Colchicum are out in force now. Although known as Autumn Crocus by the internet, they are not and point out the problem with common names. There is already a very special crocus that does bloom in the autumn: Crocus sativus, the source of saffron. Yes there are others – Crocus pulchellus and Crocus speciosus toContinue reading “From the Chair – 9/18/25”
Tag Archives: flowers
From the Chair – 8/14/25
The old Hellenistic Dog Days of Summer ran from July 3 – August 11. But don’t try and tell my pups those days are done yet. It is still hot and humid. The constellation Canis Majoris, which contains Sirius, remains visible in the dawn sky. The heliacal rising (when it appears in the sky beforeContinue reading “From the Chair – 8/14/25”
From the Chair – 7/15/25
Lori Chips is among the heroes of the Berkshire Chapter, NARGS. A top propagator for Oliver Nurseries, in Fairfield CT, she has generously donated plants to our sales for over 20 years. What treasures she has put on our sale tables. For one, she has kept alive the legacy of Phlox ‘Ellie B.’ (named afterContinue reading “From the Chair – 7/15/25”
From the Chair 6/23/2025
The end of June is time for the Campanulaceae family to put on its bright display. The purple flowers draw the eye. (Of course there are also alba forms too. ) For me, Edraianthus is a favorite among the family. Many years ago I ordered seed from the NARGS Seedex for E. graminifolius as wellContinue reading “From the Chair 6/23/2025”
From the Chair 2/6/25
It’s a February Snow Day as I write this message. Well… snow, hail, and freezing rain day. I am glad to be inside. We have a very exciting lineup of BNARGS programs for 2025. Our first meeting, April 5th, features the intrepid plantsman from North Carolina: Tony Avent. Not only does he run an amazingContinue reading “From the Chair 2/6/25”
From the Chair 9/17/2024
Zauchneria canum (err Epilobium canum if you are a taxonomist) is one of the harbingers of Fall here in Northwest Connecticut. And this bloom is just the start of its show! Soon it will be completely covered in orange/red bloom that hummingbirds find irresistible. A member of the evening primrose family, it hails from ourContinue reading “From the Chair 9/17/2024”
From the Chair 7/7/2024
Trough Workshop Fun! Our meeting in the BBG Education Classroom on June 8th was a hothouse of creativity. What started life as closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (styrofoam) shipping containers was upscaled to light-weight planters (troughs). Best of all, members got to enjoy the process as well as their friends. Thanks go to Maura D. WeContinue reading “From the Chair 7/7/2024”
Berkshire Chapter NARGS 