As the Virginia summer fades, so do its blooms. It’s a perfect time to incorporate plants for fall color. Here are a few of our favorite fall plants that thrive in our region’s climate: Asters When the blooms of many summer perennials are fading, the fall-blooming perennial aster is at its best. Perennial aster can… Read More
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), also known as moss pink or moss phlox, is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial ground cover that transforms your landscape each spring with a thick blanket of blooms. Available in a range of vibrant colors, including pink, lavender, red, white, and bluish-purple, this versatile plant thrives in various settings. It’s perfect for… Read More
Made for the shade (and a little sun), Heuchera and Heucherella are quickly becoming the stars of the shady garden, outshining the long-time champion, hosta. What makes them so special? Perhaps it’s their stunning range of foliage colors or the beautiful variegated patterns on their leaves. Maybe it’s the delicate flower spikes that bloom in… Read More
Choosing the right hosta for your garden can be a bit overwhelming with so many varieties available, but understanding your garden’s shade conditions can help narrow down the options. Whether you’re looking to add some lush greenery to a shady corner or create a stunning garden border, hostas are a perfect choice. These reliable perennials… Read More
What is Deadheading? Love your garden but tired of fleeting blooms? Deadheading is a simple yet powerful technique that can extend the flowering season of your favorite plants. This idea is a simple one and fairly familiar: by trimming off the faded flowers, many perennials and annuals can be coaxed into producing more buds and… Read More
There’s nothing more beautiful than a patch of bee balm blooming in a summer garden, with various birds, bees, and butterflies dancing around its numerous flower heads. With a little care and patience, bee balm can become a yearly staple in anyone’s perennial garden. About Bee Balm Named for Nicholas Monardes, a Spanish botanist who… Read More
Spirea is a shrub that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. These unique shrubs provide a wide range of flowering times, foliage colors, and growth habits, making them useful as an accent planting, hedge, or border planting. Flower times vary between varieties, but flowers are common from spring to early summer…. Read More
As the state flower of West Virginia, Rhododendrons are highly sought after in our area, especially for their spectacular spring blooms. These hardy plants thrive in many parts of the state and once established will grow profusely with very little maintenance required, making them a fantastic choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners. How to… Read More
Pieris japonica, also known as Japanese Pieris, Japanese Andromeda, or Lily-of-the-Valley Plant, is a hardy and versatile evergreen shrub that provides excellent color and interest throughout the season. When Does Japanese Pieris Bloom? During the spring season, bell-shaped, lily-of-the-valley-like blooms provide a cascading color to signal the beginning of the new season. But this isn’t… Read More
Gone are the days when Hydrangeas were merely reliable background players in the garden. Then in 2003, a Midwestern plant breeder introduced Endless Summer, transforming them from summer stalwarts into botanical superstars. This game-changing variety offers spectacular blue-to-pink blooms that persist for an astounding six months in mild climates, thriving everywhere from Minneapolis to Houston…. Read More