? Yes, bones! If your New England version of the cottage garden has good “bones,” it will be attractive year ‘round; therefore, include a few plants that offer the winter interest of evergreen foliage, exfoliating bark, berries or persistent fruits and pleasing outlines. Add to this the hardscaping features, just discussed, and you have a cohesive “big picture”... bones and all! Here in Zone 5, we’re bereft of foliage for about six months of the year, making year ‘round interest an important element in any landscape design.

Rose pillars were once quite popular. Providing structure, backdrop or focal point in the cottage garden, a ten-foot wooden pillar was used to support an old-fashioned climbing rose. Modern climbers, like ‘New Dawn’, ‘Golden Showers’ or ‘Eden’, are more reliable rebloomers than old garden varieties. Some of the fragrant, taller-growing David Austin roses also lend themselves to pillar culture. Attractive wooden obelisks and similar tall structures, will provide support and a focal point in that back tier of plants. Trellises, between windows or against a high garden wall, are another venue for the fragrance (not all roses possess strong fragrance, so do your homework) and beauty of roses, presenting an impressive backdrop. Obviously, an arbor at the cottage garden entrance, calls out for the fragrance and beauty of a climbing rose. ‘Climbing Iceberg’, ‘Polka’ and ‘White Dawn’ will enhance the pastel palette and entice the casual observer to traverse your garden path.

If stronger, bold colors are your preference, then you’ll need to strike a balance between complementary colors and contrasting colors... a color wheel is a great help with these decisions. The lighter, “cooler” colors include white, cream, light yellow and mid to lighter shades of blue, purple and pink. A garden filled with these paler hues, can actually make the observer feel cooler on a hot summer day. White and the lightest pastels are clearly visible in the evening, as are plants with variegated or silver foliage. Your cottage garden can also be a moonlight garden, extending the pleasure you derive, well into the evening.

Blue Baptisia, pastel Delphiniums, hybrid varieties of Joe Pye weed, Helenium, Boltonia, Aruncus, globe thistle (Echinops), hollyhock and giant mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) are some of the perennials that would add color, substance and a long blooming season for that back tier. For texture, consider maiden grass in this tier, adding sound with rustling foliage, and plumes for fall and winter interest. Peonies, Pennisetum (fountain grass is great for texture), Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Monarda, Chelone, Campanula, Gypsophila (baby’s breath), poppy, shasta daisy, Iris, Anemone, Physostegia, tall Phlox and Thalictrum are ideal candidates for the middle tier. The front of the border can be a mix of plants that range from low, edging specimens to those that reach about two feet, at maturity. Catananche (cupid’s dart), Campanula, Alchemilla (lady’s mantle), Heuchera, Dicentra (eximia or formosa), Dianthus, Tiarella (foamflower), Geranium (Cranesbill), lavender, caraway thyme and blue festuca are all suitable for the front of the planting.

Mix in silver-leaved lamb’s ears, ‘Silver King’ or ‘Silver Mound’ Artemisia for a soft shimmer.
Save room for a few fragrant annuals, like climbing or hanging-basket sweet peas, climbing moonflower and old-fashioned white nicotiana. Let blue morning glories scramble up a trellis or across an arbor. White or lemony-yellow sunflowers add a cheerful note, as do white or picotee cosmos. Have fun planning and planting that cottage garden... truly, a calculated informality.


By Deb Lambert ©2008

OK, SO I LIED...

Absolutely, 4 blogs was my limit... until I remembered Lucy. Her blog is up and running. If you like dogs, you may enjoy her quirky style. She really surprised me, posting a fairly serious piece, with just a little biting humor. We're launching Dog's Eye View tonight - come on by!

Lunar Eclipse

A glimpse of Tuesday's lunar eclipse, as seen through the lens of a photographer friend. I kept popping out to watch the progression, as I had a great view from the front door, but am glad to have these photos to commemorate the event... especially since it will be almost two years until the next lunar eclipse.

Photos ©2008 S.R. Calef

©Deb Lambert 2008

AND SO, OUR JOURNEY ENDS, WITH A LAST GLIMPSE OF IRELAND...

The COBH Heritage Centre
is located in Cóbh, County Cork.
On this site, you'll discover the significance
of this port of emigration and learn of the Titanic connection.

And lastly, this bucolic scene of the misty, emerald isle,
whose land still seems to pulsate with ancient Celtic rhythm.

Alas, our travels are at an end, but I trust that this journey has been as heartening for the reader, as it has been for this blogger... chasing away some of the winter 'blahs.' And speaking of journeys, it's high time we resume our journey to spring... wending our way to yet another growing season. If you're not already a gardener, follow a gardening friend, through the lingering snows and into a brand new season.

One last "Thanks!" for these ©2007 photos, goes out to photographer S.R. Calef.

©Deb Lambert 2008

THE FOURTH AND FINAL!

'Waltzes with Words' - the latest,
and absolutely the last, member of the
Garden Author family...
waltz on over to the grand opening,that is,
if you like the color red!

Let the Irish Journey Resume...

No, your eyes don't deceive you... an Irish dandelion,
exhibiting the same tenaciousness
as their American counterparts!

And, likewise tenacious, Ivy.

Crafty Fox Floral Designs,
The Craft Court at Malahide Castle in Dublin

Now we're talking ("busman's holiday")!
Michael's Garden Centre in Dublin,
with the proprietor keeping vigil.

After the "wide open spaces" that our local garden centers
seem to require, it's interesting to see how the wise use of
limited space, in city environs, can yield attractive displays.

Judging by the handles, those are probably some nice stainless
shovels or spades, leaning on the wall...
looks like an intriguing little spot!

Special thanks, once again, to S.R. Calef for the great ©2007 photos!

©Deb Lambert 2008

OUTWITTING HUMANS

"Outwitting Humans"
A thoughtful treatise, by a seasoned general,
on the survival of squirrels in the new millennium...

[Excerpted from his speech of Friday, February 15, 2008
presented to The Gray Squirrel Union "Sciurus caroliniensis"
Local 589... refer to Simon's January 23rd editorial
for more in-depth views.]

(Reprint of an article that first appeared in the
Saturday edition of the Sunflower Times)
By General Simon P. Squirrel

Good afternoon troops... Simon P. Squirrel, here. As you may have heard, I have recently been elevated from the rank of Brigadier General, to Major General. Thank you, thank you! After years of research, launching specialized attacks and gaining many victories over humans, I am pleased to receive this promotion.

Those of you who have engaged in constant foraging forays, are well aware of the dangers and perils of surviving, let alone thriving, in the wilds of New England suburbia. And those of you, who have been serving by my side, in the forefront of this prolonged war against the wily human, are to be congratulated. The skirmishes and battles won, thus far, are all part of a larger plan, as we strive toward the honorable and victorious conclusion of this war. And make no mistake - war it is!

In my January 23rd editorial, I introduced you to the newest backyard gadget - a "Squirrel Feeder." This diabolical device tantalizes the senses with dangling ears of dried corn, suspended on four rotating arms. Well-meaning humans, desirous of offering us food, have begun mounting these contraptions from posts, trees and garden sheds. I concede that perhaps only the more cruel among them, have ulterior motives... wearing us down, making us waste precious energy in the pursuit of this jaw-breaking food.

But, surely, we have all seen the human in its snug nest, viewing our perseverance and frustration from its clear portals - drawing its lips back in derisive laughter at our very misery, under the pretense of generosity. We poke, prod and tear at the corn, trying to pry loose the kernels, while dangling by our toes. The ignominy and inhumanity of it all! Last Friday, at approximately 1400 hours, this all ended.

Accompanied by an infantry battalion and our best civil engineers, we breached the wildlife sanctuary perimeter and began the assault, in earnest. After more fruitless attempts to easily gain food from the medieval, corn-holding instrument of torture, success was snatched from the jaws of defeat. After much observation, many calculations and a "working lunch," our engineers had come up with a solution. My best troops reconnoitered at the "Squirrel Feeder" and under the guidance of the engineers, were able to liberate the corn cobs, in their entirety, running them back to the waiting rear troops.

Just as the cheers from the battalion echoed around the basin of Lily Pond at our singular victory, the final calculus that led to that success will forever ring in our ears. It is a phrase that you should carry with you, henceforth, as we continue to push the limits and keep the human at bay. The next time you encounter a four-armed feeder, do not attempt to slip off the ear of corn, as it is fastened by something called a 'screw.'

"Left-Loosey-Righty-Tighty" is our new battle cry!


Editor's Note: Although Major General Simon P. Squirrel has undertaken the writing of his memoirs, with the working title, "Outwitting Humans," he remains on active duty and was spotted mustering his troops, earlier today. This title is in response to the book "Outwitting Squirrels" by Bill Adler, Jr - who went on to write "Outwitting Critters." (Google these books for a review - both excellent resources for humans!)

Human rebuttal of this article appears on today's Grouse and Chortle!

©Deb Lambert 2008

FIRST STOP IN IRELAND... BLARNEY CASTLE

Blarney Castle in the Village of Blarney, near Cork, Ireland

For in-depth information and history about Blarney Castle,
Blarney House, the Blarney Stone and a view of the grounds and gardens,
click on Blarney Castle - lots to see!

The view on the climb to the Blarney Stone is breathtaking -
notice the tiny, rugged little ferns, with a foothold in the rock crevices.

The precarious journey to the Blarney Stone.

Special thanks, again to S.R. Calef for these ©2007 photos from his European cruise.

©Deb Lambert 2008

AND ON TO FRANCE...

Well-berried Yews in Paris, France

Sycamores in Paris, near the Eiffel Tower

Closeup of the above Sycamore trunks

At the base of the Eiffel Tower

Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)

Come back tomorrow, when we find ourselves on the way to Ireland.

Special thanks, again to S.R. Calef for these ©2007 photos from his European cruise.

©Deb Lambert 2008

GROUSE AND CHORTLE

You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening of the GROUSE AND CHORTLE blog, which opened yesterday to rave reviews... well one or two, at least. Drop by - have fun!

Europe's on Hold... The Cruise Resumes After Valentine's Day

A Valentine Wish

Valentine, schmalentine...
I’ll buy my own darned candy
Or just look in the cupboards and eat what’s handy
Now, roses will wither and champagne goes flat
Alone on the fourteenth - well, what’s up with that?

Alone in February, yet not quite alone
Ensconced at the keyboard, in the writer’s zone
And if I should pine for a big, sloppy kiss
My dog will oblige, I promise you this

I love the colors and Victorian lace
O'er-the-top sentiments and Cupid’s face
For on this day, couples share
Swap thoughtful gifts to show they care

When roses of red are sent by beaus,
Spring approaches and teases the nose
I consider this a prelude to spring
As winter winds up for a final fling

So, though I mock and seem to make fun
With my Valentine’s table all set for one
I acknowledge the merits of this special day
I’ll stop “bah-humbugging” long enough to say...

I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day!

With apologies to those eschew all rhymed verse, as well as to those who cherish well-written rhymed verse. I had a need to break out in poetry, in honor of the day... to embrace my 'inner bard.'

©Deb Lambert 2008

TA-DAH! It's Online!

AN ANNOUNCEMENT and INVITATION to visit The Grouse and Chortle - not an old Scottish Inn, but merely what purports to be an amusing, maybe thought-provoking, blog. There are times I just want to 'cut loose' and have fun - more fun than I feel this stuffy old blog can be expected to host. So, I shall burble forth at will and hope that it entertains the reader. The maiden posting has been published, so check it out, as time permits. (Still working on the sidebar details, but it's functional.) ENJOY.......... Deb (aka 'gardenauthor')

©2008 Deb Lambert

Now, Off to Holland and Germany...

Canal-side in Holland
(I do like the structure and formality, softened by the wise
use of color and texture, as well as by the canal's
mirror image.)

Amsterdam - miniature paving stones
form an intricate and pleasing pattern.

Window on Amsterdam (complete with butterfly lace curtain)

More crafty stonework graces this Amsterdam walkway

An Amsterdam Yew

More Amsterdam pavers

Chestnuts in a window... Edam, Holland
(Click here, on the San Francisco Chronicle website,
to learn the fate of Anne Frank's chestnut tree in Amsterdam)

Lastly, we find ourselves in Hamburg, Germany...
gazing up at an amazing spiral chimney,
cleverly designed and vented to prevent
a smoke-filled atmosphere, within the building.

Special thanks, again to S.R. Calef for the ©2007 photos from his European cruise. Disclaimer: The above photos are not mine, although I am grateful for such photos and the opportunity to share them, through this blog. I am not a world traveler. Not even close. On three separate occasions, did I travel great distances from my New England home. Are you ready? Mapleton, Maine - Mystic, Connecticut - Desmoines, Iowa - "that's all folks!" Seriously. So, I guess I'm living vicariously through the travels of others. Who knows, maybe someday I'll get me one o' them new-fangled digital cameras. Mustn't rush these things. Perhaps I'm still in mourning for my poor little dead Advantix camera... at some point, I shall move on.

©2008 Deb Lambert

If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Denmark

The above 5 photos were taken in Copenhagen, Denmark. All this lush floral color is adding to my spring fever! (I love the above flower market pic, but just noticed a rather unflattering view of an industrious worker, in the background.) Oh - my post title? Yes, I know it's supposed to be Belgium, but I just thought of "borrowing" the movie title, today - unfortunately, Sunday was Belgium.



Wait a minute - I have families of this rare Mallard every year, in my backyard swamp... the infamous Lily Pond. Hardy, adventurous little fellows, aren't they?

The above 4 photos were taken in Dräger, Denmark. Love those showy Cyclamen! This last photo features the ever-popular Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'. I enjoy observing the rare and unusual species, as well as the sometimes creative uses of old, familiar plants (wait till you see France and Holland).

Special thanks, again to S.R. Calef for the ©2007 photos from his European cruise. Disclaimer: The above photos are not mine, although I am grateful for such photos and the opportunity to share them, through this blog. I am not a world traveler. Not even close. On three separate occasions, did I travel great distances from my New England home. Are you ready? Mapleton, Maine - Mystic, Connecticut - Desmoines, Iowa - "that's all folks!" Seriously. So, I guess I'm living vicariously through the travels of others. Who knows, maybe someday I'll get me one o' them new-fangled digital cameras. Mustn't rush these things. Perhaps I'm still in mourning for my poor little dead Advantix camera... at some point, I shall move on.

©2008 Deb Lambert

Oslo, Norway

Above 2 photos: Fort Oslo, Norway

Above: Klaserose 'Riberhus' Poulsen 1998... Bred in Denmark by Poulsen
A floribunda, with repeating flower clusters, throughout the season.
Full growth, with a mature height of about 4 feet.
Sold as 'Grand Canyon' is the USA.

Above: Klaserose 'Astrid Lindgren' Poulsen 1989... Bred in Denmark by Poulsen
A floribunda, whose flower clusters repeat occasionally through the summer.
This is a tall beauty, maturing at 4-8 feet.
May be more familiar as 'Dream Sequence'.

Above: Klaserose 'Fellowship' Harkness 1992... Also known as 'Living Easy'
Bred in Hertfordshire, England by Robert Harkness & Co.
Introduced in the USA by Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower, as 'Easy to Love'
Floribunda, whose orange clusters repeat throughout the season on a 2 1/2-5' shrub.

Klaserose 'La Sevillana' Meilland 1978... Bred in France by Marie Louise Meilland
This red floribunda is also a repeat bloomer.
At 2-4 feet, it can also be trained as a ground cover.

Special thanks, again to S.R. Calef for the ©2007 photos from his European cruise.

Disclaimer: The above photos are not mine, although I am grateful for such photos and the opportunity to share them, through this blog. I am not a world traveler. Not even close. On three separate occasions, did I travel great distances from my New England home. Are you ready? Mapleton, Maine - Mystic, Connecticut - Desmoines, Iowa - "that's all folks!" Seriously. So, I guess I'm living vicariously through the travels of others. Who knows, maybe someday I'll get me one o' them new-fangled digital cameras. Mustn't rush these things. Perhaps I'm still in mourning for my poor little dead Advantix camera... at some point, I shall move on.

HelpMeFind/Roses may be of interest to the avid or casual rose grower... The "Rose Search" capabilities are marvelous - you can join and contribute, as well.

©2008 Deb Lambert

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels' Impressive Impatiens!

Cartier Building, Brussels

Brilliant floral displays abound in Brussels!

I've been waiting for just the right moment to share these beautiful depictions of Europe... this dreary winter day somehow seems most appropriate. Many more travels to share, in the coming days, so "stay tuned."

Needless to say, I am grateful for the generosity of all contributing photographers to this blog. In this instance, an early fall cruise provided great inspiration, yielding a wealth of spectacular photographs.

All Photos courtesy S.R. Calef ©2007

©2008 Deb Lambert

Non-Political Platform

Dreary, gray and rainy for the third day in a row. Serious downpours keep even the dog's outdoor time to a minimum. Bedraggled songbirds take turns at the sunflower feeder, extracting one sodden seed at a time. Sparrows and juncos hunch up their little shoulders, as great beads of water congregate on metal perches above, then splash down, adding to the misery of these earnest little seed seekers.

Have you ever noticed ground feeding birds performing the "Seed Shuffle?" They scoot back and forth (in a sort of madcap version of the cha-cha), constantly scratching around in the feeder spillage for those few uneaten seeds. It is an admirable talent and one which yields a great deal of success, when scratching through snow or dry soil. However, after three days of rain laying atop frozen soil, any such areas are best described as seed soup, especially in low-lying spots. This makes for a tough slog on the way to obtaining lunch and probably a fairly unhealthy one, after what we learn of the harmful bacteria build-up in dirty, water-soaked bird feeders. One can only imagine the germs that pervade this particular "lunchroom."

It is generally agreed that such bacteria is responsible for pneumonia-like symptoms, as well as blindness, both of which result in death. Therefore, were I running for Backyard Bird Guardian, my platform would revolve around prevention and cleanliness. Keep your seed supply fresh, cool and dry... an unheated garage or garden shed, stored in rodent-proof containers, or (and this is my preference) several galvanized trash cans with the lids secured against squirrel entry. They're adjacent to the feeding stations, particularly handy when the footing is icy.

Tubular feeders can be extremely unhealthy. Chaff, dust and rotted seed accumulates in the base of feeders, in attached seed trays and around seed ports. Mechanical removal of this decaying organic matter is essential, as is the periodical washing and sterilizing of these feeders. Some folks employ the dishwasher for this job. Alternatively, wash your feeders in a 10-1 bleach solution (10 parts water/1 part bleach), rinse thoroughly and air-dry, before filling and rehanging. Ideally, if wet weather persists, wash these feeders every 1-2 weeks. Monthly washing is usually sufficient during dry, cold weather - just keep the waste cleared out.

To avoid a seed soup situation and to keep the seed you offer dry and uncontaminated, provide a low platform feeder for birds who prefer to ground-feed. The original platform feeders consisted of a wooden frame with a screen bottom. Rain drained through, keeping the seed dry. Many of the newer incarnations include a top grid, which prevents squirrels from reaching the seed... a good idea if you offer sunflower or seed blends. Some newer models also include a roof to keep out rain and snow. A 2-3' metal post provides about the right distance from the ground... some models have attached legs and a few can be suspended on chains.

While you should be able to find platform feeders at your local garden center, click on Duncraft Feeders to view some of the options available. For cardinals and mourning doves, try offering safflower seed or a safflower/thistle seed mix. The squirrels avoid these seeds, although they may sit there for a while, examining the seeds, then flinging them down in high disgust. The chickadee, towhee, blue jay, nuthatch, titmouse and most woodpeckers are also drawn to the hard-shelled safflower seed... although most of these species (towhee and blue jay excepted) rarely, if ever, ground-feed.

Well, I've burbled on quite enough - any more and I'd be likened to one of those politicians who gas on endlessly about anything and everything. Somehow, I've managed to bring you down into the minutiae of backyard bird feeding. So, let me unequivocally state, my fellow birders, I am running on a platform platform. I believe there should be a cat in every window, a chicken in every pot*, a car in every garage* and a platform feeder in every backyard. In a spirit of cooperation, let us reach across the back fence and renew our pledge to unite in the face a common foe - bird feeder bacteria. Together we can raise our ground-feeders to new heights, as they feed bacteria-free, in a new platform feeder. (I'm Deb Lambert and I approved this ad.)

*Herbert Hoover's 1928 Presidential Campaign slogan.

©2008 Deb Lambert

Mass Audubon 'Focus on Feeders'

If you're a fellow backyard birder from Massachusetts, here's an interesting, fairly quick way in which to participate in a backyard bird count. You have the option of participating online or through snail-mail. I chose online - it was enlightening to realize how many species frequent my feeding stations - an easy, and revealing, questionnaire.

To enter their website, click on Massachusetts Aububon Society. Scroll to the second item (or click on the following) 'Focus on Feeders' and click on that arrow, which takes you to the participation page (great photo of 3 robins). Click on #2 or 3, depending on your preference, to fill out the form. There is also a wildlife photo contest, running concurrently, as well as a drawing for several prizes (taken from among the ranks of survey entrants).

Have fun - it's the perfect antidote to a cold, rainy election day! (And, yes, I cast my ballot, on this "Super-duper Tuesday." Hope you found time to be involved in "the process "... your vote counts!)

©2008 Deb Lambert

Simon Says, "That's All Folks!"

Hi - Simon P. Squirrel... here to gloat over my NY Giants. I'm an upstate NY transplant, fairly new to the North-of-Boston area, so my default team is the Giants. After last night, I have no immediate plans to transfer my loyalties.

Hey, Chuck - too bad you weren't right about the outcome of your "perfect" team, huh? I knew all about your brash predictions, but was just too busy to respond to your pre-game posting. With my buddies coming over for the big game, I had to prepare. I liberated my secret stash of acorns (the little woman is still pretty miffed about this), purloined cheek-loads of sunflower seed and tried to unscrew the dried corncobs from the squirrel feeder (didn't work - had to use the old cheek pouches for that, too).

Anyway, my Superbowl party rocked. It was a party to rival any ever thrown in my Red Maple condo, high above the frozen waters of Lily Pond. A good time was has by all... well, mostly by me, since all of my guests were Patriots fans. When Coach Belichick walked off the field, with one second of game left to play, my rather morose guests filed silently down the tree, in stunned silence. Not sure what to say to them on this morning's feeder raids. Awkward!

Lastly - to Chuck my fat, dumpy, trash-talking, Patriot-loving friend, who said in yesterday's posting, "Game on, Simon!" Just let me respond in this manner, "Bring it, oh ponderous one!" Ole Chuck's right, I did appoint myself as a member of his blogging team. Another example of squirrel superiority.

Now, what I cannot figure out, is why we celebrate Groundhog Day, when everyone acknowledges that squirrels reign supreme over all other backyard members of the Rodentia family. Well, that's food for thought and maybe for my next post on this blog.

Hey Chuck... Wow, how about those New England Patriots? (Sorry, couldn't resist!)


©2008 Deb Lambert/Blog Manager for team members Simon and Chuck/Disclaimer: I, as blog editor, remain neutral in what appears to be a backyard sports cabal among my backyard rodents. This is not a cheap and tawdry attempt to absolve myself of choosing the losing team. (Well, maybe - just a little.)

Simon's Photo: Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Chuck Says, "GO PATRIOTS!"

Hi - Chuck, here. I know, I know... I haven't posted since September 28th, when I extolled the wonders of Topsfield Fair and offered to stand guard over your vegetable garden, while you were gone. There was a dearth of offers for this service, so I turned my attentions to home improvements... dug a winter burrow, complete with hibernation chamber and grass mat. After an early fall of non-stop eating, I was upholstered with an extra layer of fat and ready for hibernation.

Now, here in New England, we woodchucks hibernate from October until mid to late-March. No need to wake us up on Groundhog Day (like my poor relative, Phil, in Pennsylvania, yesterday)... we are going to breathe once every six minutes, until spring arrives - either which way, I figure we've all got at least another 6 weeks of winter, so enjoy!

But, when I awaken this spring, I'll have a few choice words for that usurper, Simon P. Squirrel. I understand that, in my absence, he's appointed himself as a member of our blogging team... we'll see about that in April! ("Game on," Simon!)

As you may have observed by now, news of the outside world occasionally filters through to my chambers. I understand that this is something called "Superbowl Sunday," which humans celebrate by feasting all day and evening... I hear they line up on the couch, stuffing their faces right up until bedtime, watching other humans exercise all evening - engaging in something known as "football." I also understand that the least popular game food is a tray of raw vegetables, called "crudités." What are those humans thinking? All I can say is, hold the dipping sauce and save some crudités for my April "breakfast!"

Being a native New Englander, I'll be rooting for the New England Patriots, from deep within my bunker. So, at the risk of offending my fellow New York marmots, or groundhogs (who, I assume, are rooting for the NY Giants), I have just one thing left to say......................................

"Go Patriots!" *

*Editor's Disclaimer: Although I may concur with the above sentiment, and this may seem a fairly sleazy, cowardly way in which to post my team spirit and proclaim my team allegiance, I must distance myself from my fellow blog team members and emphasize that these mammals are solely responsible for the content of their postings. I merely provide the venue for Chuck and Simon - their opinions and views are not necessarily mine, although they may be. And the term, alter ego does not apply... I am only the typist. Have a nice Superbowl Sunday!


©2008 Deb Lambert

Garden Newsletter...FREE Subscription

As you may surmise from this photo, Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery of Ipswich, MA has been around for quite some time... commencing their 103rd year, in fact. This beautifully refurbished truck is a poignant reminder of the many satisfied North Shore gardeners who have turned to this nursery for plants and guidance, throughout the years, and Corliss' commitment to continue this tradition.

The folks at Corliss have commissioned me, as guest author, to produce a newsletter each month. This project has grown from a 2-page all-text document, to a 4-page production which includes staff photos and useful, timely gardening tips. At the risk of engaging in shameless self-promotion, I'll include a link, should you like to sign up for a free monthly subscription.

Click on Corliss Bros. Nursery and Garden Center. You then have two options...
1.) On that first page, scroll down to "Corliss Clips Newsletter" - click on it and the previous month's newsletter quickly downloads, as a PDF. That way, you can view a sample. (Yes, just below this is a link back to the "gardenauthor blog," for which I thank them!)
2.) Click on "E-Mail Club" and you're taken to the registration/login page for a quick sign-up.

Anyway, I thought I'd remind you of this opportunity to indulge in a little more garden reading, beyond the confines of this blog, which often strays outside the lines of gardening proper. Hope you enjoy it!........... Deb

©2008 Deb Lambert
Photo ©2007, courtesy of CBI staff