IDENTIFYING THE CULPRIT Over the past couple of weeks, I have lost count of how many people have come into the garden center with samples of leaves that “aren’t right” and have holes. Customers come to us for professional advice as to what is going on with the plant. If you are not sure what … Read more
HOMEGROWN HERBS IN CONTAINERS Container gardening continues to be a very popular gardening trend. A couple of reasons for the popularity of herb gardens are that almost anyone can grow homegrown herbs in a container. And, secondly, container gardening allows individuals to grow fresh herbs on a patio, deck, or porch. Sure, you can get … Read more
When thinking hydrangeas, most people think of only the one hydrangea with blue blooms. Did you know that there are actually six family types of hydrangeas? This is where the confusion begins. I am going to do my best in explaining the hydrangea family. MAIN TYPES OF HYDRANGEA Here are the six main types of … Read more
I’M HAVING A HARD TIME LIMITING MY FAVORITE PERENNIALS FOR A SHADY YARD Last month our nursery plant expert, Nick Atkinson, gave a very informative seminar on plants to use in a shady backyard. Bottom line, a shady yard can be a beautiful yard when using the right plants for the right location. Hardy, shade-loving … Read more
IT’S A DIVERSE FAMILY THAT LEADS TO CONFUSION Whenever you stop into the garden center or call and talk to me or any other plant specialist and ask “Do you have Hibiscus” – you usually end up getting two or three questions back at you trying to figure out what type you are inquiring about. … Read more
MONARCH DECLINE A couple of weeks ago, Eve Roemhildt, our Virginia Certified Horticulturist, gave a very informative and enlightening talk on native plants and supporting our pollinators. Her talk has inspired this blog and my desire to highlight our Monarch butterflies. I am going to get onto my soapbox for a minute. As citizens of … Read more
EDIBLE LANDSCAPING IS BECOMING A VERY POPULAR LANDSCAPING TREND I have been transforming my landscape to include more edible plants and fruits — especially with my container gardens. I recently moved a couple of years ago and I love my edible container gardens. So, you may be asking ‘what is edible landscaping’? Edible landscaping replaces … Read more
AND, WHAT ARE MYCORRHIZAE? To put it simply—Bio-Tone is a starter plant food for organic gardening. And, it contains Mycorrhizae. Together they promote stronger roots, bigger blooms, and healthier plants. ORGANIC I can’t stress enough how I feel about using Bio-Tone. I will never plant anything without incorporating Bio-Tone in the hole when planting. So, … Read more
A SURE SIGN THAT SPRING IS ARRIVING Yes, we have our peepers being noisy and some people use this as a sign that spring has arrived. To me, I like seeing our Redbud trees in bloom as the sign of spring. As I drive around the Richmond area I love seeing these trees in bloom … Read more
JAPANESE MAPLE TREES LEND A SENSE OF GRACE TO ANY SPACE Are you awed by Japanese Maple trees? I sure am and have been for quite a few years. My first true exposure to Japanese Maple trees was as a buyer and doing buying trips to Oregon. I fell in love with them. In Portland, … Read more
