While gardeners reap the benefits of long, warm days tending to the outdoor garden, landscapes and lawns, it's often easy to forget about those indoor plants that give residents loyal and continual pleasure 12 months of the year. While the vegetation inside appear to be maintenance free, the “indoor landscape” has requirements that need to be met to keep them happy and healthy. The good news is, following some of the basic tips below and applying some preventative care, many common problems can be avoided or corrected. Fertilizer Believe it or not, summer is the time that that indoor plants …

Typically in this part of Massachusetts, adult beetles are expected to arise from the ground around the Fourth of July. Well, they have arrived and are as hungry as ever. Emerging to feed and reproduce, these beetles are typically about a half an inch in length and have a shiny green color with bronze colored wings. They have been known to feed on more than 200 different types of plants, but favorites include vegetables such as greens, lettuces, beans, eggplant, and peppers. They also have quite an appetite for roses, flowering shrubs, trees and just about anything with foliage. The Facts and…

Mosquito season has arrived in New England, marked by an incessant buzzing from dusk till dawn. A common carrier of both EEE and West Nile, these insects can become more than a garden nuisance. There are many ways to shield and protect the body from these summer pests that include insect repellants, foggers, mosquito traps, protective clothing and more, but there are many surprisingly organic remedies many gardeners may not realize are right at their fingertips that can also help prevent and reduce mosquitoes. Water Reduce any standing water. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. A female …

Beat the Heat Summertime temperatures have started to soar, with several days topping out at 90º + and more such days likely on the way. While many people feel uncomfortable in such heat, plants are more tolerant and can thrive in such conditions as long as they are well cared for. Without proper attention, however, containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, flower gardens and the lawn may suffer damage. Here are some tips on how to help the garden beat the heat.Containers Container-based plants are often the most at jeopardy in high heat. The reason for their elevated risk is that the …

The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and whether hosting company or celebrating elsewhere, now is the time to finish your garden with a pop, bang and wow of color. Many gardeners consider July 4 to be the height of the season; and believe it or not, days are already getting shorter as the season creeps toward fall. So leading up to the forth, take a quick walk through the gardens, review the initial design and look for plants that maybe just didn’t turn out as planned. Remember to take a holistic view of the garden. This is a personal paradise and notice what colors might still need…

The recent wet weather and cool nights have unfortunately created the perfect growing environment for unwanted garden guests: mildew and fungus. Sam Bradford of Wilson Farm’s Garden Shop has heard many stories from customers. “It seems like overnight we’re getting reports of powdery mildew (a type of mildew), and many customers are rushing in to find out how to treat it.” says Bradford. Unfortunately, mildew and other funguses are difficult to treat after they have infected plants. The only way to treat for fungus is to do is through prophylactics. Some fungi can be so potent, that it can …

Is your dad a big fan of steak? Does he like them juicy, and a bit red in the middle? Well this is the perfect time of year to plant some steaks for dad - Beefsteak Tomatoes of course! If your dad has a green thumb, or simply just loves his tomatoes, a tomato plant might be a fantastic Father's Day gift.  Container or Garden? Containers Containers offer the convenience and flexibility to transfer if necessary. This route can be advantageous in extreme weather conditions and the ability to finely control water and soil conditions. One thing to keep in mind when choosing a container for a …

At this point in the season, the basics of the landscape should be off to a good start for the summer season, and gardeners may be looking for some alternative projects, maybe even to attract some friendly wildlife to the backyard. Whether its luring butterflies, hummingbirds, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, bats or other animals, local garden shops can help create the perfect wildlife-friendly environment. PlantsFlowering plants are a great way to attract both hummingbirds and butterflies. Drawn to the bright colors and the nectar of the flowers, these beautifully colored animals will return …

Take A Moment to Capture the Season While taking pictures of a landscape does not literally help in its maintenance, taking a few snap shots of the lawn, garden and landscaping not only provides flavorful memories from weeks of hard work, but can also help envision changes in future years. For example, a few strategic shots may capture the sun/shade ratio to better understand what shade tolerance current or additional plants need. Pictures can also help lawn and garden professionals assist in choosing the right plants or garden products, such as fertilizer. Taking pictures often could even …

Memorial Day may unofficially mark the beginning of summer, but for many gardeners who have been closely checking the evening temperatures throughout the month, it is typically recognized as the launch of the growing season. New England is relatively well known for its erratic weather, and while it is unlikely to face a frost between now and June, it is New England. For those gardeners who simply cannot wait any longer, here are a few tips for protecting plants from late spring frosts. Be diligent about checking the weather forecast. While it may sound obvious, verifying the overnight low can…

  Memorial Day is approaching, and while it does mark the unofficial launch of the summer season, the weekend is also designated as a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed. Their resting places are often significant commemoration sites for the ones left behind as a symbol for their presence in the world and many family members feel peaceful contentment by their visits. This week is the perfect time to create a remembrance garden for loved ones and many will find personal contentment not only by its presence as a lovely accent, but also in the planning and crafting of the …

  It is still a bit too early to plant many vegetable crops, but this weekend is a good time to start your own decorative or edible container garden. Plus, this project can easily be arranged in a day and for last minute Mother's Day shoppers, a plant container would be a gift any mother or grandmother could enjoy all summer long. Start with the Container Containers come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find rustic wood whiskey barrels, glazed pots, terra cotta, even fiberglass and metal. The best way to choose your container is to find one that will fit the personality of your home and …

  Although the calendar now reads May, many homeowners may feel it is too late to prep their lawn for summer. But the good news is, there is still time to prime that green landscape. As with all gardening tasks, a little work and attention, even in small daily bites, can have a large positive effect on vegetation throughout warmer months. Prepping Your lawn. Those leaves and branches that might have fallen or blown onto lawns over the winter are not simply an eyesore. Raking and removing tree stems and clearing debris will allow fertilizer and seed treatments of the lawn to take hold with …

  While our backs may have benefited from the mild winter, low snow totals could be even better news for the winter moth. Translation: a higher survival rate for the winter moth eggs and hatching in greater numbers. Winter moths are white/gray, and are often seen late in fall or early winter. These are male moths flying around looking for females (who are smaller and nearly wingless). With topical temperatures this spring, the winter moths may begin emerging and looking to feed. Acting this week could reduce their populations and ease the tree and shrub damage they can create. Vegetation can …