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…
Here are three more native woody plants that attract overwintering birds in our area: Viburnum trilobum, Cranberry Bush Viburnum, sports a clear red berry resembling a cranberry that persists in the cold weather. It is low in lipids, so birds like Cedar Waxwings will choose it in late winter when they are desperate…
Many of you have large blue Meserveae hollies (Ilex x meserveae) in your gardens, with many shrubs heavily loaded with red berries this year. The native American holly, Ilex opaca, is also fruiting now. Please plan to use holly branches in your holiday decorating! However, be aware that the cut branches will last only 7-10…
Scraping of lead paint underway Several of our clients are having their homes scraped and painted this summer. For structures built before 1978, lead-based paint was used. What can be done about lead paint chips in the soil around foundations? Is it safe to eat herbs and plants grown in these areas? Painting companies should take precautions to…
Patrol for scale on Magnolia, Holly, Rhododendron, and foundation plantings where air does not readily circulate and remove by hand where feasible Prune all spring flowering shrubs to create a natural shape, removing deadwood and crossing branches, creating air spaces, and lifting slightly off the ground Selected spring flowering trees can be pruned now Water…
Get out and enjoy all the bloom in your garden Finish editing any spreading perennials Keep up with weeding, especially weeds with seedheads Finish mulching beds, or ideally plant spreading groundcover or short perennials to reduce quantity of mulch needed Finish planting by month’s end when the hot weather begins Deadhead peony, iris, roses, and…
Small signs with the intriguing words “Pollinator Pathway” began appearing in our area in the past two years to mark home or municipal gardens that are pesticide-free and planted with native pollinator plants. This group began in Connecticut, and its message has spread up and down the Eastern seaboard! See their website, www.pollinator-pathway.org to find…
Native plant guru, researcher, professor and author Doug Tallamy recommends that 70% of our gardens be planted with natives. That leaves 30% for non-native plants. You may enjoy his books Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope. Native plants and native pollinators evolved together and depend upon each other for their continued existence. We at PBOG are striving to plant straight…
Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens, 153 Chickering Street, North Andover – Their bulb festival tickets have sold out, but grounds reopen to the public on May 16. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. There should still be plenty of bulbs to see! This Trustees of Reservations property has had a recent expansion including a new Visitor Center, parking lot, and…
Do you feel that some of your plants or garden beds need a boost? Do you have shrubs undergoing rejuvenation pruning? Have you had recent construction and the resulting soil compaction? Or do you have a group of young plants still getting established? Your levels of soil biology, that microscopic life so critical to plant health, could be…