I’m not sure what the clinical definition of obsessive might be. But surely this dog’s behavior in some instances can be described as this. Maybe it’s a characteristic of the species or maybe humanity has inbred this trait in our dogs through our own obsession with tricks and commands; the need to declare alpha dominance over our canine companions. But besides the flirting with obsession, there is, at the same time, something admirable about the behavior as well. A certain clarity of purpose – a singularity of intent.

Focus and single-mindedness, traits I sorely lack, have never been better exemplified than by Third Dog. Besides doing her best to get our attention at any time of the day, her primary focus is a blue and yellow plastic circle known as a Frisbee. Frisbee is a word not dared uttered in our quiet home without a readiness for immediate action. The word inspires the frantic search and ends with the longing eyes over a mouth full of plastic cylinder which can turn our beautiful dog -– a saucer clenched in her jaws – into a cartoon character. I don’t think there is anything our puppy would rather do than to plunge headlong across our rear lawn in pursuit of the cylinder, suspended in its own innate and frenzied circular flight. The Frisbee is an important center of her life; her unrelenting focus admirable. But unless my wife or I are ready to indulge her in her passion, the word can’t be uttered. We have to spell it…F….R…I…

Once indulged, nothing stands in the way. Gardens are gone in the blink of the eye as she dashes across everything in her hot pursuit. And then once gathered in her jaw, she bounds back to us across the landscape and delivers it for another launch. She is, after all, a Retriever. In these moments, exclusively so.

Our second Golden would retrieve nothing. She would chase an item; examine it; and then leave it lying where it fell. She had no interest in the pickup and delivery of anything, however fascinating they might be. Second dog could fit four of five balls in her jaws, but she had no interest in depositing them anywhere specific. For Third Dog, on the other hand, the pickup and delivery are integral to the satisfaction of the task: a kind of canine Federal Express. (more…)

Pennisetum alopecuroides

In every season…every month,  nearly every week of the year really, a new star emerges on the stage of the landscape. Mid- to- late fall features such stalwarts as sedums and asters and chrysanthemums – amid the cornstalks and pumpkins – as the traditional stars. They’re dependable. And predictable, which for most gardeners is a good thing. But, to me, replacing these traditional acts this time of year as the real headliners, are the various Ornamental Grasses that have established an increasing presence in our gardens. From the understated Fescues(Festuca), to the overstatement of Porcupine Grass(Miscanthus sinensis “strictus’) these plants are nearly magical in the late autumn light and offer graceful motion, reflected and diffused light as they move across the fall sun and the autumn moon… and even sound, as in the autumn breeze they shift and settle like an uneasy audience at the opening of a new performance. The plants form grass blades of varied sizes and heights and a large palate of subtle colors. (more…)

My intention and enthusiasm to write this column on a regular basis – to

articulate my thoughts about gardening and landscape – is often clearly in direct conflict with my work as a landscaper and gardener as well as all the other myriad of things by which I am so often distracted and occupied. Free time doesn’t really exist for me, as I’m sure it doesn’t for many of you. I am easily distracted…or maybe it’s consumed. So instead of keeping current, I find myself looking back across the season, which offers a different perspective. And perhaps in looking back, I can see a larger, somewhat skewed canvas. (more…)

Vernon Regional Continuing Education;  Rockville High School

A fresh look at the design and implementation of the home landscape.  Explores alternatives and includes lively discussion and some workshop for those who want to develop designs for their own property.

5 Wednesday Evenings