I love to read and want to share what is on my table this winter: Winterland by Cathy Rees has lots of color photos to demonstrate how to flesh out your home landscape at this coldest season of the year. Her accompanying text is down-to-earth and practical. I particularly like her mention of some of…
When the Mercury rises, please don’t forget about your plants. This is especially true for any woody plant that was installed in the past three years and any perennial, annual, or vegetable planted this spring. Linked is my handy reference chart linking air temperature to watering frequency. In short, the higher the temperature, the more frequently we water.…
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…
If you’re reworking your spring containers of pansies, primroses and the like – think about some summertime drought tolerant alternatives: succulents and sedums (see article below), petunias, dahlias, lantana, herbs such as thyme or rue, and geraniums (including scented ones) come to mind. These plants will need watering probably only every other day. Summer Container…
For any tree planted since spring 2019, a TreeGator of water at set at the root zone slowly drips needed moisture in the right place. Refill the TreeGator with your garden hose. Deep watering with your wand, filling the well around the tree, is also recommended at least twice weekly. 15-Gallon TreeGator TreeGator
Has your town already banned outdoor water use, or limited it severely? We at PBOG can help. Our spray trucks, outfitted with 200 gallon sprayers, can bring the water directly to your thirsty garden. We often add a kelp-seaweed-micronutrient powder to the water called Stress X, proven to help revive drought-stressed plants. This is same…
We recommend the use of drip irrigation for all planting beds. It can even be installed in containers, if there is a way to hide the line next to a building, for example. Drip irrigation directs the water efficiently to the root zones of the plants without wasting it. Systems should now be re-set from…
Nothing beats a walk through your garden, noticing new buds and by-chance color combinations, and providing a chance for general oohing and ahhing over the beautiful scene. You can now also use this time to notice tell-tale signs of drought: drooping or twisting leaves on trees, shrubs or perennials, wilting annuals, and off-color foliage. Some…
I was working in my garden over the weekend and noticed that the small shrubs I planted last year showed the first signs of wilting! Sure enough, dry soil lay under the leaf mulch. So I got out the watering can and made the rounds, filling up the well around each plant. Please keep an…