The Boxwood Species and its Large Family

The Boxwood Species, (Buxus Sempervirens) happens to be one of the most popular shrub types in most landscape projects today. With almost 200 varieties of Boxwood out there, it is an evergreen shrub that is native in many different regions. A good majority of the Boxwood family grows slow and short and is often used for borders or edging around houses and in landscape designs, while some others … [Read more...]

When and Where should I be Mulching?

When asking yourself if you should be mulching or not, the answer is always yes! The next questions is then how much and how often to mulch? Mulching too much, not enough or not with the right kind can be detrimental to your plants, so lets find out more! SOME OF THE MAIN REASONS TO MULCH: Retain water in the root area. Cooling of the root area. Nutritional break-down. Insect, … [Read more...]

Coneflower – Plant Profile

Echinacea "Coneflower" in classic purple and ornamental red. Hardiness Zones: Zones 3 - 9Common Varieties: Purpurea ("Purple Coneflower" - not always purple!), tennesseensis ("Tennessee Coneflower"), Colors: Mostly light, warm purple, but also hot pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and even green and dark purple, or multicolored. Echinacea is the genus name for a whole gaggle of flowers … [Read more...]

Pruning in the Fall Like a Pro

It’s that time of year. Your perennials are past bloom, your trees are dropping leaves. Getting your garden ready for the oncoming winter months might seem a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a quick break down on pruning and other winter prep tasks. Pruning Perennials Once your perennials are past bloom, you can prune whenever. Prune them right on down to the ground. Don’t … [Read more...]

Arborvitae: Why We Love Them

You’ll find Arborvitae virtually everywhere in the U.S. Also known as Cedar or Thuja, this evergreen can be spotted in hedges in front yards, store fronts, parks and more. Why is it so popular? Well, here are a few of our favorite things about Arborvitae. Sound Cancelling: Live near 87 or another busy road? Have a noisy neighbor? Arborvitae can help. Arborvitae has thick, dense foliage, so … [Read more...]

Yarrow – Plant Profile

Achillea Millefolium Common Names: Yarrow, Milefoil Common Varieties: “Paprika” (red), “Appleblossom” (pink), “Coronation Gold” (golden yellow), “Gypsy White” (white), “Peachy Peach Sensation” (peach). Description: Yarrow is a flowering perennial featuring tight, flat clusters of bright flowers atop long green stems. The flowers themselves range in color from white to deep red, with … [Read more...]

Lilac – Plant Profile

Syringa vulgaris Common Varieties: "Miss Kim", "Lincoln", "Mme. Lemoine", "Miss Canada", Dwarf Korean, Persian Lilac Description: Lilacs are a type of deciduous, flowering plant that's generally a shrub, but some varieties can become trees. They're famous for their fragrant clusters of flowers that appear in late May. Lilac is a multi-stem, woody shrub covered in broad, bright green … [Read more...]

Forsythia – Plant Profile

Forsythia suspensa Other Names: "Golden Bell" If you live in upstate New York, you’ve probably seen forsythia before. Those gorgeous yellow blooms are the first sign of spring. They’re also one of the most popular choices for hedges and foundation plantings. Description: Forsythia is a deciduous shrub that, left untouched, can grow to 8' in height. It's stems start green, but with … [Read more...]

Ornamental Grasses: Why We Love Them

Ornamental grasses may seem the Plain Jane of the perennial world – but that’s not really the case. Sure, they are low-maintenance and fast-growing, but that doesn’t mean they're boring. Need convincing? Here is our short list of reasons perennial grasses can be one of the best plant investments for your landscape. Did we mention they’re low maintenance? Once installed, ornamental grasses … [Read more...]

Salvia – Plant Profile

Common Varieties: "Meadow Sage" (the most common perennial Salvia), "May Night". Similar and Related Plants: Lavender, Nepeta "Catmint", Russian Sage. Description: Salvia is the name a a group of plants in the mint family, including sage. Since it refers to a group and not a specific plant, Salvia plants come in a huge variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. The most common varieties found … [Read more...]