Wednesday, March 18, 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 April 10, 2025

Cold weather does not affect spring bulbs, hellebore, or spring ephemerals. Start to seek those ephemerals in the area woods or in your gardens.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of April 3, 2025

Instead of taking a soil thermometer to the garden every day, we can look at our Forsythia to decide if a pre-emergent weed killer will be effective or if our roses can be pruned.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of March 27, 2025

Extreme shifts in weather are the primary reason I prefer to plant younger perennials, shrubs, and trees. They have smaller root masses that can work their way into new locations with less stress to the overall plant.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of March 20, 2025

Remember, as you head out to start your garden chores, ticks are awake!

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of March 13, 2025

I have many tips for getting my brown gardens ready for a burst of spring. Time to get out your pruners and snips.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of March 6, 2025

Gardeners! Be resilient. You’ve got this. Start your seeds; make your plans.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of February 27, 2025

Although the air has been cold, the sun will quickly warm up plants in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. Rotate your houseplants to prevent the sun from scalding the leaves as the days get brighter.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of February 20, 2025

I think I am ready to dedicate part of my yard to a cutting garden.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of February 13, 2025

Seeds are inexpensive compared to purchasing the same volume of produce. Make a plan to start some favorites this year!

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of February 6, 2025

Take photos and review what you do from year to year to learn more about your landscape. That record will make it easier to make pruning, planting, and pest-prevention decisions in the future.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of January 30, 2025

Days are getting longer, and houseplants will start to put out fresh growth in the weeks to come. Keep humidity up!

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of January 23, 2025

Snow, sleet, and rain outdoors are the best encouragements to stay inside and think about more plans and plants for my gardens from March through October.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of January 16, 2025

You may think I am crazy, but I wish we had more snow.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of January 9, 2025

Snow may be coming your way soon. Don’t overdo it! Shovel wisely by using good posture and pushing snow not lifting, especially heavy, wet snow.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of January 2, 2025

While your plants rest outdoors in winter, you can review successes and learning opportunities from last year.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of December 26, 2024

Soon that cut evergreen tree loaded with decorations will need to come down—can you say fire hazard? What will you do with yours?
spot_img

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.