What a garden John has! John — that’s 18th century John Bartram — was America’s first botanist, whose garden is preserved, like an oasis, in the heart of Philadelphia. Come visit and see the Franklinia tree, no longer found anywhere inn the wild, and his other interesting and beautiful introductions. Here are some pix and more about Bartram’s Garden:
A red flower so bold as to bring me to a halt like a stoplight. And in a likely spot. More about Lobelia cardinalis, appreciating it and growing it, in this post:
Each summer I build up my savings accounts, then spend them the follow spring. My seed-savings accounts, that is. Why save garden seeds, what kind to save, and how to save them are just some of what I write about in my latest blog post:
I once had affection for garlic mustard; no longer. I once had affection for garlic chives; still do. It comes from a good family, it’s tasty, and . . . well, read more about this plant in the blog post:
So you think your homegrown tomatoes are the best tasting. Maybe. Maybe not. That’s because . . . well, read why in my latest blog post:
Mary, Mary . . . how did her garden grow? What did she really grow? Was it all a front for something more sinister. An analysis of the plants and the backstories are all in my latest blog post at https://leereich.com/2025/08/how-did-her-garden-grow.html
Tomatoes — the full-size varieties, at least — are late to begin ripening this years. Why? And besides that, leaves are getting some ugly spots on them, then yellowing. What’s up? Learn about causes and cures in my recent blog post:
Miniature vegetables might increase your net worth, or seem to. At least according to Truman Capote. Read about the vegetables and what makes them miniature (Nature or nurture) in my latest blog post:
It’s been a wet season, but that doesn’t mean that rain always stepped up to the plate when plants were in need. This week’s blog post looks into just how much water plants need, how to coax water into the soil and get it to stay there (along with air, of course), and what to triage if water is limited. Rain may fall, but dry periods intervene. My blog is at: https://leereich.com/2025/07/the-truth-about-rain.html
I can’t help but carry these two pruning tools everywhere. I use them to deal, for instance, with tree shoots vying to become “top dog,” to grow “dinnerplate” dahlias, and to take care of watersprouts. Find out what these tools are — you likely have them — and how to use them, by reading my latest blog post:
