Author Archives: Jessica Snell

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.

 

Cultivation Guide for Dianthus

The Ultimate Cultivation Guide for Dianthus:

1. Choose the Right Variety: Select from the wide array of Dianthus varieties available, including annuals, biennials, and perennials, each with its unique characteristics and growing requirements.

2. Optimal Growing Conditions: Dianthus thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Choose a location with full sun exposure for best flowering performance or at minimum 6 hours of direct sun.

3. Planting Time: Plant Dianthus in early spring or fall to allow for establishment before extreme temperatures. Ensure there is no risk of frost during planting.

4. Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as Bumper Crop compost to improve drainage and fertility. Local soils tend to be clay which can rot dianthus. Be sure to incorporate Pine Fine Mulch at the time of planting to fix drainage and aeration.

5. Spacing and Depth: Space Dianthus plants according to their mature size, typically around 12 to 18 inches apart. Plant them at the same depth as they were in their nursery containers.

6. Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during periods of drought or intense heat. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

7. Mulching: Apply a layer of Pine mulch around Dianthus plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a uniform soil temperature. Avoid mulch contact with plant stems to prevent rot.

8. Fertilization: Dianthus generally doesn’t require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer (Rose and Flower food) in spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

9. Deadheading and Pruning: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and encourage repeat flowering. Prune back leggy or overgrown stems to maintain a compact and tidy appearance.

10. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites, and treat as needed with organic controls or insecticidal soap. Watch for signs of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and rust, and ensure good air circulation to prevent outbreaks.

11. Winter Care: In colder climates, provide winter protection by mulching around the base of Dianthus plants to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.

12. Division and Propagation: Divide mature Dianthus plants every few years to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding. Propagate Dianthus through stem cuttings or seeds for new plants.

13. Enjoying the Blooms: Revel in the beauty of Dianthus blooms, which come in a variety of colors and fragrances, attracting pollinators and adding charm to your garden beds, borders, and containers.

With this ultimate cultivation guide, you’ll be well-equipped to cultivate healthy and vibrant Dianthus plants, adding beauty and elegance to your garden year after year.

Timeless Dianthus for your Perennial Garden

The Timeless Appeal of Dianthus Perennials in Your Garden

In the ever-changing landscape of gardening trends, certain classics endure, captivating hearts and imaginations with their timeless allure. Among these botanical treasures stands the perennial Dianthus, a symbol of grace, resilience, and enduring beauty. As stewards of the soil and custodians of nature’s wonders, gardeners are called to embrace the elegance of Dianthus in their outdoor sanctuaries. Join us as we explore the myriad reasons why every gardener should welcome this enchanting perennial into their midst.

‘Paint the Town Fancy’ Dianthus Photo Courtesy of Provenwinners.com

A Symphony of Colors and Fragrance: Picture a garden awash in a symphony of colors, where delicate petals sway gently in the breeze, releasing a fragrance that transports you to a realm of serenity and joy. This is the magic of Dianthus. With its myriad hues ranging from soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones, Dianthus adds a painter’s palette of color to any landscape. Whether adorning borders, rockeries, or containers, its charming blooms create a tapestry of beauty that enchants the senses and uplifts the spirit.

Year-Round Interest: In a world where seasonal shifts dictate the ebb and flow of garden beauty, Dianthus stands as a beacon of constancy. While its peak bloom may be in spring and early summer, many varieties of Dianthus boast a prolonged flowering season, offering bursts of color and vitality throughout the year. Furthermore, the evergreen foliage of certain species provides year-round interest, ensuring that your garden remains resplendent even in the depths of winter.

Courtesy of Proven Winners – www.provenwinners.com

Ease of Cultivation: Gardening should be a source of joy and relaxation, not a source of stress and labor. Thankfully, Dianthus epitomizes low-maintenance gardening at its finest. Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun, these hardy perennials require minimal fuss to flourish. With their drought tolerance and pest resistance, Dianthus proves itself as a reliable and enduring companion in the garden, rewarding even novice gardeners with bountiful blooms and verdant foliage.

Versatility in Design: Whether you’re crafting a cottage garden brimming with nostalgic charm or a contemporary landscape defined by sleek lines and modern aesthetics, Dianthus seamlessly integrates into a myriad of garden styles. As edging plants, they delineate pathways and borders with elegance and grace. In mixed borders, they provide a harmonious backdrop for taller perennials and shrubs. Even in containers, Dianthus adds a touch of sophistication and color to balconies, patios, and windowsills.

‘Maraschino’ Dianthus Photo Courtesy of Provenwinners.com

Ecological Benefits: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Dianthus offers a host of ecological benefits that contribute to a thriving ecosystem. Their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, fostering biodiversity and supporting the health of local ecosystems. Furthermore, the evergreen foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife, creating a haven of life and vitality within the garden.

As guardians of green spaces and cultivators of beauty, gardeners wield the power to transform landscapes into havens of inspiration and delight. With the perennial Dianthus as our ally, we embark on a journey of elegance, resilience, and timeless allure. Let us embrace the enchanting beauty of Dianthus, weaving its vibrant tapestry of color and fragrance into the fabric of our gardens. For in the heart of every blossom lies the promise of a brighter, more beautiful world, one garden at a time.

Cultivating Deleosperma aka Ice Plant

Before diving into cultivation, it’s essential to select the perfect spot for your Ice Plant. Delosperma thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, mimicking its native South African habitat. Ensure your chosen location receives ample sunlight throughout the day, as this encourages prolific flowering and vibrant foliage. Additionally, opt for soil with excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

One of the hallmarks of Delosperma is its drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening. Once established, Ice Plant requires minimal watering, as its succulent leaves store moisture efficiently. However, during the initial establishment period, regular watering is essential to encourage robust root development. Aim to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent fungal diseases.

  1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil for optimal growth and flowering. Rock gardens or slopes that are well draining are perfect locations for Ice Plant.
  2. Planting Time: Spring is the best time to plant Ice Plant, allowing it to establish before the heat of summer.
  3. Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is loose and well-drained. If planting in heavy clay soil correct drainage with chunky pine mulch or small gravel. Making sure the particles are large enough to create aeration and drainage.
  4. Spacing: Space Ice Plant around 12 to 18 inches apart to accommodate their spreading habit.
  5. Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, especially during the establishment phase. Once established, Ice Plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
  6. Mulching: Apply a layer of Pine mulch or stone around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. However, avoid covering the crown of the plant to prevent rot.
  7. Fertilization: Ice Plant typically doesn’t require heavy fertilization. If desired, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring.
  8. Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
  9. Pruning: Ice Plant is relatively low-maintenance and doesn’t require pruning. However, you can trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to maintain a tidy appearance.
  10. Winter Protection: In colder climates, a layer of mulch can provide insulation and protect the roots from frost damage during winter.
  11. Propagation: Expand your Ice Plant collection through division or stem cuttings. Divide mature plants in spring or fall, and take stem cuttings during the growing season for propagation.
  12. Pest and Disease Control: Ice Plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, monitor for signs of aphids, slugs, or fungal diseases and take appropriate measures if necessary, such as handpicking pests or using organic controls.

 

Delightful Delosperma: the Ice Plant

Discover the Delightful Delosperma: The Charming Perennial for Your Garden

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the delightful Delosperma perennial, fondly known as the Ice Plant. Join us as we explore the wonders of this resilient beauty and uncover why it’s a must-have for any garden enthusiast.

The Beauty of Delosperma: Imagine vibrant carpets of colorful blooms cascading across your garden beds, glistening like precious jewels under the sun. This is the allure of Delosperma. With its daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, orange, and yellow, the Ice Plant adds a pop of color and charm to any landscape. Whether planted in rock gardens, borders, or containers, its low-growing habit and spreading nature create a mesmerizing display throughout the growing season.

Resilience in Adversity: The Delosperma perennial is a testament to nature’s resilience. Originating from the dry, rocky slopes of South Africa, this tough plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, sunny climates. Its succulent foliage stores water, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes and xeriscaping projects. Even in poor soil conditions, Delosperma perseveres, adding beauty where other plants struggle to survive.

A Haven for Pollinators: In our commitment to promoting biodiversity, we cherish plants that support local pollinators. The Ice Plant is a favorite among bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Its nectar-rich flowers provide a vital food source, helping to sustain these essential pollinators throughout the seasons. By welcoming Delosperma into your garden, you’re not only enhancing its beauty but also fostering a thriving ecosystem.

Easy Care and Versatility: As a family-owned business, we understand the value of time spent enjoying your garden oasis rather than toiling over maintenance tasks. That’s why we adore Delosperma for its easy-care nature. Once established, this perennial requires minimal watering and pruning, allowing you to relax and savor the beauty of your outdoor sanctuary. Whether planted as ground cover, in rockeries, or mixed borders, its versatility knows no bounds, adapting effortlessly to various garden styles and designs.

As stewards of nature’s bounty, we invite you to experience the enchantment of the Delosperma perennial in your own garden. With its radiant blooms, resilience, and ecological benefits, it’s a testament to the beauty and harmony that can thrive in our outdoor spaces. Visit D.R. Snell Nursery today and embark on a journey of discovery with the captivating Ice Plant. Let’s cultivate beauty, one bloom at a time

Growing Wallflowers (Erysimum)

Perennial wallflowers (Erysimum spp.) are charming and resilient plants that add vibrant color and delicate fragrance to any garden. With their easy-going nature and long-lasting blooms, they are a favorite among gardeners looking to add beauty and interest to their outdoor spaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cultivating perennial wallflowers:

1. Choose the Right Location:

  • Perennial wallflowers thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
  • Ensure the soil is fertile, loose, and well-draining. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with organic matter such as Bumper Crop and Pine Fines to improve drainage and fertility.

2. Planting:

  • Spring or fall are the best times to plant perennial wallflowers. Avoid planting during the hottest part of summer or the coldest part of winter.
  • Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. Space multiple plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
  • Gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

3. Watering:

  • Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season when the plant is establishing itself.
  • Once established, perennial wallflowers are moderately drought-tolerant and only require watering during prolonged dry spells.

4. Fertilizing:

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer such as Flower-Tone in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can result in lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

5. Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
  • Trim back leggy growth or spent flower stems to promote bushier growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
  • In late winter or early spring, prune back the entire plant by about one-third to rejuvenate growth and encourage a flush of new flowers in the upcoming season.

6. Pest and Disease Control:

  • Perennial wallflowers are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they may occasionally attract aphids or caterpillars.
  • Monitor plants regularly for signs of infestation and treat as necessary with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent the development of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

7. Winter Care:

  • In regions with harsh winters, provide a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
  • Cut back any dead or damaged growth in late fall to tidy up the plant and promote healthy regrowth in spring.

8. Dividing and Propagation:

  • Every few years, consider dividing mature perennial wallflowers to rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding.
  • Divide plants in early spring or fall, ensuring each division has a healthy root system and several stems.
  • Propagate perennial wallflowers from stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix until roots develop.

With proper care and attention, perennial wallflowers will reward you with years of vibrant blooms and delightful fragrance, making them a cherished addition to any garden landscape. Enjoy the beauty and resilience of these charming plants as they brighten your outdoor space season after season.