a garden maker's notes

 
Mid-November and much in the perennial garden has been cut back or left lingering for the shapes created by the first snows. A casual stroll finds many lovely aspects in the garden in a season many consider without charm.
Taken a few days ago, the photograph reveals a combination revealed through an intricate pattern of branches.  A similar photo could have been taken in early [...]

 
 
  The swamp maples red glow brighten our New England woodlands now–its Acer rubrum’s spring color reminiscent of autumn. But its the Acer japonicum ‘Folicifolium’ bud’s that hold my attention just now.  Long a favorite tree I planted one in my garden last fall. I’d never seen it at this time of year and while I anticipate its spectacular [...]