So, we’re ordering plants and seeds. What are we ordering? Bareroot stock is now available for early spring planting. This is the best way to find fragrant, antique rose varieties. These simply aren’t sold in nurseries anymore. Edibles like raspberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and young fruit trees are also available as bareroot stock. What does bareroot…
On March 16, a series of three monthly talks on native plants begins on Zoom Webinar. Sign up for one or more Evenings with Experts, sponsored by the nonprofit Grow Native Massachusetts. As always, this series is free and open to all. Talks from past years are also available on the group’s website, www.grownativemass.org
You may have seen soil resembling coffee grounds and noticed large worms moving quickly just below the surface – these are the invasive jumping worms in action. UMass sponsored four workshops over two days on this topic. The takeaway message is that the worms are here, and scientists are studying and experimenting in order to…
Return your Fine Garden Maintenance or Plant Health Care contract by March 1 Schedule a virtual meeting to ask questions and discuss details, phw@pumpkinbrookorganicgardening.com Place orders for seeds and bareroot stock (see article above) Start seeds of onions, leeks, and pansies indoors Sow some native seeds outdoors in containers — there’s still time (see article above)…
Come settle in on a cold winter afternoon with a virtual talk of interest. Daphne Minner, Garden Coach, Botanic Educator, and Designer, will engage us with suggestions for creating functional garden habitats with native plants for many species, right in our own yards. These practices can buffer against pollinator declines and create more dynamic, enjoyable…
I love to read and want to share what is on my table this winter: Winterland by Cathy Rees has lots of color photos to demonstrate how to flesh out your home landscape at this coldest season of the year. Her accompanying text is down-to-earth and practical. I particularly like her mention of some of…
Winterberries and hollies bloom on new wood, so we will be shaping these mature shrubs in early spring to create pleasing natural templates for berries in fall and winter 2022-23. Crabapples and other small deciduous trees can be pruned this winter until April, during their dormant season. And, of course, we will be pruning the cutback shrubs…
Per University of North Carolina Extension, woody plants may abort fruit that was set in dry soil. Remember back to last June! There was a two to three-week period of very high temperatures and no rain. The soil was definitely dried-out as we finished our spring planting season. In fact, we delayed finishing one planting…
Take inventory of seed packets on hand and place orders for new varieties Clean, sharpen and repair garden tools Order replacement tools if needed Stock up on Safe Paw ice melt: non-corrosive, chloride-free, and safe for plants, animals, and humans Force some bulbs on water: hyacinth or paperwhites Water house plants only every 4-5 days and withhold…
A new year always brings changes, and we at PBOG have decided to change the way we handle design services. We will still design containers, in-ground seasonal displays of bulbs and annuals, special event needs, and take care of small plantings and transplantings on site. However, the development of master plans and planting plans for…