Garden Blogs

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens on the porch in Fall. The light turns golden, the air finally loses its humidity, and everything in the garden that survived a Maryland summer gets to take a well-earned rest. But your containers don’t have to go dormant just because summer’s…

By the time fall rolls around, most gardeners have their to-do list on autopilot: mulch, rake, maybe fertilize once more, call it a season. But a lot of the damage that shows up in spring, distressed evergreens, bulbs that never bloomed, perennials that fizzle out, actually started with a fall…

For decades, Maiden Grass (Miscanthus) and Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) have been go-to ornamental grasses for Maryland landscapes. It’s easy to see why: both form dense, arching clumps that move beautifully in the wind, and both have showy plumes in late summer that catch the light and hold through fall….

Fall might feel like the season when gardening winds down, but some of the most important work you’ll do all year happens right now. What you do in your garden over the next few weeks sets the stage for how your plants survive the winter and how strong they come…

For decades, Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) has been a go-to shrub for foundation plantings in landscapes across Maryland. It’s easy to see the appeal: this evergreen holds its structure through winter, its foliage turns shades of red, orange, and purple in the cold months, and it produces clusters of bright…

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has been steadily expanding the state’s Prohibited Invasive Plant List. As of July 1, 2026, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has placed new restrictions regarding several popular landscape plants, including English Ivy, Chinese Mahonia, Maiden Grass (Miscanthus), Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata), Fountain Grass (Pennisetum),…

Hardy Hibiscus are among the most dramatic flowering perennials you can add to a home landscape, known for their enormous dinner-plate-sized blooms, sturdy upright growth, and season-long color from midsummer into fall. This complete guide will help you pick the best variety for your space and provide tips on watering,…

Privacy trees do much more than block a neighbor’s view. The right tree can reduce noise, block wind, provide wildlife habitat, and even increase your property value. Privacy trees are also cheaper than traditional fencing options and better for the environment in the long run. Many homeowners choose a privacy…

Deer are one of the most common challenges Maryland gardeners face. They wander through suburban yards, nibble their way through carefully planted beds, and can undo months of hard work in a single evening. The truth is, no plant is completely deer-proof, and when food is scarce enough, deer will…

If you’ve spent any time in your garden over the past couple of summers, chances are you’ve spotted a lanternfly or heard a neighbor complain about them. These striking but troublesome insects have made their way into Maryland, and they’re quickly becoming one of the most talked-about pests among home…

Celebrate Independence Day by planting a vibrant display of patriotic plants in your garden. Creating a patriotic landscape doesn’t just add curb appeal for the national holiday; it also provides beautiful color all season long. A mix of annuals, perennials, and shrubs can create lasting interest in your garden. Keep…

Each June, the garden community celebrates National Pollinator Week, shining a spotlight on the creatures that keep our garden beds beautiful and help supply the food we grow. Among the little creatures making our garden world go round are bees. These tiny but mighty creatures play a huge role in…

Crape Myrtles are among the most popular flowering trees and shrubs for home landscapes, known for their vibrant summer blooms, distinctive bark, and stunning fall color. This complete guide will help you pick the best variety for you and provide tips on pruning, watering, and preventive maintenance to help you…

Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, colorful blooms that add instant charm to any summer landscape. If your hydrangea is producing an abundance of leaves with little to no flowers, you are right to be concerned. There are several reasons why your hydrangeas aren’t blooming, and they’re simpler than you…

You don’t need a countryside cottage or storybook home to enjoy the charm of a cottage garden. With the right mix of plants, textures, and garden accents, you can create the cozy, overflowing look of a cottage garden in any outdoor space.

The History of Flowering Cherry Trees Cherry blossom trees are celebrated worldwide for their breathtaking spring blooms and deep cultural symbolism. While many people associate them with Japan, their history spans centuries and multiple regions. The ornamental cherry trees admired today originated in parts of East Asia, especially China, Korea,…

Partially composted hardwood mulch offers a slower, more gradual release of nutrients than fully composted mulch, making it ideal for long-term soil enrichment. Because it still contains some undecomposed woody material, it breaks down over a longer period, providing a steady supply of organic matter to the soil. This slower…

Grow fresh herbs from the comfort of your home and enjoy them as your heart desires. They serve many purposes to the home from adding flavor to food to organically keeping away unwanted pests. Starting an herb garden may seem overwhelming, but with a few simple tips, you can easily…

Few trees offer the elegance and versatility of Japanese Maples. With their sculptural form, dazzling foliage, and four-season beauty, these iconic trees are beloved by home gardeners and landscape professionals alike. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Japanese Maple trees, popular varieties to know, design ideas for…

Phlox brings lasting color to gardens with blooms from spring to fall. From sun-loving Garden Phlox to shade-tolerant varieties, find the perfect phlox at Patuxent Nursery for vibrant borders, pollinator appeal, and easy-care beauty. Stop by and shop today!

Ornamental grasses are a landscape designer’s dream. Their graceful forms, varied textures, flexibility, and low maintenance requirements offer aesthetic appeal, making them perfect for diverse garden styles. Whether you’re crafting a serene nature-inspired garden, a rugged xeriscape, or a vibrant perennial border, ornamental grasses can significantly enhance your garden’s character….

Gardening in the Mid-Atlantic region presents a unique set of challenges, notably the prevalent issue of deer, which can wreak havoc on residential landscapes and gardens. These animals are particularly problematic because of their adaptable nature and tendency to feed on various plants. As suburban areas continue to expand into…

Learn how to care for your orchids this year with this step-by-step guide to keeping them happy and healthy.

Add striking blooms to your garden this winter by planting Hellebores. Check out our blog to learn more about these winter jewels.