WINTER:

In preparation for winter we place burlap around shrubs that require protection from wind, ice, or salt such as arborvitae whose branches can become bent and deformed by the weight of snow and ice as well as flowering shrubs such as hydrangea macrophylla and whose flower buds can be damaged by the cold and azaleas whose flower buds can be browsed by hungry deer. We also ensure that any exposed roots are covered with mulch to protect those plants from winter dieback.

Our favorite way of beautifying gardens at this time of year is with the addition of vibrant arrangements of cut evergreen branches and other festive foliage and berries which we arrange in pots to liven up doorways, patios, window boxes and other focal areas in the garden. We also design wreaths, garlands and indoor evergreen arrangements from mid November until early December. We treat these arrangements with anti-desiccant spray to keep them green - the same treatment we give to sensitive evergreens like rhododendrons, evergreen azaleas, and other tender conifers over the winter.

Winter is a great time for dormant pruning and removal of trees and shrubs as well as planning for new additions to the garden in the season ahead and planting of dormant woody material when the ground is workable..