Category Archives: Ludlow

Solar garden ornaments – like flowers and butterflies that light up at night – are popular at Randall’s Farm and Greenhouse in Ludlow. Hanging solar mobiles and gazing balls add to the array.

LUDLOW –The trend to “go solar” is growing even in gardens.

Solar garden ornaments – like flowers and butterflies that light up at night – are popular at Randall’s Farm and Greenhouse in Ludlow. Hanging solar mobiles and gazing balls add to the array.

In addition to these sun-powered garden ornaments, garden pinwheels are spinning out of the store. “Spinners of all different styles are very popular,” said Karen A. Randall, owner and president of the farm and greenhouse. “Over the last couple of years we’ve seen more and more of these. We have a great collection of spinners.”

When it comes to plantings, it’s all about color. “Whatever is in color people are anxious to get into their garden,” she said.

Early in the season that means pansies and phlox.

Also early in the season, flowering trees, shrubs and perennials are popular “because you see them in the landscape,” Randall said.

According to Annie Wheeler, administrator at A.W. Brown’s Pet and Garden Store
in East Longmeadow, using organic products and growing one’s own food including vegetables and herbs, is always popular.

Also, container gardening is becoming more and more popular because it makes gardening possible for those with little to no garden space. Those who do have access to more garden space will occasionally opt for containers to add appeal to their yard or to make the garden more accessible. Many different kinds of plants can thrive in containers including vegetables, flowers, herbs, shrubs and small trees, she noted.

Succulents have also been popular this year at A.W. Brown’s. They do well in sunny, well-drained areas with little maintenance needed, Wheeler pointed out. They come in many different colors and textures, which can make for interesting containers.

Succulents do require a good draining soil, such as a specific cactus soil.

And with warm days, people are eager to purchase edibles. “When you have beautiful days you forget the nights are cold, but everybody wants to put in their garden,” Randall said, cautioning that tender vegetables should not be put in until the end of May. “We had a warm March and a cold April, so we have to watch nighttime temperatures.”

It’s safe to plant vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, but Randall advises waiting for warmer weather for tomatoes, peppers and eggplant that need warmer weather.