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: gardening
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”
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”
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’”
Barking Dog Gardens - Gardening in New England 