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...]
April 12, 2017 By
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...]
July 28, 2016 By
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...]
June 16, 2016 By
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...]
June 15, 2016 By
Planting Bee Gardens
You don't have to be a beekeeper to support your local bee population. Bee gardens can be as lovely and low-maintenance as any regular garden, and feature some perennial favorites! In general, bees prefer small or shallow flowers with easy access to nectar. Sweet-smelling and brightly colored will help draw bees in, and providing more structural plants like woody shrubs and trees can make your … [Read more...]
June 9, 2016 By
Hydrangea – Plant Profile
Hydrangea. Description: Hydrangea describes a number of deciduous, woody-stemmed shrubs with iconic clusters of flowers. The foliage comes in many shades of green, and varies in shape depending on the variety. Hydrangeas are best known for their clusters of four- or five-petal flowers that bloom late June into the fall. Color ranges greatly, red and pink to purple and blue, and some … [Read more...]
June 2, 2016 By
Rose Bush – Plant Profile
Rosa Common Rose Bush Varieties: "Ballerina"; "Bonica"; "Knockout". Description: Rose bushes are hardy, deciduous shrubs that feature iconic roses throughout the year. Blooming from early spring until late fall, they have a long bloom period making them ideal for year round interest. Their flowers come a huge array of colors, but most commonly shades of white, pink, and red. The flowers … [Read more...]
May 26, 2016 By
Spirea – Plant Profile
Spirea, genus. Common Varieties: "Bridal Wreath"; "Meadowsweet"; "Goldmound"; "Goldflame"; "Snowmound"; "Magic Carpet"; "Neon Splash". Description: ‘Spirea’ actually refers to over 80 varieties of deciduous shrubs, making it one of the most diverse plants available. Its features and habits will vary greatly depending on variety, but that also means it’s easy to find the right fit for every … [Read more...]
May 18, 2016 By
Tri-Color Willow – Plant Profile
Salix Integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' Common Names: Tri-color Willow, Dappled Willow, Variegated Willow Description: Tri-Color Willow is a deciduous shrub with long stems and delicate, narrow leaves. New growth in the spring is soft pink, and regular leaves are mottled and vary from pale green and yellow to white. In the fall, it sheds yellow leaves to reveal bright red twigs. Planting and … [Read more...]
May 11, 2016 By
Andromeda – Plant Profile
Pieris Japonica Other Common Names: Andromeda, Fetterbush, Pieris. Description: Andromeda is an evergreen shrub with thick, glossy green foliage. New leaf growth can vary from dark red to light orange or mottled in color, depending on variety. Leaves change in color throughout the year, usually turning deep red or purple in the fall and early winter. In the early spring and late summer, it … [Read more...]
