The online correspondence between Ranters Marianne Willburn (in Virginia) and Scott Beuerlein (in Ohio) began in July 2019 with Scott’s column ‘Time for a Grexit’ in Horticulture magazine which grumpily condemned British garden writers and their books. Marianne couldn’t let him get away with it; but chose to answer on GardenRant soil. Scott rebutted. Marianne rebutted his rebuttal, and Scott returned the punch.
Marianne answered with a letter.
What followed has been an edgy, informative, humorous and often intimate portrait of their gardens and lives in very different regions of the country. The letters aren’t managed or edited, and often, readers of GardenRant see them even before Scott or Marianne does.
It’s a gardeners’ correspondence for a digital age. You can find the entire collection of letters below. Enjoy!
Brave New Hope for an Old, Decrepit Gardener: A Letter from the Midwest
Hell, I've learned that shit dies. I’ve come to accept that. Sort of. And if a Liatris succumbs to a Chionanthus, so be it. I'm not its mother. It won't be on my conscience.
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Inbox: A Letter to The Midwest
Behind posts, articles, conferences and social media, there’s a backstory. Have you kept up with the digital correspondence between Ranters Scott Beuerlein and Marianne Willburn? You can start here, or [...]
Living the Dream: A Letter from the Midwest
For those who plant them in rows, expect rows. Those who plant them in drifts, expect drifts. And those who plant them where they would plant themselves, will expect to see that. And all will be lifted by the dependably sunny blooms on cold spring days.
Bulbs Are So Much More Than Pretty Faces: A Letter to The Midwest
Behind posts, articles, conferences and social media, there’s a backstory. Have you kept up with the digital correspondence between Ranters Scott Beuerlein and Marianne Willburn? You can start here, or [...]
On The Plight of The Aging Gardener: Letter to The Midwest
Behind posts, articles, conferences and social media, there’s a backstory. Have you kept up with the digital correspondence between Ranters Scott Beuerlein and Marianne Willburn? You can start here, or [...]
The Apiaceae and Questionable Mental (and Physical) Health (in September): A Letter from the Midwest
While these hostas are blooming in the darker spaces, the phlox are rocking the sun. And have been for seemingly months.
Umbellifers and Unbelievable Views: A Letter to The Midwest
Lovettsville, VA 24 July 2023 Dear Scott, I wonder if I should technically write ‘Lovettsville’ at the top of this letter, as I am sitting in the passenger seat of [...]
Your Logo Here: A Letter from the Midwest
I'm thinking my life has maybe culminated. I'm no longer working towards this big thing. The big thing is over and now it's kind of like I'm being stretchered away from it.
Clotted Cream and Rant Reunions: A Letter to The Midwest
Behind posts, articles, conferences and social media, there’s a backstory. Have you kept up with the digital correspondence between Ranters Scott Beuerlein and Marianne Willburn? You can start here, or [...]
Confession or Confusion. Sins vs. Good Deeds in Spring; A Letter from the Midwest
Some of these combinations are quite good. Some came by intent, some by serendipity. However they happened, that’s what years of growth and crowding, forgotten sowings, and much, much more allows. It’s what happens when wait-and-see wisdom gradually undermines sheer energy and willpower.
Crass Confessions: A Letter to The Midwest
Behind posts, articles, conferences and social media, there's a backstory. Have you kept up with the digital correspondence between Ranters Scott Beuerlein and Marianne Willburn? You can start here, or [...]
Pre-Spring Whirlwind: A Letter From The Midwest
Spring is just around the corner and will spring into its manic business faster than a mouse trap. There's never enough time to observe it. As always, I will just try to buckle up and enjoy what I can of it as I'm hauled variously across it as my own trajectory wobbles like a bottle rocket.