I Simply Remember These Favorite Things with Dr. A July 2024
A Plant - Panicle hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata hybrids
As I look over the list of plants I have recommended in this blog, I can’t believe I have neglected everyone’s favorite shrub. I will not discourse on my lack of enthusiasm for the old fashioned “mophead” hydrangea – suffice it to say that it is not on my favorite plants list.
However, the panicle hydrangeas, introduced under the banner of ‘Limelight’, are so easy to succeed with and available in so many cultivars that I recommend them without hesitation. ‘Limelight’ is still around, but I prefer the shorter ones like ‘White Wedding’, ‘Firelight Tidbit’, and ‘Bobo’.
They tolerate full sun as well as shade and can be pruned in almost any season. Plant them this fall for wonderful blooms next summer.
A Garden - Jardins de Metis/Reford Gardens, Grand Metis, Quebec, Canada
There are so many things to do and see in the province of Quebec, including Montreal, Quebec City, the Gaspe, and the majestic Saint Lawrence River. If visiting eastern Canada, a 4 hr drive trip from Quebec City to Grand Metis may not sound like a lot of fun, but the scenery along the river is breathtaking, and the gardens are wonderful. Created from 1926 to 1958 by pioneering horticulturist Elsie Reford, the Reford Gardens are a National Historic Site of Canada. Well over 2500 species of plants are spread over 15 gardens.
The entrance garden is wonderful, but the stream garden, the poppy glade (including the Himalayan blue poppy), the long walk, the lodge, and the arboretum are also excellent. This northern garden opens on June 1 and closes in early October. There are places to stay in the garden itself, as well as many auberges, chalets, and hotels within 10 km of the garden.
It may seem a long way to see a garden but consider it a wonderful stop on your continued journey to the spectacular Gaspe Peninsular that juts out into the North Atlantic.
A Book -A Woman of No Importance, the Untold Story of the American Spy who Helped Win World War II
Author: Sonia Purnell
Non-fiction. This book chronicles the life of Virginia Hall, an amazing behind-the-lines operative for the Allies in Vichy France in WW II. Hall’s story is one of determination and will power – she enlists as an ambulance driver for the French army in 1940 where her tenacity brought her to the attention of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a new organization geared to sabotage and subversion. As France begins to fall, Hall builds a network of other women, informants and police and sets up safe exfiltration routes for allied soldiers and operatives. The Nazis considered her as enemy number one and she was close to being captured on many occasions. Hall survived the war and did not speak of her exploits for 38 years.
I am doing a poor job of describing this woman’s amazing exploits, but allow me to say that this book is as riveting as any thriller and was just as hard to put down.
A Show/Movie- One Life
It may be me, but I have not been thrilled by the selection of movies in our local theatres. Perhaps because there is so much choice in streaming series and movies, I have been less interested, or because there may only be junk in the theatres.
However, I recently watched One Life, the story of Nicholas Winton, who visited Prague in 1938 and found families living in desperate conditions, having fled the rise of Nazis in Germany and Austria. Winton realized that if the children were not taken out of Czechoslovakia before the borders were closed, they would perish in the camps. There were thousands of children, innumerable obstacles, and no time, but with the help of friends and his very persuasive mother, he was able to get 8 trains with over 650 children out of Prague to England. The Nazis stopped the ninth train on the day war was declared, and the children disappeared.
Fifty years later, an older Winton thinks back on those times; he is overcome by the children he could not save. After that, the story just gets better.
Nicholas Winton was a hero, certainly to those he saved and their subsequent children and families. Yet no one even knew his name.
This is a very moving story and a wonderful movie starring Anthony Hopkins and an excellent cast. It is a sort of British “Schindler’s List,” a heartwarming look at what the good man is capable of when facing the worst of man.
Be sure to see it when it comes to your theatre or TV screen.
A Place -Hakone, Japan
I have been fortunate to have led many garden tours around the world. I am often asked which place/garden/trip was the best, and I cannot provide an answer; they were all wonderful. However, when asked which was the most memorable, I say Japan.
There were so many amazing places, but Hakone, about 90 minutes SE of Tokyo, was one of the favorites. We journeyed to see the Hakone Botanical Garden, which was well worth the visit. However, in so doing, we discovered a wonderful town, a beautiful lake, spectacular views of My Fuji, and a cable car to hot lava fields.
It sounds a little much, I am sure, but this was one of the most beautiful places we visited, and it can be done as a day trip out of Tokyo. I could go on and on about the sights, sounds, and beauty of the places we visited in Japan, but if you are in Tokyo, get out for a day and see this area.
A little feedback, please.
Anyone who enjoys reading, travel, and gardens could write a column like this. So, if you are keen, send me feedback on your favorites and include a book, place, plant, or garden you recommend.
Add your favorites in the comments below!