The peacock and the rooster were having a standoff when I got out of the car at Down Island Farm on Sunday.

For years I was a production grower, planting everything in rows or squares to maximize output.

A window box or container spilling over with flowers and foliage is almost more delicious than a box of chocolates. Follow this primer from an experienced Island gardener for satisfying results.

My faith in humanity is buoyed by you smart Vineyarders.Your reaction to sheltering in place? Gardening.

I must say last Monday produced some memorable weather. Above the water, the sky was foreboding and downright scary.

I don’t know why last week’s freeze came as a surprise to me. It is the end of October afterall.