Author Archives: Hecate

Nature Comes Calling

The indented part of my Subaru dashboard—the place housing the little screen that tells you your MPG and nags you to get service—looked weird when I got into the car. It had yellow stripes and it moved.

Ever seen something way out of place and had your brain fail to register it at first? It must have been at least 2 seconds before my amygdala (always first past the post in such situations) shrieked Snake!!! Continue reading

Posted in Animals, Books, Fall, Garden, Native plants, Plants, Seasons, Spring, Summer, Winter | 7 Comments

Unnatural Acts

Gardening is an unnatural act. Here we are, lovers of nature, birds, bees, green stuff, and what do we do? We go outside and dig it up, turn the tiny world of our gardens upside down, and start interfering every which way. Continue reading

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What’s in a Name?

Well, what is in a name? A rose by any other name might smell as sweet. But if you’re in New England and the rose’s species name is Rosa multiflora, you have stumbled upon an invasive and better get rid of … Continue reading

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Whose Woods These Are I Surely Know (The Trees, Not So Much)

You know what I like most about winter? It’s the one time of year when I don’t have to feel guilty about neglecting the garden. It’s my duty to neglect it! But I can never let well enough alone, so this winter I signed up for several more courses offered through the Native Plant Trust. Most recently completed: one course on soils, one on trees of New England. Continue reading

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Classify This!

You see, I came to think that if I am to continue writing about Nature and all that jazz, I’d better know more about it. So after some cursory exploration, I decided to pursue a Native Plants certificate through the Native Plant Trust. Two certificates, in fact: basic and advanced. Starting, you may be astonished to learn, with Basic. Continue reading

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