Saint Patrick’s Day remains one of our nation’s most celebrated holidays nearly 250 years after the first American celebration took place in Boston in 1762. While a few traditions have changed, the ceremonial planting of potatoes around St. Patrick’s Day remains strong, according to Burpee Chairman and CEO George Ball. “Customer interest in potatoes has … Continue reading Potatoes and St. Patrick’s Day
Snowmageddon
We are still in the midst of what is being called “Snowageddon” and “Snowpocalypse,” referring to the historical snowfall amounts of recent weeks. Our state is being referred to as “Alaskachusetts” with “The Boston Tundra” as its capital. The Weather Channel noted that our region has beaten the written record of more than one hundred … Continue reading Snowmageddon
Replacing Potting Soil in Containers
A suggestion from one of our readers: I have around 40 pots… and I change the soil in all but my three big whiskey barrels. For them, I weed out the roots and all the “junk” that accumulates in them through the winter, “stir it all up,” and then add as much “new” potting soil … Continue reading Replacing Potting Soil in Containers
Winter Moths
In addition to our outdoor decorations of wreaths, greens and berries, our house seems to be covered with winter moths. They are especially visible in the evenings around the front-door light. According to a recent UMass Extension Landscape message, the invasive species is distributed across Massachusetts. One of their research labs is working on a … Continue reading Winter Moths
A New Twist on an Historic Tradition
According to a recent Jackson & Perkins press release, decorating with fresh-cut evergreens has been a beloved tradition for centuries and still is today. An evergreen accent that’s increasing in popularity is the kissing ball, which has its origins in the Middle Ages. Villagers would create ball-shaped ornaments made of twine and evergreen branches. In … Continue reading A New Twist on an Historic Tradition