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”
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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”
The Science and Art of Watering
Providing the proper amount of water to your plants is both a science and an art. Often times, nature does not provide enough moisture for our plants, and the invention of irrigation systems helped us to fill the void. Unfortunately, these systems are often not set up properly and can cause more damage than good.Continue reading “The Science and Art of Watering”
Are Black And White Gardens Actually Colorful?
I had a couple of people reach out to ask what the ‘Black’ flower was in my last newsletter. I had to go back and dig up the list, but it is a ‘Dark and Handsome’ cultivar of Hellebore. It made me think about all the great ‘Black’ colors in the garden, and I decided toContinue reading “Are Black And White Gardens Actually Colorful?”
Native vs Non-Native vs Invasive vs Aggressive Plants
There is a lot of discussion and interest around native plants right now. I am engaged in a conversation with most clients about adding native plants to their garden, which is a great development. If you have been reading my recent posts, I have had an interesting interview and some articles on native plants and the localContinue reading “Native vs Non-Native vs Invasive vs Aggressive Plants”
Importance of Proper Mulching
OK, here we go. Two soapboxes stacked, megaphone fully charged, attitude on, and hyperbole activated! Mulch can be the greatest input for your garden and plants or it can create a desolate wasteland. How’s that for hyperbole? I know that readers of this newsletter span a great range of gardens from small fractions of anContinue reading “Importance of Proper Mulching”
Barking Dog Gardens - Gardening in New England 