By: Shannon Sullivan Learn the basics for planning, prepping, planting, and harvesting for a successful edible garden. Choose the correct site, most edible crops need full sun to grow at least 6 – 8 hours per day. Raised beds allow you to garden in all types of conditions when dealing with poor or compacted soils, space, and maintenance. Edible landscaping boarders add beauty by mixing edible flowers throughout your […]
Irrigation in New and Mature Gardens
By: Andrew Obloy A lot of things go into keeping your garden happy and healthy, mainly soil condition, sunlight, and water. An irrigation system, whether done by hand or a programmed system, is important in both new and established gardens. Our unpredictable Mid Atlantic climate, in particular, makes an irrigation system crucial to keeping your plants healthy. However, it takes knowledge of both the property and plants to make sure […]
Introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
What is Integrated Pest Management? Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests and their damage, through a variety of methods, such as biological controls, habitat manipulation, changing cultural practices and the use of resistant varieties of plants. Chemical controls are carried out in the form of applications, performed only by a certified technician. Pesticides are used after careful monitoring indicates that they […]
2023 Color of the Year: Terra Cotta
By Renee Godfrey Quillin The Garden Media Group announced that their pick for the 2023 Color of the Year is Terra Cotta. A new year gives rise to a fresh focus on the garden and no other better way to do so but with incorporating the timeless material with the warm and earthy tones of terra cotta pottery. This made me reflect on how modern design has strayed away from […]
Fruit Trees for Zone 7
We all know how trying it can be to grow fruit trees successfully in zone 7. Our weather patterns can be quite unpredictable at times, making it difficult to maintain a steady yield year after year. But fear not! In this article we will explore valuable tips to keep in mind when growing fruit trees in our zone. There is surprisingly a lot of variety when it comes to the […]
Climbers in the Garden
By: Avery Meyers Driving through neighborhoods in DC and Northern Virginia, you will notice beautifully trained ivies and roses along walls and lattices, wisteria covering arbors, and vinca covering garden beds. Vines fill many important needs in landscaping and can be stunning when placed thoughtfully and well maintained. However, these incredible plants can have a detrimental effect on a property when used improperly or ignored. There are many diverse types […]
To Water, or Not to Water?
By: Elena Roman You go to the local nursery to buy a few perennials to fill in the garden bed in your front yard. You find what you like, you go home, plant them in the ground, and give them a good soak with the hose. You already know the bed has the appropriate sunlight for these specific plants, but you feel less certain about how much water they will […]
Integrated Pest Management
By: Andrew Obloy Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can be complicated and broad, to say the least. Essentially, it is a program to manage pests, but it is also so much more. Here are some ways we can use IPM to help keep your properties healthy and beautiful: Our use of IPM begins in spring, applying fertilizer to both plants and turf. Fertilizer ensures plants receive the nutrients they need for […]
Right Plant, Right Place
By: Ash Green Proper plant placement plays an essential role in landscape design. It is a compromise between the science of growing plants and the desire for artistic expression with plants. It is also important to note the abundant environmental benefits associated with proper plant placement. For example, tree placement has a significant role in energy conservation. Winter sun that enters south facing windows can heat your home effectively. Evergreen […]
Winter Pruning
By Samantha Wright It is freezing cold outside, there are no leaves on the trees and not a flower in sight. Yet you see our gardeners in your landscape, looking up in the trees pruning with extended poles. Later in the day, our heads are in the shrubs continuing pruning. What is the point, is this really the right time? In the middle of winter? Do not be fooled by […]