Just in time for spring landscaping projects and home renovations, Jennifer Nawada and Mark McCullough of “This Old House” joined Boston Public Radio live at the Boston Public Library on Friday to answer audience questions. Here are a few of the highlights.
On a rise in gardening throughout the pandemic
Interest in gardening grew throughout the pandemic, causing a home victory garden revival and pushing people toward Boston's community gardens. Nawada said that in addition to the pandemic leading more people to grow their own fruits and vegetables, living under lockdown caused many people to reevaluate their landscaping.
“I think people have just paid more attention to their own space at home, since they're actually able to be home and look at these spaces and want to improve them,” Nawada said. “So I think a lot of people try growing seeds on their own, and they try to plant on their own and just recreate the space.”
On rapidly changing New England weather and “mud season”
When audience member Karen asked how to protect daffodils — and other outdoor plants — during spring cold snaps, Nawada suggested that gardeners cover up the plants most important to them.
“[Daffodils are] pretty resilient, but if you really, really, really are concerned, you can cover them up,” Nawada said. “But I have seen tulips come up that are covered in snow. Then [the daffodils] might be a little late, though; it is tender foliage. If you've been waiting a year [and] it's your favorite thing, cover them up. But I'm going to leave mine uncovered.”
“Some people put a sheet down, some people put like an A-frame structure if it's a shrub or if it's a perennial,” Nawada added. “But if it's for your bulbs, you know, do a little structure.”
As for larger renovation and masonry projects, McCullough warned that New England's infamous mud season might get in the way.
"From now until April, especially in Boston, we may or may not get snow, but we're going to get a plenty of rain," McCullough said. "So just be advised: people [who are] coming out of the gate, they want to get going right away, [but] they might have to contend with the mud."
On inflation and supply chain shortages of construction and landscaping materials
Lumber, steel and other basic construction materials were in short supply last year, with the National Association of Homebuilders claiming that 90% of builders reported delays and materials shortages. Industry experts and homeowners are still struggling to find materials for projects.
“Availability has probably gotten worse in some instances, gotten better in some instances, but [it’s] still very problematic,” McCullough said. “And I don't see any industry that is not seeing this problem.”
While the landscaping industry has seen plant shortages over the past few years due to increasing demand paired with extreme weather caused by climate change, one of the most pressing issues facing the industry is rising gas prices.
“All the nurseries are trying to have a full truck every order instead of like, ‘Oh, I'll get back to you later today,’” Nawada said. “Everybody's got to be full packed in, and that causes delays.”
