The Best Shrubs for Your Garden

There’s something magical about fall—the crisp air, the rich colors, and the perfect opportunity to enhance your garden with new plantings. At D.R. Snell Nursery, our Rooted in Fall Tree and Shrub Sales Event is brimming with incredible choices to bring lasting beauty to your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to fill gaps in your landscape or create a vibrant backdrop for your garden, our diverse selection of shrubs will have you eager to plant this season.

One of the standouts in any garden is the Hydrangea. With its large, showy blooms that transition from summer to fall, this shrub provides stunning colors that intensify as the season changes. Whether in hues of pink, blue, or white, hydrangeas offer long-lasting interest and are perfect for adding a touch of elegance.

For a low-maintenance nativeoption, the Bayberry shrub is a favorite. Known for its fragrant foliage and ability to thrive in various soil conditions, Bayberry is ideal for borders and creating natural privacy screens. Plus, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a plant that will attract wildlife!

Weigela is another must-have, with its bright tubular flowers that not only provide fall color but also invite hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. Its graceful arching branches make Weigela perfect for adding structure and dimension to your landscape.

Spirea is another beloved option, offering clusters of delicate flowers and foliage that turn brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall. This tough yet beautiful shrub thrives in most conditions and adds softness to any garden.

For those seeking a more unique addition, Blue Hollies combine deep green foliage with striking red berries, bringing an evergreen presence to your landscape all year long. Not only are these shrubs visually appealing, but they’re also wonderfully hardy and low maintenance.

Forsythia, with its famous golden spring blooms, also brings life to your garden in the fall. This fast-growing shrub is ideal for creating a vibrant backdrop or filling large spaces with minimal effort.

If you’re seeking a versatile and hardy option, Deutzia provides white or pink blossoms in spring but continues to add lush green foliage through the fall. It’s the perfect shrub for planting alongside others to create layers of color and texture.

No garden is complete without the evergreen strength of Juniper. Its fine-textured needles and wide range of growth habits make it a go-to for year-round color and landscape structure.

Finally, Viburnum shrubs offer four-season interest, with beautiful spring flowers, fall foliage, and winter berries. They thrive in a variety of conditions and are perfect for bringing year-round charm to your garden.

This fall is your opportunity to root your garden in beauty that will last for years to come. Come visit us at D.R. Snell Nursery to explore our incredible selection of shrubs, get expert advice, and take advantage of our seasonal sales. Let’s plant for a stunning tomorrow!

Our Favorite Trees for Fall Color: Nature’s Masterpieces in Your Backyard

Fall in Maryland is a magical time, and nothing signals the season quite like the vibrant colors of changing leaves. At D.R. Snell Nursery, we absolutely love helping you find the perfect tree to bring autumn to life in your garden. Whether you’re looking for a tree that makes the neighbors stop in their tracks or simply something to cozy up your outdoor space, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite trees for stunning fall color. Trust us—these are the showstoppers you didn’t know you needed!

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
If you want a jaw-dropping burst of red and orange, the Red Maple is your tree. Its rich fall hues are like a painter’s palette, blending effortlessly into any landscape. These trees are hardy, fast-growing, and relatively low maintenance, making them a great option for busy gardeners who still want to enjoy the magic of fall. Plant them in full sun, and you’ll be rewarded with a fiery display each autumn.

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Do you love that picturesque fall landscape you see on postcards? Chances are, a Sugar Maple is behind it. With brilliant oranges, yellows, and reds, these trees practically define fall. Plus, they’re native to our area, which makes them an eco-friendly choice. And if you’re looking for a tree that delivers year-round, Sugar Maples also offer summer shade and a strong, sculptural presence in winter.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
If you’re after a golden touch, Ginkgo trees will make you feel like royalty. Their fan-shaped leaves turn a vibrant yellow in the fall, lighting up any landscape. What we adore most is how all the leaves drop almost at once, carpeting the ground in a sea of gold. Talk about Instagram-worthy!

Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
Don’t just look at fall as a season—treat it as a flavor, too! The Serviceberry is a lesser-known gem that offers stunning red and orange fall foliage and delicious, blueberry-like fruit in the summer. It’s also a native tree, so it thrives in our area. Plus, birds love it, making it a must-have for any nature lover.

Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)
If you haven’t considered Black Tupelo for your landscape, you’re missing out! This tree provides one of the most stunning displays of fall color, ranging from orange to red and even purple. It’s a versatile, low-maintenance tree that can handle various soil conditions, making it a fantastic addition to almost any garden.

‘Cathedra’ Elm (Ulmus ‘Cathedra’)
Elms are making a strong comeback, and the ‘Cathedra’ Elm is one of the best for fall color. Known for its stunning yellow hues in autumn, this tree combines durability with beauty. The ‘Cathedra’ Elm is also resistant to Dutch elm disease, making it an excellent long-term investment in your landscape. Its graceful shape and vibrant fall color make it a standout choice.

At D.R. Snell Nursery, we have these beautiful trees ready to bring fall color to your landscape. Whether you’re planting for the first time or adding to your garden, stop by and let us help you choose the perfect tree for your fall fantasy.

Add Vibrant Fall Color to Your Garden with the Best Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees

Fall is a magical time of year when the air turns crisp, and gardens come alive with a rich tapestry of colors. While spring and summer gardens are known for their bright blooms, fall offers its own palette of vibrant reds, oranges, purples, and yellows. Adding the right perennials, shrubs, and trees to your landscape can create stunning displays that last well into the cooler months. At D.R. Snell Nursery, we have a wide selection of plants that will bring beauty and interest to your garden long after summer has passed.

Perennials for Fall Color

Perennials are a fantastic choice for adding fall color to your garden. These plants return year after year, making them a long-lasting investment. Here are some of the best perennials to add vibrant hues to your fall garden:

1. Asters

Asters are classic fall-blooming perennials that produce daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. These cheerful blooms thrive in full sun and provide a late-season nectar source for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.

2. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

Sedum, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a hardy perennial that adds both texture and color to fall gardens. ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular variety that features clusters of star-shaped flowers that start pink and deepen to a rich copper-red as the season progresses. It also attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

3. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heucheras are known for their striking foliage, which comes in an array of colors like burgundy, bronze, and chartreuse. These shade-tolerant plants are perfect for adding vibrant leaf color to garden beds and borders. Many varieties even hold their leaves through the winter, providing year-round interest.

4. Echinacea (Coneflower)

While Echinacea is often associated with summer, many varieties continue to bloom well into the fall. Their bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and orange add cheerful color to garden beds. Coneflowers also produce seed heads that attract birds, providing food for wildlife throughout the fall and winter.

Shrubs for Fall Color and Berries

Shrubs are an essential part of any fall landscape because they provide structure, seasonal interest, and, in many cases, berries that attract birds and wildlife. Here are some of the best shrubs for fall color and fruit:

1. Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

True to its name, the Burning Bush turns a brilliant scarlet-red in the fall, making it one of the most striking shrubs for autumn landscapes. Its fiery foliage creates a stunning contrast to the cooler fall weather. Burning Bush is low maintenance and grows well in both sun and part shade.

2. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Beautyberry is a standout shrub in the fall garden due to its clusters of vibrant, purple berries that appear along the stems in late summer and early fall. The berries provide food for birds and last well into the colder months, adding a pop of color to the winter garden.

3. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Winterberry is a deciduous holly that produces bright red berries in the fall. The berries persist throughout the winter, making it a valuable food source for birds. Winterberry thrives in wet soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or low-lying areas of your landscape.

4. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Oakleaf Hydrangea offers a spectacular fall show with its large, oak-shaped leaves that turn shades of deep red, purple, and orange as the temperatures drop. The shrub also produces long-lasting, cone-shaped flower clusters that fade from white to pink.

Trees for Fall Foliage

Adding trees to your landscape can provide a dramatic backdrop of fall color that will transform your garden into a seasonal masterpiece. Here are some of the best trees for fall foliage:

1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Known for its fiery red foliage, the Red Maple is one of the most popular trees for fall color. This fast-growing tree can reach impressive heights and provides a brilliant display of red, orange, and yellow leaves in the fall.

2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

The Sugar Maple is famous for its vibrant autumn color, ranging from golden yellow to deep orange and red. In addition to its beauty, the Sugar Maple is also the source of maple syrup, adding a practical element to its ornamental value.

3. Dogwood (Cornus florida)

In the fall, Dogwoods offer a breathtaking display of red foliage and clusters of red berries. These small, ornamental trees are perfect for adding fall interest to smaller spaces or as an understory tree in larger landscapes.

4. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Sweetgum trees offer a unique display of star-shaped leaves that turn shades of purple, red, and orange in the fall. Their spiky seed pods add an interesting texture to the garden, even after the leaves have fallen.

With the right selection of perennials, shrubs, and trees, you can create a stunning fall landscape that will keep your garden looking beautiful well into the cooler months. Visit D.R. Snell Nursery today to explore our wide selection of plants and find the perfect additions for your fall garden!

The Ultimate Fall Lawn Care Guide: Get Your Grass Ready for Next Year

Guys, let’s face it—your lawn is a point of pride. As fall rolls in, now’s the time to get your yard in shape so it can bounce back even better come spring. A few solid weekends of work will pay off with thick, green grass next year. At [Your Garden Center Name], we’ve got the gear and tips you need to make it happen, from the best grass seed to tools that get the job done.

1. Clean Up the Yard

Before you do anything, you’ve got to clear out the debris. Leaves, twigs, and dead grass sitting on your lawn will suffocate your turf and invite disease.

• Lawn Rakes and Leaf Blowers: Whether you’re the old-school rake type or prefer a leaf blower, clearing the lawn is step one. Get the bulk of the debris off the grass to let your lawn breathe.

2. Aerate Like a Pro

After a summer of mowing, playing, and heavy foot traffic, your soil can get compacted. Aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, creating better conditions for strong grass growth.

• Lawn Aerators: If you don’t have an aerator, rent one or use a manual aeration tool. Just poke holes all over the lawn, and you’re setting up the perfect environment for fresh seed and fertilizer.

3. Reseed Your Lawn

Fall is the best time to overseed your lawn, and nothing beats Jonathan Green Grass Seed when it comes to getting that perfect, thick lawn. Whether you’re filling in bare spots or doing a full overseed, here’s what you need to know:

• Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra: This top-tier blend is designed to produce deep roots, drought tolerance, and disease resistance. It thrives in sun or shade and gives you that rich, dark green color every guy wants.
• Jonathan Green Fast Grow: Got some bare patches? This seed mix is ideal for quick fill-ins. You’ll see new grass popping up in just days—perfect if you need fast results.
• Spreaders: A good broadcast or drop spreader is key for getting even coverage. We carry spreaders that make reseeding and fertilizing a breeze.

4. Feed Your Lawn

After seeding, you’ve got to feed it. Fall fertilizing strengthens your grass’s roots and gives it the nutrients to survive the winter and come back strong in the spring.

• Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer: This is the ultimate fall fertilizer. It delivers a slow release of nitrogen to help grass grow deep roots now and store energy for next season. It’s a must if you want your lawn to look great after winter.
• Osmocote Lawn Fertilizer: Another solid option for long-term feeding, Osmocote gives a steady dose of nutrients over time, ensuring your lawn has what it needs all season long.

5. Control Weeds and Pests

Fall is also a great time to tackle any lingering weeds or pests so they don’t cause problems next year.

• Bonide Weed Beater Ultra: This selective herbicide targets broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and plantain without harming your grass. Spray it now, and you’ll have fewer weeds to deal with in spring.
• Bonide Insect Control Granules: Fall can bring pests like grubs that munch on your lawn’s roots. Spread these insect control granules, and you’ll stop them from doing damage before they dig in for the winter.

6. Keep It Hydrated

Just because the weather’s cooling off doesn’t mean your lawn doesn’t need water. Keep watering regularly until the ground freezes to help new seeds establish and give your lawn the moisture it needs to get through winter.

• Sprinklers and Timers: Make watering easy with our selection of sprinklers and timers. Set it and forget it, and your lawn will get the consistent water it needs.

7. Finish with a Mow

As fall winds down, don’t put the mower away just yet. Keep your grass at around 2.5-3 inches for the final mow. This height helps prevent disease and protects your lawn from snow mold over the winter.

By following these steps, your lawn will be in top shape for next year. At [Your Garden Center Name], we’ve got everything you need to tackle fall lawn care with confidence. Stop in, grab your gear, and let’s get that lawn looking its best!

How to Bring Your Tropical and Houseplants Indoors: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition

As the warm summer days start to fade, it’s time to bring your tropical plants and houseplants inside before the cool autumn nights set in. Plants that have thrived outdoors all summer need special care to ensure they transition smoothly back into indoor life without bringing along unwanted pests or suffering from the change in environment.

At D.R. Snell Nursery we’ve got everything you need to make the process simple and successful, from the best pest treatments to premium soils and fertilizers. Follow these steps to keep your plants happy and healthy as they settle back indoors.

Time the Move

Before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F, it’s time to start the transition. Gradually bring your plants inside over a week or two to help them acclimate to lower light levels and indoor conditions. Be sure to place them in a bright spot indoors, as they will miss the abundant natural light they enjoyed outside.

Treat for Pests

One of the most important steps in moving plants indoors is ensuring they’re pest-free. Bugs and insects can hitch a ride and infest your home if not treated beforehand. We recommend treating with both of the following as systemic can take 2 weeks for the product to be affective.

• Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control: This is a must-have for preventing insects from coming inside with your plants. Just mix it into the soil before you bring your plants indoors. It provides long-lasting protection against a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
• Bonide Neem Oil: Neem oil is a great all-natural solution for treating leaves and stems. It smothers bugs on contact and acts as a deterrent for futureinfestations. Use it as a foliar spray to keep your plants clean and pest-free.

Repot and Prune

As you prepare to bring your plants inside, it’s the perfect time to give them a little TLC. Inspect their roots to see if they need repotting and trim back any leggy or damaged growth.

• Coco Loco Potting Soil by FoxFarm: If your plants need a larger home, our premium Coco Loco potting soil is the best choice for healthy root growth and moisture retention. This mixis perfect for tropical and houseplants alike, offering the right balance of aeration and nutrients.
• ARS Snips and Pruners: Pruning your plants helps keep them compact and encourages new growth. Our ARS Snips and Pruners are designed for precision cutting, making it easy to trim back unruly foliage without damaging the plant.

Protect Your Furniture

Once your plants are safely indoors, make sure to protect your floors and furniture from water damage by using saucers and cork mats.

• Saucers and Cork Mats: Our selection of plant saucers and cork mats helps catch any excess water and prevents moisture from damaging surfaces. They’re functional and stylish, keeping your home looking great while providing essential protection.

Feed and Fertilize

Indoor plants often need a little boost, especially as they adjust to lower light and reduced humidity. Feeding them the right fertilizer will help them stay lush and vibrant all winter long.

• Jack’s Houseplant Special Liquid Fertilizer: This is our go-to liquid fertilizer forhouseplants. It provides an instant dose of essential nutrients to keep leaves green andgrowth steady. Use it every couple of weeks to maintain strong, healthy plants.
• Osmocote Flower & Vegetable Granular Fertilizer: For long-term feeding, Osmocote’s slow-release granules are a great backup. Sprinkle it into the soil for up to 6 months of consistent feeding.

Clean and Shine

Dust and debris can build up on your plants’ leaves, especially after a season outdoors. Cleaning them not only improves their appearance but also helps them absorb light more efficiently.

• Houseplant Leaf Wipes or Leaf Shine Spray: Keep your plants looking their best with our houseplant leaf wipes or spray. These products are perfect for removing dust and adding a subtle shine to the leaves, making them look as fresh as the day you brought them home.

Help Plants Acclimate

As your plants adjust to indoor conditions, they might drop a few leaves or show signs of stress. This is normal and should only last for a short period. To help them through the transition:

• Place plants in bright, indirect light. You may want to add a grow light!
• Mist the leaves regularly to mimic outdoor humidity levels.
• Monitor soil moisture, as plants indoors often need less water than they did outside.

If you follow these tips, your tropical plants and houseplants will stay healthy and happy through the winter, ready to return outside once spring arrives!