PANTON – Stunning landscapes abound all over the world, each one a testament to the captivating beauty of its native plant life. A flamboyant Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) in bloom in its African natural habitat is a breathtaking sight that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Likewise, the majestic expanses of sugar[Read More…]
In the Garden
Building Habitat for Bees
NORTHFIELD – Bees are critically important pollinators to support and protect. Along with other insects, bees are essential components of agriculture by pollinating fruits, vegetables and other crops. Pollinator habitat is declining as a result of large-scale agriculture and urbanization. This trend destroys natural bee habitats like grasslands and prairies,[Read More…]
Dusky Birch Sawflies Defoliate Trees
BURLINGTON – The defoliation in river birch trees may be a sign that dusky birch sawflies (Croesus latitarsus) are feeding on the foliage. Examine the leaf edges for these voracious feeders, which resemble caterpillars (immature moths and butterflies in the order Lepidoptera) but are actually sawflies, in the bee, ant[Read More…]
Correcting Soil Compaction in Lawns
NORTHFIELD – The summer months are a time when many of us enjoy lawns. From playing sports to picnicking, lawns can be an important part of our summer experience. With all of this activity, lawns can be sensitive to over use, and soil compaction may become an issue. Soil compaction[Read More…]
Hydrangea Leaftier Makes Odd Leaf Constructions
BURLINGTON – If you have hydrangeas in your yard, you may have noticed odd structures in the plant in mid-May. These bladder-like pouches at the ends of branches are made up of cupped leaves tied together with silk and are formed by the hydrangea leaftier caterpillar (Olethreutes ferriferana). The hydrangea[Read More…]
Flowers are Practical in Vegetable Garden
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – There’s no denying they’re pretty, but there are practical reasons to plant flowers among the vegetables in your garden. Pollination is a vital component in a successful vegetable garden. Planting flowers is like ringing the dinner bell for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. They’ll be attracted[Read More…]
Screening Garden Soils for Lead
BURLINGTON – Whether new to gardening, or growing vegetables for years, gardeners should understand the importance of getting soil tested for nutrient levels, soil pH and having garden soil screened for lead. Although lead, a bluish-gray metal, occurs naturally in soil in small amounts, typically less than 41 parts per[Read More…]
Are Dandelions Foe or Friend?
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – It’s that time of year again. Sunny yellow blossoms pop up all over the landscape, bringing smiles to children’s faces and frowns to those who favor manicured lawns. Love ‘em, hate ‘em or don’t pay them much attention, there’s a lot to be said about dandelions[Read More…]
Red Admirals are on the Move
HARDWICK – Have you seen this butterfly? The Red Admiral (Vanessa Atalanta), because of it’s 50 or so larval host plants in the nettle family (Urticaceae), is found worldwide, and is one of our most abundant butterfly species in the U.S. They are fast flyers, moving rapidly out of the[Read More…]
First Cut Hay: A Glimpse into the Early Season Harvest
HARDWICK – This story was originally written to run in a Center for an Agricultural Economy newsletter in the summer of 2023, but was postponed in light of the July 10 flooding. That event and its aftermath defined the summer of 2023 in our communities. It has now been updated[Read More…]
Selecting Crabapples for Spring Flowers
NORTHFIELD – Flowering crabapples in full bloom are one of the major signs that spring has arrived, and that summer is not too far behind. Crabapples (Malus spp.) are great trees for tough, urban conditions. They can tolerate salty soil and occasional drought. Their small size makes some varieties appropriate[Read More…]
Making Dyes from the Garden
PANTON – If looking for a fun gardening project to do with children, show them how to grow flowers to make dyes. Making colors from plants has several advantages beyond keeping children entertained. Natural dyes are safe to handle, and the plants they are derived from are easy to grow,[Read More…]
