I had a chance last week to catch up with John Gedraitis, owner of Van Berkum Nursery (VBN) in Deerfield, NH. He was kind with his time during the busy period to talk about what is in demand (and not) and provide some insight into where his operation is going. For some more information about VanContinue reading “Perennial Trends and a Native Plant Discussion with Van Berkum Nursery”
Tag Archives: garden
Early Work in the New England Garden
Mulching{Reed places soap box on ground and steps up} It’s Spring again, except for that snow the other day, and it is time for my annual diatribe on Mulch. Here is a link to my comprehensive discussion from last year. I don’t need to repeat or rewrite what is in last year’s discussion, but I do wantContinue reading “Early Work in the New England Garden”
Impact of Weather in the Garden
At some point, if you spend enough time in the garden, you become a geek about something. Maybe you focus on Dahlias, white gardens, composting, propagation, lawn seed varieties, or one of my favorites… Weather. Anyone who has read this newsletter knows that I try to keep everyone up to speed on where we haveContinue reading “Impact of Weather in the Garden”
Damaged Plants After A Cold Winter
I am shocked and sympathizing with all of you over the challenges we are seeing with many plants from the cold weather this Winter, on top of the drought. You may have noticed that some Rhododendrons/Azaleas have not fully come back from their Winter form when the leaves curl up to protect from the cold. SeeContinue reading “Damaged Plants After A Cold Winter”
Rabbit Damage From This Winter
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”
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”
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”
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 