Sunday, March 15, 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 July 31, 2025

As I stand still in the garden and water deeply, I ponder what flowers could fill empty spaces or block ugly views in August.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of July 24, 2025

The European import but non-invasive “Queen Anne’s Lace,” or wild carrot, has started blooming everywhere. Although not native, these European, alien imports do offer a local benefit.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of July 17, 2025

Take the time to assess your gardens now and move plants into better locations. Notice where and when sunshine beams the strongest.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of July 10, 2025

It is an ongoing fight: Many pests are active now. Some non-native pests have become common around here and we have strategies for coping. Others can decimate our landscape.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of July 3, 2025

Scout for pests in your vegetable garden every day while you water. You do water every day, right?

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of June 26, 2025

Water your plants thoroughly in the morning before the heat of the day evaporates your efforts. Most annuals and perennials need one inch of water per week and more during dry spells.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of June 19, 2025

I am beginning to reap what I sowed in my garden: good-sized lettuce and spinach leaves, cilantro, arugula, and peas.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of June 12, 2025

Stormy weather prompts me to run around and gather cut flowers that might be pummeled in a heavy rainstorm. Peony and poppy flowers often shatter in heavy rain.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of June 5, 2025

A lazy gardener tip: Follow spacing considerations when first planting perennials.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 29, 2025

Now that spring perennials have been flowering, I ventured into the flower borders to weed and nurture a few new plantings.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 22, 2025

I prefer the kind of gardening where I explore what is growing and pull or reduce the plants that I don’t want.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 15, 2025

How are your allergies this spring? Many people I know have been suffering from the pollen blues—or should I say "yellows" as I have found my white car turns yellow in a matter of hours.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 8, 2025

Growth is just beginning. If you don’t get to it today, get to it tomorrow or next week.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 1, 2025

Despite the finger-numbing chill and strong, blustery winds, I did get out to do a little bit of edging, some pruning, and some weeding.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of April 24, 2025

Friday, April 25, is Arbor Day, a time to celebrate the power of trees. Plant a tree for future generations to enjoy!

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of April 17, 2025

More observations around the garden—an unwelcome early visit from the Easter bunny.
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