Dorothy Gilman

Dorothy Gilman

Dorothy Gilman writes about gardening and the outdoors for The Belmont Voice.

Garden Gems: There’s Something About Trillium

May 26, 2026
A few weeks back, I got an email from Native Plant Trust with the breathless subject line, “Trillium week begins this Sunday!” It went on to say, “Trillium Week at Garden in the Woods is just around the corner! Join us for…

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…

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…

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…

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…
A bench under a tree

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…