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. 2d ago

    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!

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. Apr 12

    2-03. Ecological Meets Installation: A Lakeside Collaboration

    What happens when multiple divisions come together on a single, complex property? In this episode, we're going behind the scenes at Lakeside Manor, a historic Olmsted estate that called on Parterre's expertise across the board. Liz sits down with JJ, Field Director on the Installation team, and Annie, Field Manager for the Ecological Division, to talk through what real cross-divisional collaboration looks like on the ground. They cover everything from navigating conservation commission regulations and wetland buffers, to managing steep terrain and tight timelines — plus the honest lessons learned about communication, team culture, and slowing down to work fast. If you've ever wondered how native species restoration fits alongside traditional hardscape and installation work, or what it takes to coordinate multiple divisions on one client's property, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode: Site challenges: grades, conservation buffers, and parking logisticsClient education around invasive removal and native plantingHow JJ and Annie navigated cross-team communication breakdownsWhat success looks like for both Installation and Ecological

  7. Mar 29

    2-02. Stow Acres to Randall Woods Park: An Ecological Highlight

    In this episode, Liz sits down with Katie Hutchens, Directorof Ecological Services at Parterre, to explore one of the company's most exciting current projects: Stow Acres — a 36-hole golf course in Stow, Massachusetts that's being transformed into a public park and ecological restoration site called Randall Woods.   Katie walks us through the effort to restore a long-filledwetland back to its natural state, the invasive species challenges common to golf course landscapes (hello, glossy buckthorn), and what it takes to reconnect a large piece of land to its surrounding hydrology along the Assabet River corridor.   They also talk about the habitat piles that are alreadydrawing birds, the great blue heron nesting platforms going up where golf nets used to hang, and why Parterre chose this site as their field day training location this spring.   If you're in the Stow area, Randall Woods Park is expected toopen to the public this summer — dog-friendly, stroller-friendly, and full of wildlife. Go check it out and let us know what you think!   For more information about the Stow Acres project, check outthis link: https://www.stow-ma.gov/599/Randall-Woods-Park

  8. Mar 15

    2-01. Weathering the Seasons: Winter's Effect on Fine Gardening

    🌨️ Season 2 Premiere — What Winter Snow Means for Your Garden We’re back! Season 2 of P is for Parterre kicks off with a deep dive into winter—and what all that snow is really doing to your landscape. In this episode, we sit down with Luke, one of Parterre’s Fine Gardening Field Directors with over 18 years of experience, to break down how heavy snow, cold temperatures, and winter conditions are setting the stage for spring. We cover: How snow insulates soil and protects plant rootsHidden rodent damage that can occur beneath snowpackWhich plants are most vulnerable to heavy snow loadsWhy salt damage doesn’t disappear when the snow meltsWhat homeowners can expect when spring cleanup begins Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply curious about what’s happening beneath the snow, this episode offers practical insight and expert guidance to help you prepare for the season ahead. 🌱 Curious about your plant hardiness zone? Find yours here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ 🎙️ Listen now and get ready for spring!

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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
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Parterre Garden Services
  • Show Website
    P is for Parterre

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