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 January 18, 2024

As we gaze out the window at the riot of weather, I am thankful for my piece of ground and the warmth of my fire. I am also thankful for the beauty of our nearby woods, public spaces that are available to anyone in the Berkshires.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of January 11, 2024

A new year means nothing and everything. We can continue as usual or not. As a lazy gardener, I love the time of reflection that January and February bring to me as a gardener in New England.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of January 4, 2024

I see that cold days are still ahead, so don’t be fooled by our recent March-like weather.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of December 28, 2023

Don’t overlook the life happening in front of you all year long. Don’t overlook the importance of decomposition in supporting growth.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of December 21, 2023

Many holidays in December celebrate the human ability to hold a light up into the darkness and look forward to more daylight ahead.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of December 14, 2023

I want to speak briefly about these common plants found in stores now. You can find their histories and historical significance online elsewhere. I hope to share some more personal insights.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of December 7, 2023

While waiting for a protective blanket of snow, I have been noticing the smallest details on rock outcroppings and tree trunks. I am looking for anything green now that leaves have dropped.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of November 30, 2023

Because growth slows down during these cold autumn and winter months, you can too! Truly, it is a great time to see what overwinters, what stays evergreen, and what little tasks can be done with almost no exertion, no hot sun, and no mosquitoes.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of November 23, 2023

Just because it's cold doesn't mean the gardening tasks are done. Jodi is getting ready for winter and next spring. Here's how.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of November 16, 2023

Yes, the ground is still soft enough for planting, but the window is closing!

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of November 9, 2023

Have you planted spring-flowering bulbs yet? Now is a great time. For earlier blooms, try amaryllis or paperwhite bulbs. More on these next week.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of November 2, 2023

This fall has been perfect for the Lazy Berkshire Gardener. Not much frost has allowed me to spread out my fall gardening tasks.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 26, 2023

By the time you read this column, our first fall frost may have occurred. Frost was likely going into Tuesday, October 24 and is likely again overnight on October 31.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 19, 2023

Tiny nymph ticks are very hard to see and prevalent now. Try to wear those old light-colored khakis or white socks to make the ticks easier to spot. Grab them with a piece of tape, fold the tape over, and throw them away.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 12, 2023

Gardener is away—the pests will play. Before I left, my sprouts looked fine—no sign of cabbage moth larvae. But, uh-oh. Upon our return, we had an infestation!

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of October 5, 2023

Spring-flowering bulbs have arrived at stores ready for us to make our design plans for next year. There are many types of bulbs beyond the familiar tulip and daffodil.
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