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
Summer can be one of the most challenging seasons for landscape plants, with heat and drought posing significant threats. Insufficient moisture makes plants more vulnerable to insect infestations and diseases, with trees being especially at risk due to their value and difficulty to replace. Prioritizing tree care during drought periods is essential to maintaining a… Read More
Nothing is more disappointing than picking a perfect tomato only to find its bottom soft, black, and rotten. Blossom end rot (BER) isn’t limited to tomatoes—it also affects peppers, eggplant, squash, and melons. Caused by insufficient calcium and inconsistent watering during rapid growth, BER is preventable with proper care and planning. Why Calcium Matters for… Read More
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve had many customers visiting our garden center reporting sightings of Japanese Beetles damaging their plants. Initially, I thought it was a bit early for these pests, but with the mild winter we experienced, it makes sense that they’ve emerged earlier than usual. This goes to show that you… Read More
Gardening should bring joy and relaxation, not frustration from constant wildlife damage. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, and even household pets can wreak havoc on your vegetable gardens, flowers, and crops. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to keep your garden safe and thriving. Common Wildlife Threats to Your Garden White-Tailed Deer: A major challenge in the… Read More
There are 26 known species of tent caterpillars, many with multiple subcategories. If you haven’t already spotted cocoons in your trees, they’ll likely be arriving soon! Both tent caterpillars and gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate acres of trees, making outdoor spaces less enjoyable during their active season. Trees Most Affected by Tent Caterpillars While most… Read More
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
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
Dandelions – as kids, we loved their vibrant yellow blooms and the fluffy seed heads we blew on to make wishes. But as adults, they’ve become a common nuisance, taking over our lawns and garden beds. What once brought a smile now brings frustration with their spread, especially in spring and fall when their seeds… Read More
Weeds can quickly take over lawns and gardens, competing with your plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. In Virginia’s varied climate, certain weeds thrive and can be difficult to manage without the right approach. Identifying these common weeds is the first step to maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn or garden. Below is a guide to… Read More