Project Update: Mahoney’s Brighton

Even though an incredible renovation is underway at Mahoney’s Brighton we’re still open! With a temporary greenhouse and adjusted store layout, you’ll find fresh greens, Christmas trees, ornaments, houseplants, pottery and more to celebrate the holiday season. We can’t wait for our new and improved store to be complete in early Spring ’24 with a huge new greenhouse and refreshed shopping experience for all of Boston to enjoy. Our new greenhouse and indoor shopping space is being built as we speak, stop by for your holiday shopping and sneak a peek of what’s to come!

 

 

 

 

special 4 cyclamen

Special: 4″ Cyclamen $5.00

reg. $7.99 | Save on the colorful winter favorite! With long-lasting blooms and cheery foliage, cyclamen are a staple of the season for many reasons. We love them for their tolerance of cooler indoor temps, making them a great windowsill plant when it gets frosty outside. Stop in to find a festive palette in hues of pink, red and white! Valid while supplies last through 12/6/23.

 

 

special 6 8 balsam fir tree

Special: 6-8″ Balsam Fir Tree $39.50

Our fresh-cut Christmas trees are here! Stop in to see our incredible selection from 2ft to 12ft+ in every price point to fit any budget. Our Balsam Fir trees are grown by us at our tree farm in Nova Scotia and cut late for the freshest tree around, including our 6-8′ Signature Special at $39.50. Valid while supplies last this season!

 

 

 

special 4 poinsettia

Special: 4″ Poinsettia $4.50

reg. $59.99 | Save on the quintessential holiday plant! Our 4″ Poinsettias are now in the greenhouse in an incredible assortment of color to decorate your interiors. The perfect size for mantles, table-scapes or to add a pop of color to your styled bookshelves- it’s hard to choose just one! Valid while supplies last through 12/6/23.

 

 

 

VIDEO HOW-TO: ARRANGING WINTER GREENS

It’s the perfect time to arrange your cut greens in window boxes and planters before the soil freezes! Here’s a quick look at how Julia spruced up the window boxes in front of our Winchester store yesterday. Stop in this weekend for fresh cut greens, wreaths, garlands and all of the decorative accessories you’ll need to personalize your display!

Frost covered branch image

Getting Your Garden Cozy for Winter: A New England Guide

 

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s essential to prepare your garden for the brisk New England winter. While we may be bidding farewell to our colorful blooms, there’s no reason your garden can’t be a haven of beauty and potential even during the cold season. Proper winterization will help protect your plants, garden structures, and soil, ensuring a healthy and vibrant garden in the coming spring! So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get to work on prepping your garden for a cozy New England winter! 

 

Prune Sparingly and Leave the Leaves

Gently prune any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of your perennial plants and remove them from your garden While it may be tempting to do a big fall cleanup, consider resisting the temptation. For more information about the benefits of “leaving the leaves” click here!  

 

Bury Those Bulbs

One key task during this season is planting bulbs that will burst forth in a symphony of colors come spring. Fall is the opportune time to tuck bulbs into the soil, allowing them the necessary period of dormancy to thrive in the warmer months. If you’re eager to delve into the art of fall bulb planting, be sure to check our detailed guide to fall bulb planting. Discover the joy of anticipation as you envision the beauty that will unfurl in your garden when winter’s chill gives way to the blossoming wonders of spring.

 

Mulch It Up

Mulch is your garden’s best friend in winter. A thick layer of mulch (about 2-4 inches) will help insulate your plants’ roots and protect them from the harsh cold. Use organic mulch such as leaves, straw, or compost. This not only keeps the soil temperature more stable but also enriches it with nutrients for the coming spring.

 

Click to order bagged mulch and compost

 

 

Protect Vulnerable Plants

Some plants, especially newly planted ones, are more susceptible to frost and freezing temperatures. Protect them by covering them with burlap or frost cloth. Be sure to remove these covers during the day to allow for sunlight and air circulation. Most evergreen shrubs would also benefit from an application of Wilt Stop. This will reduce moisture loss during the winter months and protect plants from windburn.  

 

Bring Potted Plants Indoors

If you have potted plants that aren’t winter-hardy, bring them inside before the first frost. Place them in a sunny spot, and don’t forget to water them sparingly, as they won’t need as much moisture in the winter months. 

 

Clean and Store Tools

Before winter sets in, it’s a good idea to clean and store your gardening tools properly. Make sure they are free of dirt and moisture to prevent rust. This will ensure they’re ready to go when spring comes around. But if winter does get the best of your tools, you can find the tools to meet your needs here. 

 

Plan Ahead!

Winter is a wonderful time to reflect on the past season and plan for the next. Take note of what worked and what didn’t and sketch out any changes or new additions you want to make in your garden. This planning will help you hit the ground running when the snow melts. 

 

Need Help? Consult with our team of Landscape Design Pros!

 

Bird Feeding Stations

Don’t forget about our feathered friends! Setting up bird feeding stations with birdseed and water will not only provide a food source for local wildlife but also add a touch of life and activity to your winter garden. Shop our favorite products here.

 

Enjoy The Beauty of Winter

Winters can be long and challenging, but they also have a unique beauty. Take some time to enjoy your garden’s winter aesthetics – the frost-kissed plants, the glistening snow, and the tranquility of a dormant landscape. Consider adding some outdoor seating or a fire pit to make your garden a cozy, winter retreat. 

In New England, a well-prepared garden can still bring joy and inspiration even during the coldest months. With a little TLC and some planning, your garden can emerge from winter stronger and more beautiful than ever. So, get out there, wrap up warmly, and let’s prepare our gardens for a wonderful New England winter! 

 

 

christmas tree in snow

Unlocking the Secrets to Choosing and Caring for Your Fresh Cut Christmas Tree

 

There’s nothing quite like the allure of a fresh-cut Christmas tree, infusing your home with festive cheer. To keep your tree looking its best throughout the season, understanding the distinctions between tree varieties and applying proper care techniques is essential. 

 

Conifer Choices for Christmas: Unraveling the Differences

Fraser Fir

Distinguished by its robust branches and stiff needles, the Fraser Fir is a top contender. Its needles, with a deep blue-green hue and silvery-blue undersides, are shorter and rounded (about 0.5 to 1 inch) while offering excellent needle retention. The needles spiral around each branch, providing a unique and resilient structure ideal for heavier ornaments.

Balsam Fir

Meanwhile, the Balsam Fir is known for its softer needles and flexibility compared to the Fraser. With needles sporting a dark green color and silver undersides, they are longer and flatter (ranging from about 0.75 to 1.25 inches) and emit a stronger fragrance. These needles grow in two rows along the sides of each branch, offering a different visual arrangement than the spiral pattern of the Fraser Fir. 

Cook Fir

A hybrid of the Fraser and Balsam varieties, the Cook Fir stands out as a classic choice for Christmas celebrations. Characterized by its sturdy branches and rich, deep green needles, this variety exudes a fragrance that encapsulates the essence of the holiday season. The needles, ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches in length, display a dense arrangement along the branches, creating a lush and full-bodied look. This fir variety offers excellent needle retention, ensuring that your tree remains vibrant throughout the festive season.

White Pine

White Pine is a graceful option for those seeking a softer touch in their holiday decor. The White Pine features long, slender needles that come in clusters of five, creating a feathery appearance. The needles showcase a bright green color and a gentle, flexible nature, making them easy to handle and arrange. One distinct advantage of the White Pine is its minimal production of pollen, making it an excellent choice for individuals with fir pollen allergies. This characteristic not only ensures a delightful aesthetic but also provides a welcoming option for those who want to revel in the beauty of a fresh-cut Christmas tree without the worry of triggering allergies.

 

Preservation Pro Tips for Prolonging Your Tree’s Lifespan

Understanding how to care for your fresh-cut tree is vital to maintain its vitality throughout the holiday season.  

  1. Reviving Freshness: As soon as you bring your tree home, give it a fresh cut of about 1-1.5 inches from the base to reopen its pores for rehydration and increased water absorption.
  2. Hydration Matters: Immediately place the tree in a stand filled with warm water, aiming to do so within four hours of cutting the base. Regularly check the water level, ensuring it never drops below the base to prevent the pores from sealing.
  1. Ideal Placement: Choose a location away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent accelerated drying, preserving the tree’s freshness.
  1. Special Care: Using Prolong Christmas Tree Preservative in your watering routine can significantly extend the tree’s life. Safe around children and pets, this solution assists in maintaining the tree’s vibrant appearance.

 

Extended Festivity: When cared for properly, your cut tree should last approximately three weeks in your home, radiating festive charm throughout the holiday season. 

Mahoney’s Garden Centers: Your Premier Destination for Christmas Trees in New England

Looking for the perfect tree? Mahoney’s Garden Centers offer an exceptional selection of fresh-cut Christmas trees. We take pride in providing the finest trees, ensuring that your holiday centerpiece is not only beautiful but also long-lasting. Visit us to discover the perfect tree and find Prolong Christmas Tree Preservative at checkout for an extended festive season. 

 

Click here for a printable guide:

Cut Christmas Tree Printable Care Guide

 

Battery Operated LED Window Candles

Introducing Celestial Lights by Mahoney’s, our very own window candles and string lights to make your holidays merry and bright! Our LED battery-operated window candles are designed with you in mind! – With a dual intensity LED bulb that glows brighter on the “street side” of the candle, and softer on the inside for a subtle illumination

 

Also contains an easy built-in timer turns candle on for 8 hours every evening.

– Adjustable height to fit perfectly in any window

– Lasts 30 days on 1 set of 4 AA Batteries

– Available in bronze, black, brass, brushed nickel and silver.

 

 

SHOP SILVER

 

SHOP BRONZE

 

SHOP BRUSHED NICKEL

SHOP BLACK

SHOP BRASS

 

Green Giants of New England: Caring for Arborvitae and Western Red Cedar

If you’re looking to add some green charm to your New England garden, Arborvitae and Western Red Cedar is a great choice! These evergreen trees and shrubs not only add year-round beauty but also privacy and character to your landscape. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about caring for these popular plants in New England.

 

Choosing the Right Variety

Before you dive into planting Arborvitae or Western Red Cedar, it’s essential to choose the right variety that suits your landscape and environmental conditions. Consider factors like light requirements, mature size, foliage color, and growth rate.

For Full Sun to Light Shade: American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

  • Emerald Green (‘Smaragd’)
  • Dark American (‘Nigra’)
  • Degroot’s Spire
  • American Pillar
  • Golden Globe

For Full Sun to Shade: Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

  • Green Giant
  • Steeplechase
  • Whipcord
  • Forever Goldy

 

 

Western Red Cedars at Mahoney’s in Winchester

Planting Tips

Follow these guidelines for successful Arborvitae and Western Red Cedar transplantation:

Soil Requirements: Ensure your soil drains well. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter and gypsum. These plants have broad root systems, so dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball to encourage root spread.

Care in the First Two Years: Pay special attention during the first two years after planting. Adequate watering, especially during dry spells, is critical.
Fertilizing: Apply all-purpose slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth fully emerges. Fall fertilizing at half the spring amount helps establish healthy root systems.

Pruning: Arborvitae typically don’t require much pruning, but if needed, shear the outermost growth in late spring to shape or manage size. Start early to avoid overgrowth.

 

For a handy, printable version of this information, check out our Arborvitae and Western Red Cedar care guide!

 

Printable Care Guide

 

Common Problems and Solutions

Heat Stress: Hot, dry weather can induce heat stress and invite spider mite infestations. Ensure regular, deep watering to boost plant vigor and natural defenses.

Bagworm Moths: While not typically destructive, bagworms can cause unsightly defoliation. Hand removal is often sufficient or use organic pesticides like Neem Oil for larger infestations.

Deer Damage: In areas with high deer populations, consider planting Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) as it’s less favored by deer compared to Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis).

 

Seasonal Needle Drop

Don’t panic if your Arborvitae turns brown inside during fall; it’s a natural process called seasonal needle drop. Fresh growth in spring will fill in any gaps left by this process.

 

Fall Watering

Keep your Arborvitae and other evergreens well-hydrated in autumn, as it prepares them for the harsh winter conditions common in New England. Water regularly from September through early December to reduce winter stress. For more information on establishment watering for newly planted trees, see our printable Planting Guide. 

 

Varieties

Here are some popular Arborvitae cultivars carried at Mahoney’s Garden Centers:

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

  • Emerald Green ‘Smaragd’
  • Dark American ‘Nigra’
  • Degroot’s Spire
  • American Pillar
  • Golden Globe

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

  • Green Giant
  • Steeplechase
  • Whipcord
  • Forever Goldy

 

Please note that actual plant characteristics may vary depending on soil, sunlight, and water conditions.

 

Incorporating Arborvitae and Western Red Cedar into your New England or Boston garden can be a delightful addition, providing year-round beauty, privacy, and resilience. These versatile plants, with proper care and maintenance, will thrive in your outdoor space, enhancing its charm for years to come.

 

Shop a wide selection of Arborvitae and Wester Red Cedar in-store and select varieties online.

Shop Online

 

 

Video Look: Fall Container Inspiration

Get inspired by how Julia pulled together the Fall planters in front of our Winchester store! Using an eclectic mix of bright and textured fall annuals and perennials (and a delightful touch of pumpkins) – we absolutely adore the result!