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…
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…
Take a winter walk for exercise and to broaden your perspective Check yourself for ticks after time outdoors if it’s above freezing, as ticks will be active in ALL seasons above 32 degrees Allow ice and snow to naturally melt from outdoor plants, as branches are brittle and will crack readily if handled now at…
Stumped about what to give the gardener on your list? Here are some ideas: A good pair of insulated, water-repellent gloves that will keep working hands warm when temperatures drop below freezing Sturdy chore boots, 100% waterproof Professional hand pruners or folding hand saw – Felco is a great brand Japanese weeding knife and sheath, useful to…
So far, we have cut back most perennials, installed shrub protectors against falling ice and snow from roofs, put up deer fencing, and are applying anti-desiccant and deer repellents to vulnerable shrubs. Once the ground freezes, we will be finishing up a few final garden chores: Protecting tender rose crowns with cones of compost Covering…
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…
Mid-November on the calendar means it’s time for our PHC team to spray deer repellent and anti-desiccant to protect vulnerable plants from winter damage. If you’ve ever had browning of rhododendrons, boxwoods, hollies, leucothoes, or mountain laurels, you know what I mean by winter damage. This is caused by repeated cold winds or sudden temperature…
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 us as we’ll be rolling this service out soon!