I am a slave to tradition and the queen of repetition at the same time. I bet I could put out the same column every year with a bit of a tweak on my world view commentary.

Once again I must comment on one of my pet peeves. People, know your plant before pruning and for Pete’s sake avoid the words hack and/or whack when it comes to the task. To wit, forsythia. But it is not my custom to point out others’ flaws (to their faces at least). The small hedge on State Road right before the Edgartown Road on the right hand side is pruned perfectly. It is light and airy and follows the wishes of the plant. I am fond of the house. There are usually hens wandering around on the sidewalk.

Once my family was driving round Newton and every azalea was pruned to a perfect globe. We are all gardeners and did considerable criticizing and joking. We are hopeless.

Surprisingly, my Virginia bluebells are beginning to bloom at a mere six inches tall. They looked so pretty in Sunday’s snows. Speaking of that morning storm, I have rarely seen such enormous snowflakes — easily the size of quarters.

It was mighty chilly the last few mornings. My poor little pansies were frozen solid. The dog had to be dragged outside. She is such a wimp.

I’ve been busy transplanting tiny seedlings into large containers in the greenhouse. I started lavender, sage, monarda, echinacea and rosemary. It freezes in there but none of those plants mind even in their infancy. Not true of the dahlias. I started a few flats from seed and will leave them on the cozy propagating mat covered with bubble wrap until it warms up a bit.

I had a lovely conversation this week with Becky Renear. We both commented how much we have enjoyed the long blooming of the Skiff avenue witch hazel at the Billings property.

I also received a nice note from Eleanor Whelan. Her grandson owns Edgartown Meat and Fish Market. She asked about hydrangeas. Yes, I’ve been cutting them like crazy. I sit on a stool or bucket wearing eye protection and get right into the center. Many of the dead stalks can be wriggled loose or cut to the quick. It’s helpful to know the variety. The old fashioned Nikko Blues bloom on the old growth so don’t go crazy on any branches with life in them. I also like to take out branches that will flop all over the lawn. I tend to prefer the plant upright.

The dead stalks are handy if a stake is needed for another plant that may be falling over. Sometimes I use a long piece of grass or vine as a tie. It saves a trip to the truck or shed. Years of waitressing trained me for making less trips. Everyone should do it at some point. You will always bring the cream out with the coffee.

A couple of weeks ago I was dismayed that my quince had frozen, dead buds from trying to bloom in January. Wonder of wonders, it has begun to leaf out and is once again loaded with about-to-burst red buds. Nature is so forgiving.

I will be taking a little break for the next two weeks. Hopefully, upon my return I will have plenty of material to share. I confess, I’m not a good traveler. I come from a family of worriers. I’ve been taught that if it could happen it will. The good news and what I like about myself is I always have a good time wherever I go. It’s the idea of going I dislike. Once I’m on the boat I never care if I left water running or the iron on.

This past week I’ve become increasingly aware that I have the best friends in the world and that they are endlessly patient. I’ve done nothing but carry on. Sorry everyone. Ciao!