Make every day a beautiful day.
Eye on Life Magazine is a Lifestyle and Literary Magazine. Enjoy articles on gardening, kitchen cooking, poetry, vintage decor, and more.
Born and raised in California during the 1950s and 1960s (before everyone in the planet seemed to move there), there are some things you don’t forget. One of the them is the sight of Saucer Pink Magnolia trees. These trees are one of the most spectacularly beautiful of all magnolias (some say the loveliest species of all).
Read MoreAs someone who once dyed my then blonde hair pink on a dare, it occurs to me that while I’ve seen Old Man’s Whiskers outside in nature, I’ve never seen a man (old or young) brave enough to sport a pink beard (although I’m sure some have). For a long time, this wildflower of the west and northwest, has been on its way to becoming the passenger pigeon of plant life.
Read MoreWhat’s old, can sometimes be just as exciting as what’s new — at least when it comes to gardening. For this is the story of perennial varieties that have been available for at least fifty years or longer.
Read MoreOf all the flowers that grace our planet, there are none which excite more admiration, year after year, than daffodils. I think we love them simply because year after year, no other flowering bulb requires less attention — a fact which is surprising to the uninitiated. My experience with these special flowers is by no means exceptional. Anyone can grow daffodils.
Read MoreUsually among the first hints that spring has sprung is the blooming of azaleas. Naturally for most the United States, this isn’t quite a reality, like it is here in Florida. I once heard someone refer to azaleas as “shrubs of merit.” Well, certainly they deserve a prize for being one of the most beautiful of the flowering shrubs and even if they aren’t quite ready to bloom in your location — it’s time to start thinking about them..
Read MoreHere in the South, azaleas, tulip trees, and other early bloomers are already smiling upon us, but none so pleasing to the eye than the old roses here in the historic district where I live.
Read MoreI was reminded when looking at some recent pictures by photographer, Chi Kin Lai, of Tai Po, how every lovely garden either has cherry blossoms, or wishes it did. I’m sure the bee in the picture was appreciating the majestic beauty of one of nature’s earliest reminders, that sooner or later Spring will be here in full glory.
Read MoreWith ever rising costs at the grocery store and many communities experiencing the closing of well-known grocery chains and additionally being “down-sided” to very limited selections in fresh produce — I think it’s time to return to the prudence of having home grown organic gardens as just one way of fighting back inflationary times. There’s got to be a better way and that is found by growing your own fruits and vegetables in a layering (lasagna style) garden.
Read MoreEspecially during this time of the year, both people and their plants are prone to looking poor, feeling under the weather, and sometimes even suffering various illnesses. Remember that this is just a first aid, first defense guideline. There could be a host of other reasons, but these are the most likely of culprits for winter time plant woes. Here are my favorite plant winter time blues remedies:
Read MoreA neighbor gave me a number of acorns from her beautiful and prolific tree so I can grow new trees from it. How should I plant them?
Read MoreUnfortunately, many people today do not know much about berries found in the wild or even in their own backyards. Here are some of my favorites that everyone should be familiar with:
Read MoreHowever, none of us trump Mother Nature who is the greatest creative artist of all. It is she who builds the beauty of her loveliest trees upon a structure of trunk and brand and twig, whose perfection of weight and line is as amazing, even if it is mostly under appreciated and under studied.
Read MoreTwo weeks from now there will be none available, unless you buy pureed in-the-can pumpkin or a pre-made pie, pumpkins will not be served on your table if your shopping is limited to the local stores. That wasn’t always the case, for pumpkins or “pompions” (as the Pilgrims actually called them) were a favorite in and out of the garden.
Read MoreWhat causes geraniums to shrivel and rot? The upper stems are dry and hollow and the stems and roots rot off below the soil.
Read MoreMost members of this plant family grown in the tropics, however, the United States has a few native species. Our home grown kinds are living vines with bell shaped flowers.
Read MoreWhen I think of city gardens, my mind goes back to the wonderful little court yard and balcony city gardens of New Orleans. I am especially fond of the Bienville House Hotel’s courtyard garden, which is in my opinion one of those small places when the cares of the world just melts away. It’s those kinds of oases that every city dweller should seek solace from the troubles of everyday modern life.
Read MorePerhaps the mystical basics of these garden design is a rewarding study in itself. The main appeal of their designs to most gardeners, is found in their outstanding beauty. While the lessons to be learned from the subtleness and serenity of their composition, is a peek into the almost universal Asian insight and appreciation of nature.
Read MoreVery often the details that make or break a garden are the small ones, the ones that might not occur to you as obvious, until it is too late.
Read MoreThe outside copper patina was just rich enough with usage beauty marks to ascertain it was the real deal, not some modern day clone. The large rounded serpentine handle was magnificent. It’s head surely looked gentle and even for even the most fragile of plants. The delicate spout was as near perfect as any I’ve ever seen. I so wanted it to be mine — all mine!
Read MoreI have a favorite among the most easy to grow plants, the Bromeliad. You’d don’t need a green thumb with bromeliads. They practically take care of themselves.
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