Q: I have an ant problem in my yard – they even steal my grass seed, and they make hills all over – what can I do? I have pets and kids so I am wary of harsh insecticides – can I drown them (THE ANTS, NOT THE PETS)? A: There are various insecticides that… Read More
What is Corn Gluten Organic Weed Preventer?
Don’t worry, it’s not the food ingredient everyone’s trying to avoid! In this case, “Gluten-Free” is NOT the goal! Corn Gluten is an all-natural by-product of the production of corn starch. It prevents the establishment of weeds and supplies a source of organic nitrogen. Nitrogen promotes green growth in lawns and the nitrogen in corn… Read More
April Blooming Perennials
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
Spring Crabgrass Prevention
Usually early March in the Mid Atlantic region is the best time to apply Crabgrass preventer. It is most effective when soil temperatures range from 50 degrees to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Crabgrass preventers are used to prevent crabgrass seed from germinating, therefore reducing the amount of the dreaded weed in your lawn. For long term… Read More
Early Bloomers
It happens every winter. We gardeners hit “the wall” where we need want, need, crave just a little bit of spring. The best way I’ve found to cope with that special brand of cabin fever is to seek out as many early-blooming plants as I can to add to my garden. You can call them… Read More
Blooming Dates in the Metro Area
March Pieris japonica, Japanese Camellias, Pussy Willow, Daffodils, Crocus, Mahonia Early April Pieris japonica, Japanese Camellias, Daffodils, Crocus, Early Magnolias, Forsythia, Dwarf Rhododendron, Bradford Pear, Saucer Magnolia, Spirea Mid/Late April Flowering Crabapple, Cherries, Dogwood, Azaleas, Early Rhododendron Early May Dogwood, Viburnum, Peonies, late Azaleas, Tulip Poplar, Lilac, Weigela, Roses Mid/Late May Rhododendrons, Mountain Laurel, Nandina,… Read More
Fall Mixed Containers
Fall is the time to freshen up all of your mixed containers. A fabulous mixed patio container is easier than you think! Here’s what you need: Your Container Get creative! Resin, pottery, plastic, tin, wash basins, kitchen sinks, or little red wagons—all types of containers are fair game! Choose a container with drainage holes or… Read More
Benefits of Fall Gardening
In our area, fall is the ideal time to plant all kinds of things from cool-season veggies, turf grasses, and perennials to both evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. Yet, strangely, when it comes to planting, many homeowners think only of spring. Officially Fall Fall officially begins with the autumnal equinox in late September. Basically,… Read More
Planting Spring-Blooming Bulbs in the Fall
Fall is the season to think spring-flowering bulbs—colorful tulips, cheerful daffodils, fragrant hyacinths. To help make your spring garden as trouble-free as possible, we answered some of the most commonly asked questions here. For a list of recommended spring-blooming bulbs, visit Types of Spring-Blooming Bulbs in our information archive. When is the best time to plant bulbs… Read More
Excellent Fall Perennials
Fall plantings are not limited to just mums anymore. This is just a small sampling of the many perennials you can plant in the fall found at any of our locations. Many of these perennials either bloom in the fall or have great fall color in their foliage. Plus, all perennials benefit from being planted… Read More