This is a great time of year to plant those warm-weather vegetables and flowers
In the vegetable garden, beans, carrots, and turnips can still be planted as well as other crops. Check the labels and look for varieties that are more heat tolerant this time of the year, since we are just weeks away from an increase in temperatures.
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Here are some readers' questions that came in that I want to tackle:
Q: I have about six peony plants that are probably at least 25 years old. They bloomed very well until 3 years ago. Now there aren't even any buds. What do you suggest?
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— Jackie Goggin
A:
There are likely a couple of reasons. The most likely explanation is that trees have grown and started to shade the area. Peonies love sunshine, and if it's too shady, they're not going to flower. Also, if you've been putting a lot of mulch down and it's built up and the peonies are now planted too deep, that's another recipe for poor flowering. You could also try giving them some fertilizer for flowering shrubs in March if the other two reasons don't seem to be applicable. If you need to move them, do so in September and don't plant them too deep. Also, move them somewhere where they get at least 6 hours of sunshine, and they should be pretty happy.
A tree peony bud. These buds have a woody stem and need to be pruned carefully.
Dave Epstein
Lots of buds are an example of a successful peony plant about to bloom.
Dave Epstein
Peonies will not flower if planted too deeply. Also be sure the mulch is not too high.
Dave Epstein
Q: is there any particular place in my yard i should put a hummingbird feeder? North side, south side, sunny, partial sun, etc.? Also, the last time I put up a hummingbird feeder, black ants were its only visitors. How do I fix that?
— Mike R.
A:
I've been enjoying the hummingbirds over the past several weeks and if you're wondering where to place yours, my the best advice is to put it in a spot where you can easily change it, it's near other flowers if possible and also near some other trees and shrubs, where the hummingbirds can land and rest. One of mine is outside my office window, so I can enjoy it there.
Place your hummingbird feeder outside a window you frequent for the most enjoyment.
Dave Epstein
Q: Just wondering if birdhouses should be cleaned out each spring? Do birds like to start from scratch?
— James Roy
A:
If you have birdhouses, they absolutely should be cleaned out each spring. I would be very careful about doing it now as you could mistake this year's nest for an old one. Wait until late summer at this point, unless you're 100 percent sure there are no birds using it.
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Q: I have a Rose of Sharon shrub that appeared next to my driveway several years ago. The seed must have been blown by the wind or dropped by a bird. It's about 8 feet tall now, and I'd like to move it to a less crowded, sunnier location. What's the best time to transplant?
— David W., Newburyport
A:
One of the things about Rose of Sharon is that it does spread. The roots are very difficult to deal with, and they certainly do not want to be moved this time of the year after they've leafed out. I would recommend putting a reminder in your calendar and digging it out as soon as the ground thaws in the spring. The roots will have an easier time re-establishing themselves. I would first cut it back to about 4 feet to make it easier to move. Also, try to gather as much of the root system as possible.
Rose of Sharon can easily and successfully spread by seed.
Dave Epstein
Q: I have a northern magnolia, but I fear I might need to trim it so it doesn't get too big. I don't have many sunny spots and I planted it right in front of my bay window within 6 feet of my home. I want to keep it there, but I don't want it to get too big. Is it ok to trim it down? If so when?
— Raja D.
A:
Most of the magnolias have now finished flowering, and although you can definitely prune just after flowering, it's not the best time. Magnolia is typically pruned in the dormant season when it's not actively growing. That said, as long as you're not cutting off more than a third of it, the plant should be OK. Keep in mind, it might sprout some very long new growth. If you can hold off, wait until the second half of February next year. You might lose some flowers, but it's a better time to prune.
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Gardening season is fully underway, and with adequate precipitation and lots of daylight, this has definitely been a sweet spring in the garden.
Have gardening questions for Dave? Send them to weather@globe.com, and we will include them in an upcoming column.
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Boston Globe
20-05-2025
- Boston Globe
This is a great time of year to plant those warm-weather vegetables and flowers
In the vegetable garden, beans, carrots, and turnips can still be planted as well as other crops. Check the labels and look for varieties that are more heat tolerant this time of the year, since we are just weeks away from an increase in temperatures. Advertisement Here are some readers' questions that came in that I want to tackle: Q: I have about six peony plants that are probably at least 25 years old. They bloomed very well until 3 years ago. Now there aren't even any buds. What do you suggest? Advertisement — Jackie Goggin A: There are likely a couple of reasons. The most likely explanation is that trees have grown and started to shade the area. Peonies love sunshine, and if it's too shady, they're not going to flower. Also, if you've been putting a lot of mulch down and it's built up and the peonies are now planted too deep, that's another recipe for poor flowering. You could also try giving them some fertilizer for flowering shrubs in March if the other two reasons don't seem to be applicable. If you need to move them, do so in September and don't plant them too deep. Also, move them somewhere where they get at least 6 hours of sunshine, and they should be pretty happy. A tree peony bud. These buds have a woody stem and need to be pruned carefully. Dave Epstein Lots of buds are an example of a successful peony plant about to bloom. Dave Epstein Peonies will not flower if planted too deeply. Also be sure the mulch is not too high. Dave Epstein Q: is there any particular place in my yard i should put a hummingbird feeder? North side, south side, sunny, partial sun, etc.? Also, the last time I put up a hummingbird feeder, black ants were its only visitors. How do I fix that? — Mike R. A: I've been enjoying the hummingbirds over the past several weeks and if you're wondering where to place yours, my the best advice is to put it in a spot where you can easily change it, it's near other flowers if possible and also near some other trees and shrubs, where the hummingbirds can land and rest. One of mine is outside my office window, so I can enjoy it there. Place your hummingbird feeder outside a window you frequent for the most enjoyment. Dave Epstein Q: Just wondering if birdhouses should be cleaned out each spring? Do birds like to start from scratch? — James Roy A: If you have birdhouses, they absolutely should be cleaned out each spring. I would be very careful about doing it now as you could mistake this year's nest for an old one. Wait until late summer at this point, unless you're 100 percent sure there are no birds using it. Advertisement Q: I have a Rose of Sharon shrub that appeared next to my driveway several years ago. The seed must have been blown by the wind or dropped by a bird. It's about 8 feet tall now, and I'd like to move it to a less crowded, sunnier location. What's the best time to transplant? — David W., Newburyport A: One of the things about Rose of Sharon is that it does spread. The roots are very difficult to deal with, and they certainly do not want to be moved this time of the year after they've leafed out. I would recommend putting a reminder in your calendar and digging it out as soon as the ground thaws in the spring. The roots will have an easier time re-establishing themselves. I would first cut it back to about 4 feet to make it easier to move. Also, try to gather as much of the root system as possible. Rose of Sharon can easily and successfully spread by seed. Dave Epstein Q: I have a northern magnolia, but I fear I might need to trim it so it doesn't get too big. I don't have many sunny spots and I planted it right in front of my bay window within 6 feet of my home. I want to keep it there, but I don't want it to get too big. Is it ok to trim it down? If so when? — Raja D. A: Most of the magnolias have now finished flowering, and although you can definitely prune just after flowering, it's not the best time. Magnolia is typically pruned in the dormant season when it's not actively growing. That said, as long as you're not cutting off more than a third of it, the plant should be OK. Keep in mind, it might sprout some very long new growth. If you can hold off, wait until the second half of February next year. You might lose some flowers, but it's a better time to prune. Advertisement Gardening season is fully underway, and with adequate precipitation and lots of daylight, this has definitely been a sweet spring in the garden. Have gardening questions for Dave? Send them to weather@ and we will include them in an upcoming column.
Boston Globe
23-04-2025
- Boston Globe
Spring is a great time to welcome birds with a little backyard haven
One of the problems is that if your holes are bigger than an inch and a quarter, then the house sparrows can get in. These are non-native invasive species and detrimental to our native songbirds. They take over the nest and will even destroy eggs and newborns. The migratory bird act protects most of our birds, but you can get rid of house sparrow eggs if they end up in your nesting box. This is also the case with European starlings and rock pigeons. Instead of birdhouses, you can try a wide selection of bird feeders available out there. Dave Epstein Roosting pockets are a good alternative to regular birdhouses or bird feeders. Dave Epstein Leaving out some strands of dried grass or small twigs can also be helpful to our feathered friends to help them build some of their nests. Others use things like mud, so having a wet area can be helpful. I have a small fountain of running water that the birds seem to enjoy drinking from, especially when it starts to get hot and dry later in the year. Advertisement Finally, if you're wondering about the hummingbirds, they are back. The females arrive first and they will be followed by the males. You don't need to go fancy with the hummingbird feeders either, and certainly don't buy that stuff with the red coloring. Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, with many constructed as deterrents to curious and eager squirrels. Dave Epstein A simple mixture of a quarter cup of white sugar per cup of water is the ideal nectar for these wonderful little birds. I have a couple of feeders scattered around the house and it is exciting to watch them. They tend to be particularly active in the morning and late afternoon and evening, but you can see them almost anytime. You may even hear that whizzing sound before you see them. This time of the year can be overwhelming for gardeners and birders alike, but try to find some time to create a new habitat for our feathered friends. It will provide months of entertainment ahead. Have a birding or gardening question for Dave? Send them to the Globe HQ Weather team at weather@ and we will include them in an upcoming column from Dave.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
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Harrison County florists prepare for Valentine's Day rush
NUTTER FORT, (WBOY) — As Valentine's Day approaches, love is in the air, and in every petal. To prepare for the influx of orders, local florists like Rose of Sharon in Nutter Fort are preparing for the floral frenzy that comes with the season of romance. Whether it's a timeless dozen roses or a one-of-a-kind floral masterpiece, these flower shops are ready to deliver your message of love just in time for the big day. Rose of Sharon, a staple in Harrison County, has been providing beautiful floral arrangements since 1983. Known for their exquisite bouquets and personalized service, the shop becomes especially busy leading up to Valentine's Day. During this high-demand season, florist Shawna Patterson advises customers to place their orders early to avoid the stress of last-minute requests. 4 West Virginia restaurants named top Valentine's Day hidden gems 'We start planning for this before Christmas and continue all the way through the holiday season. I always tell my male customers, especially, to place their orders early so they're not late. When the Super Bowl is on, I tell them to call the Monday after and order their flowers. Because, let's be honest, all men watch the Super Bowl,' Patterson said. If you haven't ordered flowers for that special someone yet, it's not too late! Rose of Sharon will be open on Friday, offering stunning floral arrangements while supplies last. Whether you're looking for something classic or unique, they're ready to help you express your love with a beautiful bouquet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
