February 22, 2017
Looking Ahead . . . a note from Rick
Thank you!
Because of your support,
Bridge Gardens continues to grow and thrive.


There's nothing more certain than the march of time - and that means spring will be here before you know it. But as these relatively bleak winter days stretch before us, I'm often asked, "What looks good now?"

My answer to this is: 
  • Witch hazels, (Hamamelis) which are a wonderful shrub for winter interest, and there are several showing off fragrant blooms right now at Bridge Gardens! 
  • Winter hazel, (Corylopsis) with their yellow bell-shaped flowers are blooming along with spring flowering bulbs like tete-a-tete daffodils and Siberian squill
  • Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is another winter bloomer, but is so small it can be overlooked. However, it can be trained to grow up a tree or post, or as a mounding shrub, and is worth checking out for your garden.
  • Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is another amazing winter bloomer with its fragrant, tubular yellow clusters hanging off beautiful copper-colored branches in early March.

My favorite plant for winter interest is holly -- just about any variety. The shapely, bright green leaves and red fruit make winter days seem warmer and always recall the verdant lushness of summer for me. Excellent as screening, American holly (Ipex opaca) is native to Long Island and is often seen on the edges of local beech forests. They are extremely drought- and shade-tolerant, and very deer resistant, unlike many hollies. Just remember to get both a male and female plant to ensure you'll have red berries.


 

I'm always inspired to get outdoors on those intermittent warmer days that tease us into thinking its time to start on the lawn. Don't do it! It is still way too early, and that includes fertilization. Our friends at Perfect Earth Project also urge you not to rake your lawn in spring, as it often creates bare patches that are perfect for weed seeds like crab grass to germinate and infest your lawn. I avoid raking until the growth of lawn grass is well underway, and spend more time just picking up sticks, twigs and acorns. This is a great job for small hands - bring your children outdoors and challenge them to a contest to pick up as many sticks as they can!  

 
I hope to see you at our upcoming Spring Lecture Series, set to kick off on March 5 with a conversation between Matt Schmitt of Schmitt Farms, Ron Goerler of Jamesport Vineyards, and Chef Jason Weiner of Almond Restaurant. Our series of conversations will once again be moderated by Laura Donnelly. We are sold out, but call and ask to be put on the wait-list if you haven't already RSVP'd.  
  
I also look forward to welcoming you back to the gardens this Spring! Even though our local spring prognosticator -- groundhog Holtsville Hal -- predicted 6 more weeks of winter, there are signs of spring all around Bridge Gardens. If it's a beautiful day and the garden gates are open, come in to see what's growing! 

See you soon,
Now is the time: Become a 2017 Member Today!

Why not buy your membership to the Gardens today and get ready to enjoy all that it offers! You'll have unlimited visits throughout the year, receive free or reduced price admission to the workshops, music nights, lecture series, and other fun activities, and support the continued expansion of programming for people of all ages.


Your garden membership helps us continue to grow and thrive. And now is the perfect time to renew your membership to Bridge Gardens . . . or join for the first time! 
 
Individual membership is $50, family membership (for up to 4 people) is $75.
Interested in expanding your support of the garden's programming, including lectures, workshops, and the edible landscape? Consider increasing your membership as a Supporter, Friend, Benefactor, Patron or Partner!

 
Gardening: What You Can Do Now

If you are itching to get outdoors, now is the perfect time to focus on pruning shrubs and small trees.  

With the disappearance of leaves, its easy to see the overall structure and branching pattern which helps you select what to prune. The first rule of thumb is to remove dead wood first, then any branches that affect the overall outline you desire. This includes branches that cross each other and rub together, which can be an opening for insect activity and disease.

Are your shrubs too large for their location? Pruning for size can also be done at this time. Focus attention on fruit trees, grape vines, wisteria, and fruiting shrubs like raspberries.

Play it Safe!
If you are unsure how to proceed with pruning, contact a certified arborist to help you, especially important for pruning larger trees. For a list of local arborists, check out LongIslandArborists.org

Learn More at our Pruning Workshop!
Saturday, March 25, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
ISA Certified Arborist Jackson Dodds will guide you through the basic steps of spring pruning for deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs.
Call to reserve your spot, 631.283.3195, ext. 19 or email to [email protected].

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar

The Peconic Land Trust's Connections calendar for March and April is in your mailbox! Look it over and then call to reserve your spot for workshops and activities at Bridge Gardens, including:
  • "Long Island Grown" lecture series focused on local food and beverage producers: March 5 & 19, April 2 & 23. Prepaid registration required
  • Spring tree and shrub pruning workshop with Jackson Dodds on March 25
  • Organic lawn care series with Paul Wagner starting on April 8
  • Organic rose care series also with Paul Wagner starting on April 29
  • Annual free, open day and guided walk with Rick in honor of National Public Gardens Day is on May 12

You can also see all of our upcoming Spring programs online at  www.PeconicLandTrust.org/upcoming 

Meet Susan, A Garden Volunteer 

Susan Vol
Once warmer weather arrives, so too do our priceless volunteers. Susan is one person who has contributed immensely to the maintenance of the garden's many planting beds for several years. 

During the season, Susan visits one day every week, and after receiving some direction from Rick, spends several hours weeding, pruning roses, removing spent blossoms, and whatever else needs a little extra attention.Susan shared, "I've spent several seasons now with Bridge Gardens, and every one has been a pleasure! I learn something new each visit, couldn't ask for more serene surroundings (tick free too!), and have totally enjoyed the experience. Garden On!"  

Without Susan's reliable assistance, the gardens just wouldn't look so nice! Thank you Susan, and thank you to all our volunteers who dedicate time to make sure the gardens are looking their best.

Interested in volunteering time at the garden? Contact Kathy Kennedy for information about our upcoming Volunteer Orientation, scheduled for March 18!
Sponsors and Partners in Programming

Bridge Gardens is very thankful for the support of a number of sponsors and partners in 2016. These include:
  • RB Irrigation -- as a financial sponsor and assistance with our irrigation. RB has been wonderfully supportive of our gardens and is also a member of our community garden.
  • Summerhill Landscapes -- for professional landscaping services, including installation of new trees and vegetation for our buffer, and also for donating the Christmas tree and stringing the lights for our holiday open house.
  • Greener Pastures Organics -- offering year-long free advice for lawn and landscapes. Paul Wagner will continue this again in 2017 on Tuesday afternoons!
  • Perfect Earth Project -- providing support for our sustainable landscape practices.
  • Jackson Dodds & Co -- for arborist and landscape assistance throughout the year.
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County -- for assistance with programming and sustainable landscape techniques.
In addition to the valuable support received from our members, our sponsors and partners are integral to our ability to grow and thrive. 

Interested in becoming a sponsor or business partner? 
Contact Amanda for more information.
 
Thank you!
About Bridge Gardens

Bridge Gardens is a unique demonstration garden with a focus on sustainable horticultural practices, located in the heart of Bridgehampton. It features an expansive herb garden, perennial and vegetable beds, an array of specimen trees and shrubs,
native grasses, community garden plots,
and much more!

Managed by Rick Bogusch, Bridge Gardens is a stewardship project of the Peconic Land Trust, which conserves Long Island's working farms, natural lands and heritage. Bridge Gardens supports the Trust's mission by serving as a multi-purpose, multi-disciplinary outdoor classroom, demonstration garden and community resource.

For more information, visit our website:
631.283.3195

Please help us further reduce our carbon footprint: If you change your address,
or would like to receive all (or some) of your communications from the
Peconic Land Trust by email, let us know!
Contact Janet Schutt, Donor Services Manager:
631.283.3195 ext. 24 

Peconic Land Trust conserves Long Island's working farms, natural lands
and heritage for our communities now and in the future.


STAY CONNECTED:

Financial Disclosure Statement: A copy of the last financial report filed with the New York State Attorney General may be obtained in writing to: New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 or Peconic Land Trust, PO Box 1776, Southampton, NY 11969.