2-07. Roots of Change with Marc Fournier on Climate, Community & Conservation

2-07. Roots of Change with Marc Fournier on Climate, Community & Conservation

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: 1. Use less — energy, water, and resources in daily life 2. Plant native trees — and support biodiversity in your own yard 3. 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

2-06. Your Garden in June

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.

2-05. S is for Snakes

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 [https://instagram.com/parterregardenservices] Contact us:info@parterregarden.com

2-04. Mount Auburn Cemetery: Where Design-Build Meets History

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/ [https://mountauburn.org/]📸 Follow us on Instagram @parterregardenservicesfor design plans and progress photos.

2-03. Ecological Meets Installation: A Lakeside Collaboration

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