pro grow news
Spring Treasures
Spheres of Influence
What Is an Improved Native?
pro grow news Spring 2025
PRESIDENT
Kerry Preston, MCH Wisteria & Rose, Inc. (617) 522-3843
VICE PRESIDENT
David Vetelino, MCH Vetelino Lanscape Inc.
Tel: (781) 826-0004
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Dave Anderson Mayer Tree
Tel: (978) 768-6999
PAST PRESIDENT
Chris O’Brien, MCH Howard Designs, Inc.
Tel: (617) 244-7269
DIRECTORS
Steve Davis, MCH Bigelow Nurseries, Inc
Laura DiCarlo, MCH Cavicchio Greenhouses, Inc.
Justin Mortensen Farm Credit East
Patrick Parent Mahoney’s Garden Centers
Kelly Perry, MCH Swan Point Cemetery
EDUCATION & RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Deborah Trickett, MCH The Captured Gardens (781) 329-9698
FINANCIAL COMMITTEE (FINCOM)
Steve Corrigan, MCH — Chair
Mountain View Landscapes & Lawncare, Inc.
Tel: (413) 536-7555
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Chris O’Brien, MCH
Howard Designs, Inc.
Tel: (617) 244-7269
HISTORY COMMITTEE
Philip Boucher, MCH — Chair
Elysian Garden Designs
Tel: (508) 695-9630
Skott Rebello, MCH — Vice Chair Harborside P.S.
Tel: (508) 994-9208
MASSACHUSETTS CERTIFIED HORTICULTURIST BOARD (MCH)
Corinne Jean, MCH — Chair Wisteria & Rose (617) 522-3843
Advisor: Jack Elicone, MCH John R. Elicone Consulting
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
David Ahronian, MCH - Chair Ahronian Landscape & Design, Inc. (508) 429-3844
Dave Anderson - Vice Chair Mayer Tree Tel: (978) 768-6999
PUBLICATIONS:
Editor in Chief: Rena Sumner MNLA Reporter: Amber Ahronian
Advisors: Amber Ahronian, MCH, Rick Reuland, Trevor Smith MCH, Beverly Sturtevant
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rena M. Sumner Tel: (413) 369-4731 mnlaoffice@aol.com
LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
John V. Fernandes Attorney at Law John@fplaw.net
It’s True — Spring Is Here
By Kerry Preston, MCH
When you read this, it will be spring, but as I am writing this, we are fresh off the Winter Forum and experiencing the Great Ice Age of 2025. Will we ever manage to chip away at the absolute mountain of iceencrusted snow that surrounds us at every turn?
We seem to always preserve, us gardeners, with hope and the promise of that first little snowdrop poking out of the semi-frozen earth. It’s about this time I start earnestly looking for signs of spring…could those buds on that maple be swelling? Is that a witch hazel blooming at the edge of the Arboretum? Is that my poor dwarf Hinoki Cypress down to one branch after those rabbits used it as winter food?
Seriously though, with the hope of spring comes a slight panic about the loss of winter. Winter is when we analyze, when we hire, when we budget, and when we have the time to come up with grand plans for the spring. How many winters have we spent trying to figure out Instagram, hashtags, and clever captions? How many winters have we talked about organizing our thousands of photos into meaningful stories to showcase our work? Honestly, how many winters have we just settled for trying to delete the millions of photos of dead plants from our phones? We have way more of those than pretty plant photos, trust me.
We go into January still kind of manic with the end of holiday decorating. We are cleaning up leaves for the first two weeks of the month and removing the spent and sad holiday décor. Go, go, go, we are so productive, we are so on top of things, and then…mid-January finally lulls us into a state of semi-hibernation. It’s cold, it’s gray, it’s dark, Netflix is on, the fire is going and the couch is really, really comfortable.
Uh oh, now it is February, and all of the grand plans have somehow become fuzzy, my computer is on and I can’t quite remember why. We have team meetings via Zoom and spend most of the time talking about our vacations and the decadent meals we are making. Calls and emails are coming in but it’s as if the clients are in the same semi-haze as we are, so we respond to emails and messages and don’t hear back for a few weeks.
And then suddenly, we look at the calendar and it’s February 10th, winter is almost over, it doesn’t matter if that isn’t actually true. Cue the panic button. I wish I could say I have a magic word or an elixir to combat this slight feeling of dread and inertia that simultaneously lives inside of me at this time every year. But I don’t.
What I do have is a community of people who share this same seasonal lifestyle, the same ups and downs of emotions and energy that come from having to give up control to Mother Nature. There is something incredibly comforting about being able to call a colleague and just blurt out “Winter is almost over” in mid-January and have them say, “I know!!!”
Many of you have heard me say this one thing over and over this past year: MNLA is more than an organization, it is made up of friends, colleagues, support networks, and opportunities. Whether you are a new member or are a multi-generational member, all are welcome, all are supported. There is a place for everyone in our community. We enjoy seeing each other at events, at the nursery, and around town. A quick text from an MNLA member brightens my day. It’s a huge relief to have the backing of such an incredible group of people. My volunteer journey started about 14 years ago when I joined the MCH Board. It was the best decision I ever made. Trust me, it is not as much time as you might think, and the rewards are immeasurable.
I am going to end this message with some encouragement: Volunteer. Create a bigger and better community for yourself with like-minded people who support you and your goals. MNLA would love to help you find a place to share your talents. Event planning, education, MCH, government relations, membership, history, our new youth initiative — let us know what speaks to you so we can find you a home. Our next big event will be the Summer Conference at Topsfield Fair. We need help setting up, taking down, encouraging people to attend, and getting vendors to participate. If you are local, please reach out, we would love to have you and help you start to build your own community of support.
As always, I encourage you to reach out to me if have anything you would like to talk about or suggest. I’m looking forward to seeing each and every one of you wherever you might be.
All my Best,
Kerry Preston, MCH MNLA President Wisteria & Rose
Member Spotlight— Jessica Zander You Can Do It Gardening
by Amber Ahronian
Tell us about your company:
Jessica “Jess” Zander is the owner of You Can Do It Gardening and a new member of the MNLA. You Can Do It Gardening offers a consulting service to homeowners who want to take on gardening tasks in their own yards. She offers insight on things like plant selection and bed shape to customers eager to get the shovel in the ground themselves. She has met with over 1,200 clients since starting her company in 2022. The majority of these clients seek a single visit, but she does have repeats as well. She meets with clients in person generally within New England, but her virtual visits span the country.
It all started when Jess discovered just how much people needed this service. She realized that new homeowners often don’t know where to start with their yards. People can get overwhelmed at the idea of picking and placing plants. She can jump in to provide a broad design idea, in these situations. Sometimes a seasoned gardener likes to have a second pair of eyes on their gardens. Either way, Jess can be helpful. Along the way, Jess realized that recording her visits helped clients to go back and remember what she had advised. Thinking this could be a resource to other gardeners, she posted these videos as reels on Instagram as a sort of library of advice and tips. With about 431,000 followers on Instagram today, it has been a successful way to engage with people and increase visibility. Her followers appreciate having a trusted source, given the conflicting information that can be found on the internet. Today, most of Jess’ clients come from Instagram.
How did you get started in the green industry?
Jess notes that her path to this point has not been linear. In her personal life, she has lived in four different houses whose gardens needed a lot of refreshment when she moved in. Being a hobby gardener for 30 years and enjoying her own backyard, she learned a lot on the fly. After informally coaching friends on their gardens for years, Jess decided to create her business in 2022. She started off part-time while continuing her 30-year tenure in nonprofit operations. When things took off, she went full-time in June of 2023 and never looked back. She says she is
grateful for the rare and unexpected good fortune she has had converting her passion into a profession.
What advice would you give to a young person considering this industry for their career?
Jess’ practical advice is to figure out which aspect of the industry you are interested in and which type of company model you would do best in. She challenges young people to think about what they enjoy and are good at. Sometimes, as with her business, there is an opportunity that doesn’t obviously present itself, but it is there. She notes that to run a business, you need to be organized, disciplined, and detailed. Customer service is super important.
Jess also recommends that young people keep an eye on the direction of the industry to stay competitive. She says to educate yourself on sustainable gardening, especially in terms of biodiversity, pollinators, invasive
Jess Zander
MCH Corner — Committee Reports
Spring Awakening: Gearing Up for the Season Ahead
As the snow melts away and the first signs of spring begin to emerge, it’s exciting to shift our focus back to plants and the busy season ahead. This past winter, with consistent snow on the ground, provided a welcome mental break — a chance to recharge, reflect, and build anticipation for the work ahead.
One of the highlights of the winter season was the MCH Winter Forum in February, where we had the opportunity to expand our knowledge without the exhaustion of peak-season demands. The speakers were fantastic, offering valuable insights that will no doubt help us navigate the challenges of the upcoming months. It’s always refreshing to take in new ideas while our minds are clear and ready to absorb information.
Additionally, this February brought a record-breaking number of test takers for the MCH exam! It was inspiring to see so many dedicated professionals prepared and eager to earn their certification. The level of enthusiasm and commitment was truly impressive, and we can’t wait to see these newly certified horticulturists put their skills to work.
Now, with longer days and warming temperatures, we step into the season renewed and ready. Here’s to a successful and productive spring!
Corinne Jean, MCH Wisteria & Rose MCH Chair
Committee Reports
Governmental Relations —
This spring, we are in a new world with the state legislature beginning a new two-year session. In Washington, the new administration is making daily headlines with significant changes in policies and practices. It is a time to be extra alert to what is happening and make certain that our voices are heard.
By the time you read this, the state legislature should have announced how it will organize its committees, committee chairs and members, operating rules and procedures, and so forth. Shortly thereafter, bills that have already been filed will be assigned to a committee for consideration and possible hearings. Then it will be time for us to remind our legislators about the issues that are important to the green industry.
The laws and rules regarding the transition to electric vehicles, specifically large trucks, are complex and very ambitious. EV trucks are substantially more expensive and have less carrying capacity. There are few vehicles available for the varied needs of our industry. Infrastructure for battery recharging needs to be built. Addressing the problems will involve substantial capital outlays. A successful transition may require assistance from the state in demonstration projects, tax credits, or other forms.
During the last legislative session, there was discussion about how to deal with PFAS (forever chemicals) at various locations in the state’s water supply systems. Legislation regarding this problem is expected. The initial focus will be on potable water supplies and irrigation of crops for human consumption, but new rules may affect anyone pumping water, so this is an issue worth watching.
The MNLA Government Relations Committee, working with Legislative Agent John Fernandes, will be watching these and other issues in the legislature to make certain our views are considered as laws get made. However, other rules and regulations may be made by state agencies or departments. MNLA is currently working with environmental agencies on outdoor water-use rules to make it easier for efficient drip irrigation systems to be used more widely. We also are in discussions with the Department of Energy Resources about ways to transition to electric-powered construction and maintenance equipment in a cost-effective manner..
We continue our close collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources in many areas. MNLA sits on the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, which under MDAR’s guidance evaluates plants that may be invasive and banned for sale in the state. MDAR monitors the agricultural sector for disease outbreaks, drought conditions, soil conservation, and so forth. Alerts regarding those conditions are then communicated to our members as needed.
MNLA staff are frequently present at MNLA conferences and educational events, passing along important information that makes our members more effective.
There are some of the issues we are working on. There are others, including proposed reductions on the use of propane in agriculture, construction rules that may require active fire suppression systems in greenhouses, licensing requirements for equipment operators, and more. We can always use more help covering all the bases. Reach out to Rena at mnla.com if you are interested.
Here is one more way to become active in public policy issues: American Hort, representing the landscape and nursery industry at the national level, will host an Impact Washington Fly-In Summit in Washington, DC, on September 15–17, 2025. Contact the MNLA office or AmericanHort.com for further information.
Chris O’Brien, MCH
Howard Designs, Inc Governmental Relations Chair
Membership — Committee Reports
Observations From The Membership Committee
After attending a few events this winter and having conversations with friends and new acquaintances in the industry, I feel a level of excitement for the upcoming year. We in the green industry are at the forefront of so much positive change, and I think the MNLA is a conduit for those changes to take root and grow. What connects all of us MNLA members is our love of the outdoors and the professional advancement of our industry. The classes at the Winter Forum were a great example of that. From “Bad Ass Trees” to brushing up on QuickBooks skills, there was something for everyone.
I am personally excited to get back out there with our crew and continue to grow as a team. Staffing — one of the biggest struggles for the green industry — has become a blessing in my eyes. It is forcing us to create better working spaces for our employees so that we are more marketable. This means better pay, benefits, better company culture, and a connection to a greater purpose. We need to continue to elevate the green industry as an organization to continue
to draw people into the industry. We are the leaders, and we shouldn’t be blaming the younger generation for not wanting to work. It is on us to inspire them to join our teams.
We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Conference at Topsfield Fair Grounds on July 24th and at our new student and members-only event, Gather and Grow, scheduled for October 1st at Weston Nursery.
Please reach out to me or David Anderson if you would like to join our committee or if you have any suggestions about how we can do a better job for our members.
David Ahronian, MCH Ahronian Landscaping and Design, Inc.
David Anderson, MCH, Mayer Tree Membership Committee Co-chairs
David Ahronian
David Anderson
It Was Only 114 years Ago That MNLA Gathered Its Members...
By Rena Sumner
And so begins MNLA’s 115th Annual Meeting with breakfast, on February 13, 2025. Here hundreds gathered to celebrate your Association and wonderful members.
MNLA’s Young Nursery & Landscape Professional of the Year
This is an annual award established by MNLA in 2020. Its purpose is to reward, to honor, and encourage participation, achievement, and growth by an individual who is involved in the horticultural and landscape industry and has not yet reached the age of 40 years.
This individual has shown involvement in MNLA, has contributed to the growth and success of their company of employment, and has portrayed an image to the public of what our products and services can do for them.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipient, Dan Trefethen of Vetelino Landscape, Inc.
Dan Trefethen and MNLA Vice President David Vetelino, MCH, Vetelino Landscape, Inc.
The Henry S. Gillet Award for Environmental Leadership
Presented by the MNLA annually, this award recognizes individuals who have consistently provided informed leadership in dealing with complex environmental issues. It was a great honor to present Jennifer Forman-Orth with this years award, noting that her wisdom, impartiality, and willingness to inform and make complex decisions have quietly contributed to the quality of life of each citizen of the Commonwealth. Jennifer’s role within the Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), is key in supporting and regulating our industry, Her commitment and efforts have not gone unrecognized by MNLA! Thank you Jennifer!
President’s Award
The President’s Award is given by the MNLA President in appreciation for dedication and outstanding service on behalf of MNLA and the nursery/landscape industry. This award is MNLA’s opportunity to thank individuals, volunteers, and leaders who go above and beyond the expected.
You know when you meet someone in your life and know that they have “something?” It’s a spark that comes out when they talk about something they are passionate about. They have a vision and you just know that they will achieve great things because of this spark and drive. Talking to them is fascinating and inspiring. That describes this year’s President of the Year Award recipient. Congratulations to Trevor Smith, MCH, of Weston Nurseries!
Trevor Smith, MCH and MNLA Presi
Jennifer Foreman-Orth, MA Department of Agricultural Resources, and Chair of Government Relations and Immediate Past President Chris O’Brien MCH, Howard Garden Design
A New Youth Movement Begins
By Dave Anderson
For the past four years, the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) has hosted a compli mentary student event as part of its Winter Forum. The organization believes it is vital to invest resources into supporting agricultural schools, and we are proud to see continuous growth in attendance year after year. This year, over 200 students and teachers registered for the event, and despite weather challenges, a strong group from Eastern Massachusetts was able to participate.
This fall, with the support of the MNLA Foundation, we will host a dedicated event for high school students on October 1st at Weston Nursery in Hopkinton. The first annu al Gather and Grow able experience for students.
Learn More about Gather and Grow 2025
Agricultural and vocational high schools are home to many talented young students eager to explore career oppor tunities in the green industry. While many in our industry are already involved in supporting these schools, there is still a great need for more engagement. Many employers are unaware of the valuable opportunities these students offer.
Teachers in agricultural and vocational programs are doing exceptional work by creating engaging curricula and events to encourage students to pursue careers in the green industry. Nicole Forsyth at Norfolk Aggie in Walpole, MA, has developed a Green Industry Day, an inspiring Arbor Day event attended by dozens of companies and high schools. Cassie Johnson from South Shore Tech organized a reverse job fair, where students presented their accomplishments in PowerPoint presentations rather than employers showcasing their companies. Essex Aggie in Danvers hosts a job fair
that gap. Even if your company is unable to hire younger employees due to insurance restrictions, there are still ways to get involved. You can attend school events (usually held in the winter and lasting only a couple of hours) to support students and make connections. Smaller companies with more flexibility in hiring younger workers can take the opportunity to mentor and integrate them into the company culture.
If time commitments prevent you from attending school events or joining advisory boards, consider hosting an open house at your workplace and inviting local students. Alternatively, invite students to visit your job site for exposure to real-world experiences in the green industry. These students will soon be entering the workforce. Don’t miss the opportunity to recruit and mentor the next generation of talent.
There are numerous creative ways to support and guide students interested in green industry careers. We encourage you to explore these opportunities with MNLA and get involved in MNLA’s Youth Initiative. We invite you to volunteer at our Gather and Grow event in October, where students from across Massachusetts will get a hands-on look at the green industry. MNLA needs your support, and students will benefit from professional role models in the field.
SEE MORE DETAILS ON PAGE 16-17.
Join us on Thursday, July 24, 2025 for the Annual Summer Conference & Trade Show at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. We are excited to announce the fourth annual Battle of the Container Garden Designers along with various education, safety and hands-on demo programs and entertainment.
Education programs include:
• How to Survive a Pesticide Audit/Inspection
• Tick Born Illnesses
• How Did They Do That? Rooftop Bus “Gardens”
• Pests of 2025: Plants, Bugs & Slugs
• The Invasives Among Us
• With more still to come! Visit mnla.com/dte25 or scan the QR code below for more information.
Spring Season Begins
Early Spring Treasures
By Heather Prince
Spring tends to sneak in with small signs of grace rather than casually fling flowers. One day it’s snowing, and the next, trees are filmed in tiny green buds. As you work more native plants into your spring designs, let’s explore some perennials, shrubs, and trees that add reasons to explore the yard. Pull on the boots and think about how late winter and early spring textures can weave with subtle flowers for some magical moments.
Snow Breaks, Fun Begins
One of our funkier native flowers is skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). Funky in smell and decidedly odd in shape, this fascinating plant is usually the first to bloom in late February and March. Its purplish hooded flowers create enough heat to melt snow and attract its fly and gnat pollinators. This is a plant for collectors with wet, mucky partshade spots. Later in the season, its large, tropical-looking leaves appear for a dramatic foliage effect before going dormant in the heat of summer. Tuck some in a bog garden or at the edge of the pond to create a conversation piece and a reason to get outside.
As twigs take a green cast with budding leaves, some of our native trees take advantage of warm days to flower. While inspecting the skunk cabbage, look up to enjoy the showy red flowers of red maple (Acer rubrum). Blooming before they leaf, a specimen red maple will stand out from the bare branches of its neighbors, delighting us with its
plentiful scarlet blossoms. Consider siting it to be viewed from indoors, a surprising sign of spring.
Warming Trends
On warm sunny days, catkins elongate and begin to turn golden with pollen. Spotlight the elegant catkins of American hazelnut (Corylus americana) by underplanting it with early spring bulbs. An easy-going hedge, it begins to resemble a spring chandelier, especially when backlit by low March light. Weave it into a mixed border with spicebush (Lindera benzoin) for layers of spring interest. Spicebush blooms with small clusters of yellow flowers a little later in early April. Delightfully fragrant, its twigs can be forced indoors for a late winter floral treat. For spring charm in shade, the bell-like pale-lemon flowers of leatherwood (Dirca palustris) are worth seeking out. This small, graceful woodland native shrub is especially lovely when it blooms in April. Tuck snowdrops beneath it to amplify its elegance.
Let’s return to the pond that’s beginning to wake up. Consider planting marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) at the edges. The brightyellow flowers feel like gold coins scattered amongst its rich deepgreen leathery leaves. One of the first flowers of spring, marsh marigold enchants us as we seek out signs of winter’s ending. Since we’re lingering at the pond, consider in another spring charmer, black willow (Salix nigra). Perhaps the
Symplocarpus foetidus
Acer rubrum
Corylus americana
Spring Season Begins
largest of the native willows and often reaching upwards of 60 feet, it becomes more gnarled, craggy, and filled with personality with age. In spring, showy 3-inch yellow catkins develop before the leaves, a nice echo of the marsh marigold at its feet. the largest of the native willows and often reaching upwards of 60 feet, it becomes more gnarled, craggy, and filled with personality with age. In spring, showy 3-inch yellow catkins develop before the leaves, a nice echo of the marsh marigold at its feet.
And so it goes
As March blows out into April, more blooms open as days grow longer and soil warms. Now, spring ephemerals begin to open, and birdsong begins at dawn. If you’re looking for a small tree to light up in spring sun, consider wild plum (Prunus americana). Happiest in full sun, the spreading branches are covered in fragrant white flowers in April and can also be forced indoors. Underplant with early daffodils for a beautiful spring moment or try one of our prairie favorites, prairie smoke (Geum triflorum). Blooming pink in April and beloved by freshly emerging bumblebees, prairie smoke rarely grows taller than 6 to 8 inches. The drooping flowers soon become the smoky seed tufts that enchant us. To complete the spring vignette, consider our two native currants, wild black currant (Ribes americanum) and golden currant (Ribes aureum). At about 3 to 5 feet, they can be interesting small hedges or specimen shrubs. Wild black currant features 3-inch, greenish-white racemes that dangle like small chandeliers. Golden currant boasts clusters of showy fragrant yellow tubular flowers. Both will develop edible berries for you or the birds.
April Comes So She Will
With April, the spring fling is well underway. Our woods are lit with pink clouds of redbud, robins return, and Virginia bluebells bring the sky to earth. However, there is still subtle elegance to be found in our native palette. While we love the banana-custard
Lindera benzoin
Dirca palustris
Caltha palustris
Salix nigra
flavor of pawpaw (Asimina triloba) fruits and their tropical foliage, their deep maroon-purple fleshy flowers are worth close inspection. The horizontal branches of Carolina silverbell (Halesia carolina) are decorated in beautiful belllike white flowers in spring. It’s magical over a bed of species tulips. For a more layered treatment, try underplanting with Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis) and woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata). With white gardens still popular, Canada anemone charms with pure white flowers and rabbit-proof foliage. Woodland phlox is easy to weave through with its fragrant lavender flowers perfuming the garden. For the final flourish, consider bishop’s cap (Mitella diphylla) along the edges. While the foliage resembles Heuchera, this woodland perennial features tiny snowflake-like flowers spaced on upright racemes. It’s the flower you wait for every year and show off to the neighborhood children for its uniqueness.
Wait What’s That?
There’s always one last snow before spring truly takes hold. As the siren song of May beckons, golden alexanders (Zizia aurea) light up the rain garden and swale in late April with clouds of lacy yellow umbellate flowers soon covered in tiny pollinators. At the path edges, birdfoot violets (Viola pedata) unfurl their twotoned purple flowers for the bees. Try interplanting small crocus with them for a delicate spring vignette. In sunny spots, especially at the edges of raised beds and flagstone paths, prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa) offers pillows of lavenderpink fragrant flowers that early butterflies seek out. Consider interplanting with pink Muscari for an elegant tonal flower combination. Finally, our native wild stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) surprises with a carpet of crisp starry white flowers. If you’re looking for a native groundcover in the sun, wild stonecrop offers the drought-tolerant durability of its cousins but gives us frosty flowers just as the last snow flurry melts.
See more spring bloomers on the next page.
Prunus americana
Geum triflorum
Ribes americanum
Halesia carolina
Zizia aurea
Sedum ternatum
Phlox pilosa
Spheres of Influence
By Mark Dwyer
I’m a big fan of gazing balls and I’m not ashamed by that admission. I realize they can be an acquired taste and are lumped into some of the retro-landscaping we normally associate with the 70s and 80s, along with plastic pink flamingos. However, my mom always had a blue gazing ball out in the garden, and it was mesmerizing. Something about that perfectly spherical beacon of color caught the eye, and occasionally, the errant soccer ball. I recently learned that gazing balls (aka lawn balls and yard globes) originated in 13th Century Venice as hand-blown glass ornaments. That’s an impressive track record but I digress, as usual.
While our landscapes are undoubtedly and understandably focused on beauty and function, texture and form shouldn’t be overlooked in our spaces. In particular, I’m a huge proponent of using spherical elements in the landscape as their smooth symmetry is impactful and effective as a focal point, repeated element, or simply a subtle touch to add some flair. These elements can and should include plant materials as well as non-living components (like the well-placed gazing ball). The human eye has a very strong connection with circular
forms and the sphere is no exception. This smooth form, regardless of actual size, can unify a composition with specific intention.
I’ve suggested and recommended the use of spherical forms in many of my landscape designs over the years. It’s important to note that the incorporation of that spherical form in any context should harmonize with the intended beauty of the garden and doesn’t necessarily imply a rigid, formal layout. The sphere form might be represented by a bulb, perennial, or annual that provides that captivating flower shape for a certain duration of time. Non-living elements, like the gazing ball, have a more consistent lengthy contribution in the garden than, say, a spherically maintained boxwood or compact conifer. Spheres and their repeated usage will draw the eye, add energy and flow to the landscape, and perhaps even serve as destinational guidance or invitation to move through the landscape by functioning as intriguing focal points.
Spheres have a pleasing flow to their shape and look the same from every angle. This allows their consideration, in
Established in 1910, Cavicchio Greenhouses is a fourth-generation New England farm working more than 250 acres in Sudbury. As a horticultural grower and landscape distributor, we cultivate and supply an extensive variety of annuals and perennials, nursery stock, stone, masonry and landscape materials. With a hard-earned reputation for service, quality, selection and sustainability, we work with professionals and garden centers throughout the area to keep our region beautiful.
Expert Opinion
terms of selection and placement, to take full advantage of myriad view angles to that perfectly balanced, uniform shape (regardless of size or mass). The visual harmony of spheres, like a mass of ornamental onions (Allium sp.), conveys not only beauty but maximizes the threedimensionality of our gardens. In the case of the ornamental onions, they further contribute to the organic impression of floating or hovering in the garden and defying gravity. Here are some spherical examples for consideration in the landscape.
Spherical Flowers
In my earliest landscape design years, a mentor suggested that I should be looking beyond flower color and progression of bloom and hone in further on flower architecture. I remember him saying that flowers come in different shapes, like spires, flat daisies, trumpets, buttons, and spheres. This is obvious but likely not a typical consideration when plant features such as color, bloom time, texture,
seasonal interest, etc. are being weighed. He sold me further on the importance of hovering spheres from flowers in the landscape and that’s likely why I’m a huge ornamental onion (Allium sp.) fan and lean on other flowers with that tight umbel arrangement in which the sphere is formed by many flowers in tight proximity (typically excellent for pollinators as well). Not surprisingly, strong, narrow flower forms adding verticality and scale were also stressed, which could be its own article!
The fall-planted ornamental onions that bloom in late spring and early summer are available in many selections, including ‘Globemaster,’ ‘Mt. Everest,’ ‘Purple Sensation,’ A. giganteum, and more, that offer amazing color and form impact. The summer blooming onions, like ‘Summer Beauty,’ ‘Millenium,’ ‘Big Beauty,’ ‘Windy City,’ ‘Serendipity,’ etc., carry on the spherical show and have the added benefit of deer resistance.
I’m also a big fan of the various globe thistles (Echinops sp.) for their
Expert Opinion
summer impact in shades of blue and white, although do be wary of potential reseeding issues. One of my top five, all-time, favorite perennials is the native rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium), which offers that classic hovering of many spherical, white flowers above rigid, blue foliage. Some annuals also have spherical flowers but none more uniform than Billy buttons (Craspedia globosa). This is a common flower in bouquets and invites closer inspection. Globe amaranths (Gomphrena sp.) also have a pleasing form that does lean a bit towards a more elongated sphere (ovoid).
In terms of spherical flower clusters on trees and shrubs in the Midwest, a slam-dunk are the interesting white summer flowers of the native buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). This underutilized tough shrub needs more attention and use in the landscape. Breeding efforts have brought to market many more compact forms (Sugar Shack®, Magical® Moonlight, and Fiber Optics®) that will nestle nicely in the landscape. Some viburnums and hydrangeas offer near-spherical clustered flower contributions and certainly have many popular uses throughout the landscape.
Spherical Shrubberies
While I have yet to run into a shrub that is naturally a perfect sphere, many are quite close or can be trimmed to tighten up that shape. While boxwoods (Buxus sp.) have their challenges and valid concerns, they are still quite popular, and their durability and resiliency in the garden is without question. The use of boxwoods, while common in formal hedging and topiary, doesn’t always indicate a formal garden setting as it’s all in the context in how they are placed and utilized.
In terms of conifers, yews (Taxus) are another option for trimming. Older specimens might become challenging in time for maintaining foliage cover on the lower curves of the spherical form. Poodle or pom-pom junipers (usually Juniperus chinensis selections) can also offer multiple spheres but are certainly on that spectrum of higher maintenance
Expert Opinion
with the need for reliable and timely attention to maintain this contrived form. Of course, continual maintenance of these shrubs in the spherical form implies that the homeowner or caretakers of those plants are aware of necessary inputs and will stay on top of the schedule for frequent and skilled shaping. This may not be of interest to all of our clients, but the tightest spherical forms on woody plants are most frequently associated with a higher level of attention, which we can certainly provide as a fee-based service. While many shrubs offer a naturally rounded look (still nice in the landscape), some compact, dwarf, and miniature conifer species and varieties also offer a tighter spherical form.
Spherical Knickknacks
As I was searching for various photos to support this article, I had no shortage of selections (including, likely, every gazing ball I’ve run across). Aside from flowers and shrubs that address that spherical contribution of form, many
other non-living elements can contribute to a cohesive landscape arrangement. Of course, many of these items relate to the personal, subjective flair of the homeowner and their taste. The valid inclusion of these elements in the landscape can sustain those spherical echoes for lengthy durations or even year-round.
Aside from gazing balls, I’ve run across the use of cast concrete, terra cotta, or stone ball finials on pillars or simply placed in the garden. All manner of metal spheres (steel, wrought iron, etc.) of different sizes can be utilized in the garden and will echo the spherical form provided by plant materials. Tastefully created spheres made of willow (Salix sp.) and dogwood (Cornus) branches or even grape vines, while ephemeral, can offer impact as well. The ambiguous term “garden art” will mean different things to different folks, but the opportunity to include spherical objects of various materials and scale is available and vast. While our design suggestions may not include details on these supple-
mental knickknacks, we can certainly convey our interest to clients in repeating strong form (i.e., spheres) within the garden that they can further augment as desired (or guided).
Conclusion
I’m not sphere-centric with all of my designs as certain garden styles wouldn’t be as reliant on spheres and may have a focus on a different form. An example would be a tight, side garden where vertical elements are a primary consideration to maximize space while also mitigating the scale of the structure in that limited space. Echoing spherical flower forms and mixing up variable flower architecture will continue to be a personal mission, but the recognition of the power and impact of spheres in the garden shouldn’t be ignored as it relates further to woody plant selections and myriad non-living, well-placed elements. Not everyone likes gazing, but very few don’t immediately notice their shapely and colorful presence in the garden.
An Arborist’s View
What Is an improved Native?
By Dave Anderson, MCH Mayer Tree
With the need to ban invasive plant species the last several years, there has been a push to plant natives. Unfortunately, some of the natives are not super tough or dependable. Improved natives are indigenous plants that have been developed by nurseries because of their exceptional qualities and dependability. As an arborist, I usually maintain the plants after they have been on the site for several years. This list is not necessarily the most fancy plants but they are pretty resilient. Here are few great shrubs to consider.
Ten Wonderful Native Shrubs to Consider
1
High Bush Blueberry, is a great plant for wild life, great fall color and easy to grow. There are several varieties and it is adaptable to a number of soils and exposures. I always recommend these plants as ornamental plants and not for the fruit. Blueberries have wonderful fall color.
2
Winterberry is a great plant that offers red fruit in the late fall and winter. Unfortunately like most hollies you need a male to pollenate the female plants. There are lots of great varieties. It also attracts birds.
3
Clethra grows in wet areas under existing trees but it will grow in full sun. It has small spike-like white flowers in July and August. The blooms have a wonderful fragrance as the common name suggests: summer sweet. Be sure to keep this plant well-watered. There are several great varieties usually with white flower. Ruby Spice has pink flowers.
An Arborist’s View
4
Common Witch Hazel Harvest Moon is an underused plant because the natives are not as widely used as the Asian hybrids that bloom in March. However it is a great native that blooms in the fall when there is not much flowering. It also has great yellow fall color.
5
Spicebush has small yellow flowers early in the spring followed by beautiful red berries. It performs best in full sun. There are a few hardy varieties. Rubra will have reddish flowers. It offers multi-season interest with flower, fall color, and fruit. This is another plant native to wetlands, so keep it well watered.
6
Northen Bayberry is a very tough plant that will grow almost any where. Will take pour soil and drought. Females have clusters of small gray fruit that persists. Foliage has a spicy aromatic fragrance with nice fall color. It is also a good choice for plantings close to the ocean.
An Arborist’s View
7
Viburnum offers several varieties of native and non-natives. It is a great genus of plants. Here are a few great native choices. Autumn Jazz is a tough plant that will thrive in full sun; Blue Muffin is named for its large blue fruit in the fall and Cranberry viburnum has one of the largest flowers of the native varieties. These all-flower white in spring have great fall color and wonderful fruit that attracts birds.
8
Potentilla is a low growing shrub (2-3 feet high and wide). It is a tough plant that blooms all season. Most of the non-native varieties are yellow. Abbotswood is a white that is salt tolerant. Pink beauty is a pink flowering plant that will also tolerate salt. Happy Face and Mackay’s White are also great plants with white blooms. They are easy to grow and prefer full sun.
9
Azalea is a huge genus that includes evergreen and deciduous varieties. Here are few great deciduous natives to try. Marie Hoffman has large fragrant pink flowers in the spring. Swamp azalea has both a white and pink flowering varieties. Fragrant small flowers in late spring/ summer. Great fall color. Be sure to keep them well watered.
Beach plumb a dense large shrub that thrives near the ocean. It flowers white in the spring and offers edible fruit. It is an underused plant.
Looking Back...
By Philip Boucher, MCH
The 2025 Winter Forum is now finished, and by all accounts, it delivered on its goals. We are back to our off-season lives for a while waiting until the next big thing happens with our New England weather. The grind of winter has been one of rhythmic pulses of cold snaps, spats of snow, and repetitive skies of bleak shades of gray with just enough bare ground showing to be cruel to gardeners. But we know it is not over yet.
It was also time to break down the history display and pack everything up, taking the necessary moments to reflect on what was presented and digest any comments or suggestions that were heard. On any occasion, the history display can only be a small snapshot of the material we have or are still discovering in our 115 years of existence.
The challenge is choosing what to present for a two-day conference that informs about the people, events, and businesses that drove this Association. For example, in the first 90 years (1900s), there were 57 presidents from various agricultural disciplines, from many parts of the state, and all with a desire to move MNA/MNLA forward. So the perennial question is where to start.
Searching for History
Packing up is easier than the search to construct an exhibit. There are moments in our discoveries as a theme develops around a person, a particular nursery, or other interesting materials. Many of the best photographs or magazine layouts are black and white. They depict rhododendrons, azaleas, perennials, and silhouettes of mature shade trees or planted landscapes with occasional descriptions. As scintillating as these sound, this is not the work of Ansel Adams or Man Ray, and it begins to dull the senses in its lack of expression of the awe of color to which we have become accustomed. They do, however, convey the ideas of the age in which our cultural artifacts reside. We sift through boxes and wait for the vernal pop of color outside.
Going Forward
As the curtain closes on the pedestrian work of cleaning up, a mental design of the possibilities for 2026 unfolds a bit. A smile comes across my face as I think about how much I enjoy the Winter meetings, seeing old faces, and getting a well-deserved shot in the arm as the days lengthen and the calendar turns. The rehearsal with the storied black and white photos that we endured will soon lend clarity for the spring colors we wait to see. Perhaps not as invigorating
as a March flower show, but for the current Association members to see young participants in attendance is much like spring — a sign of hope.
I chuckle at the title “Looking Back” since for someone in their late seventies, any sentence or any thought could easily start with those same two words. These are the moments when I have concerns for our history work and the future of our very centric — but meaningful — collection. As I fade out of committee work, soon enough no one will remember what I remember, let alone the lost words, knowledge, and experiences of those who have passed on. Time is always the enemy in the pursuit of an ongoing chronicle such as ours. All we can do is to go bigger, better, and maybe faster.
MASS Prohibited Plants
Justin from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resaources is another addition to the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List.
As of January 1, 2025, Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) can no longer be sold in Massachusetts. The phase-out period put into place to allow growers to sell off existing stock ended December 31, 2024, and the ban on importing
Scotch broom into the state went into effect on December 31, 2022.
For more information about this and other recent updates to the Prohibited Plant List, visit: massnrc.org/pests/blog/wp-content/uploads/ScotchBroomTriptychAdobe.jpg
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‘Moonlight’ Japanese Hydrangea Vine
By Mark Dwyer
I’ll admit it. Woody vines scare me a little bit. I’ve seen wisterias, vining honeysuckles and trumpet vine all run amok in the full sun landscape and while they have inherent beauty and function, they can become thuggish and out-ofscale without vigilant attention. In more shade, we see Virginia creeper and even poison ivy making vertical overtures. Our options for woody ornamental vines are a bit more limited in the shade. However, I’ve become a huge fan of the ‘Moonlight’ Japanese hydrangea vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides, z 5-9) Faster growing than the climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris), a close relation, this woody vine can take plenty of shade and offer a pronounced “silvery punch” to the landscape. The selection ‘Moonlight’ was introduced by famed plantsman, Barry Yinger. While not easy to source and slow to establish, ‘Moonlight’ is absolutely an investment in patience (which will be rewarded!). The 3-5”, blue-green, heart-shaped leaves have a prominent silvery sheen punctuated with deep green veins (turning yellow in fall). This iridescent, shimmering, silver patina of the foliage really offers some illumination in shadier circumstances. Too much direct sun will scorch the foliage so some degree of shade is ideal. In time, mature specimens will produce large, 8-10” diameter, creamy-white, lacecap flowers (fragrant!) for 6-8 weeks in July and August. Teardrop-shaped sepals hover and are attached to the fertile flower clusters. Flowering becomes more vigorous with age although admittedly, my personal interest in the plant is primarily for the foliage. Mature
vining heights of 20-30’ (6-9’ in width) are observed in our climate although taller specimens are not uncommon. If controlled height is desired, pruning in late winter or early spring is recommended. This species has few insect or disease issues.
This species, native to Japan and Korea, is best grown in rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils with adequate moisture although it is drought tolerant once established. Similar to climbing hydrangea, the ‘Moonlight’ Japanese hydrangea vine attaches securely to any textured surface with stem-borne, disk-like, adhesive rootlets. I’ve seen this plant growing on walls, pergolas, arbors, espalier supports and trees. Cascading and tumbling informally over walls is another use. During my time at Rotary Botanical Gardens (Janesville, WI), we had the blessing and curse (messy!) of over 50 large cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) around the gardens. The furrowed trunks of these large trees became amazing supports for over thirty of these ‘Moonlight’ Japanese hydrangea vines which slowly worked their way up and engulfed the trunks, offering increasingly more interest with every year. I watched these grow and thrive for over 20 years and never regretted planting them.
There are some other varieties of Schizophragma hydrangeoides out on the market but they are green-leaf forms with some specific ornamental traits. I’ve grown ‘Roseum’ and Flirty Girl (‘Minsnow3’) as well but really enjoy the silver foliage contributions and bold flowering of ‘Moonlight’ and will continue to recommend it to others with a woody vine phobia!
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Cercis canadensis ‘Rising Sun’ -Eastern Redbud ‘Rising Sun’
Why This Plant Shines
I especially love this cultivar because of the fall foliage that turns yellow, then orange, than almost red from the branch tips inward, creating a heart-shaped pixelated rainbow.
Facts and Features
Fantastic fuscia Fabiacea flowers emerge right from the bark in early spring, making it seem like they’re covered in coral.
Lovely symmetrical zig-zagging stems mature into handsome, single or multiple trunks with peeling grey bark. The seedpods can be eaten raw or cooked, or they cling to the tree through the winter like papery ornaments.
Sawyer Hussey, MCH Newport Restoration Foundation
Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis ‘Rising Sun’
Common Name: Eastern Redbud ‘Rising Sun’
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Plant Type: Tree
Size: 15-30’ high, 20-35’ wide
Soil: Average
Zone: 4 to 8
Growth Rate: Average
