It's a brand new year ~ Yay!! 2014, and feeling a bit chilly with the wintery snow on the ground.  I figured since I am stuck indoors, I would post some photos from the past years garden adventures.

TOPIC OF THE DAY ~

WINTER PRUNING OF TREES ~

Purple Plum

 Did you know that the winter is the best time to prune most deciduous trees? Here are several good reasons to prune these trees during the winter months.

        

     

 1. The foliage is gone and the structure of the branches is clearly visible.

2. The tree is dormant, which will eliminate the bleeding of sap from the fresh cuts. Such as Oak trees which should only be pruned during the winter.  This is due to the fact that freshly cut oaks emit an odor which attracts the beetle that causes oak wilt. This is a serious disease that often times will kill the tree.  The beetles are hibernating during the winter, so this is the best time to prune the Oak.

3. There are several other varieties of trees that are less likely to contract diseases when pruned during the winter months.  

         a. Locust: to prevent stem canker

         b. Apple, Crab Apple, Mountain Ash and Hawthorn to avoid fire blight

 Of course there are always exceptions to winter pruning rules.  for example, trees and shrubs that BLOOM IN EARLY SPRING should be pruned immediately after their blooms fade. For example

       a. chokeberry ( Aronia)

       b. flowering plum or cherry ( Prunus)

       c. june berry ( Amelanchier)

       d. lilac ( Syringa)

       e. deciduous flowering magnolias

And then we get to the basic pruning guidelines ~ The "5 D's" that describe situations where pruning branches may be done at any time:

      a. Dead

      b. Dying

      c. Diseased

      e. Damaged

      f. Deformed

By understanding how, when and why to prune, and by following a few simple principles, you will help to maintain your trees health and also manage continued safety and aesthetics.

       

Spent the past week visiting Massachusetts and thought I would share my little journey

Coggshall  Park: Situated in the small North Central Massachusetts city of Fitchburg, Coggshall Park was a gift to the City from Mr. Henry Coggshall, an executive of The Fitchburg Gas Company, and his wife in 1894.  The initial donation included 86 acres, but the couple subsequently purchased and donated additional parcels to create the 212-acre park that exists today.  Coggshall Park also abuts a large parcel of conservation land and a bird sanctuary, providing a total of approximately 300 acres for visitors to enjoy.   Miles of wooded trails crisscross the park, branching out from around Mirror Lake.  Stone steps built into a hillside face a gazebo on the water, making this a popular spot for weddings.  A classic Stone House on the property was damaged by fire in early 2009, but restoration efforts are now complete.  The tables and benches scattered around the park draw picnickers as well as those simply seeking a place to relax.  For additional entertainment, there's a playground for children and a frisbee golf course currently in the development stages.

The Nashua River at Mill #1 ~ Can Am Machinery Site, Fitchburg Ma

Salem MA ~ Yes, this is my home away from home ~ I just love strolling around and taking pictures of the beautiful city ~ The Hawthorne Hotel has these beautiful window boxes with purple pansies and miniature boxwoods ~ and I couldn't resist taking a picture of this gorgeous Hibiscus ;D

 Then off to the Waterfront with these amazing views of the boats at the marina and the crisp cool water and of course the lighthouse is a favorite of mine.  I love walking down this path and taking in the scenery.

 Above is a lovely picture of a beautiful window box at the Morning Glory B&B ~ I am running out right now so I can recreate this same design. I love it

 And my trip is never complete until I go to the House of the Seven Gables, and take pictures of the gardens and the homes on the property. Which Include Nathaniel Hawthorne's Birthplace ~ this property is simply stunning, with it's gorgeous colonial revival gardens, historic properties and majestic views of Salem Harbor.