The Literary Gardener
Language of the Flowers: A Long Journey Traveled by Plants and People – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – April 2016
Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the […]
Drowning the Shamrock and Other Things Irish – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – March 2016
For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day. ~Irish blessing
According to my family tree, I’m […]
Peek at Some Pretty Winter Bloomers – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – November 2015
In the the winter of 1849, Amelia Bloomer published her first edition of The Lily, a newspaper devoted to women’s issues in which she advocated for less-restrictive female garments. More […]
Let Your Imagination Bloom at the Winter Dreams/Summer Gardens Symposium – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – October 2015
“Half the interest of the garden is the constant exercise of the imagination.” –Mrs. C.W. Earle, Pot-Pourri from a Surrey Garden, 1898
During summertime, when I’m working hard in the garden […]
September: Time to Catch a Second Wind for Gardening – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – September 2015
Departing summer hath assumed
An aspect tenderly illumed,
The gentlest look of spring;
That calls from yonder leafy shade
Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,
A timely carolling.
~William Wordsworth
September, 1819
If your […]
Take a Magical Ride along the Southern Oregon Lavender Trail – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – July 2015
“I judge that the flowers of Lavender quilted in a cap and worn are good for all diseases of the head…and that they comfort the brain very well.” ~ William […]
Practice Patience by Pinching Off – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – June 2015
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” ~ May […]
Plan Ahead to Entice Bees and Butterflies to Your Garden – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – May 2015
“If the English language made any sense, ‘lackadaisical’ would have something to do with a shortage of flowers.” ~Doug Larson, columnist
My English Composition students are often overwhelmed by the word […]
2015 Spring Garden Fair: A Look Behind the Scenes – by Rhonda Nowak
The Literary Gardener – April 2015
“And the Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”
~Percy Shelley […]
The Literary Gardener: The ‘Truth’ about Chrysanthemums – by Rhonda Nowak
Contemporary autumn gardens are greatly brightened by the sundry colors of cultivated chrysanthemums (C. X morifolium); however, their name comes from the Greek words ‘chrysos’ (gold) and ‘anthos’ (flower) because native species in China were […]