Picea omorika branch Evergreens star at this time of year, and nothing beats a tough, hardy Serbian spruce. Deer do not seem to browse them! You can choose from Picea omorika ‘Pendula’ with graceful swooping branches or the straight species. Both have a narrow framework, adaptable to a range of growing conditions, and max out at 30′…
Drain hoses and store indoors for winter to prolong life Store garden tools Service any power equipment Walk through the checklist above for putting the garden to bed Clean up any remaining spent vegetable crops completely Set out shrub protectors for vulnerable foundation plants to protect against falling snow and ice Create containers of…
Deanna is ready and willing to meet with you in your garden to discuss spring 2020 planting. For most projects, that process begins with design. “Why now? Shouldn’t we wait until spring?” As our season ends, Deanna looks forward to some less hectic winter time to design and plan with you, without the pressures of…
Here are some things I’m thinking about that we are able to do in the near future for you. Let me know if you would like our help with any of the following: Gnawing creatures under the snow or “buck rub” from deer – protect tree trunks with mesh supports or pebbles and hardware cloth.…
Cut down perennials in stages as foliage blackens or flops over Dormant pruning season begins when leaves are off the trees, with structure easily visible Refresh containers for fall with hardy material that can withstand the occasional cold night Remove spent annuals planted in the ground Dig and store tubers of dahlias and gladiolus after…
New England is blessed with white, black and red oaks along with other occasional species such as chestnut oak. Their fall color is just now beginning to show up as russet, scarlet and gold. All oaks are extremely valuable plants for wildlife. Entomologist Doug Tallamy notes that the leaves of one oak tree will support…
Our Plant Health Care Manager, Reese Crotteau, is looking ahead to our November season of anti-desiccant and deer protection applications. We aim to prevent winter damage from scorching sun low in the sky in late winter plus potential harsh wind action on broadleafed evergreens like rhododendron, holly, and boxwood through our anti-desiccant spray program. This…
I re-read this great book recently with my book group. The author decided to study botany as a young college student because she wanted to find out why asters and goldenrods like to grow together. They certainly are a perfect color combination in our fields, roadsides and gardens. And perfectly native to New England! Aster…
The white powdery mildew sometimes seen on phlox, helianthus, lilacs, dogwoods, and the like at this time of year is rather unsightly. This fungus spreads, so be sure to avoid working with these plants during wet weather. Do not handle the leaves at all if you can help it! We have had success with soil…
I was working in my garden over the weekend and noticed that the small shrubs I planted last year showed the first signs of wilting! Sure enough, dry soil lay under the leaf mulch. So I got out the watering can and made the rounds, filling up the well around each plant. Please keep an…