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”
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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”
Popular Native Plants At Van Berkum Nursery
During the late-Winter of 2021, I wrote a piece on Van Berkum Nursery, a wholesale nursery based in southern New Hampshire that propagates a broad range of perennials. Their founder’s DNA, Leslie and Peter Van Berkum, is rooted in native and woodland plants, so I reached out recently to John Gedratis, the current nursery owner, to ask aboutContinue reading “Popular Native Plants At Van Berkum Nursery”
Work in the Spring Garden
Two weeks ago, I taught my ‘Work in the Spring Garden’ class, and thought I would share some of the concepts that I covered as we are preparing to get out into the gardens. Each one of these is a significant topic and I spend a lot of time educating people about these important ideas.Continue reading “Work in the Spring Garden”
Importance Of Having a Quality, Certified Arborist
I spend a lot of time helping client’s understand the importance and value of a high quality, certified Arborist. We have a tendency to ignore or not pay close attention to our larger woody plants and trees. They are always there and appear to reliably leaf out every Spring and change color in the fall.Continue reading “Importance Of Having a Quality, Certified Arborist”
Barking Dog Gardens - Gardening in New England 