Friday, March 13, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Jodi Cahillane

Jodi Cahillane gardens in central Berkshire County. She started gardening in urban Chicago and upon moving to Berkshire County, educated herself with the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener training certification and volunteer program in 1999. She has presented talks focused on Composting, Healthy Gardens, Invasive Plants, Organic Gardening: an Overview, Vegetable Gardening and Problem-Solving. Her goal as a gardener is to encourage her plants to thrive with as little interference from her as possible, with moderate success. For over 20 years, she has been a staff member at Ward's Nursery & Garden Center, Great Barrington, in customer service, information, and publicity.

written articles

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of November 20, 2025

The wintry mix has the Lazy Berkshire Gardener mostly hiding indoors. Winter prep still needs to be done, and I will get to it, albeit slowly.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of November 13, 2025

As shorter days and longer nights spread before us, it is nice to think about adding more houseplants.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of November 6, 2025

I am reminding you that some vines, trees, or shrubs will escape your landscape plans to become immortal pests around your property. Do not be fooled by their calm, care-free, and easy-to-grow nature. These are nutrient thieves and squatters of the worst kind.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 30, 2025

In honor of Halloween, I have a few jack-o'-lantern tips.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 23, 2025

Want milkweed in your garden? If you plant it, you will always have it—you have been warned.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 16, 2025

I love a good autumn display of squash and pumpkin. But caution! If you plan to eat your squash, you need to protect it from frost or it will turn mushy.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 9, 2025

As we head into a long weekend for some (and not many gardeners) celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day (AKA Columbus Day), I want to remind us all that we garden here in the Berkshires on the ancestral homeland of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, currently living in Wisconsin.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 2, 2025

What’s showing fall color this week?

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of September 25, 2025

While watering, you can find interesting things in your gardens. My husband was pleased to see that a Monarch caterpillar was enjoying our newly planted butterfly weed.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of September 18, 2025

I know I want to catch the last days of summer. Your plants will be taking advantage of the warm soil and sunshine, too.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of September 11, 2025

Landscape trees and shrubs have been showing heat stress, but the daylight has decreased as well. Deciduous plants slow chlorophyll production now in preparation for winter dormancy.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of September 5, 2025

We are funny animals. We acclimate to intensely warm weather and become surprised by cool temperatures. I encourage you to embrace the change and think about the future.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of August 28, 2025

August and September are an ideal time to enjoy native grasses. They hold soil on sloped areas, have attractive and easily controlled clumping qualities, and look beautiful in autumn.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of August 21, 2025

I am pleased to write that my peach trees have been released from polyester Remay fabric.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of August 14, 2025

Evening temperatures have been lovely and rain scarce. Visit your garden in the twilight (or rain if you are lucky). Our gardens look different throughout the day and after rainfall.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of August 7, 2025

While clearing dead plant tissue, beware of hidden wasp nests in shrubs, rock walls, and woodpiles.
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