This native of the coastal plain of the Northeast (Nova Scotia to Virginia) is resisitant to black knot in my experience! Blooming in mid May through June with a brilliant show of pinkish-white flowers, it is a small stature tree (4′-6′) or multi-stemmed shrub. Plant and enjoy in full sun. It is not fussy about…
At this time of year with leaves off the trees, we often see black masses or galls attached to outer twigs of plum and cherry trees in the genus Prunus. Both ornamental and edible varieties are susceptible to this fungus, along with the native chokecherry. Sometimes apricot and peach trees are impacted. This disease produces rough,…
We are pleased to announce that Martha Ludlum and Susan Shaine have been promoted to Crew Supervisors this season! They are both seasoned veterans of the PBOG Crew, avid gardeners, and stand ready to help you through the garden year. You will see them driving PBOG trucks and wrangling debris and tools. Please join us in welcoming them both…
For many years I’ve had fun experimenting with minor bulbs, meaning those small bursts of color other than tulips and daffodils. Being smaller in stature, that means a smaller sized bulb to begin with, and that means digging a shallower hole! Fall planting goes much more quickly that way. In these photos, you’ll see a…
As a key part of our commitment to go paperless in 2020, we will be sending all invoices to you via email. Please be sure that we have your updated email address. Then look for your invoice the last week of April or the first week of May. If you would prefer to receive a…
Priscilla’s Garden To-Do List for Late April/Early May: Continue to clean up garden beds by raking, cutting back perennials and ornamental grasses Finish dormant pruning by May 1 when leaf-out is expected Cut back butterfly bush, smoke tree, caryopteris, beautyberry and other cutback shrubs Prepare vegetable garden beds Sow seeds of peas, spinach, kale,…
Important note: Do not collect wild moss, as this degrades natural habitats. Instead, we encourage you to try the easy propagation methods below for two common spreading moss varieties. Dicranum scoparium, Rock Cap Moss, is readily visible in the woods, quite literally capping the tops and sides of rocks or logs and stumps. You might also…
When Forsythia gets overgrown, it’s really overgrown! We like to renovate Forsythia before it comes into bloom. It’s very easy to see parallel stems and pick the best ones to cut all the way to the ground. Crossing branches and deadwood are readily spotted, too. This thinning action helps keep your plant looking natural yet under control. Do this…
Celebrate the lowly dandelion! Remember that its functional taproot pulls up minerals deep from the soil below. The leaves are collected as a spring tonic and lightly steamed or sauteed like other greens. Dandelions are rich in Vitamins A, B, C and D, just what we need after winter. Native Americans and herbalists use the…
As always, after any time outdoors, check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks! These pests are active in the landscape whenever temperatures are above 32 degrees, especially at edges of woods and cultivated areas where leaves, sticks and debris tends to collect. We recommend a personal essential oil spray of cedar for a…