I visited the Flat Rock Sanctuary of Massachusetts Audubon recently, located in a woodsy corner of Fitchburg. The trail led up a hill loaded with large granite boulders among scrambling masses of mountain laurel glistening in the sun. This inviting path eventually evened out and was lined with a carpet of pine needles as I…
Here’s the chronological list of places to see indoor plant displays, lots of color AND gain ideas for your own garden this season: Lyman Estate Greenhouses, Waltham, Camellia show begins February 18, historicnewengland.org Connecticut Flower and Garden Show, February 20-23, ctflowershow.com Smith College Bulb Show, March 7-22, garden.smith.edu Mt. Holyoke Bulb Show, March 7-22, mtholyoke.edu Boston Flower and Garden…
I received my first cyclamen plant as a young teenager and fell in love with the heart-shaped, marbled leaves and bright, upswept flowers. They are a favorite gift at this time of year for friends and family of any age since they bloom in the Valentine colors: tones of red, pink and white. On a…
Speaking of native plants, our Plant Pick this month is Dicentra eximia, fringed bleeding heart. This early spring bloomer will pop out of the ground shortly after the snow melts with soft green basal leaves. Flower stems will quickly follow. Preferring dry shade with a soil rich in organic matter, this plant is an easy naturalizer.…
The hot topic on the garden lecture circuit these days is native plants, along with the birds and insects that depend upon them for sustenance. These are the pollinators that everyone is talking about! And this is more than a foodweb – it is the underlying support for the world as we know it. Per…
Plan design changes to the garden on paper Schedule a design meeting with Deanna now Fertilize houseplants with a weak solution of fish fertilizer every other week to support new growth Repot or divide overgrown houseplant specimens using fresh potting soil Monitor houseplants for signs of pests such as aphids, scale, spider mites and whiteflies…
Amaryllis bulbs are a popular holiday gift and are easy to care for. They should be in bloom around Valentine’s Day, just when we all need some cheer and color. I like to pot up each bulb in a 6″ round pot, with one third of its neck exposed, using regular organic potting soil. To help…
In late fall after leaf drop, we test the garden soil of our compost tea clients to determine the level of active soil biology. That means the quantity of microscopic organisms that do so much good all season long. We are looking for a minimum level of 600 parts per million on the microorganism count. We’re…
There are some wonderful garden lectures coming up in just a few weeks: Grow Native Massachusetts has a free lecture series in Cambridge that kicks off on Wednesday, February 5 with superstar speaker and scientist, Doug Tallamy. Doug’s new book will debut at this event. More info here! Groton Garden Club and Nashua River…
Cover all tender roses (David Austin and hybrid tea types) with cones of compost as frozen bare ground emerges between snow storms Cover heaths, heathers, and lavender with evergreen boughs to prevent winter desiccation (the discarded Christmas tree is perfect) Dress exposed perennial beds with salt marsh hay once the ground is frozen to prevent…