Massachusetts

Exploring Waltham, Massachusetts

Waltham, Massachusetts, may be a bustling city today, but in the late 1700s and into the next century, it was a whole lot of country. Wealthy businessmen saw its large tracts of undeveloped land within close proximity to Boston and dreamt of splendid summer retreats. The payoff for us today? Three historic and stately properties—The […]

Gardens

How to Plant a Cranberry Bed

Cranberries were first discovered in New England by Native Americans centuries ago. The berries were used for food, fabric dye and medicinal purposes. Today cranberries are one of the top three native fruit crops harvested in New England. High in vitamin C and loaded with antioxidants, cranberries are a beneficial and relatively easy fruit to […]

Magazine

The Big Question | What’s the Future of History?

Biographer and Historian David McCullough approaches writing a bit like enrolling in college: “I know I’m going to be there for four years, and just think of what I’m going to learn,” he says. The author of 10 titles, all of which are still in print, McCullough’s interests have ranged from the Johnstown Flood to […]

Gardens

How to Harvest and Dry Seeds

It’s time to gather this past summer’s seeds from your favorite flowers and veggies to save for next year’s garden crops. In this post, I’ll explain how to harvest and dry seeds from your garden and share which seeds are the easiest to harvest for great results year after year. Before harvesting seeds from your […]

Travel

Slide Show: The Emerald Necklace in Massachusetts by Sean Litchfield

Sean Litchfield is a Boston-based editorial and fine art photographer. A Cape Cod native, Litchfield holds a BS in Photography and works in large and medium format film as well as digital. He produces earnest, beautiful images that evoke the deep sense of uneasiness that marks the contemporary landscape. Ordinary scenes are rendered extraordinary, evocative […]

Homes

Tips for Flower Arrangements

Ever wonder how flower farmers and florists make their bouquets so pretty and full? If you have a flower garden in your yard — or an abundacnce of the “right: weeds — follow these ideas for flower arrangements that save money and create beautiful homegrown bouquets. Ideas for Flower Arrangements Choose flowers that have a […]

Gardens

Invasive Plant Species in New England

There are no easy answers when “invasive” plants move into our forests, meadows, and backyards. Learn more about New England invasive plant species.

Gardens

Foraging for Beach Plums

For chef Jason Bond, foraging for beach plums is just another day at the beach…

Magazine

Anatomy of a Mouthful

Peter Martin built 3-foot-high raised wooden beds for vegetables, to minimize bending. The bonus is that they warm up early in spring, jump-starting early crops. Bush beans flop over the sides of the raised beds for easy picking and are free of ground slugs. Raised beds are for vegetables only; flowers go into the ground […]