A couple of weeks ago we attended the CMGA 2019 Master Gardener Symposium which draws gardeners from throughout Connecticut. We caught up with old garden friends, met some new garden friends and learned some new ideas. This year’s theme “Nature’s Creatures: Bring More Life to your Landscape” wasn’t necessarily new, but we took away some…
The madman is putting off the peas again. He says It’s still too early. The soil temperature is 44˚. There is still snow on the garden. We haven’t done a soil test. And, we have just returned from the Master Gardener Symposium with some fresh ideas. Plant Peas on St. Patrick’s Day Let’s start with…
“I’m wondering if you’ve had a problem with Eastern Filbert Blight on your Corylus avellana ‘Contorta.’ You may be aware that Ken and I removed the specimen from the Haddam Extension Center for this reason.” -Robert Mirer Let’s Put off the Peas We received a comment from friend and master gardener Robert Mirer that caused…
Here it is March 7 and the madman is itching to get going. Ten inches of snow will delay the pruning again. But, he keeps checking the calendar – not yet, not yet. He is so ready to get his hands into the dirt (he calls it soil)-you should see the size of the sandbox…
The madman has been going crazy lately – it is almost March, the Persephone Period is over and he is itching to get outside to continue his pruning tasks. I have to keep reminding him that yes, the Persephone Period is over, but here in Connecticut the shrubs and small trees are still thinking of…
Spring is here! Ah, the sights and smells of spring. Beautiful flowers, flowering trees, bubbling brooks, flowing fountains, fluttering butterflies and tables ready for your first cookouts. The Hartford Flower and Garden Show If you don’t believe us, head on down to the Connecticut Convention Center for the 38th annual Connecticut Flower and…
The Hartford Flower Show is right around the corner. In our last blog we told you that the madman was going around asking “Who wants to go to the Flower Show?” He says the replies have changed from “I do. I do” to “Pick me. Pick me.” And a selection of plants have appeared on…
Overwintering plants from the garden is a task the madman readily accepts. He knows that living with plants all winter means he can enjoy them in the summer. Now that the days are definitely getting longer, the madman is thinking, “Can’t wait to get these plants out of here!” He is starting to get tired…
The madman has returned from his shopping trip with all manner of celebratory items. It looks like New Year’s Eve all over again. You would think he is getting ready for the Super Bowl. But, in reality, we are celebrating the end of the Persephone period. And it’s such a big deal that we are…