Remove winter greens from containers, once unfrozen Rake out beds, trim brown stalks, assess winter damage and prune out Prune shrubs such as inkberry, holly, yew that may be overgrown Prune butterfly bush, caryopteris, smoke tree, St. Johnswort, and other cutback shrubs Shear ornamental grasses Shape lavender, sage, germander, thyme and other woody herbs by…
This native grass quite literally jumps out of the snow with bright green, hairlike foliage. It makes a great lawn substitute, gradually spreading and filling in from small potted plants. Or use it as an accent among other low native flowering plants such as American ginger, American pachysandra, or Meehan’s mint. In earliest spring, we quickly shear back…
We began our compost tea program back in 2007. At that time, the study of soil microorganisms (or soil biology) was just becoming mainstream through the work of Dr. Elaine Ingham. She found that almost any soil can have its biology boosted through the addition of an actively aerated compost tea. Compromised soils, especially with compaction following construction,…
Our skilled staff loves to garden at home. Organic vegetable gardens are familiar territory. We’re happy to help you design a raised bed structure, pick a site and build it, fill with nutrient-dense soil mix, and plan the plantings! Tricky topics that are familiar to us include: when to sow seeds vs. planting seedlings, designing a fencing system to…
We’re putting the finishing touches on seasonal programs for plant health care and maintenance now. Our spring letter will be delivered by US mail this year, so watch your mailbox. We are available for virtual meetings to discuss details of your contract and maybe contacting you to arrange a time—contact us. Here are some changes this year: We…
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…