Q: What will happen to my bulbs if a late snow comes after they’ve sent up new growth, or worse, if they’re already blooming? A: Bulbs are surprisingly resilient and can tolerate cold temperatures well. Emerging bulb tips or stems will simply stop growing and wait for better weather conditions. While snow may knock blooming bulbs over temporarily, they…
Watch for emerging color on witch hazel buds which can bloom in late winter, even with snow on the ground Maple sap will start to flow when days are above freezing and night temperatures dip below freezing Check yourself for ticks after time outdoors, as ticks are active whenever temperatures rise above 32 degrees Continue…
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…
Reese makes a deep root application of compost tea. Photo by Lee Gadway. Did you know that Pumpkin Brook offers Plant Health Care using all-organic materials? Our department manager, Reese Crotteau, is working this month on new contracts for the coming season. In February, you can prepay, receive a small discount with our thanks, and…
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…
Get outside this winter whenever you can do so. If temperatures are above 20 degrees and the wind has subsided, it’s great to check out a natural area near you. Here are a few suggestions for December: Littleton’s Little Town Tree Hunt – search the town’s conservation trails for decorated trees created by community businesses and groups. Map…
Now that the leaves have fallen, we notice any scrap of color outside our windows! Shrubby dogwoods offer stems of yellow, red or coral as a means of photosynthesizing during winter. By spring, these stems will magically turn dark again as the new leaf buds emerge. There are newer, more compact cultivars for smaller gardens that remain…
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…
Laura has been busy updating your containers and windowboxes for winter this past week. Please let Priscilla <phw@seedlingspecialist.com> know at once if you are interested in a natural outdoor arrangement of winter greens, berries and colored twigs for your home.
Dormant pruning will be ongoing this winter as weather permits with a select PBOG crew. We have several orchards on our list, along with Kousa dogwood trees, forsythia hedges, and other deciduous material. It is easiest to see a plant’s structure when its leaves have dropped. Also it’s the traditional time to prune fruit trees during cool temperatures…