Author Archives: Jessica Snell

Cool Season Seeds to Start Now

Get a Head Start: Cool-Season Seeds to Start Growing Now in Zones 6 & 7

As summer winds down, it’s time to start thinking about your fall garden! Since we are in Zones 6 / 7, late August to early September is the perfect window to start cool-season seeds. These plants thrive in cooler temperatures and will keep your garden productive well into the fall.

1. Leafy Greens: Spinach, Lettuce, Kale, and Arugula

  • Spinach: Spinach loves cool weather and will produce tender, flavorful leaves as temperatures drop. Sow seeds directly in the garden now, and you’ll be harvesting within 4-6 weeks.
  • Lettuce: Lettuce varieties like romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce are perfect for fall. They grow quickly and can be harvested as baby greens or full heads.
  • Kale: Kale is a cold-hardy green that actually tastes sweeter after a light frost. Start seeds now for a hearty fall crop that can last into winter.
  • Arugula: Arugula’s peppery leaves are a great addition to salads and sandwiches. It’s a fast grower, so you can start harvesting just a few weeks after planting.

2. Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Rutabaga, and Turnips

  • Carrots: Sow carrot seeds directly into well-drained soil. These slow growers will mature just as the cool weather sets in, giving you sweet, crunchy roots by late fall.
  • Beets: Beets are another root vegetable that thrives in cooler temps. Their greens are edible too, so you get two crops in one! Sow seeds now for a fall harvest.
  • Radishes: Radishes are one of the quickest crops to grow, often ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks. Plant seeds now for a fast and flavorful addition to your fall garden.
  • Rutabaga: Rutabagas are a bit of a garden secret—they’re sweet, versatile, and store well. Start seeds now for a late fall harvest, perfect for soups and roasts.
  • Turnips: Turnips are a dual-purpose crop with edible roots and greens. They mature quickly, making them ideal for fall planting.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts

  • Broccoli: Broccoli is a cool-weather favorite that can be direct-seeded or started indoors and transplanted. It matures best in cool weather, so starting seeds now will give you a fall crop.
  • Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a bit more finicky but worth the effort. Start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings when they’re 4-6 weeks old.
  • Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts take a while to mature, but the wait is worth it. Start seeds indoors now and transplant in late September for a late fall or early winter harvest.

4. Quick-Growing Veggies: Bush Beans and Peas

  • Bush Beans: While beans are typically a summer crop, bush beans grow quickly enough to squeeze in one last planting before the first frost. Choose a fast-maturing variety, and you’ll be enjoying fresh beans in about 50-60 days.
  • Peas: Peas love cooler weather and will thrive in the fall. Plant them now for a delicious late-season crop of snap, snow, or shelling peas.

5. Herbs: Cilantro and Parsley

  • Cilantro: Cilantro bolts quickly in summer heat but thrives in cooler weather. Start seeds now for a fall crop that’s perfect for salsas and garnishes.
  • Parsley: Parsley is a biennial herb that grows well in cool weather. Sow seeds now for fresh herbs through the fall and into winter.

Quick Tip:

  • Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, consider planting seeds in two-week intervals. This way, you’ll have fresh veggies coming in throughout the fall.
  • Plant started plants: For a quicker to harvest date start off with some of our vegetable seedlings.
  • Add Nutrients back in: For beds that have been holding summer crops it’s imperative to add back nutrients either by topping off with compost or adding in organic fertilizer such as Bio-Tone.

Get those seeds in the ground now, and enjoy a bountiful harvest of cool-season crops right when you need them most! Happy planting!

The Benefits of Pine Bark Mulch: The Right Choice for Your Garden

The Benefits of Pine Bark Mulch: The Right Choice for Your Garden

Mulching is an essential practice for any gardener, providing numerous benefits to plants, soil, and the overall landscape. Among the various mulch options available, pine bark mulch stands out as an exceptional choice, particularly when compared to shredded hardwood or dyed mulches. Derived from the bark of pine trees, this softwood mulch offers a range of advantages that make it better for plants and gardens. Here’s why pine bark mulch is the superior choice for your garden.

1. Nutrient-Rich Composition

Pine bark mulch is a natural, organic material that breaks down slowly over time, gradually releasing nutrients into the soil. As it decomposes, it enriches the soil with organic matter, improving soil structure, water retention, and overall fertility. This slow decomposition process ensures that plants receive a steady supply of essential nutrients, promoting healthy growth.

After using Pine Bark for a few years you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it becomes to dig in the the landscape bed. Making it a joy to incorporate flowers yearly. 

In contrast, shredded hardwood mulch, often made from recycled pallets or other wood waste, decomposes more quickly, leading to a more rapid depletion of nutrients in the soil. Additionally, hardwood strips the nutrients from the soil potentially leading to soil imbalances over time and unhappy plants!

2. Soil Acidity Regulation

One of the key benefits of pine bark mulch is its ability to naturally lower soil pH, making it slightly acidic. This is particularly beneficial for most all plants, which prefer in more acidic soil conditions. By using pine bark mulch, you can create an environment that supports the health and vitality of these plants without the need for additional soil amendments.

On the other hand, hardwood mulch tends to have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Over time, the use of hardwood mulch can cause the soil pH to rise, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies and poor plant performance.

3. Superior Moisture Retention and Drainage

Pine bark mulch is composed of coarser pieces than shredded hardwood or dyed mulches. This structure allows for excellent moisture retention while also promoting proper drainage and air circulation within the soil. The structural pieces of pine bark mulch create small air pockets that help prevent soil compaction, ensuring that plant roots have access to both water and oxygen.

In contrast, shredded hardwood mulch tends to mat down and compact over time, which can hinder water infiltration and reduce soil aeration. Compacted mulch can lead to poor drainage, waterlogged soil, and root rot, all of which can negatively impact plant health. Dyed mulches, often made from finely ground wood, may have similar issues with compaction and poor drainage, in addition to the potential negative effects of the dyes used.

4. Longer-Lasting Mulch

Pine bark mulch is known for its durability and longevity in the garden. Because it breaks down more slowly than hardwood mulch, pine bark mulch requires less frequent replenishment. This makes it a more cost-effective option in the long run, as you won’t need to reapply it as often.Shredded hardwood mulch, while initially effective, decomposes more quickly, meaning it needs to be replenished more frequently to maintain its benefits. Dyed mulches, while visually appealing, often fade over time due to sun exposure and weathering, requiring frequent reapplication to maintain their appearance. The longer-lasting nature of pine bark mulch means less maintenance and lower overall costs for gardeners.

5. Natural and Aesthetic Appeal

Pine bark mulch has a natural, rustic appearance that complements the aesthetics of most gardens. Its rich, reddish-brown color adds warmth and contrast to garden beds, enhancing the beauty of your plants and landscape. Unlike dyed mulches, which can sometimes look unnatural or artificial, pine bark mulch maintains its color and appearance over time, even as it weathers and decomposes.

Dyed mulches, while available in a variety of colors, can sometimes detract from the natural beauty of a garden. Additionally, the dyes used in colored mulches may contain chemicals that could leach into the soil, potentially harming plants and beneficial soil organisms. Pine bark mulch, on the other hand, is a completely natural product that won’t introduce harmful substances into your garden.

6. Environmental Benefits

Choosing pine bark mulch is also an environmentally friendly decision. Pine bark is often a byproduct of the timber industry, meaning it’s a recycled material that helps reduce waste. By using pine bark mulch, you’re making a sustainable choice that supports responsible forestry practices.

Shredded hardwood mulch, particularly if sourced from non-sustainable forestry operations, can contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction. Additionally, dyed mulches often use recycled wood products, which may contain contaminants or chemicals that could negatively impact your garden’s ecosystem.

Choose Pine for a Healthier Garden!

Pine bark mulch offers a multitude of benefits that make it the superior choice for gardeners seeking to enhance plant health, improve soil quality, and maintain a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape. Its nutrient-rich composition, ability to regulate soil acidity, superior moisture retention, and long-lasting nature set it apart from shredded hardwood and dyed mulches. By choosing pine bark mulch, you’re not only investing in the long-term health and beauty of your garden but also making an environmentally responsible choice that supports sustainable gardening practices.

Preparing your Garden for Fall

Preparing Your Garden for Fall: A Seasonal Guide

As summer begins to wind down and the days grow shorter, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your garden for fall. While it may seem like the growing season is coming to an end, fall is actually one of the most important times for gardeners. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your garden remains healthy through the winter and is ready to burst into life again come spring. Here’s a guide to help you get your garden fall-ready.

1. Clean Up and Clear Out

The first step in preparing your garden for fall is cleaning up. Remove any spent annuals, weeds, and debris from your garden beds. This is especially important if you’ve had any disease or pest issues during the summer, as removing infected plant material can help prevent problems from carrying over into the next year. Compost healthy plant material to add back nutrients to your garden, but dispose of any diseased plants.

 

Next, clear out any fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from around your plants. These can harbor pests and diseases over the winter. If you have a compost pile, now is a great time to turn it and add any new material you’ve gathered.

2. Soil Preparation

Fall is an excellent time to focus on soil health. Start by testing your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, you can amend your soil to ensure it’s in prime condition for next year’s growing season. Adding organic matter like compost and pine bark mulch can help improve soil structure, drainage, and fertility. Read about our favorite compost; Bumper Crop!

If your soil is acidic, consider adding lime to adjust the pH. On the other hand, if it’s too alkaline, sulfur may be needed. After adding amendments, gently work them into the soil with a garden fork or tiller, being careful not to disturb any perennials that will overwinter in the ground.

3. Fertilizing with Organic Fertilizer

Fertilizing your garden in the fall with organic fertilizer is a crucial step in ensuring a healthy and productive garden come spring. Organic fertilizers, such as Bio-Tone, Holly-Tone, or Flower-Tone, release nutrients slowly, providing a steady supply of nourishment to your plants over the winter months. Applying organic fertilizer in the fall helps replenish the soil with essential nutrients that may have been depleted during the growing season. This not only strengthens the roots of perennials, trees, and shrubs but also enhances soil fertility, setting the stage for vigorous growth in the spring. Be sure to apply the fertilizer evenly across your garden beds and gently work it into the soil to maximize its effectiveness.

4. Planting Fall Crops

Just because summer is ending doesn’t mean you have to stop planting. Many cool-season vegetables thrive in the fall and can even improve in flavor after a light frost. Vegetables like kale, spinach, carrots, and beets are perfect for fall planting. If you live in a region with a mild climate, you might also be able to plant garlic, onions, and shallots, which will overwinter and be ready for harvest in the spring.

To get the most out of your fall crops, consider using row covers or cold frames to extend your growing season and protect plants from unexpected frosts. These simple structures can make a big difference in the success of your fall garden.

5. Mulching

Mulching is an essential step in fall garden preparation. A good layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. As the temperature drops, mulch acts as insulation, protecting plant roots from freeze-thaw cycles that can cause damage.

Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of Pine Bark mulch around your perennials, trees, and shrubs. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the plants to prevent rot. In vegetable gardens, mulch can help protect soil structure over the winter and add organic matter as it breaks down.

Read Why Pine is the Ultimate Mulch

6. Pruning and Dividing Perennials

Fall is the ideal time to prune certain plants and divide perennials. Pruning can help shape your plants, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth next spring. Focus on cutting back perennials that have finished blooming, and remove any dead or damaged branches from shrubs and trees.

If your perennials are overcrowded, fall is the perfect time to divide them. This not only helps manage the size of your plants but also allows you to propagate new plants for your garden. Dig up the plant, gently separate the root clumps, and replant the divisions in prepared soil.

Fall is a great time to Garden!

Preparing your garden for fall is about more than just tidying up; it’s an investment in the future health and productivity of your garden. By taking the time to clean, amend the soil, plant fall crops, mulch, fertilize, and care for your perennials, you’re setting the stage for

a vibrant and successful garden next year. So roll up your sleeves, enjoy the crisp autumn air, and give your garden the attention it deserves this fall!

Hydrangea Varieties- A Fun and Fascinating Tour of Floral Variety

Hydrangeas Unveiled: A Fun and Fascinating Tour of Floral Variety

Welcome, fellow garden enthusiasts, to the hydrangea extravaganza! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of these fabulous blooms that grace gardens with their charm and color. Get ready to learn about different types of hydrangeas in a light-hearted and entertaining way. Let’s roll!

Mophead Hydrangeas: The Glam Queens

Picture this: big, fluffy balls of flowers that look like they belong on a wedding cake. That’s our mophead hydrangea crew. They come in all sorts of shades from powder blue to candy floss pink. These divas love a bit of shade and moist soil to strut their stuff. Perfect for adding a pop of color and a touch of drama to your garden ensemble.

AKA Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Overview: Bigleaf hydrangeas are perhaps the most well-known type, cherished for their large, rounded flower clusters and lush foliage. They are often the stars of the garden, providing spectacular color from early summer to fall. PH will change their flower color; acidic soils make them blue and alkaline soils make them pink.

Varieties:

  • Mophead Hydrangeas: These have large, ball-shaped flower clusters and are the classic bigleaf variety most people recognize. Examples: Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea, BloomStruck® , Summer Crush®, , Let’s Dance® Blue Jangles®
  • Lacecap Hydrangeas: Featuring flat, delicate flower heads surrounded by a ring of showy blooms, lacecap hydrangeas offer a more understated beauty.  Example: Twist-n-Shout®

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
  • Soil: Thrive in moist, well-drained soil.
  • Pruning: Bloom on old wood; prune after flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s blooms. Newer varieties will bloom on old and new wood but it is still best to avoid pruning.

Mountain Hydrangeas: Elegant Yet Approachable

Meet the mountain hydrangeas – the sophisticated cousins of the mopheads. They’re like the hydrangea version of a chic Parisian soirée. What sets them apart? Instead of big, round flower clusters, they sport a delicate arrangement of tiny flowers surrounded by larger, showy ones. It’s like having a floral work of art right in your garden. They prefer a similar lifestyle to mopheads: partial shade and a bit of moisture to keep their delicate demeanor intact.

Overview: Mountain Hydrangeas are naturally found in the mountains making them extremely cold hardy. This means that if bigleaf hydrangeas don’t always bloom reliably for you, a mountain hydrangea might make a much better choice. Though most mountain hydrangeas have lacecap flowers, you’ll still enjoy the fantastic blue, purple, or pink color and handsome glossy foliage you seek in bigleaf types.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
  • Soil: Thrive in moist, well-drained soil.
  • Pruning: Bloom on old and new wood; pruning should be avoided. They should never be cut or trimmed back, except to remove any dead wood (especially in spring in cold climates). You may safely remove any dead or very old/non-productive stems at the base to increase air flow and enhance the plant’s habit.

Panicle Hydrangeas: The All-Season Performers

Now, let’s talk panicle hydrangeas. These guys are the rockstars of the hydrangea world. They bloom later in the summer and keep the party going well into fall when other hydrangeas are taking a nap. Their cone-shaped clusters start out creamy white and can turn shades of pink, red, or even a sultry burgundy as they mature. They’re easygoing too, thriving in full sun or light shade and tolerating a variety of soil conditions. Talk about low-maintenance cool!

Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

Overview: The flowers begin as white, but as summer progresses and the days shorten while nights become cooler, they start to change to pink or red tones. The exact color varies by variety; some transition to a new color entirely, while others change gradually, creating a multi-colored effect. These hardy shrubs are more tolerant of sun and can add dramatic height to your garden.

Varieties:

  • ‘Limelight’: Boasts large lime-green flowers that age to pink.
  • ‘Pinky Winky’: Features white flowers that gradually turn pink from the base up.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil: Adaptable but prefers well-drained soil.
  • Pruning: Bloom on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring for best results.

 

Oakleaf Hydrangeas: Rustic Charm with Flair

If you’re into foliage as much as flowers, then oakleaf hydrangeas are your soulmates. These beauties boast leaves that resemble – you guessed it – oak leaves, turning fiery shades of red, orange, and purple come fall. Their flowers are elegant panicles of creamy white blooms that add a touch of rustic charm to any garden corner. They like a bit of shade and moist soil to keep those leaves happy and vibrant all season long.

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Overview: Oakleaf hydrangeas are named for their distinctive oak-shaped leaves, which provide fantastic fall color. Their elongated flower clusters add a unique texture to the garden, making them a standout choice.

Varieties:

  • ‘Alice: Features large white flowers that gradually turn pink.
  • ‘Ruby Slippers’: Compact variety with flowers that age from white to deep pink.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Thrive in partial shade.
  • Soil: Prefer rich, well-drained soil.
  • Pruning: Bloom on old wood; prune after flowering.

Climbing Hydrangeas: Nature’s Vertical Artist

Meet the climbing hydrangeas, the botanical explorers that add a touch of whimsy and vertical elegance to any garden landscape. Imagine a plant that not only blooms clusters of white delicate flowers but also scales walls, fences, and trellises with grace and poise. They aren’t one-season wonders, their dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop that gives way to yellow and gold hues come Autumn.

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

Overview: Climbing hydrangeas are perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden. They can cover walls, fences, and trellises with their lush foliage and lacy white flower clusters.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
  • Soil: Like well-drained, fertile soil.
  • Pruning: Prune to control size and shape as needed.

Smooth Hydrangeas: The Bold and Beautiful

Last but not least, we have the smooth hydrangeas, led by the iconic ‘Annabelle’. Imagine giant, snowball-like flowers that make a bold statement wherever they go. These guys are the showstoppers, blooming with huge white flower heads in mid-summer. They’re tough cookies too, handling more sun than their cousins and loving a good drink of water now and then.

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Overview: Smooth hydrangeas are native to North America and are celebrated for their reliability and ease of care. They produce large, rounded flower heads and are excellent for naturalistic gardens.

Varieties:

  • ‘Annabelle’: Famous for its massive, white flower clusters that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter.
  • ‘Incrediball’: Known for its sturdy stems and enormous blooms.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefer partial shade but can tolerate more sun with adequate moisture.
  • Soil: Grow well in a variety of soil types.
  • Pruning: Bloom on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring.

Bringing Hydrangeas Home – Let’s Get Planting!

So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour of the hydrangea family. Whether you’re into drama, elegance, all-season bloomers, rustic vibes, or bold statements, there’s a hydrangea type that’s just right for your garden. Go ahead, plant some hydrangeas, and let them dazzle you with their beauty and charm. Your garden will thank you, and you’ll have a blast watching these floral superstars do their thing! Happy hydrangea gardening, everyone!

 

 

Our Favorite Ways to design with Hydrangeas

 Hydrangeas: our favorite ways to use them in the garden 

Here at D.R. Snell Nursery we are passionate about plants and garden design. One plant that consistently steals our hearts and captures the imagination of gardeners everywhere is the hydrangea. With their large, showy blooms and lush foliage, hydrangeas are the stars of any garden. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color, create a lush privacy screen, or brighten up a shady corner, hydrangeas are the perfect choice. Here are some of our favorite ways to use these versatile beauties in the garden.

  1. Hydrangeas in Planters: Portable Beauty

One of the most delightful ways to use hydrangeas is in planters. This method offers flexibility and allows you to experiment with different placements in your garden or on your patio. Choose planters that complement the colors of your hydrangea blooms. Terra cotta pots provide a rustic charm, while ceramic planters can add a touch of elegance.

Grouping planters of different heights creates visual interest and allows the mass of hydrangea flowers to be displayed at varying levels. The dense clusters of blooms, whether in soft pastels or vibrant hues, add a striking focal point to any space. Plus, having hydrangeas in containers means you can move them around to suit your mood or the changing seasons.

Quick Tips:

Choose a container that is at least 20” in diameter, with appropriate drainage.

Plant with a nutrient dense potting soil; we recommend Gardeners Gold.

Consider using Soil Moist at the time of planting to keep hydrangeas hydrated.

  1. Lining Pathways: A Floral Journey

Imagine walking through your garden along a pathway lined with hydrangeas in full bloom. This vision can easily become a reality by planting hydrangeas along the edges of your garden paths. The rounded, dense flower heads create a sense of continuity and guide the eye, making your garden feel like a whimsical journey.

The texture of the large, lush leaves contrasts beautifully with the delicate petals, adding depth and interest to your landscape. For a cohesive look, choose hydrangea varieties that match or complement your garden’s color scheme. Every stroll down your garden path will feel like a walk through a fairytale.

  1. Illuminating Shady Spaces: Light Up the Dark

Hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, making them the perfect choice for brightening up those dim corners of your garden. Their light-colored blooms can transform a shady spot into a serene and inviting space. The volume and mass of hydrangea flowers bring life and vibrancy to areas that might otherwise be overlooked.

Combine hydrangeas with other shade-loving plants like hostas and ferns to add texture and variety. The interplay of different foliage textures will enhance the overall visual appeal, creating a lush and dynamic environment. You’ll be amazed at how these beautiful blooms can light up even the darkest corners of your garden.

  1. Welcoming Entryway: A Grand Entrance

Create a warm and welcoming entryway by planting hydrangeas near your front door or along the path leading to it. The generous blooms of hydrangeas add a touch of elegance and charm, making guests feel immediately at home. Opt for compact varieties that won’t overwhelm the space but still provide enough volume to make a statement.

Pair hydrangeas with other seasonal flowers or evergreen shrubs to ensure your entryway remains attractive year-round. The line of hydrangeas creates a sense of direction, guiding visitors toward your front door with their inviting presence. Your entryway will be the talk of the neighborhood, exuding beauty and warmth.

  1. Enchanting Hedges: Privacy with Panache

Hydrangeas make for enchanting hedges that offer both privacy and beauty. Their dense foliage and abundant flowers create a lush barrier that is as functional as it is visually pleasing. When planting hydrangea hedges, consider the overall height and width to ensure they fit well within your garden’s design.

The mass and volume of hydrangea flowers can create a stunning backdrop for other garden elements, such as seating areas or water features. Regular pruning will help maintain the desired shape and encourage prolific blooming. With hydrangea hedges, you can enjoy a private sanctuary while surrounded by breathtaking floral beauty.

  1. Designing with Color: A Custom Palette

One of the most exciting aspects of hydrangeas is their ability to change color based on soil pH. This unique trait allows you to play with color in your garden design. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils result in pink blooms. By adjusting the soil pH, you can create a personalized color palette that enhances your garden’s overall theme.

For a cohesive look, consider planting hydrangeas in groups of the same color. Alternatively, mix and match different hues to create a vibrant and dynamic display. The soft, pastel tones of hydrangeas can complement a cottage garden aesthetic, while vibrant shades can add a pop of color to modern landscapes.

  1. Embracing Texture and Line: Adding Depth

The texture of hydrangea leaves and flowers adds a tactile dimension to garden designs. The large, serrated leaves contrast with the delicate, fluffy blooms, creating a multi-layered visual experience. Incorporate hydrangeas along garden lines to define spaces and create structure.

Use hydrangeas to border a lawn or delineate different garden areas. The flowing lines of hydrangea hedges or mass plantings can soften hard edges and create a more organic, natural look. Their presence adds a sense of continuity and harmony, tying together various elements of your garden design.

  1. Volume and Visual Impact: A Garden Statement

Hydrangeas are unmatched in their ability to create volume and visual impact in a garden. Their large flower heads and bushy growth habit provide a sense of fullness and abundance. Planting hydrangeas in groups enhances this effect, creating a mass of color and texture that draws the eye.

Use hydrangeas to fill empty spaces or to create focal points within your garden. Their sheer volume can transform any area into a vibrant, lush paradise. Whether you’re designing a new garden or enhancing an existing one, hydrangeas will add that wow factor you’re looking for.

Incorporating hydrangeas into your garden design offers endless possibilities for creating a beautiful and inspiring outdoor space. From planters to pathways, shady spaces to entryways, and hedges to color palettes, hydrangeas bring a unique combination of color, mass, texture, line, and volume. Visit our garden center today to explore our wide selection of hydrangeas and get expert advice on making these stunning shrubs the star of your garden. Happy gardening!

10 Hydrangea Design Tips

Hydrangeas are a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden. Here are the top 10 garden design tips to help you incorporate hydrangeas into your landscape:

  1. Choose the Right Variety:
    • Select hydrangea varieties that thrive in your climate and suit your garden’s specific conditions (e.g., soil type, sunlight, moisture). Popular varieties include Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf), Hydrangea paniculata (panicle), Hydrangea arborescens (smooth), and Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf).
  2. Consider Bloom Color:
    • Some hydrangeas, like bigleaf hydrangeas, can change color based on soil pH. Acidic soil (pH below 6) tends to produce blue flowers, while alkaline soil (pH above 6) yields pink flowers. Test your soil and amend as necessary to achieve the desired color.
  3. Plan for Size and Space:
    • Hydrangeas can range from compact shrubs to large bushes. Make sure to provide enough space for them to grow without crowding other plants. Check the mature size of the variety you choose and plan your garden layout accordingly.
  4. Sunlight Requirements:
    • Most hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. However, some varieties like panicle hydrangeas can tolerate more sun. Place your hydrangeas in spots where they receive the appropriate amount of sunlight.
  5. Soil Preparation:
    • Hydrangeas thrive in well-draining, fertile soil. Enrich the planting area with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
  6. Watering Needs:
    • Hydrangeas require consistent moisture, especially during the first year after planting and during dry spells. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
  7. Pruning Techniques:
    • Prune hydrangeas to maintain their shape, encourage new growth, and enhance blooming. Different varieties have different pruning requirements. For instance, bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so prune after flowering, while smooth and panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood and can be pruned in late winter or early spring.
  8. Companion Planting:
    • Pair hydrangeas with other plants that complement their growth habit and aesthetic appeal. Ferns, hostas, astilbes, and Japanese forest grass are excellent companions that thrive in similar conditions and add texture and variety to your garden.
  9. Seasonal Interest:
    • Hydrangeas can provide year-round interest. Their large, showy blooms in summer and fall are the highlight, but some varieties also offer attractive foliage and bark in winter. Choose varieties with multi-season appeal to keep your garden vibrant year-round.
  10. Incorporate Hydrangeas into Garden Design:
    • Use hydrangeas as focal points, hedges, borders, or foundation plantings. Their versatility allows them to fit into various garden styles, from cottage gardens to formal landscapes. Experiment with different arrangements and groupings to create visual interest and harmony in your garden.

By following these tips, you can successfully incorporate hydrangeas into your garden design, enhancing the beauty and diversity of your outdoor space.

Clematis Queen of the Climbers

The Joy of Clematis: Elevating Your Garden with Color and Charm

Discovering Clematis: A Gardener’s Delight

Few plants bring as much joy and elegance to a garden as clematis. Known as the “queen of climbers,” this versatile vine offers a stunning display of flowers, ranging from delicate, star-shaped blossoms to large, luxurious blooms. Clematis is one of the most versatile flowering vines as they are well-behaved and come in many color options. Clematis are a long -lived perennial that will clamber gracefully across the top of a fence to fill in bare spots without ever behaving invasively.  Clematis not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also brings a sense of achievement and satisfaction as you watch these beautiful flowers flourish.

Why Plant Clematis?

  1. A Burst of Color: Clematis comes in an array of colors, from deep purples and reds to soft pinks and whites. This variety allows you to create vibrant, eye-catching displays or subtle, harmonious blends in your garden.
  2. Versatility: Clematis is incredibly adaptable. It can be grown in pots, trained up trellises, arbors, and pergolas, or allowed to sprawl over shrubs and trees. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for any garden size or style.
  3. Extended Blooming Period: With proper planning, you can enjoy clematis flowers from early spring through late autumn. By selecting varieties that bloom at different times, your garden can be awash with color for much of the year.
  4. Attracting Wildlife: Clematis flowers are a favorite of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Planting clematis helps support these important creatures, adding to the ecological value of your garden.

Designing with Clematis: Tips and Inspirations

  1. Creating Vertical Interest: Utilize clematis to add height and depth to your garden. Train them up trellises, fences, and walls to create living tapestries of color. Pair with climbing roses for a romantic, cottage-garden look.
  2. Perfect Pairings: Combine clematis with other plants for stunning visual effects. For instance, planting clematis with evergreen shrubs can provide a backdrop that highlights the vibrant flowers. Clematis also looks beautiful intertwined with wisteria or honeysuckle.
  3. Container Gardens: For those with limited space, growing clematis in pots is an excellent option. Choose compact varieties and provide a trellis or obelisk for support. Place containers strategically around patios and balconies to enjoy the blooms up close.
  4. Seasonal Succession: Plan your garden to feature clematis varieties that bloom at different times. Early-flowering clematis can start the season, followed by summer-blooming types, and finishing with late-flowering varieties. This succession ensures continuous beauty and interest.
  5. Color Coordination: Think about the color palette of your garden and choose clematis varieties that complement or contrast with existing plants. Harmonizing colors can create a soothing effect, while bold contrasts add excitement and drama.

Planting clematis is more than just adding flowers to your garden; it’s about creating an atmosphere of beauty, serenity, and ecological harmony. These magnificent climbers provide endless design possibilities, making them a favorite among gardeners. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a beginner, clematis offers an opportunity to transform your garden into a paradise of color and charm. Embrace the joy of growing clematis, and let your garden bloom with inspiration.

Clematis Quick Tips

Clematis are sun lovers, preferring 6 hours of sun, but love to have cool “feet”.  Protect and cool their “heels” by mulching and/or planting shallow rotted perennials at their base. Some of our favorites to plant at their feet include: Drift Roses, Penstemon, Catmint, Salvia and Veronica.

Plant strong colored clematis in the sun and paler colors in the shade.

When Growing in Containers use a good compost such as BumperCrop

The container should not be made of plastic, and should be at least 18”x18”

Use summer flowering annuals to add interest and to shade their root system

In clay soils add pine mulch to provide drainage

Designing with Roses

Designing with Beautiful Roses

Roses are one of the most beloved and iconic flowers in the world. It’s no wonder why, with their alluring fragrance, exquisite beauty and diverse range of color. Roses have unrivalled versatility due to the many different types you can find from adorable miniatures, tidy landscape roses, towering climbers to romantic English roses. Utilize our design tips to bring these beauties into your yard this year!

Choose your Style

Roses fit in any garden design or style you can think of! Roses look fabulous in a formal garden achieve this by enclosing roses in boxwood hedging. Great varieties to create this look with are ‘Olivia Rose Austin’ or ‘Queen of Sweden’. If you enjoy cottage gardens there are many roses that are more rounded or arching to create a relaxed feeling. Using roses in a tidy landscape planting? Choose low growing and smaller roses such as Drift roses or shrub roses. Roses can even fit a contemporary style by being placed in modern planters and set around a patio, porch or even in the landscape bed.

Garden fence, pink roses, speedwell, catmint, sage… Beautiful landscaped flower bed bordering sidewalk

Design Tricks

-Plant Roses close to paths or seating areas so their beauty & fragrance can be enjoyed up close.

– Plant in mass color for drama! Group three of the same roses 18” apart so they will grow to look like one big, beautiful shrub.

-Color block with roses and perennials for a big impact. Grow groups and clusters of each to create blocks of color. A favorite combo is pink ‘Olivia Austin’ rose with purple ‘Cat’s Meow’ Catmint.

-Make rose blooms stand out by planting contrasting perennial flower colors and shapes (think spike shaped flowers like lavender).

– Have a specimen plant already? Make it stand out even more by planting a ring of roses around it!

– In small gardens select a few key rose specimens rather than trying to crowd in a lot of different varieties.

-Limit the color scheme to one or two hues so the design doesn’t look too busy.

-For smaller areas choose roses with lighter colored flowers in hues of  soft pink, yellow or white to make the space look larger and brighter.

7 Great Companion Plants

-Allium

-Catmint

-Foxgloves

-Lavender

-Ladys Mantle

-Salvia

-Yarrow

Care Tips

  • Select a spot where the rose will receive at minimum 4 hours of direct sunlight, 6-8 hours is best.
  • Roses like rich loamy soil (our native soil is clay) to achieve this at time of planting incorporate generous amounts of Bumper Crop compost and pine fine mulch onto the planting hole.
  • Roses are heavy feeders and love being fertilized with Rose-tone apply in early March and early May.
  • Roses benefit from yearly pruning, be sure to shape and prune out dead wood in March.

Azaleas

Enhancing Your Landscape with Azaleas

A Tapestry of Blooms: Imagine a garden adorned with cascades of vibrant blooms, painting a breathtaking tapestry of color and fragrance. This is the magic of azaleas. From delicate pastels to bold hues, their flowers captivate the eye and uplift the spirit, heralding the arrival of spring with unmatched splendor. Whether planted as focal points or woven into the fabric of mixed borders, azaleas infuse your landscape with a sense of enchantment and allure.

Versatility in Design: One of the greatest assets of azaleas lies in their versatility. Whether your garden embraces formal symmetry or wild, naturalistic beauty, azaleas adapt with effortless grace. Use them to create lush hedgerows that delineate outdoor spaces with elegance and poise. Integrate them into woodland gardens, where their dappled blooms harmonize with the filtered light and shade. Or showcase them in containers on patios and balconies, bringing a touch of refined beauty to urban landscapes.

Seasonal Interest: While azaleas are perhaps best known for their spectacular spring blooms, their appeal extends far beyond the confines of a single season. With careful selection of varieties, you can enjoy a succession of blooms from early spring to late summer, ensuring your landscape remains resplendent with color and vitality throughout the growing season. Additionally, the evergreen foliage of many azalea species provides year-round interest, adding structure and texture to your garden even in the depths of winter.

Low Maintenance Beauty: Despite their undeniable glamour, azaleas are surprisingly low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners seeking maximum impact with minimal effort. With proper siting in partial shade and well-drained soil, azaleas require little more than occasional watering and mulching to thrive. Pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact shape and encourages vigorous growth, ensuring your azaleas remain a beacon of beauty in your landscape for years to come.