209 HILLSTOWN RD

This month is an excellent time to gather a couple of soil samples and send them for analysis.  If you go to our links page, and click on the soil sample link, you will find the information you need to complete this task.  If your soil is found to be acidic, and this is very common in New England, you will need to add lime to "sweeten" it, unless you have plants that prefer a slightly acid soil, such as: columbine, sweet woodruff, periwinkle, rhododendron and hydrangea, to name a few.

You can begin your spring clean up any time now. Start by removing your winter mulch. Next  your lawn should be raked to remove any debris or dead leaves-that will mold if left too long. Although they are great winter plant insulators leaves, left on your lawn now, can create dead patches that may require re-seeding. Avoid fertilizing until all threat of severe frost has passed to avoid dieback of new growth. 

Gardens can be turned over, and when the soil dries you can amend it with compost, or dehydrated composted manure, or enriched topsoil, available at Botticello Farms.

It is still too early to plant most annuals outdoors, we must wait until all threat of frost has passed in our zone.  However, we can plant pansies and cold crops in our gardens, right now to add some wonderful color-and give us the boost we need to believe there is an end to the dreary winter months. Botticello's' has an excellent selection available for you, come in and look around, you can't help but get into the gardening mood after a visit to our greenhouses.

Weed Control is critical in the spring-applying a pre-emergent herbicide or mulch will go a long way to controlling (or eliminating) weeds in the flower garden.  Apply a 3-4 inch layer of dark pine or red mulch now, (available for pick up or delivery at Botticello Farms) and control the weeds in the early stage. This way, you won't have to worry about weeding later in the spring when you would rather be sitting outside in your garden, enjoying the sights, sounds and peaceful setting you have created for just this purpose.

The cardinals are out in abundance right now, looking for a nice place to build a summer nesting spot. And, last Saturday Robin Red Breasts were feasting on worms in our front yard! The bulbs we planted last fall are beginning to pop up, reminding me that the gently falling life-giving rains of April will caress the seeds and seedlings I plant-setting them up to mature into the glorious beauty of May flowers. 

Stop in and see what is new and exciting for this years garden!  See you at the farm

By the way, if you are looking for a landscaper ask us and we will refer you to a qualified, respected company that will be perfectly matched to meet your needs.