Winter 2012 Silver Tree and Christmases Past

My grandparents, Harold and Margaret in 1922. To read a wee bit about my own family tree, click here for Christmases Past .

Winter 2012 Christmas Houseplants

During the Christmas season poinsettias, Norfolk pines, Christmas cactus, cyclamen and rosemary are often purchased to decorate our homes or given as gifts. Knowing how to care for these popular holiday plants can be a challenge. So for those of you with the not-so-green thumb, here are some basic care instructions about caring for Christmas houseplants.

Winter 2012 Christmas Evergreens and Symbolism

Evergreens for early Christians symbolized everlasting life. Here, in the launguage of flowers, are their individual meanings: Christmas evergreens symbolism.

Winter 2012 @pontifex and Gardens

A Papal Twitter account? My head is spinning and my grandmother is probably twirling in her grave. Read more at The Catholic Channel at Patheos.

Christmas 2012 Gifts for the Gardener

I know…this is supposed to be about Christmas greens…next week, I promise. I’ve had several friends ask for another column about gifts for gardeners. So, by request…here are a few gift suggestions that can be found on my page at Patheos.

Autumn 2012 Rosemary and Christmas

I'm on a mission to dethrone the poinsettia as the Christmas plant in Catholic homes and churches with the herb Rosemary officinalis.

Did you know that this herb was present in Jesus' life from the day he was born? Read the rest of the story in my column at Patheos

Autumn 2012 Seasonal Changes

...Most of us easily recognize the signs in nature that indicate movement in time; cycles and rhythms. But do we recognize similar signs in our spiritual life? Can we point to the cycles of faith in our present time and say “Yes, here it is again…this is Our Lord’s movement”?...Read the full column at Patheos.