There is so much talk around energy consumption these days. It is hard to know whom to believe. We know we want to cut back our addiction to foreign oil.

Michael A. Dirr is the man to whom we refer concerning all things trees and shrubs.

It’s happened again. I’ve seeded too many flats, taken on too much work and ordered too many potatoes.

It is astonishing how rapidly spring progresses once it finally starts. It seems the lawns and fields have greened-up overnight.

My friend, the late Helen McGrath of Oak Bluffs, used to offer up three bits of advice. Affectionately known as Nurse Helen, she was endlessly cheerful.

Every bit of garden advice I give is a result of painful experience. I have learned everything the hard way.