P is for Parterre

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

2-02. Stow Acres to Randall Woods Park: An Ecological Highlight

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 [https://www.stow-ma.gov/599/Randall-Woods-Park]

2-01. Weathering the Seasons: Winter's Effect on Fine Gardening

🌨️ 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/ [https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/] 🎙️ Listen now and get ready for spring!