Garden Blogs

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….

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),…

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…

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 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.

In this blog, we explore the fascinating world of Carex, from its native habitats to its cultivation and ecological significance.

The season for blooming perennials is just beginning! Start your early spring garden off right with native plants that deer tend to avoid. While there is an overwhelming amount of options to choose from, we have compiled a list of our top 5 early spring blooming native perennials that are deer-resistant.

Let’s explore the importance of spring-flowering native trees and why they deserve a special place in our hearts and gardens!

Invasive plants, often introduced unintentionally, have taken root and flourished, disrupting the delicate balance of local flora and fauna. The state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) classifies these invasive plants into different tiers, reflecting the level of concern they pose to Maryland’s environment. This article will explore the tiers of invasive plants in Maryland, highlighting specific varieties and their impact on the local ecosystem.

So, you bought your first home, and you’re ready to ready to transform your outdoor space into the thriving oasis of color and beauty you’ve been dreaming of. Planting shrubs and perennials is an excellent way to start, and this beginner’s guide will walk you through the steps to create a garden that flourishes year after year. Even if you’ve never picked up a shovel, these tips will help you plant with confidence and watch your landscape bloom.

This blog post will explain why fall is the ideal time to plant in the Mid-Atlantic area. Additionally, it will provide advice on how to care for your new plants during the winter months.

One year ago, we lost beloved staff member Martha Ann Champion. To commemorate her memory and love of native perennials, we planted her a garden. Learn more about these native plants and how we created her garden.

Ornamental grasses are a low-maintenance addition that add texture, dimension, movement, and color to your garden. These underrated plants come in many varieties and even change color with the seasons, particularly in late summer and early autumn. Read more…

The following 5 trees will provide an explosion of interesting textures and pops of color to your landscape all year long. While designing your dream landscape, make sure to include the trees listed in this blog!

Implementing a well-designed rain garden is a rewarding way to promote sustainable water management practices and create a greener and more resilient landscape. Start building yours today!

In the Mid-Atlantic Region, where hot and dry summers are common, incorporating native plants into xeriscape designs offers numerous benefits. This comprehensive guide explores a selection of native, drought-tolerant plants for xeriscaping in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States, highlighting their unique characteristics, adaptability, and the ecological advantages they bring to the landscape.

Native perennials are perfect for establishing a habitat that welcomes these important pollinators. In this blog, we will explore the wonders of native pollinator-friendly perennials and their benefits to your garden ecosystem.

The days of summer heat are in full swing, which is actually the time for many plants to thrive. We have all of the tips you need for how and what to plant this summer for a successful landscape!

When it comes to creating the outdoor landscape of your dreams, there are a few key things to keep in mind that will help you bring it all together. While a great deal of attention is paid to selecting beautiful flowering perennials, shrubs, and annuals, many people fail to realize that they will be way better off choosing their ornamental trees first!

Did you know that you can help save the bay from your own garden? If you live here in the Chesapeake watershed, water runs from your home all the way to the third-largest estuary in the world. Learn how you can make a difference and help save the bay!

The warm weather may be gone, but that does not mean that the gardening season is over. You can continue to plant in this hardiness zone until the ground is frozen solid. Frost and cold temperatures do not mean the ground is frozen. Check soil temperatures in your area, as long as soil temperatures are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you are good to grow!

Nothing makes a landscape look better than a nice fresh coat of mulch. That may be why most people mulch, but there are many reasons to mulch, and most involve plant health. As a rule, many people mulch in the spring, and cosmetically that is fine, but if your plants could speak, they would say, “Please mulch me in the winter.”