Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentais) is one of the few native shrubs that provide midsummer blooms for pollinators and also, one of the few that grows in wet soils and shade. With flowers in shades of pink and white, buttonbush is visited by hummingbirds, butterflies and several bee species. It grows up to 12’ tall and is hardy in zones 4-8.
Install bird netting or scare devices on fruits trees just before fruits start to color.
Continue to feed annuals and potted plants, however, stop fertilizing perennials for the rest of the season. This allows the plants time to prepare for winter.
Water container gardens daily during the hot weather. Outdoor container plantings are especially vulnerable to dehydration because moisture evaporates on all side of the pots and the roots are confined to a small area.
Sow seeds of cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli for a late-season harvest. Start the seeds in pots, flats or small garden beds. Transplant the seedlings into areas of the vegetable garden that have been vacated by early-season crops such as peas. Seedlings will be ready for transplanting in approximately 4-6 weeks.
Pea plants will appreciate a light layer of straw around the base of the plants. It protects their shallow roots from being damaged by weeding. It helps control weed growth and keeps soil moisture high. The cool soil that the mulch provides is also something that the peas love.
Before transplanting clematis, reduce the bulk of the vines by pruning them down to within 2’ of the level of the soil. To make a delicious herb cream cheese, begin with 8 ounces of cream cheese. Add ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon horse-radish and 2 teaspoons of chives. Enjoy! Serving as a larvae host for […]
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.
