Keeping plants healthy requires knowing the signs of common issues and how to address them. Here’s what to watch for and how to correct these problems to keep your garden thriving. Overwatering Overwatering is one of the most common causes of plant decline. If you notice brown or black spots on leaves, mushy stems, or… Read More
Deer-Resistant Plants for Virginia Gardens
While no plant is entirely deer-proof, many plants are unappealing to deer due to their scent, texture, or toxicity. In general, deer tend to avoid: Aromatic plants with strong scents Plants with thorns or sharp foliage Toxic plants that may cause illness Fuzzy or coarse-leaved plants Deer Resistant Trees These trees are rarely or seldom… Read More
The Not So Dandy Dandelion
Dandelions – as children, we loved their vibrant yellow color, and their fuzzy “make a wish” seed heads! Who knew they would one day be THE ENEMY – one of the most common and hated weeds?! Now the yellow flowers bring negative attention to lawns in the spring and fall, and when the flowers and… Read More
Common Weeds in the Lawn & Garden
How to Remove and Prevent Powdery Mildew on Your Plants
Powdery mildew is white or gray powdery spots, often times covering most if not the entire leaf surface. It’s also found on plant stems, flowers and even fruit. Fortunately, the symptoms of powdery mildew are usually worse than the actual damage. The plant rarely dies. If you find that some of your plants or trees… Read More
Drought-Stressed Trees in Virginia: How to Identify and Water
Summer can be the most stressful time of year for landscape plants, with heat and drought being the main offenders. When not receiving sufficient moisture, plants are much more susceptible to insect and disease damage. Trees are the most valuable landscape plants and can be the most difficult to replace, so it is sensible that… Read More
How To Prevent Blossom End Rot
Nothing is more disheartening than grabbing a beautiful tomato only to find the entire bottom is soft, black, and rotten. Blossom end rot (BER) affects tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, and melons. Caused by insufficient calcium and uneven water during the rapid growth of the plant and its fruit, BER is easily avoidable with the proper… Read More
They’re Here! How to Protect Your Plants from Japanese Beetles
This past couple of weeks many customers have come into the garden center reporting the sightings of Japanese Beetles doing damage to some of their plants. At first, I thought that this was a little early, but logic set in. With having a mild winter it stands to reason that beetles have emerged earlier than… Read More
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Virginia and Protect Your Garden
Stink Bugs are an annoying pest, causing damage to crops and smelling awful while they do it. Though Stink Bugs are not native to the Virginia area, they have become quite a nuisance since they were first observed in Allentown, PA in 1998. Mild winters can contribute to increased populations, making stink bug control an… Read More
How to Keep Animals Out of Your Garden in Virginia
Deer, rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, Oh My!!! This sounds like a nightmare for gardeners! These animals, as well as cats and dogs, can be harmful to vegetable gardens, tender plants, flowers, and crops. The main culprit of damage in our area is the White Tailed Deer. Deer population is on the rise and the damage to… Read More