French bulldog with a gloxinia plant

Houseplant Highlights: Our 5 Favorite Pet Safe Houseplants

Many people have expressed hesitation about growing houseplants in their homes or offices, often due to concerns about their pets. While it’s true that some plants can be toxic to animals, there are plenty of pet-friendly options that pose no risk, even if a curious pet decides to nibble. Here are five popular houseplants that… Read More

13 Easy To Maintain Ground Cover Varieties to Plant in Virginia

Turfgrass may be the go-to groundcover for most American yards, but it doesn’t always do well everywhere. On steep slopes, it’s a challenge to mow. In narrow, hard-to-reach spots, it’s often impractical to maintain. Around shallow-rooted trees, grass struggles to compete for nutrients, and in deep shade, it can barely survive. That’s where alternative groundcovers… Read More

16 Sedum Varieties That Thrive in the Virginia Heat

Sedum, or stonecrop, is a versatile group of flowering plants that do well in Virginia’s sunny, dry conditions. These hardy succulents have thick, moisture-retaining leaves, making them highly drought-tolerant once established. Ideal for hot, sunny spots, sedum brings color and texture to your garden, thriving even during the peak of summer heat. Types of Sedum… 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