P is for Parterre

This episode, we're getting bogged down — in the best way. Liz sits down with Katie Hutchens, Parterre's Director of Ecological Services for Greater Boston, to unpack one of the most misunderstood habitats on Earth.

We dig into what bogs actually are (spoiler: not the Bog of Eternal Stench), how they take thousands of years to form, and why the peat beneath them is literally half carbon — making bogs a powerful, unsung weapon against climate change. We also cover carnivorous plants that dissolve insects alive, bog bodies preserved like mummies, why bogs have such a spooky reputation, and what you can do to help protect them.

Featuring a rapid-fire round of bog favorites and shoutouts to Massachusetts bogs you can visit — including Ponkapoag Bog in Canton, a hidden gem near Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, and the legendary Holly Bog out near Northampton.

Resources mentioned:

• Bogs and Fens: A Guide to the Peatlands of the Northeastern United States and Canada by Ronald B. Davis — a field guide and bog locator all in one
• Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act: https://www.mass.gov/doc/310-cmr-1000-the-wetlands-protection-act/download

Follow and rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music. Find us on Instagram @parterregardenservices. Reach us at info@parterregarden.com.

Topics & Timestamps:0:00 — Intro0:45 — Welcome & introductions1:19 — Pop culture bogs & misconceptions3:27 — Katie's background with bogs4:02 — What is a bog?5:14 — How bogs form over thousands of years6:10 — Nutrient-poor, acidic ecosystems6:53 — Common misconceptions: smell, methane & cow farts8:04 — Peat as carbon storage9:14 — Bog destruction in the UK & Ireland9:33 — Why bogs are special habitats11:04 — Mythical connections, bog bodies & preservation12:27 — Carnivorous plants: pitcher plants14:38 — Bladderwort: the vacuum-powered carnivore15:36 — Why people should care about bogs16:51 — Protecting bogs: legislation & local action18:34 — Book recommendation: Bogs and Fens19:30 — Massachusetts bogs to visit20:59 — Rapid fire questions25:31 — "Bogs are beautiful" — closing message25:49 — Outro & credits

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

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 lighting
• What's new for this year: flying witches playing with silhouettes and dimension, plus a spooky-meets-beautiful butterfly scene
• What makes a perfect Halloween display: cohesive themes, that jaw-dropping magic factor, and why more stuff doesn't always mean better

• Logistics of city installations: tight sidewalk spaces, early October timelines, and clients who want a surprise pop-up
• Dream installations: a giant haunted castle with an astronomer's tower, a magical forest with giant flowers — or maybe both combined
• A 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: @parterregardenservices
• Email: info@parterregarden.com

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?" tool
• Picture 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.

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 conservation
• How 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 pear
• How 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 established
• Common misconceptions about native plant gardening — and the truth about bugs, bees, and "messy" gardens
• A 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)

• Hackberry
• Bald cypress
• Maple (NOT Norway maple)
• Cherry
• Hickory

Shrubs

• Bayberry
• Staghorn sumac
• Spicebush

Flowering Perennials / Wildflowers

• Solidago (goldenrod), including seaside solidago and field goldenrod
• Asters (woodland aster)
• Milkweed (and swamp milkweed)
• Yarrow
• Mountain mint
• Prickly pear cactus
• Joe-Pye weed
• Jack-in-the-pulpit
• Mayapple
• Rudbeckia
• Partridge pea
• Sassafras (also a small tree)

Grasses/Groundcover

• Wild strawberry
• Wild ginger
• Fescue
• Native grasses
• Rubus (bramble species)

Other

• Asteraceae (plant family, mentioned generally as good for pollinators)

Resources mentioned:

• Mass Audubon
• Native Plant Trust (plant finder tool)
• Go Botany
• Books by Doug Tallamy and Robin Wall Kimmerer
• UMass Extension soil testing (and other university extension programs)

Plant native, plant a tree — and thanks for listening!

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 leadership
• The moment climate change became personal and urgent
• Visible 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 impacts
• Native plants, "near-natives," and the future of landscape design
• Practical, everyday actions anyone can take: use less, plant trees, educate others, and vote
• Reasons for hope amid the climate crisis

Three takeaways from Marc:

• Use less — energy, water, and resources in daily life
• Plant native trees — and support biodiversity in your own yard
• Educate 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

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.

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

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.

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 logistics
• Client education around invasive removal and native planting
• How JJ and Annie navigated cross-team communication breakdowns
• What success looks like for both Installation and Ecological

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

🌨️ 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 roots
• Hidden rodent damage that can occur beneath snowpack
• Which plants are most vulnerable to heavy snow loads
• Why salt damage doesn’t disappear when the snow melts
• What 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!

Ever wondered what it really takes to protect our nativeecosystems? In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in ecological restoration: herbicides.

We’ll explore:✅When herbicides should be used—and when theyshouldn’t✅How they fit into the bigger picture of restoring balance✅Common fears vs. science-backed facts

Join us for a candid conversation about ecological restoration, sustainability, and the tools that help us protect biodiversity.Whether you’re a homeowner, land manager, or just curious about conservation, this episode will give you the insights you need to make informed decisions.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

Follow us on Instagram @parterregardenservices and email us for more information at info@parterreecological.com

Links to check out from research referenced:

Glyphosatetoxicity and the effects of long-term vegetation control on soil microbialcommunities - ScienceDirect

Glyphosate:environmental fate and impact | Weed Science | Cambridge Core

SoilMicrobial Communities in Diverse Agroecosystems Exposed to the HerbicideGlyphosate | Applied and Environmental Microbiology

ModernHerbicides Play a Key Role in Ecosystem Restoration

#EcologicalRestoration #NativePlants #SustainableLandscapes

In this episode, we dive into the world of innovative, sustainable landscaping with Parterre Garden Services’ own Stan Dombrowski (Fine Gardening Field Manager) and Chris Ward (General Manager). Stan shares his journey from the West Coast to New England, his lifelong love of gardening, and the inspiration behind his groundbreaking passion project: sand planting and low-input garden design.

Links & Resources:

• Beth Chatto Gardens https://www.youtube.com/@bethchattosplantsgardens7876
• Peter Korn's Klinta Gardens https://www.klintatradgard.se/en/about-us/peter-korn/
• Contact Stan and the Parterre team at: info@parterregarden.com
• Follow us on Instagram for more at: @parterregardenservices

#SustainableGardening #SandPlanting #ParterreGarden #Horticulture #LandscapeDesign #EcoFriendly #PlantCommunity #GardenInspiration

In this episode of P is for Parterre, host Liz welcomesback Lindsay Cook, Director of the Ecological Cape Cod Division at Parterre Garden Services, for a deep dive into the world of cranberry bog restoration on Cape Cod.

Discover the rich history of cranberry farming in NewEngland, why these iconic bogs are disappearing, and how restoration projects are transforming former farms into vibrant wetlands. Lindsay shares the stories behind the restoration process, from removing old water control structures to watching native plants and wildlife return—otters, turtles, songbirds, and more!

Learn about the challenges, unexpected benefits, and thevital role these projects play in improving water quality, sequestering carbon, and supporting local ecosystems. Whether you’re a nature lover, a Cape Cod local, or just curious about ecological restoration, this episode is packedwith insights and inspiration.

For more information, reach out to info@parterreecological.com.

Listen now and see how restoration is shaping the futureof Cape Cod’s landscapes!

Follow us on Instagram @parterregardenservices for moreepisodes and insights like this!

Welcome to P is for Parterre, your go-to New England landscaping and horticultural podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the art of winter container gardening—exploring the best materials, plants, and textures to create stunning cold-weather displays. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you'll find inspiration and practical tips to keep your containers looking beautiful all season long.

Join co-hosts Vanessa Tropeano and Robyn Dewey for a lively conversation filled with expert insights, seasonal favorites, and creative design ideas.

🎧 Tune in now to bring a little winter magic to your home!

For more updates from Parterre,follow us on Instagram:

@parterregardenservices

#WinterGardening #ContainerDesign #HorticulturePodcast #ParterreGardenServices #NewEnglandGardens #GardenDesign

In this episode, we explore the intersection of landscaping,ecology, and community stewardship with a deep dive into a special restoration project in area of Wilmington, MA formerly known as Lebanon Swamp. Our host, Liz, is joined by Harley, as he shares this passion project and includes insights, challenges, and the impact of his work on the local environment.

Whether you’re passionate about conservation, curious aboutecological restoration, or looking for ways to get involved in your community, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

A huge shoutout again, to the Ipswich River Watershed Association for all of their support to Harley during thisproject.

For more updates from Parterre and this restoration effort,follow us on Instagram:

Parterre - @parterregardenservices

Harley - @mr.novae.angliae

To register for event at the Wilmington Memorial Library onOctober 30th, 2025, visit this link: https://www.ipswichriver.org/events/discover-the-future-of-lebanon-swamp/

In this episode of P is for Parterre, we explore the dynamicpartnership between the design and build teams at Parterre Garden Services. Host Liz is joined by JJ, our Installation Field Director and Joel, our Director of Design, for an honest conversation about what makes the design-build modelso effective.

Discover how early collaboration, open communication, andclient involvement lead to beautiful, functional landscapes—and how our team navigates challenges, adapts to surprises on site, and ensures every project reflects the client’s vision. Hear real stories from the field, lessons learned, and why working together makes all the difference.

Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming of a new garden or afellow industry pro, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork and creativity that bring outdoor spaces to life.

Listen now and get inspired!

#DesignBuild #Landscaping #Teamwork #GardenDesign#Collaboration

Explore the wonders of wetland plants in this episode of “Pis for Parterre”! Join Ali and Maggie as we discuss how these unique species adapt to waterlogged environments, their crucial role in supporting wildlife and preventing floods, and the biggest threats facing wetlands today. We also share real-life restoration stories and practical tips for protecting wetlands in your own community.

Don’t miss out—follow “P is for Parterre” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music to stay updated on all our latest episodes! 🌿

Have questions or want to get involved?

📧 Email us at info@parterregarden.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @parterregardenservices

#WetlandPlants #Ecology #Conservation #PlantNative#PIsForParterre

Get ready to transform your Halloween decor! In this episode of P is for Parterre, host Liz sits down with Cory from our Urban Fine Gardening team to share creative ideas, behind-the-scenes stories, and tips for making your Halloween displays unforgettable.

Discover how classic skeletons, pop culture themes, and imaginative storytelling come together to create show-stopping scenes—from Beacon Hill’s iconic displays to dream setups filled with witches, crows, and even spectral tape ghosts!

Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation and get inspired to make your own Halloween magic.

For more info, send an email to info@parterregarden.com,visit parterregarden.com or follow us on Instagram @parterregardenservices.

#HalloweenDecor #Halloween #ParterreGardenServices #SpookySeason