FALL isn’t just about planning for winter. It’s about reflecting on what worked and didn’t and planning for spring. Following a reassessment with our Carlisle client, we renovated problem spots by removing grasses. We replaced what wasn’t working with native ferns and…
DetailsAfter a long restoration process of a historic home, our Groton client’s lawn was severely compacted from all the heavy equipment driving on the site. She’s opted for the establishment of a natural microclover lawn to outcompete all the crabgrass that had taken up residence. Microclover has many benefits: 1.Pulls nitrogen out of the atmosphere…
DetailsIt’s a busy time of year in the garden. We’re installing new plants and shrubs, along with moving others around while there’s ample time for them to adapt and overwinter. We’re also installing locally grown Mums. This perennial fall favorite spruces up…
DetailsWe get this question a lot this time of year. Here is a link to an article from Terrain’s September Blog that may help you decide. Al and Carmine are available to spray insecticidal soap with powerful backpack sprayers on your tender plants just before you are ready to bring them inside for winter. Usually…
DetailsClematis virginiana I’ve found that Sweet Autumn Clematis is not always hardy in our area. Vines are slow to revive in spring, and some we just have to declare as dead. Luckily, I discovered the native Clematis virginiana. Those who hike among waterways and open woodlands may recognize this plant as Old Man’s Beard due…
DetailsThis week Pumpkin Brook’s team of expert pruners shared their tree pruning knowledge at a workshop hosted by Groton Garden Club. The event took place at the beautiful Prescott Common in Groton, Massachusetts. The redbuds on the site received a much needed pruning. All the participants gained valuable information on pruning best practices. Annual pruning…
DetailsDuring the recent NOFA Summer Conference, Lisa, Kate and I had the chance to tour That’s A Plenty Farm and Pollinator Habitat in Hadley, Massachusetts. We drove near the Connecticut River where it makes numerous twists and turns and creates pockets of old field, high-terrace floodplain forest. There a very special three-acre environment has been…
DetailsNow is one of my favorite times of year – I can open the bulb catalogs and plan your orders for fall planted bulbs that will emerge next spring, just when we need color the most! I will be placing orders by Labor Day to be sure we get our first choice of varieties before they…
DetailsKeep up with weeding and deadheading Give annuals a pick-me-up of fish fertilizer or Organic Plant Magic Replace any tired plants in containers, being sure to top off with new potting soil Finish shrub pruning Prune birch trees as sap is not running in hot weather Prune vegetative growth of roses and wisteria Divide and…
DetailsThis variety came into the marketplace several years ago, and I snapped it up for its fantastic color. It’s the earliest phlox in my garden to bloom and certainly the longest lasting. Phlox likes a mineral-rich soil high in organic matter plus good air circulation. Plant it in the open in full sun for best…
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