Karen Shreefter
Author's posts
Jul 26
Confusion about hydrangeas in the garden
Why aren’t they blooming? Why are they pink when I want blue? When do I prune? Well, the link below from Proven Winners tells all including when to have patience. Now of course, plants don’t always read gardening books so if you have hydrangeas that are not behaving give them more light, water, …
Mar 30
Working in a snowy garden
Where was the snow in February when we wanted it? It was waiting for March when we want to garden and see our spring landscapes. One of the many great things about having fruit trees, is they want attention in March regardless of snow on the ground. Although many of us are itching for things …
Mar 28
Prune Time: Get in the Garden Now
Pruning & Snow – You betcha! The great thing about having snow on the ground means I could reach high up into apple trees when I was out in the garden pruning this week. The experience also ramped up my fantasies; after a long winter, there is nothing like a landscape filled with pink, white, …
Mar 12
Landscape Design Now for Spring
Okay, you can’t begin planting, but don’t let the snow stop you from planning your garden. Instead, use these frosty days to to take stock of your landscape. Since you have to be inside anyway, start with the windows you look out most. What would you like to see? A lot of people have windows …
Mar 08
Is Design & Landscaping Tax Deductible?
Landscaping in some cases is tax deductible according to the IRS and many financial experts including information found on Forbes’ websites and on the Huffington Post site (see the article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-steber/home-improvement-tax-tips_b_3491632.html). I hasten to add always check with your own accountant or advisor before you pursue the following deductions. You can often take the …
Mar 03
How Gardens Combat Winter Blues
My feelings in an earlier blog about loving winter and gardening did not – unsurprisingly – get universally agreement. To help those having a hard time, I offer the following: Coldframe Magic Fresh-picked spinach from your garden for dinner. Sound impossible? Here’s how you do it: Purchase, or if you’re much more talented than I, build …
Feb 18
I Love Gardening in a Berkshire Winter
I LOVE WINTER! I know that’s a sin in some circles, but in winter, all my gardens are perfect – no weeds, no bugs, just a white wonder. I can also walk my woods without fear of Lyme disease, which I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had it. Seed and nursery catalogs …
Jan 31
CMC Manor – a New Landscape Design Project in the Berkshires
This linkis to a new group in the Berkshires who have restored Mepal Manor, a Berkshire Cottage and Italian-style villa in New Marlborough, and are bringing a new kind of residential help to the Berkshires for people with substance abuse issues. I am thrilled to be working on the landscape design aspect of this …
Nov 13
Warm Berkshire Words
It was in the low 20 degrees today, and I was missing working in the garden, but then was warmed by this note from a special lady! I enjoyed it so much and feel so energized for all the projects that now lie ahead. I can’t tell you how reassuring it is to have someone …