Use a certified professional arborist to prune large branches on mature trees. Visit mnla.com/directory to search for Tree Care Services near you!
When putting together a plan for fruit trees, it is best to map it out on paper first. Consider ripening times as well. Cherries ripen first in late May-late June, Apricots ripen late May–early July, Plums ripen late June–mid-September, Peaches ripen late May–mid-September, Nectarines ripen late June–early September, Pears ripen July–late October and Apples ripen early July–late November.
Start tuberous begonias in shallow pots.
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) will light up the gardens with large, white, pyramidal panicles of flowers from May until July. Attracting bees, oakleaf hydrangea also has beautiful fall foliage color. Requiring little maintenance, oakleaf hydrangeas thrive in a drier soil, in part shade and are hardy in zones 5-9.
Maple sap flow is triggered by nights below freezing and days above freezing.
A serrated bread knife works great for cutting back ornamental grasses.
Plant juniper, dogwoods and hollies in the landscape to have an abundant food supply available for the birds. High-fat berries and fall fruit as well as protective nesting sites make these plants a great choice for robins, finches, bluebirds, cardinals and woodpeckers.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.