Andrea Gianopoulos's Blog

A brilliant April Fools' Day hoax by the BBC in 1957 tricked many Britons into thinking spaghetti grew on trees. Continue reading →

In the Colonial Williamsburg stockade for taking too many photos. Continue reading →

I scarfed down the last 2015 butternut squash on Saturday, and it reminded me of an interesting afternoon in the garden last summer. I was weeding the squash patch when I overheard a couple of neighbors having a conversation. Their back … Continue reading →

My morning walk through the garden revealed a couple of Roma tomato plants toppled by yesterday’s storms. I think Mother Nature was helping me decide where to plant my Brussels sprouts. The downed tomato plants were still full of unripe … Continue reading →

I spent nearly an hour watching hordes of Cedar Waxwings and Robins strip this American Holly (Ilex opaca) tree of its berries. It’s a wonderful example of how native plant species attract and support wildlife.

The enormous Trifoliate Orange that guards the graveyard at Monticello. Thomas Jefferson’s monument can be seen in the background.

Image Copyright 2012 Andrea Gianopoulos

The daffodils and Siberian scilla are waning, the creeping phlox is approaching full bloom as is a flowering tree that I have yet to identify in the side yard. The rhododendrons that were planted last fall have reddish-bud-blossoms that are about to burst forth. It was 83 yesterday, 87 today, 90s predicted for tomorrow. I’ve moved the veggie garden “grow operation” outside–the tomatoes are loving it. The deck railing has had its first coat of paint, and I’ve planted several herbs already.  I’m resisting the urge to plant the tomatoes and peppers (ave. last frost for zone 7 is the end of April). Inside: 3 orchids in spike. The blossoms on 2 of them have already opened! Welcome Spring!!

 

A dear friend of mine, Ms. Maggie McKee, wrote a wonderful feature story for Nature about some of the Solar System’s most beautiful objects. It’s an interesting article that puts forth the idea that we may be seeing some of these objects during rare moments in their history.

You can read the story online: Caught in the act, or download a PDF of the print story: Caught in the act, PDF.