Articles

At the BBG’s Herb Display Garden, English lavender is dazzling noses and eyes alike, while nearby yarrow holds its own as a healing hero straight out of ancient lore. Meanwhile, in the herb kitchen, the crew is whipping up everything from chive blossom vinegar to garlic scape jam—proving once again that herbs aren’t just pretty, they’re powerful (and delicious).

There's a lot of maintenance this week, especially in the vegetable garden. Plus, tips to combat plant mildew and Japanese beetles.

Lady's Mantle and Valerian take center stage this week as the Herb Associates celebrate the Solstice.

Hot days require more care and watering. Follow Ron's tips to keep your garden (and yourself) from wilting in the heat.

This week Rue and the Gas Plant take the spotlight — both historic healers with a flair for drama (and a risk of skin irritation), from witch-repelling remedies and butterfly buffets to flammable flowers. 

Summer is here, and maintenance is key during these hotter, drier days. Follow Ron's checklist for this week's garden tasks, water and fertilizer tips and instructions for the successful transplanting of trees, shrubs and flowers.

It was "all hands on deck" this week with cleanup and planting in the Herb Display Garden. Mints, chamomile and thyme herbs are abundant, and two new selections have been added: curry and stevia.

So much to do, so little time! Ron can help you make a list of the most important things to do this week...including, maybe, giving Dad a hand on Father's Day.

By Barbara F. Smith

Beautiful sunny weather greeted the BBG Herb Associates volunteers this week – what a relief from the previous colder, rainy days that seemed to stretch on forever. 

There's lots of work to do now that the sun is out! Plant more herbs, harvest garlic scapes for heavenly pesto, and, of course, it's time to look for pests on your plants!

Orris root and cranesbill, and making use of rhubarb and lemon balm!

Ron's to-do list continues! Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, pole beans, and eggplants are the stars this week! Also, don't forget to mulch!

The Berkshire hilltown of Washington transformed into a hub of environmental enthusiasm and community pride on Sunday, May 18, during “Plant-A-Palooza.”

This summer, visitors to Berkshire Botanical Garden will be invited to sit, lean back — and daydream. Nestled quietly among the trees and pathways from June 6 through October, “Sleepwalkers,” a new outdoor exhibit by renowned sculptor Mark Mennin, offers a place to do just that.

Curated by James Salomon, the show invites visitors to step into a world of imagination — from June 6 through Aug. 10. Coinciding with "DayDream" is Sculptor Mark Mennin’s Outdoor Exhibit, "Sleepwalkers."

Recent erratic weather has made planning schedules a little bit tricky. Ron's advice? Shop early, but hold off a week or so on planting. Keep mulching though; this week's article features part two of Ron's helpful tips.