Looking around the garden, I notice that many native plants are vigorous despite the drought! Here are just a few: Solomon’s Seal – Polygonatum biflorum A staple of the shade garden, Solomon’s Seal blooms in May with dangling white bell-shaped flowers on an arched stem. In fall, leaves turn a lovely golden yellow. This plant…
In October, we aim to finish all fall planting and transplanting by the end of the month. With warm soil temperatures, this is an ideal time to plant or transplant, as roots will readily establish given cooler nights and (hopefully) more frequent rain. We’ll wait until leaves are about to drop before transplanting shrubs and…
We are back in a Category 2 drought situation here in eastern Massachusetts. It’s interesting to study the US map to note where the other areas of drought exist at this website. Pumpkin Brook has an emergency watering service available. We bring the water to you! Our spray trucks have 200 gallon tanks and long hoses…
This wonderful national nonprofit is offering a fall Literary Series of webinars on selected Thursday afternoons with garden authors. You’ll enjoy color photos and virtual tours of fine gardens around the country, with a chance for questions and answers. Can’t attend on a Thursday afternoon? Registrants receive a link to a recording after the event…
Identify and finish fall transplanting and dividing work Keep planting trees, shrubs and perennials until the end of the month Plant bulbs when soil cools, starting mid-month Test and amend soil in problem spots Begin cutback of frosted ferns and other perennials that mildew, blacken or drop leaves Let birds enjoy seedheads Pull spent annuals…
Keep up with harvesting vegetables and herbs Pick yourself a bouquet Pull any spent summer crops and sow seeds of spinach, arugula, kale and lettuce for fall harvesting Sow cover crops this month on any bare ground in the vegetable garden Order seed garlic for planting in October Continue to weed and deadhead Keep watering…
We’ve already assembled a list of gardens ready for fall planting or some renovation. But it’s not too late to schedule a consultation for your own garden. Now is the ideal time to assess the situation and design plans for improvement. Please contact us for your appointment. Fall Planting will run from late August through…
You may enjoy registering for a new twist on a summer standby that goes online this month. The Northeast Organic Farming Association’s Summer Conference will be held July 20-August 9. NOFA is a group of consumers, farmers, and gardeners with an interest in sustainable living the organic way. Workshops have been the cornerstone of the…
Kim, Deanna, Erica and Rick attended the four-day Northeast Organic Farming Association’s Organic Land Care Course at Hampshire College this month. We are expecting their certificates of completion in the mail soon, indicating that they passed their exams and have become Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals. Congratulations! In addition, Kyle and Rick are studying for the International…
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…