Blog grid – Lee Reich

AMERICA’S FIRST BOTANIST

September 17, 2025

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:

RED LIKE I’D NEVER BEFORE SEEN

September 10, 2025

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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:

MY SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

September 3, 2025

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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:

TWO GOOD FLAVORS IN ONE

August 26, 2025

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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:

HOMEGROWN IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST

August 20, 2025

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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, Quite Contrary,” illustration from The National Nursery Book, ca. 1870

HOW DID HER GARDEN GROW?

August 12, 2025

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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

WHAT’S UP WITH TOMATOES?

August 6, 2025

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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:

DOES SIZE MATTER?

July 30, 2025

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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:

THE TRUTH ABOUT RAIN

July 24, 2025

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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