Don’t prune Hydrangea macrophylla in fall. Buds on many cultivars form on “old” wood.
Check the overflow lines on rain barrels to remove debris.
Winter cover drops in the vegetable garden will deter winter weeds.
Remember to cover newly planted garlic with a thick layer of straw once the ground begins to freeze. When the first garlic shoots appear in the spring, uncover the plants leaving the straw alongside the plants as mulch.
Hire a certified arborist to remove high branches in trees. They can also identify weak branch structure, cavities from animals and potential decay before masked again by leaves next season.
A great reason to leave perennial plants standing in the winter months is the birds. They appreciate the cover provided by the plants and use the remaining garden materials in their nest making in the spring. Invite birds into the garden with the attractive, seed-laden heads remaining on many flowering plants.
When choosing a clematis for small gardens, consider ‘Entel’, ‘Hagley Hybrid’, ‘Miss Bateman’, ‘Pink Fantasy’ or ‘Tentel.’
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.