Gardens by Mary-Ellen Dixon

03/03/2026

For my landscape design friends, sharing a short clip. Frederick Law Olmsted would turn over in his grave. Two architects present the proposed ballroom and alternative ideas. The entire 55 minutes is worth listening to. We have until March 4 at noon to submit public comments. Public Comment Period Open: White House Ballroom Proposal | National Trust for Historic Preservation https://share.google/Oigx0it9KHBYL58eH

02/26/2026

There is much to see and iD. 🌿 Join me and
Audrey Berenson. You will learn a lot!

02/19/2026

Top: ilex verticillata native (winterberry holly)
Middle left: frangula alnus (formerly rhamnus frangula) invasive (glossy buckthorn)
Middle right: prunus serotina native (black cherry)

To learn about woody plants growing on your property and help managing invasives contact Mary-Ellen at [email protected].

02/03/2026

Winter characteristics--bark, buds, leaf scars--are used to identify woody invasive plants.

[email protected].🌿 Servicing Ipswich, Topsfield, Hamilton and surrounding towns.

Amur corktree "invades forests and disturbed areas, forming dense stands that displace native hardwoods, such as oaks and hickories, by creating deep shade and releasing allelopathic chemicals into the soil." Good summary by AI.

02/01/2026

Photos of pollinator friends help lift my spirits in winter. Female monarch on echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower).

01/14/2026

Free event by a fantastic organization that provides a wealth of important and interesting information. 🐝🦋🏵️

Bees are struggling, but we can change that! 🐝

Join us to learn how to help bring back the pollinators. Bees and butterflies are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. So, we’ve put together all the info you need to turn your balcony, garden, or even community into a place where pollinators can thrive!

In this webinar, you’ll meet some of North America’s many native bees and discover how they live their lives. Find out how to select the right flowers, provide nest sites, use alternatives to pesticides, and help others in your community do the same!

JAN 22
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MT
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

The event is free! You can register now ➡️ https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FhEtI2mjRlWcLPS_MDJWfg

📺 Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar. The webinar will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel ➡️ xerces.org/youtube

01/04/2026

Important to know that miscanthus sinensis, a widely used ornamental grass, is now on the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List. Beautiful native grass options include switchgrass and bluestem.💚

12/23/2025

Winter solstice moment of reflection. Appreciating the beauty of nature. Grateful for those who work tirelessly to protect the environment.

12/07/2025

Winterberry holly, ilex verticillata, is a native deciduous shrub having bright round red berries important to birds and other wildlife. Many shrubs growing wild along outer Linebrook Road in Willowdale State Forest were recently cut for their berries. This is against the law. Please do not purchase winterberry holly stems harvested from unknown sources, and if you see someone cutting these plants say something. Ipswich MA.

11/16/2025

A single echinacea purpurea blooms on Nov. 15, strikingly different than the mature seed heads. I feel so fortunate to witness this beauty as I work. 💚 Ipswich, MA

11/15/2025

I can't just bike by a problem. With years of experience in plant management, I know exactly what needs to be done. Reach out if you need help identifying and controlling invasive woody plants. Servicing Danvers, MA, and nearby towns.