Speaking of soil testing time, one result that we often find in soil tests that come back from the lab is bound-up, high levels of Phosphorus. This mineral is very hard to unlock, so this work is undertaken over several seasons. The ideal level of Phosphorus is 75 ppm (parts per million). We often find…
We’ve prepared quite a fall checklist and stand ready to help you work through it. What we do now sets the stage for spring 2020. August is a great time to analyze various sections of the garden and make plans for updating. Here’s what we’ll be tackling as we move ahead into September: Transplant, divide,…
Start with the soil, as always. Phlox paniculata prefers a mineral rich, limy soil, with lots of organic matter. Moisture is preferred over droughty summers, and we certainly had a moist spring this year. Then be sure to site the phlox plants in full sun. My soil test showed low Potassium, as we find in many…
Finish pruning spring blooming shrubs and trees Enjoy the color of dahlias, native hibiscus, Rose of Sharon and phlox Plan changes to your garden this fall Keep watering anything newly planted last fall or this season Patrol beds for deadheading and weeding through the coming month Deadleaf daylilies as you cut spent stalks, removing yellowed…
Our compost tea program is now segueing into the summer season with applications of Summer Foods. This means we are quite literally providing food for the large colonies of microscopic life in your soil through the hot weather. These “good guys” are actively seeking sustenance so that they can fulfill their role as predators of…
You’re not alone. Munching on daylily flowers, hosta leaves, phlox, sedum, new growth on hydrangea, weigela, viburnum, witch hazel and more has been reported as we make our rounds. The deer seem to seek moisture and tender new tips of plants at this hot time of year. Cut back damaged stems and leaves on perennials…
Russell Stafford, part-time Crew Supervisor, left us in early July after working with PBOG since 2007. This spring he relocated to Providence, Rhode Island and found the commute not workable. We relied on Russell on Tuesdays (and Thursdays some years) to oversee work at many of our largest properties. He instilled in all of us…