NO SMART-ASS COMMENTARY FROM ME TODAY, not on this one. As doodler Andre Jordan paints a very clear picture of, there is more to life than meets the eye. Shall we look a little deeper?
THE LECTURE that he’s been giving for a number of years is not-so-subtly called “Kill Your Lawn.” Ecological horticulturist Dan Jaffe Wilder knows that starting over and creating an entire native habitat instead of a lawn isn’t for everyone. But Dan just wants to grab our attention and get us to start to make some changes at least in the way we care for the turfgrass we do want in our landscapes. And maybe give up a little square footage of it to some other kind of more diverse planting, too, like the wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana, inset). Alternative, more eco-focused styles of lawn care, along with some lawn alternatives is what he and I talked about on the podcast. Dan is Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation in Wales, Massachusetts, and its 8,000-acre sanctuary. He’s also co-author with Mark Richardson of the book “Native Plants for New England Gardens.”
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Margaret you are responsible for some of my ordering this spring, does Brushwood nursery ring any bells? They had the rose that I have looked at in a picture in a very old book for years and wanted. I have no idea where I am going to put it, am trying to figure out arbor spots but in my little 70×100 yard, ummmmmm just not sure. Thanks again for the site, oh and in my old garden, in southern ct. I had a very nice quite large, by the time I moved, aesculus pavia, great tree, even managed to grow it in northern vermont when I moved there for six years. sarah
Welcome, Sarah, fellow lover of Aesculus pavia. And yes, Brushwood was a source I just discovered last year…lots of interesting things. I suspect you will get out the shoehorn, er, shovel and make a perfect home for that rose. :)
Andre, that’s simply gorgeous.
I have been visiting this site for only a few days, but I am so delighted to find a friendly, personal, sort of close-to-the-ground source of information about plants and gardening. I never seem to be able to get a grip on my garden, but I do love it! Maybe this will be my pathway to the knowledge and skills I need…Thank you for the possibilities!
Where is my head? I forgot to say, “I love Andre’s doodle!” We should never forget to credit what lies out of sight, below the surface…
Welcome, Nancy, and you are welcome. Don’t worry about getting a grip on you garden as much as about loving it, which it sounds as if you really do. It’s not a contest; you win even if there are weeds here and there. :)
It’s true for all things isn’t it? My grandmother’s favorite saying was “Beauty is only skin deep.” She would follow this up with, “Beauty is as beauty does.”
Plants and people. Without strong roots, we all fall.~~Dee
morning,
We have only been in our new house a couple of weeks, but we are dying to get on with sorting the garden – and to see what beauty lies beneath her, as yet unknown, surface.
We paint the kitchen, install appliances, and every evening
look to see what her previous owners planted.
WOW!
Welcome, Marion (my sister’s name). Yes, wow is about how I always feel when Andre sends over a batch of new doodles. Wow. I hope to see you soon again.
I am in a new home and as Andre said, I am looking each day to see what is sprouting. I see lots of green stuff, everyday I kind of figure out what it might be. Today with all of the sunshine, I know I will have more surprises when I get home.
Andre wish you joy in your new home.
Margaret, I was expecting a smart ass remark.
@Susan: I am sitting on my hands here, trying to behave. :)
Andre,
That’s exactly how I feel about the wrinkles on my face, which are looking more and more like those roots.
Well, I dont really understand what the picture has to do with the saying…but I like the quote anyways. It can be looked at two different ways:
First, “Beneath the surface, beauty lies.” meaning that inside each of us is beauty and wonder.
Second, “Beaneath the surface, beauty lies.” meaning that even the most beautiful of creatures can be ugly underneath.
Just my thoughts.
Welcome, Screwed Up Texan. I never know *exactly* what my dear friend Andre means, but I always *love* the essence of it. :) I think of it as meaning that the deepest parts (the roots), though perhaps unseen, are where the greatest beauty is. See you soon again.
Ah, so it is roots. My husband tried to explain to me that it was a hair folicle. Thanks for the explanation…great quote!
youda man andre
Now this is the message to start April 1st! Holy Week! Thank you!