NORTHFIELD – Dogwoods, in the genus Cornus, are among the most versatile native shrubs. With seasonal interest, tolerance of less than perfect conditions and benefits for wildlife, these shrubs are worth considering. There are many benefits of planting native dogwoods. They flower in the spring, offering food for native insects and[Read More…]

BURLINGTON – Newly emerged maple leaves coupled with the recent cool, rainy weather provide perfect conditions for a common spring fungal disease called maple anthracnose.  There are several fungi responsible for the damage. All native and ornamental maples are susceptible including sugar maple (A. saccharum), red maple (A. rubrum), Norway[Read More…]

CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – In recent years there has been a push to reduce lawn and to substitute native trees, shrubs and perennials that support pollinators and birds. I am all for that. Entomologist Doug Tallamy’s excellent new book, “How Can I Help: Saving Nature in Your Yard” explains the[Read More…]

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – The lady in the bath flower is just one of the common names for bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly Dicentra spectabilis). The name comes from looking at the flower upside down.  Other common names include heart flower, lyre flower or Asian bleeding heart.  There is a bleeding heart[Read More…]

BOLTON – There’s no need to guess what a garden needs for optimal results. Take a soil test this spring to create the right conditions for the garden from the start.  A simple soil test will help prevent problems later in the season. By following the recommendations in results, plants[Read More…]

PANTON – With abundant blooms in a wide range of colors from soft white to dark purple, pink and even yellow, clematis reign supreme among climbers. A genus in the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family, clematis are versatile, easy-to-maintain perennials that grow as climbers, spreading shrubs or groundcovers. More than 300 species grow worldwide,[Read More…]

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — We’re all familiar with roses (Rosa):  their fragrance, their flowers, their thorns. If thinking about adding a rose (or roses) to a garden this year, it might be a surprise to discover that there’s more to a choice than color. Roses come in a seeming multitude[Read More…]

MONTPELIER — Early spring is an exciting and busy time for Vermont gardeners. Many prefer the thrill of choosing from a vast variety of seeds rather than settling for the offerings available at local nurseries. San Marzano tomatoes, Strawberry Blonde calendula, Dragon carrots: check, check and check. However, as gardening[Read More…]

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — If looking for a plant for the garden that will come back year after year, is easy to care for and suitable for a variety of growing conditions, coral bells (Heuchera) just might be the plant. It’s also known by the common names alum root and rock geranium.[Read More…]

CORNISH FLAT, N.H — It’s April, and spring has sprung. Or will soon. Winter always is a sneaky devil, coming back with hard frosts and even a foot of snow on occasion. There is much to do, but start slowly, not just for your back, which has been resting all[Read More…]

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Winter weather may be on the wane, but it will still be a while before we can get outdoors and work in the soil. Even so, there’s no reason not to enjoy fresh, homegrown herbs. Herbs grown indoors don’t care what the temperature is outside, whether[Read More…]