Deer Browse One item you may need to consider is winter deer protection. A few years ago we learned that in fall and winter, the enzymes in a deer’s stomach change so the animal can digest woody plants and evergreens in particular! With ever more deer per square mile in our region, deer fencing is…
There are more deer per square mile than ever before in our area. This season, they have even sampled a few native plants at my back stoop! Garlic clips attached to a bamboo stake stopped this invasion, and the native Rubus odoratus (Flowering raspberry) and Porteranthus tridentata (Bowman’s root) have sprouted new growth, albeit shorter than usual. This reminds…
Our Plant Health Care Manager, Reese Crotteau, is looking ahead to our November season of anti-desiccant and deer protection applications. We aim to prevent winter damage from scorching sun low in the sky in late winter plus potential harsh wind action on broadleafed evergreens like rhododendron, holly, and boxwood through our anti-desiccant spray program. This…
You’re not alone. Munching on daylily flowers, hosta leaves, phlox, sedum, new growth on hydrangea, weigela, viburnum, witch hazel and more has been reported as we make our rounds. The deer seem to seek moisture and tender new tips of plants at this hot time of year. Cut back damaged stems and leaves on perennials…
Leaf Cleanup Season is Here – How Can We Help? Here at Pumpkin Brook we have a different approach to fallen leaves than most landscape companies. We advocate leaving a thin layer over garden beds as winter protection. This can easily be removed in spring. But what about the 18″ deep drop from maple trees? …