“I suppose I will die never knowing what pumpkin pie tastes like when you have room for it.”
– Robert Brault
A Plant: Grape Hyacinths, Bulb
If you are reading this in the fall, get your bulbs in the ground now. If you are reading this whenever, plan to put your bulbs in the garden next fall. Regardless, one of the most reliable bulbs for the garden is the Grape Hyacinth, Muscari. They are inexpensive, available mostly in blues, lavenders, and white, and are easy to use. Plant at least 20 bulbs at a time, ie, don’t make soldiers standing at attention, make a show!
Another reason I like them is that my squirrels and chipmunks seem to leave them alone. Unlike so many other small bulbs, I actually have something to enjoy in early spring. I hope your critters pass them by as well.
Muscari ‘Baby's Breath’
Muscari ‘Aida’
A Garden-Juniper Level Botanic Garden, Raleigh, NC
Gardeners know of JLBG because of the extraordinary stewardship of plantsman Tony Avent and his wife Michelle over the years. The garden was started in the late 1990s, and Plant Delights Nursery was established in 1986 as a destination for rare and unusual plants as well as a funding source for the garden. This continues today.
JLBG is an extraordinary garden, and it just gets better over time. Grotto, bog garden, walking paths, trial beds, a sunken garden, and extraordinary water features are all part of a garden visit. There are more than 27,000 taxa, including native perennials, unusual specimen trees and shrubs, and a plethora of weird and unusual plants you won’t find anywhere else.
The garden is only open to the public 9 weekends a year; go to their website www.juniperbotanicarden.com for details.
A must-visit.
A Book -
The Art Thief, A true story of love, crime, and a dangerous obsession
Author Michael Finkel
Non Fiction
This true story captured my attention when I read a small piece online about a recent art theft. The article mentioned Stéphane Breuitschwerdt, who, along with his girlfriend Anne-Catherine, carried out more than 200 thefts in Europe in the late 1990s. The book follows their heists, most of which involved small paintings and lesser pieces from small local museums. Still, it was estimated that the objects they stole were worth over 2 billion dollars.
The interesting part of Stephane’s thefts was that he was not interested in financial gain, but simply wanted the objects near him and kept most of them in his mother’s attic. The relationship with his girlfriend takes one twist after another, and while Stephane tries to quit stealing, he simply cannot.
He is eventually arrested. The story from that point on is more sad than anything, as his relationships with all the things he loves- Anne-Catherine, his art, and even his mother- are exhausted. It is an easily readable book about a character who, despite his talents, was a prisoner to his obsessions.
A Show: The Beast in Me
Netflix
We started watching this show only because of Claire Danes, one of our favorite actress from the show Homeland. It is billed as a psychological thriller, and I have to agree. We were on the edge of our seats from episode 1, and with each episode, we were not sure if we should (or could) continue. The character portrayed by Matthew Rhys is more than just a little disturbing, he is chilling. I like to know who the good guys and who the bad guys are, and there was no doubt who the bad guy was, but even the good guys were a little questionable.
Occasionally, I closed my eyes in some of the bad scenes; I cheered the good scenes and constantly wondered if the characters would kill each other soon or come to terms with their obsessions. For me, this was not a show to be binged. It is a little too creepy; I needed a little Ted Lasso or something in between episodes. The ending, which I shall not reveal, came a little too quickly, and may leave you questioning why it did so.
However, when all was said and done, I recommend it. If you like edge-of-your-seat suspense, give this a try.
A Place -The Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia
I always feel a little guilty recommending far-away places, like Australia, New Zealand, or Japan. People ask me why I can’t recommend places they can easily get to. I have recommended many places in the USA and Canada, but the world out there begs us to push our boundaries and travel.
If we watch too much TV or read too many books about Australia, you would think the place is one large Outback, always dry and hot. There is surely enough Outback, but the Southern Highlands are totally different and almost England-like. It encompasses an area about 60 miles southwest of Sydney and centered around the towns of Bowral and Moss Vale.
The Highlands are part of the Great Dividing Range that runs the length of the country parallel to the east coast. I have visited the towns and gardens and I have met the people and savored the food. I would recommend them to anyone
If you are visiting Sydney, think about taking a day or two to visit this beautiful area of the country. Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, Alice and Perth await, but take a visit to The Highlands; you will enjoy.
Recommendations from our Readers
Really liked ‘Whistler’ as well. Highly recommend
‘The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife’~ Alma Owens
Meijer Botanical/sculpture gardens, Grand Rapids Michigan
~Julie Zinderman
I have, in fact, visited Meijer Botanical Gardens and found it to be quite lovely. Check out my write-up on it from the August List of Favorites. And catch me being dwarfed by a giant horse!
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