I have seen some extensive and unexpected rabbit damage over the past few weeks as I have been getting out into client’s gardens. As someone who recommends plants and helps people in the fight to protect their plants, this is becoming an even more varied and moving target. Every season brings new challenges. With the long termContinue reading “Rabbit Damage From This Winter”
Author Archives: Barking Dog Gardens
Garden Tasks for Late-Winter
I promise that Spring is coming with a relatively balmy week ahead. However, don’t you dare put away those ice scrapers or your snow blower and be the cause of more snow! We all know what to expect here in New England, but I am hoping for an early Spring, with the cold we have endured thisContinue reading “Garden Tasks for Late-Winter”
The Horticultural Trilogy: Soil, Light, and Water
Sometimes I just need to be slapped in the face, metaphorically that is. I love what I do and sometimes get so excited and into the weeds with clients and teaching that it can over-shadow some basic gardening principles that can help everyone. My goal is always to help people become better gardeners, and the more time IContinue reading “The Horticultural Trilogy: Soil, Light, and Water”
Work in the Fall Garden
Last week I taught my annual ‘Work in the Fall Garden Class’ @ New England Botanic Garden, and following are the topics that we covered. My focus is to help people become better gardeners and be more successful in their pursuits. My reward comes from seeing people make connections and be able to apply newlyContinue reading “Work in the Fall Garden”
Watering Stressed and Dry Gardens
I have spent a lot of time talking with clients about watering this year. Years like this are not as easy as turning on the irrigation system or putting out a sprinkler for a few hours. We were in ‘Abnormally Dry’ to ‘Severe Drought’ by mid-Summer in many parts of New England with a fewContinue reading “Watering Stressed and Dry Gardens”
Thoughts for August in the Garden
Some thoughts as we work through August and the latter part of Summer. 2025 Perennial Plant of the YearHot news from the annual symposium of the Perennial Plant Association, Clustered Mountain Mint, or Pycnanthemum muticum, is named the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year. Great to see another native on the list this year. If you have sunnyContinue reading “Thoughts for August in the Garden”
What are the ‘Dog Days of Summer’
I guess that August is the month I am a little off my rocker. Last year I did an introspective piece on mindfulness in the garden, and now I am about to write about the Dog Star, Sirius, and the Dog Days of Summer. With this heat, who has really been out working hard in theirContinue reading “What are the ‘Dog Days of Summer’”
Gardening Insights for July, 2024
Pruning HydrangeasOne of the topics of great confusion is when and how to prune Hydrangeas. It differs based upon the species of Hydrangea that you are growing. The arborescens discussed below and the big paniculata are pruned in the late Winter before new growth starts. The pink/blue macrophylla are pruned ideally before the end ofContinue reading “Gardening Insights for July, 2024”
Art and Structure in the Garden
As gardeners we are always looking at the plants we don’t have with envy, and trying to find ways to get more plants into our gardens. You know who you are, constantly asking if I have any space in my Plant Addicts Therapy Group. Just teasing, but for many the struggle is real. When youContinue reading “Art and Structure in the Garden”
Garden Insights for June, 2024
Following are several insights for the season so far: HydrangeasWhat a year we are having for the macrophylla/serrata Hydrangeas. The blue/pink hydrangeas that have been so disappointing for many years. These Hydrangeas start producing their flower buds in September and hold on during the Winter, as they are old-wood flowering plants. With recent past WinterContinue reading “Garden Insights for June, 2024”
Barking Dog Gardens - Gardening in New England 