NORMAL. SUCH A SIMPLE WORD BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN ANYMORE WHEN IT COMES TO PLANTS AND GARDENING? As I write this blog, Virginia and the entire U.S. is in the process of trying to re-open from the Great Shutdown brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. It seems that our local, state and national news … Read more
What a difference a year can make. Last year we experienced above-average rainfall for the month and below-average temperatures for July. But not this year! Here we are in the last week of July and we are experiencing a hot and dry July. So, why do we refer to this time of year as the … Read more
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR JAPANESE BEETLES BECAUSE THEY ARE HERE, OUT AND ABOUT, AND EATING AWAY I was wondering when customers would be coming into the garden center with evidence of damage to their plants from Japanese Beetles. This past week I had a couple of customers right here in North Chesterfield needing advice … Read more
AGASTACHE – ALSO KNOWN AS “HUMMINGBIRD MINT” So much is going on with perennials in June. The Perennial Plant Association has designated June as Perennial Gardening Month. The main reason for June being selected as the perennial month is that June is a great month for seeing so many beautiful perennials in bloom. Secondly, June … Read more
FATHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, JUNE 21st. HONORING ALL FATHERS AND FATHERHOOD Just a little history with Father’s Day: First observed in Spokane, Washington in 1910. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson wanted to make the 3rd Sunday of June a recognized federal holiday. In 1966, President LBJ issued the first presidential proclamation to make Father’s Day … Read more
JUNE IS HERE WHICH MEANS SUMMER TO MANY PEOPLE BUT THERE ARE PLENTY OF GARDENING CHORES TO KEEP US BUSY OUTSIDE Gardening is the #1 hobby for Americans – now more than ever. I say this because many of us are conflicted about the months of lockdown that have mostly kept us in our homes … Read more
A common occurrence during the ongoing pandemic is the cancellation or postponement of events, interrupting common traditions and rituals for students and adults alike. BUT NOT GARDENING!! With all my years working in a retail gardening center, I have never spoken to so many families before who are wanting to try doing some vegetable gardening … Read more
WATERING ISN’T EASY Here we are in late April. A lot of planting has been done this month when it comes to all the beautiful perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees. The number one challenge for all these newly planted plants is being cared for properly, especially when it comes to watering. In fact, being a … Read more
MAKE ROOM IN YOUR GARDENS FOR THESE BEAUTIES Every year different national and international plant societies select a plant to highlight. Never are these plants selected at random. Each plant chosen must meet a strict set of criteria such as easy to grow, readily available, and outstanding performance. Here is a list of plants chosen … Read more
CONNECTING WITH NATURE IS THE KEY Are you staying home to avoid spreading or catching coronavirus? If so, that’s great. But, are you bored? Is cabin fever setting in with some of you? Are you wondering what you can do or what your family can do during this quarantine period? GO OUTSIDE!!! Oh, how those … Read more
