Lora Gauss

What do many ancient Italian Renaissance villa gardens, as well as many modest U.S. residential gardens, have in common? Lovely, classical and unique water features.

As summer wanes and many plants with it, I find myself already becoming wistful for spring, especially when I anticipate the many upcoming autumn gardening tasks.

Nothing surpasses woodland surroundings for sensory and spiritual stimulation. Those rustling leaves, babbling rills and bird songs are enchanting and stir the imagination.

One day last week marked my initiation into the world of blueberry picking, and I found it a great way to spend an otherwise lazy summer morning.

Although gardening in the very early twentieth century was a challenge, there is one annoyance with which our predecessors in the eastern part of the United States did not have to contend – Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica).

I often wish now that I had been raised in a family that treasured the growing of things. We didn’t have the space or the opportunities to grow vegetables, fruit trees or flowers when I was young. I think it would have taught me how to appreciate more things in life.

This sunny season, many gardeners harness the bold colors and tastes of some summer blooms to enliven their otherwise ordinary culinary presentations.

If simply seeing the word “spider” has already caused you to break out in a cold sweat, you’re not alone. Arachnophobia, the extreme or irrational fear of these creatures, is […]

The word “weed” is part of some interesting expressions in our culture. I can “grow like a weed” (very quickly), be “deep in the weeds” (overwhelmed by problems), “weed […]

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” — John Steinbeck   Though I have eagerly been awaiting warmer […]