The Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is an understory tree with broad geographic hardiness, including our region. It is easily identified by large, elongated leaves that turn a buttery gold in fall. At least two varieties are needed for good pollination and fruit set. Pawpaws will tolerate high shade and a slightly acidic soil. They will set…
Finish transplanting and dividing work by the first week of the month Cut back peony and hosta, plants that don’t “die well” and may transmit fungal diseases Leave perennial seed heads if you enjoy bird activity during winter – otherwise cut back now Leave hydrangea, tree peony, foxglove, hellebore, ornamental grasses, tall sedums, roses, perennial…
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…
I was all set to write an article about alternatives to the Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus), and to highlight why this is an important issue for your own yard. Instead, I found that someone else had already written this article! So, please read on. I was especially interested in Emily DeBolt’s comparison of foliage color on specific native…
Many questions have come in about pruning roses in fall. I’m not in favor of this action, since we don’t know what kind of winter lies ahead. Canes are often damaged in severe weather, and a cut made now won’t fully heal. There is the potential for further damage. Long, floppy vegetative canes won’t bloom…
Reese has serviced our leaf shredder to make this annual chore go faster and to produce a small, evenly sized product. Shredded leaves are perfect for mulching garden beds that are planted closely, especially woodland gardens. Please contact Kimberly for an estimate, <kimberly@pumpkinbrookorganicgardening.com> as we’ll be rolling this service out soon!
Please be extra careful and check yourself, children and pets after walking or playing outdoors this month! Leaves are dropping early and coating the ground. Ticks prefer to hide in this type of moist, enclosed environment. Our tick and mosquito spray program using essential oils can help, so now is the time to sign up…
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…