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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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”
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”
Growing Degree Day Meaning for Plants and Insects
As a follow-up to the previous piece on pollinators and native plants, I thought a brief discussion of Growing Degree Days (GDD) would be interesting. I seem to do this every year or two, but it really helps to reinforce our previous discussion on the relationship between plants and pollinators. Nature provides plants at the right timeContinue reading “Growing Degree Day Meaning for Plants and Insects”
Organic Matter and Soil Quality
There is a lot to talk about this time of year in the garden, but I would like to come back to a theme we have covered a number of times in this newsletter and in my classes. Organic matter and soil quality are critical to the success of anything that you might grow, andContinue reading “Organic Matter and Soil Quality”
Barking Dog Gardens - Gardening in New England 