Gardening Resources & Tips from the MMGA

June 2020 Gardening above & beyond...       

 Never faint of heart when it comes to a challenge, gardeners across the region are stepping up in ways big and small to support our communities at this challenging

time: 

Expanding their gardens so there's more to share this year Mentoring food insecure families looking to start vegetable plots Homeschooling young family members in the art and STEM of

gardening Volunteering at food pantry gardens (socially distanced, of

course) Tackling back-burnered gardening projects that require goods

and services from small local businesses Renewing memberships in horticultural non-profits that are

hurting for revenue Shopping local farmers markets for everything (except perhaps

toilet tissue!) And so much more

Thank you, gardening heroes! As we move into New Normal mode, hopefully many of these "crisis time" behaviors will become enjoyable new habits. 

Here are a few June articles we hope you'll find useful on your personal gardening journey:  

Tips on peony management and re-educating those hungry deer 

Our "Master Gardener of the Month" is -- what else! -- a retired virologist!

A delicious recipe for Asparagus Hazelnut Salad -- As the cartoon says, it's that time of year.

Got an achy-breaky back? Consider these ergonomic gardening hints.

News regarding our 2020 Gardening Symposium (Hint: Sadly, it's not good.)

P.S. If you enjoy The Dirt, please forward this issue to your friends and invite them to join our mailing list by emailing TheDirt@MassMasterGardeners.org.   FYI: Due to the continuing health crisis and Massachusetts safety mandates, the MMGA remains on hiatus through at least June 30. Stay safe out there! 

J is for June  And for four-season star Juneberry  Juneberry is one of several common names for the Amelanchier genus of shrubs and small trees, a specimen that offers four seasons of interest and great horticultural value. Also known by the common names serviceberry, shadbush and shadblow, the genus has at least one species native to every U.S. state except Hawaii.        Amelanchiers range from large shrubs to small multi-stemmed trees. They bloom early in the spring: beautiful, slightly fragrant, five-petaled white flowers that are an important pollen source for early

bees. The common names shadbush and shadblow derive from the fact that the plant's bloom coincides with when shad fish run in certain New England streams.       

 As the common name Juneberry suggests, in early summer the plants produce an edible fruit that tastes similar to blueberries and is often used in jams, jellies and pies. The berries -- which start out green and eventually turn dark purple -- are a favorite of many bird species, including goldfinches, tufted titmice, brown thrashers, blue jays, Carolina

chickadees, cardinals, and robins.   In our area Amelanchiers also support over 100 species of butterflies and moths as a caterpillar host plant.  These graceful trees also provide a real show in the fall, with leaf color ranging from yellow to orange to red. Most species have a grey streaked bark that provides winter interest as well. The tree was a favorite of George Washington, who planted several specimens at his Mount Vernon, Virginia, estate.

Amelanchiers are prone to some of the same pests and diseases as apple and pear trees (e.g., rust and fireblight) and are also susceptible to leaf damage from winter moths, which are now less of a threat thanks to biological controls developed at the University of Massachusetts. Powdery mildew can be controlled by planting in a location with good sun and air circulation.  Amelanchiers are easily grown in moist, well-drained, acidic soil in full sun to part shade. The two most commonly available species native to our region are Amelanchier canadensis and A. laevis. Called shadbush serviceberry, A. canadensis, is a shrub form that grows 15-30' feet tall, while A. laevis (known as smooth or Allegheny serviceberry) is a

tree form that grows to 25' tall and 5-10' wide. Many of the cultivars on the market are

For a recipe for Juneberry pie, click here. (1) 

Massachusetts Master Gardener Association, P.O.Box 1369, Framingham, MA 01701

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