Vol. 1 | Mid-July in the New England Garden THE WEEKLY DISPATCH The humidity finally broke this week, and the native perennials are responding. The Joe-Pye Weed is just starting to show its color, and we’re seeing a massive influx of pollinators active in the late afternoon. Right now in our gardens, the focus is on deadheading the early summer bloomers to push a second flush of growth before August sets in. PLANT IN FOCUS: Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) • A cornerstone native that thrives in full sun and handles mid-summer drought with ease. • Tip: Leave the spent flower heads intact heading into fall—they provide a crucial food source for goldfinches. • Tip: If they start getting leggy or flopping over, they might be in too rich of soil; they actually prefer it a bit lean. THE OUTLOOK: WEATHER & WATER • Forecast: Hot and dry through Thursday, with heavy, erratic thunderstorms expected Friday evening. • Watering Strategy: Hold off on the irrigation systems until Wednesday. If you’re hand-watering new installations or containers, do it before 9 AM to prevent fungal issues on the foliage when the humidity spikes later this week. THE DASHBOARD • In Bloom Right Now: Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed), Monarda (Bee Balm), Hydrangea varieties • On The Radar: Look out for Japanese beetles—they are peaking right now. If you see any, please let me know. • The Plant Parenthood Focus: This week, our crews are focused on structural summer pruning for woody shrubs and managing aggressive weed growth in the beds. ``` THE INSPIRATION “For me, garden design isn’t just about plants, it is about emotion, atmosphere, a sense of contemplation.” - Piet Oudolf

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Felco has been my go to sheer brand for over 10 years. As a horticulturist, quality cuts make or break the health of the plants, lessen strain on your muscles, and usually result in a more peaceful gardening experience. All while focusing on what matters to me. My Time. Here you can see I’m trying the Felco 2E. This is a breakthrough in assisted shears as the price point is VERY reasonable. I will post a video shortly of my honest review