In the Language of Flowers dahlias can represent instability. It’s what I’ve felt for most of the growing season. I’ve found myself avoiding the garden…
Wind Chimes
The wind chimes in my garden are above the roses and every time I hear them I think of my husband’s maternal grandma. They were…
No More Laundry On the Chair
There’s no more laundry on the chair but there are dishes in the sink. And on the counter. And on the dining room table from…
The Land
The sundrops in my garden are originally from my grandma. She gave them to my mom when my parents bought their house and my mom…
Hardening Off
Day One: One hour in the sun, two hours in the shade. Day Two: Two hours in the sun, three hours in the shade. Day…
Normal
Give me slugs, give me aphids, give me earwigs to battle silently in my backyard. My backyard, where plants will still bloom despite pests and…
Rainy Days
It is raining. The rain barrel where some of my snapdragons are planted is overflowing, gushing into the new plants. I watch from the bathroom…
Ocean
At first I say no. My daughter’s chin juts out defiantly. “Please mom,” she says. My son looks at me, hopeful. “Please, please,” he says.…
The Tulips in Washington Park
Albany is known for its tulips but I can’t grow them. Every fall I plant bulbs with the hope that there will be spring blooms…
Starting Seeds
I think I’m supposed to like starting seeds. I think I’m supposed to enjoy feeling the soil in my hands, the seeds tiny specks of…