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),…

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…

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…

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.

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…

Whether you’re looking to enhance your landscape with its seasonal interest or incorporate it into container gardens, Pink Muhly Grass delivers on beauty and practicality. In this blog, We’ll guide you through planting it in pots, its uses in the landscape, and how to take advantage of its year-round appeal.

In this blog, we’ll explore why fall planting is advantageous and how it increases tree survival rates. We will also share some valuable tips and tricks for planting, staking, watering, and mulching your trees this season.

Fall is the perfect time to plant bulbs that will burst into bloom when spring arrives, filling your garden with vibrant colors and fragrances after the long winter months. This guide will walk you through the different types of bulbs typically planted in the fall, tips for planting, protecting them from animals, and how to care for your bulbs both after planting and once they’ve bloomed.

Camellias are cherished for their stunning blooms and evergreen foliage, making them a beloved addition to gardens around the world. I’m excited to share their rich history, their journey to America, the diverse types available, and how you can successfully incorporate these elegant plants into your landscape.

This blog will guide you through selecting the best fall annuals, planting tips, and how to combine them with perennials for a truly stunning seasonal garden.

Let’s explore how to design a fall garden by planting in the summer, ensuring your landscape is ready to burst into color when autumn arrives.

Here are some effective tips for conserving water in your garden during late summer, along with a list of the top 20 best water-wise perennials for gardeners in Maryland and Virginia.

This guide will explore what makes a garden drought-tolerant, provide tips on designing such landscapes, and offer insights into establishing and caring for drought-tolerant native and ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials.

This article explores the importance of planting native plants in the home landscape, highlights examples of common native plants by season, and provides cultural requirements for each to help you make informed choices for a vibrant, sustainable garden.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of native shrubs for pollinators, provide a short list of shrubs categorized by sun exposure requirements, offer landscaping ideas, and share tips on attracting pollinators to your garden.

What are these little green things growing on the bark of my trees? They are Lichens, and here’s what homeowners need to know.

Welcome, fellow rose enthusiasts, to our fragrant sanctuary of petals and thorns! I am delighted to share the exquisite diversity of roses. Each rose variety boasts its own unique beauty and personality, coupled with specific cultural needs that demand our attention and care. Join me on this journey as we unravel the mysteries of rose cultivation and explore the intricacies of their individual requirements.

With just a bit of understanding about soil acidity or alkalinity, you can transform the hues of your hydrangeas, adding a whole new dimension to your garden’s aesthetic. Let’s dive in!