Kaaterskill Falls, NY

A hike along the water, through the moss covered rocky NY forest, leads to Kaaterskill Falls, a two tiered waterfall once painted by Hudson River School artists such as Thomas Cole.  The trail feels like it has been frozen in time, with the only real sign of human impact are two wooden staircases through the forest, and a few yellow markers that indicate the footpath.  Walking the trail involves climbing the slippery rock steps, navigating a web of moss covered roots, and looking around for the giant rock structures that masquerade as old abandoned ships.  The surprise at the end of the trail, is well worth the climb, as two towering waterfalls create what seems like a magical oasis in the middle of the modern world. 

Highline NYC

A walk along the Highline in late May reveals the New York City bursting with life.  From high above the Chelsea streets plants grow inbetween the old train tracks.  During the fall and winter months, these plants appear as weeds and grasses, more appropriate to a field somewhere in the country rather than two stories up in the air.  But in the spring, there are bursts of color from countless varieties of perennial plants, trees, and shrubs.  Interesting varieties of roses can be spotted, as well as echinacea, and white false indigo.  The contrast between the surrounding cityscape, the Hudson River, and the natural growth is amazing, allowing us to exist in two distinct environments at once.  Along the walk, there are also great places to sit and read, have a snack, or find hidden public artworks.  The Sarah Sze sculpture, Still Life with Landscape (Model for a Habitat)  is one of my favorites. 

Bring Your Flowers and Herbs Inside

Bring your flowers and herbs inside...spring is a perfect time to bring cut flowers and herbs inside expanding your garden into your living space.  It is fun to experiment with different textures, colors, and arrangements.  I like to bring flowers in on rainy days to save them from being ruined by downpours.  Plus it lets me enjoy my blooms all day long, rain or shine! 

Irises, Pansies, Chive Flowers, Hyssop, Lilly of the valley and Honeysuckle make a beautiful arrangement.

 Put Viburnum blooms in a colorful jar or bottle to brighten up a windowsill.

Two New Trips to Share

Two new trips to share!  

Presby Memorial Iris Garden, Montclair, NJ

First, the Presby Memorial Iris Garden in Montclair, NJ is in full bloom with the most amazing selection of new and historic irises.  This is a great place to see different varieties, take photographs, paint, or have a picnic lunch.  They also have historic irises for sale to add to your collection!

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Booth Bay, ME

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is blooming with varieties of tulips, and an abundant array of spring flowers.  The learner's garden and the children's garden are great places to explore, while the trip down to the water to see the moss covered volcanic rocks is always exciting!  If you look closely, there are miniature environments everywhere.

Welcome

Welcome to Grown in the Garden.  A place for garden ideas and inspirations!  After years of working, learning, and creating my own garden, I decided that it would be great to have a place to share my discoveries.  I will share my visits to botanical gardens, nurseries, recipes, and glimpses of my own garden.  I look forward to sharing my explorations!