I Simply Remember These Favorite Things, and then I Can Smile All Day
I Simply Remember These Favorite Things, and then I Can Smile All Day. Here is a list of my favorite things this month.
Episode 7, March, 2023
A Plant:
Spiraea ‘Double Play Candy Corn’
Nothing is new about spireas, but like a Transformer, they disassemble and reassemble from a large old hedge plant (like Spiraea van houttei) into an explosion of color that fits in anyone’s garden, even small ones like mine. The flowers are handsome enough but the foliage is magnetic. Seen here is the spring foliage in my garden.
A Garden:
Desert Botanical Garden
There are many gardens I have visited here, there and everywhere but I can’t think of a more unique one than Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ. If you think of desert flora as cactus and scrub, and maybe a few palms, you will be blown away with the diversity of plant life and the remarkable floral displays. A stroll is perfect, but the garden always has interesting events. Next time in the Phoenix area, do not miss this spectacular place.
A Book:
The Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn
Historical Fiction. I have read a number of gripping stories about the cold war, world wars and the amazing people who get caught up in these events. I had not read much about WW2 from the perspective of a Russian soldier. Mila Pavlichenko was a librarian and student when Hitler invaded the Ukraine and Russia. She was thrust into service and became history’s most deadly sniper and her story as a soldier may not be easy to read. However, she was part of a student contingent sent to help nudge Franklin Roosevelt into supporting Russia’s efforts against Hitler. Her lasting friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt is a fascinating part of this true story.
A Show:
Vera
We can’t seem to get away from UK detectives and sleuths. While everyone we know is watching Yellowstone and Breaking Bad, we travel with Vera in northern England as she and her team solve crimes, with a large dose of common sense, as well as little gunfire and overt violence.
Vera is now in her 12th season, we have enjoyed them all.
A Place:
Perth, Western Australia
I have met a ton of travelers going to Australia, but most stay on the eastern side of the country. As wonderful as Brisbane, Sidney and Melbourne are, we recommend Perth and the entire state of Western Australia as a place to visit. The city is wonderful, the gardens are fine, the beaches are unbelievable, the scenery is beautiful and the people are among the friendliest we have met. Not on the trodden path, but if Australia is on your bucket list, you might want to consider a visit to Perth while you are there.
Watch your inbox for
my list of April Favorites.
I Simply Remember These Favorite Things, and then I Can Smile All Day
I Simply Remember These Favorite Things, and then I Can Smile All Day. Here is a list of my favorite things this month.
Episode 6, February, 2023
A PLANT
Baptisia ‘American Goldfinch’
What is there not to like about false indigo? It is a tough perennial, beautiful in flower, with handsome foliage and wonderful ornamental fruit. A number of species of Baptisia are native to much of the United States or Canada. I am showing ‘American Goldfinch’ in my friend Scott Beuerlein’s garden near Cincinnati. This is but one of the nativars available, however, there are dozens of others available in a rainbow of colors. If my garden were larger, I’d have them all.
A Garden:
Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, WA
I have been fortunate to travel to some of the Great Gardens of the World, and Bloedel is very much on that list. Every aspect of this garden is an experience - from the trails to the beautiful Japanese garden and the ponds. However, the moss garden is truly otherworldly and takes you to a place of serenity and calm. The ferry ride from Seattle takes a little planning, but if thinking of a trip out West, don’t miss out on this lovely piece of America. www.bloedelreserve.org
A Book:
I was not sure if I would enjoy a story about a few Appalachian women in the 1930s whose vision was to bring books to the back hills of Kentucky. However, as I turned the pages, the story, often bleak and sad, became hopeful and provided a loving tribute to the power of books. This rare story casts librarians as heroes, and brings to light the smart tough women on horseback whose goal was to share the power of reading. I loved it and so did our book club.
Streaming Show: Foyle’s War
We are watching all sorts of streaming shows these days (way more than we should), but Foyle’s War, set in the beginning of WW2, is still one of our favorites. Although Britain is in the throes of war, Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle still has the job of catching those who would profit from the chaos of the war. Superintendent Foyle is played by Michael Kitchen, a superb actor and once you have watched one episode, you will be hooked. In fact, it was so good that when BBC/ITV tried to cancel it after four years, there was such an uproar from fans that it was renewed for another four.
A Place:
Savannah, Georgia
The city of Savannah is such an easy place to enjoy. We try to find an Air B&B by the water or on one of the many beautiful squares in town – and there are many. If you enjoy history, Savannah will not disappoint. Great beauty, interesting stories and fabulous food. Once there, it is an easy journey to the beautiful barrier islands of Hilton Head, Fripp, St Simon’s and Jekyll – and just down the road lies Charleston, SC. Well worth a vacation.
Watch your inbox for
my list of March Favorites.
I Simply Remember These Favorite Things, and then I Can Smile All Day
Welcome to Dr. Allan Armitage's January 2023 favorites! This edition explores his top picks for the month, including inspiring travel experiences, beautiful garden highlights, must-read books, and exciting streaming shows. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply seeking fresh ideas for the new year, Dr. Armitage shares insights and recommendations to spark your creativity and enjoyment. Dive in and discover what made this January special!
