NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Hydrangeas are such a familiar fixture in home gardens, it’s easy to assume there’s not much know about them. While it’s true they’re easy to grow, there are a few things to know when adding a hydrangea to a yard. Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs. Some have[Read More…]
In the Garden
Combating slugs in the home garden
SOUTH BURLINGTON – Slugs are a tenacious foe in the home garden, as they do their work at night and are capable of wreaking havoc quickly. To combat them, you need to understand what conditions they prefer, what plants they target, and how to protect your garden from their assaults. [Read More…]
Planting under trees presents challenges
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – If planting something beneath a tree, or growing grass there, it’s possible to grow successfully in a shady, full-of-roots location. While it’s true that planting under a tree does present challenges, that doesn’t mean it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Any plants sharing soil will compete[Read More…]
Keeping track of plants
CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – I decided this year to do a better job of keeping track of what plants are blooming when, and photographing them. I encourage you to do the same: we all forget what we have from time to time. And next winter we’ll be able to enjoy[Read More…]
Get growing by starting a vegetable garden
FAYSTON – Spring has finally arrived and with it comes a renewed sense of excitement to try something new. For those who have been thinking about starting a garden, this is a great time to give it a try. Whether transforming a corner of a backyard, building a raised bed[Read More…]
Azaleas, Rhododendrons attractive, well-behaved
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Azaleas and other rhododendrons are fixtures in yards and gardens for good reasons: they’re attractive, well-behaved, and easy to care for. But which is which? Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are, in fact, rhododendrons, though all rhododendrons are not azaleas. Azaleas tend to be smaller shrubs (around five[Read More…]
Much to be done for late spring chores
CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – Spring arrives in New England in fits and starts: Hot and sunny one day, chilly and drizzly the next. Maybe even a few flurries to outrage the impatient gardener. But there is much that can be done in late April, even on a rainy day. I[Read More…]
How to support all types of pollinators in the garden
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – When you think of pollinators, what is the first thing you think of? What would you say if I told you that flies and beetles were also pollinators? How about wasps? The word pollinator has become synonymous with bees, and while they are some of the[Read More…]
Plant Spring bulbs for Summer flowers
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Spring isn’t the only season where bulbs can produce an array of flowers to enjoy. Spring bulbs planted in the coming weeks will produce flowers this summer. Bulbs are easy to obtain, easy to plant and offer a wide variety of options. Consider such familiar choices[Read More…]
Garden plant supports are hidden garden heroes
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – In springtime, a gardener’s thoughts turn to planting and all that goes along with it. Plant supports might come as an afterthought, but they’re often the hidden heroes in the garden. While many plants have strong stems and can stand up on their own, others, particularly[Read More…]
Spring garden chores, planning for more
CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – This was supposed to be my very last gardening column, but (spoiler alert) it is not. I started writing a gardening column in 1998 and wrote weekly for 25 years. Then in late 2023 I dropped down to once a month. I liked the extra time[Read More…]
Getting ready for spring in the garden
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Spring is in the air. While it’s still too soon to plant, there’s plenty to do, even before the snow has entirely cleared, to get ready for the upcoming growing season. Before setting foot in the garden, sort through garden tools and other equipment. Make a[Read More…]
