Winter in the Mid-Atlantic region doesn’t mean your garden has to be lifeless. Beyond the striking textures of bark and evergreens, there are many vibrant plants that bloom even in the coldest months, adding color and interest to your winter landscape. Winter Aconite Winter Aconite (Eranthis), a member of the buttercup family, is a charming… Read More
How to Protect Your Tender Plants This Winter
“Bundle up!” We all heard this from our moms when we went out to play in the winter snow and winds. The same advice applies to your tender and newer outdoor plantings. The frigid northern winds and freezing nighttime temps can damage or kill those perennials, shrubs, and trees that are more marginal in our… Read More
Why Winter Is the Best Time for Landscape Project Planning
It’s winter here in the Virginia area. You’re bundled up from the cold, and you can see the white puffs of your breath when you venture outside. The last thing on your mind is designing and improving your home landscape. We urge you to think again! There are several advantages to starting the process of… Read More
It’s Winter in the Mid-Atlantic! Let’s Repot Those Plants
Winter has settled over the Mid-Atlantic, but avid gardeners, take heart—there’s no need to let your green thumb hibernate! As the outdoor gardens rest, this is the perfect season to repot your houseplants, giving them a fresh start and keeping your gardening spirit alive all winter long. Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting Not sure if… Read More
Outdoor Gardeners — It’s Time to Embrace Houseplants!
Indoor gardening or keeping houseplants is a hobby that many outdoor gardeners bewilderingly often do not pursue. Conversely, there are many green thumbs out there who fill their homes and workplaces with plants, yet never touch an outdoor one. With the current trend of blurring outdoor and indoor living, I’m hoping this strange separation of… Read More
Winter Snow Damage Prevention for Virginia Gardens and Lawns
Winter brings the possibility of snowstorms, and while a fresh blanket of snow can be beautiful, it can also pose a threat to your lawn and garden. With the right precautions, you can help protect your plants and ensure they thrive come spring. How Snow Affects Your Garden and Lawn Heavy snow can cause branches… Read More
How Do You Identify & Assess Winter Damage to Plants?
It’s not unusual for some trees, shrubs, and perennials in the Mid-Atlantic region to look badly damaged, sick, or even dead after the cold winter months. Just because the leaves are brown, droopy, or sickly-looking does not necessarily mean the plant is dead. In some cases, these ugly brown leaves will fall off and sprout… Read More
Houseplant Highlight: Bringing Plants Inside for Winter
As cooler weather approaches here in the Mid-Atlantic, it’s time to bring your outdoor plants back inside for the winter. Houseplants like your fiddle-leaf fig or snake plants, which have thrived outside during the summer, must be gradually transitioned back indoors to avoid shock. To make this process smoother and less stressful, there are a… Read More
Winter-Blooming Hellebore Varieties for Virginia Gardens
Hellebores have gained popularity in recent years, thanks to their unique winter bloom time and minimal care requirements. These evergreen perennials bring color to the garden when many others are dormant, making them a winter must-have. How to care for Hellebores: Hellebores thrive in rich, well-drained soil and are perfect for brightening garden borders, planting… Read More
Winter Pruning Tips: When & How to Prune in Virginia
The winter months are a great time for pruning—an essential garden task that sets the stage for vibrant growth during the warmer seasons. Proper pruning helps plants grow strong and healthy by maintaining their natural shape, encouraging air circulation, and allowing light to reach all areas. It’s a crucial step for full, lush foliage rather… Read More