Category: Newtown CT

  • There’s a Fungus Among Us

    There’s a Fungus Among Us

    While working this week I spotted this cool fungus.  I wish I could tell you more about it. In the picture at the top of the post you can see a puddle of rainwater on the fungus.  We’ve had a very rainy summer which is probably why this fungus looks so healthy. Looking down at…

  • Another Day at the Office

    Another Day at the Office

    I’ve been working on Lake Zoar in Monroe CT the last couple days.  The weather this week has been beautiful.  High 50’s to low 60’s and sunny.  Last week I worked in a drizzle mixed with snowflakes. The improved weather is a welcome change. The picture at the top of this post is a fire…

  • My New Favorite Park

    My New Favorite Park

    For the last week and a half I’ve visited a small park in town.  The park starts level by the road but quickly drops off to a small rolling river below. I’ve gotten in the habit of getting a bacon, egg and cheese and stopping at the park to eat my breakfast.  It’s on the…

  • How to Create a Curved Stepping Stone Path

    How to Create a Curved Stepping Stone Path

    This week I finished installing a stepping stone path. This stepping stone path is unique for a couple of reasons. First, it provides a much-needed way to move through the garden.  There’s no way to cross the garden without it. Second, the stepping stone path gently curves to add interest.  The path curves left to make room for…

  • Jack Frost Exceedingly Bad Day

    Jack Frost Exceedingly Bad Day

    Yesterday we had snow, then rain, then ice and then snow again.  When I woke this morning it was a frigid 26 degrees. You’d think I’d be used to spring snow.  I’ve lived in southern New England all my life where the weather is anything but predictable. I’m not. Every time Jack Frost lays waste to…

  • Old-Fashioned Craftsmanship

    Old-Fashioned Craftsmanship

    After a day of office work I decided to take Theo for a walk. It was a beautiful evening.  The temperature was around 68 and the sun was shining.  I admit I wasn’t in the mood for a walk.  Too much office time drains my energy. After 45 minutes of walking I had a choice. Continue straight and…

  • Beefsteak Tomato Roadside Stand

    Beefsteak Tomato Roadside Stand

    This week I took the kids and dog for a walk and stumbled across a tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) growing in the crack between the curb and the asphalt.  A plant’s will to live is amazing.  I can’t wait to return this summer for some Beefsteaks!

  • Wetland Plants of CT

    Wetland Plants of CT

    Every year Cub Scout Pack 170 cleans up Edmund Road in Newtown, CT.  It’s our Earth Day conservation project.  My son and I spent an hour one Saturday morning picking up garbage and admiring flora.  Truth be told I was the only one admiring the flora. We cleaned up litter on a Saturday.  I was so…

  • April 16, 2014 Snowstorm in Newtown, CT

    April 16, 2014 Snowstorm in Newtown, CT

    This morning I woke to an inch of sleet and snow on the ground.  The thermometer read 27 degrees and the wind was whipping.  Naturally, the first thing I did was grab my camera and run outside. Snow brings out the best in plants.  It adds interest, creates contrast, and reminds every one of the…