Read by Michael Flamel

 

Welcome to Season of Summer Celebrations!

 

TThe word “Summer” evokes a cascade of joyful images—bright sunshine, beach outings, picnics in the park, and a festive atmosphere that pervades every corner of life. Summer is a season of celebration, marked by many events that bring communities together in jubilant harmony. From music festivals to local fairs, the Summer months offer many activities that cater to all ages and interests.

One of the quintessential aspects of Summer is its ability to transform ordinary days into extraordinary experiences through vibrant festivities. As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, people are drawn outdoors to soak up the sun and partake in events that define the season. These celebrations not only provide entertainment but also foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging among participants.

Historically, Summer has been a time for significant cultural and agricultural celebrations. Many ancient civilizations marked the Summer solstice with grand festivals, honoring the sun’s life-giving power and the abundance of the harvest season. For instance, the ancient Egyptians celebrated the Festival of the Nile in mid-summer, which coincided with the annual flooding of the Nile River—a crucial event for ensuring fertile lands and successful crops.

In contemporary times, Summer continues to be a season ripe with festivities, albeit with a modern twist. Music festivals attract thousands of attendees from around the world, offering an eclectic mix of performances that span genres and generations. These festivals have become cultural landmarks, symbolizing the freedom and creativity that Summer embodies.

Local fairs and carnivals also play a pivotal role in Summer celebrations. These events, often held in small towns and rural areas, showcase the unique traditions and talents of their communities. From thrilling rides and games to food stalls offering delectable treats, local fairs provide a nostalgic charm and a platform for local artisans and performers to shine.

Despite the varying themes and scales of Summer celebrations, the common thread that ties them together is the spirit of joy and togetherness. Whether it’s dancing under the stars at a music festival, cheering on a local parade, or simply enjoying a backyard barbecue with friends and family, Summer’s festive atmosphere creates lasting memories and strengthens social bonds.

Summer celebrations are a testament to the human desire for connection and enjoyment. It’s a time when communities come alive with the sound of laughter, music, and shared stories, reminding us of the beauty of collective experiences. As we dive into this season of endless possibilities, let us embrace the festivities with open hearts and revel in the vibrant energy that Summer brings.

And our gardens can be a great source of celebrating during Summer—delivering harvests and beautiful flowers for us to enjoy. Please take time to enjoy your garden, and please stay cool and safe.

So, we bring you this August 2024 issue of GreenPrints in the middle of the Dog Days of Summer and hope you find joy, relaxation, and inspiration from this issue—and in your garden!

Listen to the sound of GreenPrints! Yes, we continue to record every article in the monthly issues, so you can listen to the entire issue while you’re on the go or in your garden! On the main “Table of Contents” page, just look for this button in the top-left area, and you can begin listening to the entire issue!

Or on any individual story page, please look for this image near the top of the story, under the headline, to start listening to individual stories:

I continue to hear from countless readers about how valuable the audio version is—if you’re ever out in your garden … or anywhere, really! … the sound of GreenPrints is soothing, healing and inspiring.

And please don’t forget that you can also print the entire issue if you prefer reading GreenPrints in hard-copy format. Just look for this button on the “Table of Contents” page, located on the right side of the page, under the “Start Reading” button:

Here’s a quick summary of what’s new in this issue—I know you’ll enjoy reading this issue:

• Gardening News: Executive Publisher Don Nicholas shares with you his monthly commentary, this time about his recent trip to London where he observed the Royal Horticultural Society and the latest British garden trends. Get in the know about what the Brits are doing in their gardens!
• Garden Planning: Every month, you get advice—and some fun—about a practical, seasonal gardening matter. This month, Food Gardening Network’s Amanda MacArthur gives you advice about celebrating Summer’s grand finale with captivating floral arrangements and fragrant herb bouquets. Easy-peasy to make!
• Cultivating Wisdom: Regular contributor Becky Rupp is featured every month, covering topics that divulge all sorts of facts you might not otherwise know. In this issue, Becky covers tomatoes—and the history of the supposed medicinal value of tomatoes from ages ago to current-day reality about the healthfulness of tomatoes. You always learn a lot—even something new—with Becky’s stories!
• Garden Giggles: Perennial contributor Mike McGrath delivers his usual knee-slapping—sometimes gut-busting—humor about something in the garden. This month, Mike’s story is about exploding forsythia in his yard—and his battle to control it. Get ready for some good laughs!
• Harvesting Health: This column is my own piece—and this month, I cover the health benefits of watermelon. Learn all about how healthful this delicious Summer fruit can be!
• Green Perspectives: This month, stalwart GreenPrints contributor Diana Wells shares her remembrances of buying a Venus Fly Trap for her son’s birthday. Read all about how the plant was tended by Diana—and some history and background of the Venus Fly Trap.
• Gardening Life: GreenPrints founder Pat Stone shares his story about the death of his rototiller. A unique, funny, and entertaining story from Pat!
• Seasonal Thoughts: GreenPrints Editor & Publisher Christy Page shares her garden thoughts every month—and seasonally appropriate, of course! For this issue, Christy reflects on the “Dog Days of Summer”—both from her childhood and as an adult!
• Plants We Love: Every month, you get interesting and fun articles about different plants. This month, learn about clematis, cacao, and butterfly gardens!

And then there are the perennials in every monthly GreenPrints Magazine issue:

• Stories from the Garden: These mainstays have been part of GreenPrints since our first year of publishing in Spring 1990—“gardening stories from the heart” that will lift your spirits and make you smile or laugh.
• Garden to Table Journeys: Every month, you get easy-to-make and delicious recipes to help give your cooking a broader range.
• Letters to GreenPrints: Read messages that readers have sent us—good feedback and sometimes constructive criticism. Read these messages, and we hope you’ll be inspired to send us your own feedback to share.

Check out this entire issue, and I know you’ll find some joy during these hot days of Summer.

And let me know what you think. I’d truly love to hear from you.

Bill Dugan
Executive Editor
GreenPrints

 
P.S. Please email me with your feedback about the new-and-improved GreenPrints: bill@mequoda.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Or share your comments below, so all our readers can benefit from your feedback.