I haven't read of any official summary of this summer's weather thus far. However, I have concluded that it may have been cooler than normal. How do I know? My peas told me so. "Oh no! He's been sipping the fermented cabbage juice again." No, I … more

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is celebrating its 50th birthday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Holiday Brook Farm, 100 Holiday Cottage Road, Route 9, Dalton. The celebration will feature events for the young and … more

Just about everyone has at some point in life had a "slap upside the head" episode. Oh, I don't mean that literally, but rather figuratively as when something seemingly obscure suddenly becomes obvious. Of course, I've had more than my share of such … more

While walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine, this morning and seeing many clumps of Queen Anne's lace, they reminded me of Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont roadsides more than this spectacular walkway along the rocky coast of Maine. … more

So much is being said about insect pollinators lately, especially the honey bees, bumblebees and other bees numbering something like 20,000 species worldwide. Pollinators also include many flies, a variety of beetles, our lovely butterflies and … more

We really don't need the calendar to let us know that autumn begins this coming, Friday, Sept. 22. Yellowed and browned leaves of bearded iris and daylilies, red and purple spots on the foliage of disease-ridden peonies, and faded flowers and … more

The use of dormant oil as a pest control material is familiar to most gardeners, but the term "summer oil" may leave you scratching your head — hopefully it's not because of lice. Dormant oils are called "dormant" because they must be applied … more

Who would have thought that the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and pea picking have something in common? Whoa, that analogy will inspire some deep thinking, but more likely some questioning of my sanity. What's the connection? Both activities … more

Q: We have friends who live just off West Center Road in West Stockbridge. The spring started with a pair of ducks (I don't know what kind) and a pair of Canada geese nesting close to a nearby pond. The parents of the ducklings disappeared, as well … more

It's not surprising that tomato finishes at the top of the list in annual surveys of the most popular garden vegetable. I'm sure one reason is the culinary versatility of tomatoes. After a slow start, tomatoes are now ripening at a rapid pace, … more