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
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
Love spring-blooming azaleas? Meet their show-stopping relatives: Encore Azaleas. These extraordinary plants deliver waves of vibrant blooms from spring through fall. The performance begins with a spectacular spring show, followed by summer growth that sets new buds, leading to a second stunning display. As other plants wind down, Encore Azaleas continue their color show well… Read More
Chiefly known for their colorful, long-lasting summer blooms, crape myrtles offer incredible versatility in the landscape. From large, multi-stemmed shrubs to small trees and dwarf varieties, there’s a crape myrtle to suit every need. And with a range of flower colors from deep purple to bright white, they provide a stunning visual display. To ensure… Read More
Perennials are a low-maintenance way to add lasting beauty to your garden. With careful planning, you can enjoy a succession of blooms throughout the growing season. To begin, choose a few perennials from the list below. These are mid to late-spring bloomers that will provide color throughout May, June, and July. May Blooming Perennials For… Read More