P is for Parterre

Parterre Garden Services
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to P is for Parterre, your go-to podcast for landscaping and horticulture! Based in New England, Parterre Garden Services designs, builds, and maintains beautiful outdoor spaces. Our mission is to share our expertise with you, featuring engaging discussions among our landscape professionals and horticultural experts. Join us every other Sunday as we explore trends, tips, and techniques in gardening and landscaping. We cover sustainable practices and innovative design ideas, catering to both novice gardeners and seasoned pros. Tune in to cultivate knowledge and inspiration together!

  1. 4d ago

    2-11. Green Infrastructure Deep Dive with Kelsey Kern

    What if the solutions to flooding, pollution, and climate resilience were growing right in front of us? In this episode of P is for Parterre, we dive deep into green infrastructure — what it is, why it matters, and how it's shaping communities across New England. Host Liz Cox is joined by Parterre's ecological crew lead Julia Halm and special guest Kelsey Kern, a water resources engineer at Nitsch Engineering. Kelsey shares her winding path from landscape architecture to civil engineering, her work shaping green infrastructure projects across New England, and why she calls herself a "certified stormwater nerd." We cover how green infrastructure differs from traditional gray infrastructure, the challenges of public perception and maintenance, and how homeowners can implement small-scale green infrastructure on their own property — from rain barrels to backyard rain gardens. Plus, Kelsey leaves listeners with two homework questions you won't be able to stop thinking about, and we get a behind-the-scenes look at her legendary Halloween costume contest streak. Guest: Kelsey Kern — Water Resources Engineer at Nitsch Engineering. Kelsey's work sits at the intersection of sustainability, design, and stormwater management. Over the past six years, she has helped shape green infrastructure projects across New England, from developing guidance for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission to advancing community-focused initiatives like Safe Routes to School. She holds degrees in landscape architecture (Kansas State University) and civil engineering, and is a three-time champion of the Nitsch Halloween costume contest. Co-Host: Julia Halm — Ecological Crew Lead at Parterre Garden Services. Julia specializes in green infrastructure maintenance, including rain gardens in Boston and surrounding towns. Her background spans environmental science, water quality testing, and floodplain restoration in Vermont. Resources Mentioned: Kelsey's lightning talk on green infrastructure maintenance — ⁠https://www.nitscheng.com/the-death-and-life-of-green-infrastructure-a-call-to-action/⁠Vermont Manual for Bioengineering — ⁠https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/documents/BioEngineeringManual_Final.pdf⁠ Follow on Instagram: @parterregardenservices Email: info@parterregarden.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music: Follow and rate P is for Parterre Topics & Timestamps: 0:04 — Welcome to P is for Parterre 0:44 — Introducing the podcast, Julia, and guest Kelsey Kern 2:40 — Kelsey's career path: from an 8th-grade art project to landscape architecture to civil engineering 4:53 — Julia's background in water quality, floodplain restoration, and ecological horticulture 6:54 — What is green infrastructure? Plants and soils managing stormwater at the surface 8:41 — Using design and signage to improve public understanding of green infrastructure 12:06 — The greatest challenges: public awareness, maintenance, and funding 16:33 — Can you do green infrastructure at home? Rain gardens, rain barrels, and the Vermont Bioengineering Manual 18:01 — Rain barrels 101: how they work and what to know 21:27 — Favorite plants: buttonbush, mint family, tallgrass prairie grasses, and why rats matter 24:30 — Adapting to climate change in New England: aging infrastructure and policy change 27:56 — Kelsey's homework: "Where does your drinking water come from? Where does your wastewater go?" 30:16 — Julia's tip: watch the water's path during the next storm 30:45 — Kelsey's Halloween costume contest championship streak (Flo, fidget spinner, Chewbacca mom, Transformer, dumpster fire, RayGun, and more) 38:06 — Wrap-up and resources

  2. Sep 20

    2-10. Spooky, Beautiful, Over the Top: Inside Halloween with Parterre

    For the third year in a row, we're sitting down to talk all things Halloween decor with Cory Wojcuilewicz, our Urban Fine Gardening Field Manager. From 12-foot witches to Star Wars light displays, we're catching up on last year's most memorable installations, what's inspiring this season's themes, and dreaming up a few displays that don't exist yet. In this episode: A recap of last year's standout displays: three 12-foot witches in custom costumes, a skeleton-turned-mummy tomb scene, the return of Ghoul School, gold skeletons scaling a wall, and an upgraded Star Wars installation with custom X-wing and TIE fighter lightingWhat's new for this year: flying witches playing with silhouettes and dimension, plus a spooky-meets-beautiful butterfly sceneWhat makes a perfect Halloween display: cohesive themes, that jaw-dropping magic factor, and why more stuff doesn't always mean betterLogistics of city installations: tight sidewalk spaces, early October timelines, and clients who want a surprise pop-upDream installations: a giant haunted castle with an astronomer's tower, a magical forest with giant flowers — or maybe both combinedA call for listener ideas: share your dream Halloween display concepts in the comments!Interested in Halloween decor services for your property? Reach out - there's still time! Instagram: @parterregardenservicesEmail: info@parterregarden.com

  3. Aug 23

    2-09. Know Your Foes: Plant Pest & Disease Management with Jack

    Every year, many gardeners face the same questions: what's attacking my plants, and what do I do about it? In this episode of P is for Parterre, host Liz sits down with Parterre's own pest and disease expert, Jack Flavin, Field Manager for the Fine Gardening division, to break down why pests and diseases are one of the biggest outside forces shaping how a landscape looks and thrives. Jack shares practical tips for identifying problems early, when to treat versus when to let nature take its course, and how professionals lean on trusted resources (and each other) to diagnose tricky cases. Resources mentioned in this episode: University of Minnesota Extension Service – "What's Wrong With My Plant?" toolPicture Insect app (for pest identification) Have a question for a future episode? Email us at info@parterregarden.com. Connect with us on social media through Instagram @parterregardenservices Bloom with us next time — remember, P is for Parterre.

  4. Aug 2

    2-08. Drought-Resistant Native Plants with Katie & Ali

    This episode of P is for Parterre, brought to you by Parterre Garden Services, digs into native plants that can withstand drought — timely, since the Northeast is currently facing a level three critical drought. Host Liz sits down with Katie Hutchens, Parterre's Director of Ecological Services, and Ali, one of the ecological crew leaders, to talk all things native and drought-tolerant. In this episode: Why native plants play a key role in water conservationHow native landscapes improve soil health (and why lawns fall short)Favorite drought-resistant trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses — including oaks, hackberry, bald cypress, bayberry, goldenrod, milkweed, yarrow, mountain mint, and Massachusetts' very own native cactus, prickly pearHow to figure out which native plants are right for your yard (soil testing, plant finder tools, and more)How long it takes for a native landscape to become establishedCommon misconceptions about native plant gardening — and the truth about bugs, bees, and "messy" gardensA rapid-fire round with Katie and Ali's favorite native plants, most underrated species, and best success stories from the field Our Beginner's Guide to Native New England Plants: Trees Oaks (white oak, red oak, swamp white oak)HackberryBald cypressMaple (NOT Norway maple)CherryHickory Shrubs BayberryStaghorn sumacSpicebush Flowering Perennials / Wildflowers Solidago (goldenrod), including seaside solidago and field goldenrodAsters (woodland aster)Milkweed (and swamp milkweed)YarrowMountain mintPrickly pear cactusJoe-Pye weedJack-in-the-pulpitMayappleRudbeckiaPartridge peaSassafras (also a small tree) Grasses/Groundcover Wild strawberryWild gingerFescueNative grasses Rubus (bramble species) Other Asteraceae (plant family, mentioned generally as good for pollinators) Resources mentioned: Mass AudubonNative Plant Trust (plant finder tool)Go BotanyBooks by Doug Tallamy and Robin Wall KimmererUMass Extension soil testing (and other university extension programs) Plant native, plant a tree — and thanks for listening!

  5. Jul 12

    2-07. Roots of Change with Marc Fournier on Climate, Community & Conservation

    In this episode of P is for Parterre, we welcome ourfirst guest from outside the Parterre family: Marc Fournier, Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability Specialist, certified arborist, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, LEED Accredited Professional, and member of the USDA Forest Service Urban Forest Strike Team. Marc joins hosts Liz Cox and Chris Ward for a wide-rangingconversation about his decades-long journey in environmental stewardship — from childhood roots in recycling and tree care to building nationally recognized sustainability programs at UMass Amherst.   Topics covered: Marc's path into arboriculture, public works, and sustainability leadershipThe moment climate change became personal and urgentVisible and hidden impacts of climate change across New England (invasive species, tick-borne illness, sea level rise, and more)The difference between coastal and inland climate impactsNative plants, "near-natives," and the future of landscape designPractical, everyday actions anyone can take: use less, plant trees, educate others, and voteReasons for hope amid the climate crisis Three takeaways from Marc: Use less — energy, water, and resources in daily lifePlant native trees — and support biodiversity in your own yardEducate and vote — for policies and leaders that protect the environment Resources Marc mentioned in the episode: Books • Nature's Best Hope by Doug Tallamy • The Nature of Oaks by Doug Tallamy Apps • Picture This (plant identification app) Programs/Organizations  • Bay State Roads Program (UMass) — "Street Tree Essentials" course • Mass Save — home energy efficiency/insulation program • Essex County Beekeepers Association (bee school) This is a heartfelt, hopeful conversation for anyone who cares about trees, native landscapes, and the future of our planet.   P is for Parterre is brought to you by Parterre GardenServices — a design, build, and maintenance company specializing in landscaping, horticulture, ecological services, irrigation, and lighting. Follow us on Instagram at @parterregardenservices andreach out to us through our email at info@parterregarden.com

  6. Jun 21

    2-06. Your Garden in June

    June is the garden's big moment — and in this episode, host Liz Cox is joined by Fine Gardening team members Luke Eleey and Jack Flavin to talk about everything that makes early summer in the garden so special. They cover the plants stealing the show right now (think salvias, nepeta, roses, and the stunning Persicaria polymorpha), the colors that define a June garden, and the key tasks to keep things looking their best — from deadheading and the Chelsea Chop to taming wisteria and properly pruning roses for a second flush. Luke and Jack also tackle the pests and diseases to watch out for as the heat and humidity arrive, including rose slug sawfly, scale, and black spot, plus practical advice on watering smart during drought conditions and how to handle hydrangeas that just won't stay upright. Whether you're a weekend gardener or a plant obsessive, this episode is packed with timely, hands-on advice straight from the field. P is for Parterre is produced by Parterre Garden Services, a design, build, and maintain landscaping company based in North Billerica, Massachusetts. Follow us on Instagram @parterregardenservices or reach us at info@parterregarden.com.

  7. May 31

    2-05. S is for Snakes

    Are snakes actually dangerous in your landscape? Should you be worried if you find one in your garden? In this episode, we're joined by Brody Gauthier and Ali Carroll from Parterre's Ecological division to break down the truth about snakes in the landscape — from their vital role in pest control to how to safely coexist with them in your yard. Resources mentioned: https://www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/reptiles-amphibians/snakes https://www.mass.gov/info-details/snakes-of-massachusetts Key takeaway: Snakes are more afraid of you than youare of them. They're harmless garden assistants — and a sign of a healthy ecosystem. And as always: PLANT NATIVE! Follow us on Instagram: @parterregardenservices Contact us:info@parterregarden.com

  8. May 3

    2-04. Mount Auburn Cemetery: Where Design-Build Meets History

    In this episode, host Liz Cox sits down with Parterredesigner Joel Port to explore one of the most historically significant projects the team has taken on — a landscape design installation at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, Mount Auburn is a National HistoricLandmark and the first landscape-style cemetery in North America. Joel walks us through the rich history of the iconic Egyptian Revival gatehouse, the evolution of the Welcome Center Plaza, and how Parterre's ecological division first opened the door to this remarkable collaboration.   From early schematic designs to a bold, out-of-the-boxconcept inspired by ripples in water and Egyptian symbolism, Joel shares how the design process unfolded — and why this project feels like something that could last another 200 years.   Tune in to hear how thoughtful design, deep historicalresearch, and a willingness to take creative risks came together at one of New England's most beloved landmarks.   🔗 Learn more about Mount Auburn Cemetery: https://mountauburn.org/📸 Follow us on Instagram @parterregardenservicesfor design plans and progress photos.

See All (46)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to P is for Parterre, your go-to podcast for landscaping and horticulture! Based in New England, Parterre Garden Services designs, builds, and maintains beautiful outdoor spaces. Our mission is to share our expertise with you, featuring engaging discussions among our landscape professionals and horticultural experts. Join us every other Sunday as we explore trends, tips, and techniques in gardening and landscaping. We cover sustainable practices and innovative design ideas, catering to both novice gardeners and seasoned pros. Tune in to cultivate knowledge and inspiration together!

Information

  • Creator
    Parterre Garden Services
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Parterre Garden Services
  • Show Website
    P is for Parterre