Thursday, September 17, 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 9, 2026

The heat and holiday kept me from gardening too much last week, but I did scout for pests. Below are some things I found and hints for better gardening results.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of July 2, 2026

In July, many spring-flowering plants, purchased in a spring fever, start to go quiet. Native plants come into their own now.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of June 25, 2026

One of my pleasures while weeding in the garden is spotting butterflies and other interesting birds, insects, or reptiles.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of June 18, 2026

Damage from our rapid changes in temperature this spring may just now begin to show.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of June 11, 2026

I am thrilled by the peonies just starting to bloom in my garden. I weeded those! I have peonies scattered about, so I see clumps in every direction. Peony is perhaps my favorite flower.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of June 4, 2026

Gardeners love editing our gardens. We remove elements and add others. The garden can be like a living sculpture! But how do you reduce the volume of work involved? I say, pick your garden battles.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 28, 2026

Look back to last year’s photos to remember what worked and what did not.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 21, 2026

I often feel the rush to get everything planted by Memorial Day. but that day is very early this year on May 25. Relax and let the temperatures be your guide. You could simplify and plant a rose bush in memory of those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 14, 2026

Stores are filled with flowering annuals, early perennials, vegetable starts, and more. But like Halloween decorations in August, you may not want to put those new purchases out on public display just yet.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of May 7, 2026

If you can’t quite manage all the garden tasks for mom this weekend, maybe just take a lazy walk with her through the woods and marvel at the latest spring wildflowers.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of April 30, 2026

We can curse the frost or learn from it. Some plants embrace a heat wave only to suffer. I try to appreciate how the change in climate will affect change in the genetics of our native plants.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of April 23, 2026

Earth Day and Arbor Day remind all of us to do right by the Earth and improve our landscapes by making them more hospitable to all living creatures. I may be speaking to the choir, but we could all use reminders.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of April 16, 2026

To prevent fruiting trees from breaking bud too early, keep soils cool around fruit trees with a thick layer of mulch.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of April 9, 2026

On a rainy day last weekend, I gardened inside instead and divided some plants that had outgrown their pots.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of April 2, 2026

Glory in every new daily sign of spring. I have daffodil leaves up. Primrose and hyacinth leaves have emerged from the mulch.

THE LAZY BERKSHIRE GARDENER: Week of March 26, 2026

Be careful about launching into spring gardening tasks after a sedentary few months. Before heading out, stretch your limbs and warm up those muscles or you will be stiff the next day. I know I am.
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