Lavender is a favorite perennial for many gardeners here in Virginia, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its soothing fragrance, lavender is technically an herb, with every part of the plant exuding a delightful aroma. Growing to a couple of feet tall and wide, it creates a striking presence in perennial borders, herb… 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
Perennial salvias, or Meadow Sage are a standout choice for sunny gardens in the Mid-Atlantic, offering vibrant color and lasting blooms from spring into summer. These hardy plants, related to catmint and bee balm, are prized for their deer-resistant qualities, thanks to their fragrant flower stalks. While traditional salvias are known for their rich purple… Read More
Perennial ferns are a fantastic choice for any shade garden. With their unique foliage in a variety of shapes and colors, they complement other shade-loving perennials like hosta, heuchera (coral bells), and astilbe. Plus, ferns are one of the few shade perennials that are deer-resistant, making them a great option for woodland garden projects. Once… Read More
There’s nothing quite like the timeless beauty of a perennial dianthus plant. With its bluish-grey, grass-like foliage, dianthus stands out in the garden all season long. Different varieties offer a range of growth habits, from compact mounds to slightly trailing forms. In spring and early summer, their small, carnation-like blooms emerge, with colors ranging from… 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 bit of care and patience, bee balm can become a reliable perennial in any garden across the Mid-Atlantic. About Bee Balm Named for Nicholas Monardes, a… 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
Echinacea, commonly known as the coneflower, is a native perennial to North America and has been a staple plant since the days of Native Americans. In recent years, coneflowers have seen a resurgence in many gardens throughout the Mid-Atlantic. While for a long time they were primarily found in a pale pink, cross-breeding and research… Read More
Perennials are a fantastic addition to any garden. Not only do they bloom year after year from one single planting, but with the right choices and a bit of gardening know-how, you can plant perennials that bloom all throughout the season, giving you consistent color each year without having to supplement with annual plantings. To… Read More
Summer phlox, also known as garden phlox, is a flowering perennial native to the eastern United States, including the Mid-Atlantic region. An upright grower, summer phlox can reach heights of two to four feet, depending on the variety, with a spread of one to three feet. These plants are beloved for their large, dome-shaped clusters… Read More