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!

lyric-cardinal_detail lyric-supreme

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.

SHOP BIRDING PRODUCTS ONLINE

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.

 

 

 

Featured: Santa’s Kindness Ornament

Our favorite new item for the holidays is now available! This ornament is a child’s direct link to receive daily video messages from the REAL Santa! After scanning the ornament with a phone or tablet, Santa appears on screen and asks children for help sharing acts of kindness, goodness, care and giving. Scan the ornament several times a day for a few surprises from the North Pole. Shop in-store or online here:

SHOP NOW

 

 

 

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

 

Now In: Fall Color

It’s hard to believe, but summer is coming to a close and our stores are beginning the transition to Fall! Stop in to refresh your planters with a color palette that will take you through the change of the season

Spring Pruning Basics for New England

Shrubs add beauty and structure to our gardens. During the first few years after planting, a shrub requires little to no pruning. As it matures, selective pruning can increase bloom, improve shape and or reduce size. Whatever your objective, intentional pruning helps produce a natural looking shrub with a graceful form. Below we’ll walk through the basics of spring pruning from tools to technique!

Choose the right tools.

Use clean, sharp hand tools rather than electric shears. Shearing a shrub promotes dense growth at the branch tips. This blocks light and inhibits air circulation inside the shrub, which can eventually lead to the shrub’s decline, either by disease or lack of foliage for photosynthesis. And remember to always disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol before you begin.

Keep two thirds!

A shrub is not a poodle. Never remove more than one-third of the shrub’s mass in any given year. This preserves enough foliage for the plant to make sufficient food to stay robust and generate new growth quickly.

Choose a pruning method that meets your goals and the plant’s needs.

A “heading cut” is used to shorten a branch. The direction in which the top remaining bud is pointing will determine the direction of new growth. Prune one quarter inch above the bud, making the cut at a slight angle.

A “thinning cut” reduces the density of the shrub by removing branches at their point of origin from the center of the shrub.

Clean up.

Always remove dead, diseased or broken branches as soon as you notice them.

With few exceptions, you should avoid coating pruning cuts on shrubs or trees with wound dressing or paint. Trees and shrubs have their own mechanisms to heal a wound and need oxygen for proper recovery. In some cases wound dressings inhibit the availability of oxygen which is needed for proper recovery.

Know when to prune.

Different shrubs should be pruned at different times of the year depending on their individual biological make-up and bloom season. Read our blog on Nine Shrubs to Prune in April for some of the common favorites who would benefit from an early trim!

 

 

Houseplants: they’re not as thirsty as you think.

TIPS FOR WINTER HOUSEPLANT WATERING

Winter is a wonderful time of year to cultivate your very own indoor jungle and bask in the glory of nature while staying warm and dry at home. Whether you’re new to indoor plant parenthood or a seasoned veteran with teenaged plants at home it won’t surprise you that the number one question we hear in the greenhouse is “how much should I water?”

And while we’d love to give you a tried and true, one-size-fits-all watering recipe, the truthful answer is “it depends.” Light, humidity, plant species, and time of year all play a role but here are a few rules of thumb for keeping your indoor plants happy all year long.

      1. It’s easier for a plant to recover from too little water than too much water. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal issues on the foliage. Many indoor plants will thrive on a fair amount of neglect.
      2. Plants prefer infrequent deep watering over frequent shallow waterings. Resist the temptation to dump the remnants of your forgotten water glass into your plants, they won’t thank you for that.
      3. Light and water work together. The more light your plant receives, the more water it will need. Plants in low light areas will need less water than their sun-basking friends.
      4. Cut watering frequency in half during the winter months. Plants use less water in winter than they do during the growing season. Generally speaking, you’ll water half as often in winter as you would during spring and summer.
      5. Plants love to be watered from the bottom, when possible. Check out our video on “cache-potting” for the best way to do this:

 

 

So, how can you tell if your houseplants need water? Here are our favorite ways to find out if our leafy green friends want us to make ‘em a round of drinks:

      1. The knuckle test: stick your finger right into the pot all the way up to your knuckle. If it’s still moist, you can skip the watering.
      2. The weight test: for smaller plants lift the pot. If it feels light, it’s probably time for a drink. If it’s heavy, there’s plenty of water to sustain her for now.
      3. The thump test: if your plants are in plastic nursery pots give the side of the pot a flick. If you hear a hollow thwack, time to water, if it’s more of a thump or thud, she’s not thirsty.

 

Keep in mind that different plants have different watering needs, when in doubt chat with one of our greenhouse team members to learn more about your new plants’ preferences. As Uncle Mike likes to say: “plants are like people”…everyone’s a little different.

 

 

Overseeding the Lawn

Want the secret to growing a thicker, greener lawn? It’s simple! Overseeding is the key to making sure your lawn maintains its vibrant, lush appearance. Even the healthiest grass can be reinvigorated by overseeding it with new grass seed.

As time goes on, cool-season grass plants mature, and their reproduction rates begin to slow down. This can leave your lawn looking dull and unhealthy.

Overseeding is an easy, cost-effective practice you can implement in your lawn care routine to give your existing lawn a boost in the growing seasons. Once complete, you’ll have a lawn with enhanced color, thickness, and improved appearance over time.

 

What is Overseeding?

Overseeding a lawn is the process of spreading new grass seed over an existing lawn. The term commonly gets confused with another lawn care process called reseeding, which involves killing the existing grass and weeds, then starting fresh by planting new grass seed. Many homeowners decide to reseed their lawn when there is extensive damage, the lawn is overgrown with weeds, or simply just wanting a fresh start with a different type of grass seed.

 

Why Should I Overseed My Lawn?

One of the main benefits of overseeding a lawn is that it revitalizes a thinning lawn without having to start from scratch and reseed the lawn. Over time, even the best lawns can begin to lose the vigor they once had. Factors such as excess traffic, too much shade, weather conditions, and disease can take a toll on your lawn’s appearance and cause the grass to thin. Overseeding can help to thicken those thinning areas by filling them in with new grass seed.

Overseeding also increases your lawn’s ability to resist weeds and disease. Thinning, worn-out lawns create ideal conditions for weeds to grow because there is plenty of space available. Overseeding is a quick and easy way to crowd out weeds by thickening the existing lawn and denying space, light, and nutrients needed for weeds to grow. Remember, the best way to keep weeds from taking over is to have a healthy, dense lawn.

 

When Should I Overseed?

In New England, aim to overseed in the fall, preferably in early September. A beneficial combination of cool air and warm soil temperatures during this time create the ideal conditions for new seedlings to successfully germinate.

If you happen to miss out on fall seeding, the next best time for overseeding a cool-season lawn is in early spring, ideally between March and April and when your soil has reached a temperature of 55℉ consistently.

 

  1. Choose The Right Seed: Consider the light, traffic and appearance you desire in a lawn before selection your seed. Not all seeds are created equal, we recommend Jonathan Green’s Black Beauty Series. Developed with disease and pest resistance in mind, Black Beauty grass root systems can grow up to 4′ deep and the display is unparalleled- naturally dark and green! With opens for drought-tolerant, dense shade, high-traffic, select what’s right for your yard.
  2.  Mow the Lawn: Once you’ve selected the right seed, mow your lawn on the lowest mower setting (around 1 – 2 inches). Make sure to bag the clippings. This will ensure that the grass seed will make contact with the soil and get adequate sunlight and water.
  3. Remove Thatch and Debris: After mowing, rake your yard with a metal rake to remove excessive thatch and debris. Thatch is a layer of organic components (leaves and stems) found between the grass and soil that can prevent proper air circulation and water absorption for seedlings, which is necessary for germination. Vigorously raking your lawn also helps to loosen and break up the soil to create good seed-to-soil contact, making it easier for the seeds to take root.
  4. Improve Soil: Most New England Soils are highly acidic and require a correction in pH to create ideal conditions for seed to germinate. We love applying Mag-i-Cal to help correct pH. To stimulate soil microbial life and release trapped nutrients while relieving compaction, we recommend Love your Soil which can also be applied during the time of overseeding.
  5. Spread Seed: Prior to spreading seed, make sure you carefully follow instructions on the seed label. For smaller areas, spread seed by hand or use a handheld spreader. For larger areas, use a broadcast spreader to ensure all areas get the proper amount of seed. After spreading the seed, lightly rake the seed into the top ¼ inch of the soil to ensure proper seed-to-soil contact.
  6. Water: New seedlings need the correct amount of moisture to ensure proper germination. Water new seedlings lightly twice daily for 10-15 minutes each time for the first few weeks after planting seed.
  7. Aftercare: Having an aftercare plan is important post-seeding to ensure all of your hard work doesn’t go to waste! Once you’ve applied seed, make sure to maintain a regular watering and mowing schedule. Be sure to wait until the grass blade height has reached about four inches before mowing for the first time post-seeding. Also, even though it’s tempting to run around on your new, lush lawn, it’s best to try to limit excess traffic on your newly overseeded lawn to avoid damage.