LauriesLeaves

Better Late Than Never Bulbs

A friend recently reached out to me with a great question: What’s the best thing to do with bulbs if you have missed the recommended planting season? Certainly, it is always best to follow the planting and care guide that comes with your bulbs. Following the guide gives your bulbs the best opportunity to thrive.Continue reading “Better Late Than Never Bulbs”

Getting Reacquainted

It can be nice to get reacquainted with an old friend. I recently renewed my acquaintance with Lucy Maud Montgomery. Or I should say, I renewed my acquaintance with her literature. L. M. Montgomery, the prolific Canadian writer best known for her Anne of Green Gables series, wrote 20 novels and hundreds of poems andContinue reading “Getting Reacquainted”

What’s the ‘dil?

As much as I enjoy Punxsutawney Phil’s cute, cuddly weather predictions on Groundhog Day, I look to the lovely and even legendary daffodil for an accurate forecast that spring has arrived. Legendary? Oh yes. I recently read that the daffodil (aka Narcissus) derives its name from Greek mythology. Narcissus, son of Cephissus the river god,Continue reading “What’s the ‘dil?”

Lighthouses and Fog

In February my husband and I visited the Cape Henry Lighthouse in Fort Story, Virginia. I love lighthouses. I love the architecture, the history, and all that a lighthouse symbolizes. Lighthouses are literal and figurative beacons of light, offering guidance, safety, and hope. I am also fascinated by the individuals who keep the light shining:Continue reading “Lighthouses and Fog”

Got Sunshine?

There are still no winter blues around my house; only cheerful red, pink, purple and now white blooms. You really can enjoy flowers all year long. I promise! All you need is a sunny window. How are your poinsettias doing? Are you still enjoying your holiday blooms? Check out my little poinsettias: Red (in theContinue reading “Got Sunshine?”

Rockin’ Egg

My daughter recently told her four- and two-year-old, “last one in is a rotten egg.” Her four-year-old then replied with enthusiasm, “I want to be a rockin’ egg!” I had a great laugh at my granddaughter’s misunderstanding. I tried to envision her vision of a “rockin’ egg”. Was it an egg rocking in a rockingContinue reading “Rockin’ Egg”

What’s the point? Poinsettias.

Does your winter décor include a beautiful, bright poinsettia? Certainly, the poinsettia stands out with its green leaves and cheery flowers in varieties of pink, white and red. Whether part of your holiday traditions or just a way to chase away winter blues, the poinsettia has a history as colorful as its flora. The poinsettiaContinue reading “What’s the point? Poinsettias.”

Frosted Tomatoes

In Virginia, it is feeling like winter. We have already had our first frost. This means that the few tomato plants that were hanging on are done and it is time to put the garden to bed for winter. So, what do you do with the green tomatoes still clinging to your plants when theContinue reading “Frosted Tomatoes”

Thank The Trees!

I believe sometimes we confuse positivity with cheerfulness. While the two are complementary, you can be positive without necessarily being cheerful. Optimistic, hopeful, and confident are other positive synonyms. Let’s face it, though; some challenges that come to us in life are just no fun and being cheerful all the time seems impossible. Can IContinue reading “Thank The Trees!”

Books and Sisters

I was very young when I first discovered the power of the written word to transport me to new places (both real and imagined), to stir powerful emotions in my soul, or to challenge my thinking. More recently, I discovered the power of the written word in bringing people together. My sisters and I startedContinue reading “Books and Sisters”