Dorothy Gilman, Author at The Belmont Voice

Garden Gems: Gifts for Gardeners

December 11, 2025

They say that you should give what you would like to receive. With that in mind, and knowing my husband reads this column, I am going to recommend a few things I would like to receive and a few tried-and-true gifts. For…

Opinion

Garden Gems: Witch Hazel Adds Color, Scent to Autumn Gardens

November 29, 2025

It is late November and a buttery cloud appears to have settled in my garden. This pleasant apparition is the fall foliage of common witch hazel; the thick, soft, scalloped-edged leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall, and, as if…

Opinion

Garden Gems: Rats in the Radishes

October 20, 2025

Catching sight of a scurrying rat when you are heading out to weed the dahlias or gather tomatoes is one of the most unsettling things that can happen in the garden. The most stalwart gardener may reach for the phone to call…

Opinion

Garden Gems: Aster Season Arrives with Autumn

October 8, 2025

As fall comes to New England, asters come into their own, blooming from August into October in a range of colors–blues, pinks, purples and white–with some varieties flowering after frost. They can be tall or short, thrive in sun or shade, and…

Opinion

Garden Gems: Loving Lovage’s Contributions to the Garden

June 21, 2025

A while ago, I heard about a perennial herb that was said to resemble celery in appearance and flavor, grow as much as six feet tall, and had hollow stalks that could be used for straws. Six feet! Novelty straws! Color me…

Opinion

Garden Gems: Container Gardening With Native Plants

April 28, 2025

Using native plants in containers brings a bit of nature to your doorstep. The mini-habitat you create will benefit pollinating insects seeking food and shelter. Native plants are relatively pest-free, they can live for years, and the planting process is no different…

Opinion

Garden Gems: March Dos and Don’ts

March 13, 2025

As the sun climbs higher and the days grow longer, gardeners get fidgety. We want to do something – anything–in the garden. We want to see if our earliest perennials are up yet. Or we may become obsessed thinking of a plant…

Opinion

Garden Gems: Some tips to help keep your houseplants happy

February 3, 2025

Be vigilant. Check your plants for pests. Two of the most common pests of indoor plants are mealybugs and scale. Mealybugs look like bits of white lint hiding in the crevices of your plant. Use a small paintbrush to dab them with…

Opinion

Garden Gems: My Gift List for the Gardener in Your Life

November 25, 2024

A Broom Around the house, a whisk broom comes in very handy for tidying up after a seed starting or repotting session. Elevate the task with a beautifully made, hand-tied, “turkey wing” whisk broom from Havencroft, $35, or find them on Etsy.com.…

Opinion

Garden Gems: A Drought-Tolerant Shade Tree

November 18, 2024

As dry weather persists nationwide, nurseries are turning their attention to drought-tolerant plants. On a list extolling the virtues of five drought-tolerant trees, I was pleased to see a favorite denizen of my garden, Acer rubrum, the red maple. Previous Columns Red…