THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026 Page 7 Saugus Gardens in the Winter Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener O n Wednesday, January 21, we celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day. This holiday, started in 2001, celebrates the squirrels’ contributions to the environment and to peoples’ enjoyment. Squirrels plant many trees, although that may not be their conscious intention, when they bury nuts for use later in the year when nutritious seeds and nuts are scarce. They are said to have a very good memory for where they have buried their caches for later. All squirrel species are able to skillfully jump astonishing distances from branch to branch, although flying squirrels would win the prizes for distance. They are also clever about finding access to seed sources, especially clambering over obstacles to get to bird feeders. Many people have told me how much they enjoy watching a squirrel’s ingenuity and problem-solving talents. We see more eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) than any other squirrel species in Massachusetts. Late January and February tend to be their first breeding period of the year, and you can see them energetically chasing each other up and down trees right now in quite a frenzy. A second breeding period may occur in May. The kits will be born a little over 40 days later. There are also red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) which live in coniferous woods, more common in western Massachusetts. Two species of flying squirrels are also native here but are much rarer. The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), in particular, is considered a species of greatest conservation need according to the Massachusetts State Wildlife Conservation Plan. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is smaller and lighter brown. Both have very large eyes and thin skin connecting front legs and torso that resembles Batman’s cape. This helps them glide for extended distances between branches. Both species are nocturnal, which is part of the reason why the population is difficult to assess. During the warm weather of the past weekend, I checked my Lenten roses (Helleborus orientalis) for signs of blooming and found three buds on my dark purple one. This does not mean they will be flowering next week, because if the weather stays cold they could remain in this state for a few months. In my experience, these buttercup relatives can bloom any time between December and May in greater Boston, although March is the usual month. The plants are also currently available as house plants, having been grown in greenhouses so they are already in full bloom. Most of mine were purchased that way years ago, and when the soil warmed up in April and May they were planted outside, where they have conFlower buds on andromeda give a promise of spring, although they are unlikely to bloom before April. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) tinued to grow and slowly increase. Whenever they look droopy indoors or out, they are requesting more water! These are evergreen, long lived and shade loving so they are a pleasure to see throughout the winter, whether you see buds on them yet or not. A very rewarding shrub yearround but especially encouraging in the winter is the broadleaf evergreen shrub we call andromeda (Pieris spp.), which produces flower buds late in summer that remain until late March or April in our climate before opening. On most varieties of andromeda, the flowers will be white when they open, but a few like the ‘Dorothy Wycoff’ (Pieris ‘Dorothy Wycoff’) shown here will be pink upon opening. Varieties and hybrids of Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica) are the most readily available, but mountain andromeda or fetterbush (Pieris floribunda) can also grow well in gardens here. A native to the Carolinas, this species grows up in the higher mountain elevations so it is hardier than its regional origins would suggest. A flower bud has appeared on my Lenten rose, one of the earliest buds I’ve seen here. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant A gray squirrel embraces a bird feeder in Lynnhurst where he has managed to find a variety of seeds to vary his winter diet. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. • Basement Renovation & Restoration • Bathroom Remodeling • All Aspects of Carpentry • Chimneys Rebuilt/Repaired • Roofing & Siding Installed/Repaired • Masonry Repairs • Foundation Leaks Repaired • Waterproofing • Interior Painting & Much More Free Estimates & Consultation Fully Licensed & Insured 617-955-5164 Toughbuildmasonry.com Johntoughbuild@gmail.com
8 Publizr Home