We have found larger facilities for our complete company in downtown Ayer. We’ll be 10 minutes from the highway, with a “shop” for tools, supplies, equipment, and materials plus our office—all under one roof. There is ample outdoor storage for plants, bulk materials, trucks, and trailers. The move-in date is March 1, giving us just enough time to…
Watch for emerging color on witch hazel buds which can bloom in late winter, even with snow on the ground Maple sap will start to flow when days are above freezing and night temperatures dip below freezing Check yourself for ticks after time outdoors, as ticks are active whenever temperatures rise above 32 degrees Continue…
Small fruits are best pruned during the dormant season, and blueberries are no exception. This dormant period runs from November to early April, well before leaves appear. However, with the mild weather so far this winter season, we suggest getting down to blueberry pruning now. Here are a few tips: Prune only on a clear…
Looking for something different to do outdoors while still getting in a walk? Tower Hill Botanic Garden has opened a new winter display featuring creative use of colorful knitted or crocheted artworks on woody plants and garden structures. This is called Yarnbombing or Yarnstorming. Timed tickets are required for entry, with admission to this outdoor show included…
What could be better winter interest in the snowy landscape than a lovely evergreen? We’re all conscious that the deer population has been gradually increasing in our area. These two plant suggestions are not preferred by deer! And while not native to the Northeast, they are perfectly hardy in our region and harmonize well with other native plants…
Annual Free Public Lecture – Groton Garden Club Saturday, February 13 at 2 pm This year’s topic is “Natural Control of Pesky Invasive Plants in the Home Landscape” featuring my colleague and friend, Mike Nadeau. We met in 1999 when I joined the NOFA Organic Land Care Committee and wrote the Standards for Organic Land…
Reese makes a deep root application of compost tea. Photo by Lee Gadway. Did you know that Pumpkin Brook offers Plant Health Care using all-organic materials? Our department manager, Reese Crotteau, is working this month on new contracts for the coming season. In February, you can prepay, receive a small discount with our thanks, and…
Take a winter walk for exercise and to broaden your perspective Check yourself for ticks after time outdoors if it’s above freezing, as ticks will be active in ALL seasons above 32 degrees Allow ice and snow to naturally melt from outdoor plants, as branches are brittle and will crack readily if handled now at…
Get outside this winter whenever you can do so. If temperatures are above 20 degrees and the wind has subsided, it’s great to check out a natural area near you. Here are a few suggestions for December: Littleton’s Little Town Tree Hunt – search the town’s conservation trails for decorated trees created by community businesses and groups. Map…
Now that the leaves have fallen, we notice any scrap of color outside our windows! Shrubby dogwoods offer stems of yellow, red or coral as a means of photosynthesizing during winter. By spring, these stems will magically turn dark again as the new leaf buds emerge. There are newer, more compact cultivars for smaller gardens that remain…