Cascading Wonders: A String Symphony of Succulents

Succulents have taken the gardening world by storm, and among the wide variety of these unique plants, hanging succulents are gaining popularity for their cascading beauty. There’s nothing more fun than the tantalizing “string” series of cascading succulents and we’re thrilled to talk about some of our favorites: String of Bananas, String of Dolphins, String of Fish Hooks, and String of Pearls plants. These charming succulents not only add a touch of whimsy to your indoor space but are also relatively easy to care for, making them perfect for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and beginners alike.

String of Bananas (Senecio radicans):

Known for its distinctive trailing vines resembling strings of miniature bananas, the String of Bananas plant belongs to the Senecio genus. Native to South Africa, it’s a succulent that thrives in well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight.

Care Tips:
– Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
– Place in a location with bright, indirect light.
– Propagate by snipping a healthy vine and planting it in soil.

String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus)

A close relative of the String of Bananas, the String of Dolphins plant features leaves that resemble leaping dolphins. This succulent, also a member of the Senecio family, is a hybrid between Senecio articulatus and Senecio rowleyanus.

Care Tips:
– Provide well-draining soil and allow it to dry out between waterings.
– Place in bright, indirect light to maintain its distinctive leaf shape.
– Propagate by taking cuttings and allowing them to root before planting.

String of Fish Hooks (Senecio radicans glauca)

Another charming succulent in the Senecio family, the String of Fish Hooks, is named for its unique hook-shaped leaves. Originating from South Africa, it’s a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in arid conditions.

Care Tips:
– Water sparingly, especially during the dormant winter months.
– Provide well-draining soil and bright, indirect light.
– Propagate by taking stem cuttings and allowing them to root.

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus):

Renowned for its spherical, bead-like leaves, the String of Pearls plant is a member of the Senecio family and hails from South Africa. Its trailing vines make it a perfect candidate for hanging baskets or as a cascading feature in container gardens.

Care Tips:
– Use a well-draining soil mix and water sparingly.
– Place in bright, indirect light, avoiding harsh, direct sunlight.
– Propagate by planting individual pearls or by snipping and planting stem cuttings.

These lovely hanging strings are captivating succulents that bring a touch of the exotic into your living space. With their unique characteristics and relatively low-maintenance care requirements, these hanging succulents are a delightful addition to any plant collection. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your green journey, these charming succulents are sure to captivate and add a whimsical touch to your indoor or outdoor oasis. Happy planting!

Blooming Flowers for your Valentine

Cut flowers make a beautiful gift, but if  you’re looking for something that lasts longer, consider flowering houseplants. Cyclamen, orchids, gerber daisies, kalanchoe and more make a fantastic gift. Let us help you choose the best for your special someone!

Winter Birding: The Importance of Food

In Massachusetts, winter is a difficult time for birds. Days are often windy and cold; nights are long and even colder. Lush vegetation has withered or been consumed, and most insects have died or become dormant. During these extremely cold days, finding food can be especially difficult. They cannot forage as easily for food when snow accumulates or temperatures drop to freezing. Some birds remain in the same location year-round and benefit greatly from the extra food sources offered by backyard feeders. These birds require high calorie and oil rich foods to survive our winter.

During spring and summer, most songbirds eat insects and spiders, which are highly nutritious, abundant, and, for the most part, easily captured. During fall and winter, nonmigratory songbirds shift their diets to fruits and seeds to survive. This is the time of year when bird feeding enthusiasts roll out the welcome mat and set the table. The question is, what to serve to attract a diversity of birds? The answer is to provide a variety of food types.

In Massachusetts, we can expect to see the friendly Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, the spectacularly colored Northern Cardinal, all manner of Finch, Sparrows, Woodpeckers and Jays; for a comprehensive list, check out Mass Audubon’s website!

Which seed types should I provide?

Black-oil sunflower seeds attract the greatest number of species. These seeds have a high meat-to-shell ratio, they are nutritious and high in fat which is especially important in the winter months. Their small size and thin shells make them easy for small birds to handle and crack. Several studies, including the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Seed Preference Test, show that this high-energy food is the favorite of most birds that visit feeders. Striped sunflower seeds are popular with larger-beaked birds. These striped seeds are larger and have a thicker seed coat than black-oil sunflower.

Peanuts, and tree nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans and pistachios are enjoyed by Jays, Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Carolina Wrens and Titmice. If you don’t want squirrels “going nuts” for these foods, try using a squirrel-resistant feeder.

Millet is a small round seed. It comes in white and red varieties; most birds prefer white proso millet over red. Nyjer®, or thistle seed, is a delicacy for small Finches such as Goldfinches, Siskins, and Redpolls. Offering the small-sized, premium-priced Nyjer seeds in special Nyjer feeders will provide more value for your money. These feeders come in either a sock form with a small mesh fabric, or a tube feeder with tiny ports that prevent the seeds from spilling out. Finches will pull the seeds individually through the mesh or ports to enjoy them.

Birds’ feeding habits vary based on weather patterns and season. The best thing to do is experiment with seed and your backyard feeders. Take notes and photos for a personal sense of well-being and a great activity to do with kids!

We love Lyric Bird Seed because of their superior ingredients that ensure our New England birds have their essential nutrients to thrive- especially in the winter months. A superior seed means you will attract the widest variety of birds around! All birding products are available in our Winchester, Falmouth, Tewksbury and Concord stores.

Mahoney’s Evergreens: Cultivating Sustainable Traditions in Nova Scotia’s Christmas Tree Forests

As the holiday season approaches, many families are eager to embark on the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect Christmas tree. At Mahoney’s Evergreens in Nova Scotia, this tradition is not only festive but also deeply rooted in sustainability. Join us as we explore the story behind Mahoney’s Evergreens and understand why our Christmas tree forests honor our commitment to eco-friendly practices.

The Roots of Mahoney’s Evergreens:

 Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Nova Scotia, Mahoney’s Evergreens has been cultivating Christmas trees for generations. What sets Mahoney’s apart is our unwavering dedication to sustainable forestry practices. The story begins with our family’s deep connection to the land, understanding the delicate balance between providing holiday joy and preserving the environment.

Sustainable Farming Practices:

Mahoney’s Evergreens embraces sustainable farming practices to ensure the longevity of our Christmas tree forests. Instead of clear-cutting of rows and rows of trees, , we employ selective harvesting methods. This approach allows the remaining trees to thrive, preserving the natural habitat for local wildlife and promoting overall forest health. 

Many would be surprised to find that the layout of the plantation is actually not orderly rows of easily-farmed trees. Instead, we grow in an undeveloped and wild forest ecosystem, where all trees are naturally re-seeded. The terrain is full of swamps, hills, and thick forests with pockets of prime tree growing space. Throughout the plantation there are 12 to 30 foot tall “Mother” or “seed trees” that are strategically left standing to produce seed cones. The seed cones are pollinated by the wind randomly over the plantation. So, even though 12,000 trees a year are harvested, we only cut what we need, and we don’t deplete the land as far more seedlings sprout up on their own each year. At any given time we have over 1 million trees and seedlings actively growing.

Carbon Sequestration:

One of the significant environmental benefits of Mahoney’s Christmas tree farms is our contribution to carbon sequestration. Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, mitigating the impact of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. By choosing a Mahoney’s Evergreens tree, customers play a role in supporting a carbon-neutral holiday tradition.

Looking Ahead:

Peter Mahoney and his children Shannon and Brett some of our key Mahoney’s Evergreens team members: Brian, Natalya and Jamie

As Mahoney’s Evergreens continues to grow and evolve, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. The legacy of responsible Christmas tree farming is passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that future holiday seasons are marked by joy, tradition, and a deep respect for the environment. 

Mahoney’s Evergreens stands as a beacon of sustainable Christmas tree farming, demonstrating that holiday traditions can coexist harmoniously with environmental responsibility. By choosing a tree from Mahoney’s, families not only bring warmth and joy into their homes but also contribute to the preservation of our planet for generations to come.