4 Benefits of Initial Spring Cleanup NOW As winter loosens its grip and the first signs of spring emerge, many homeowners begin to think about their outdoor spaces. March is the perfect time to get a head start on landscaping with an early spring cleanup and fresh mulch application. In the Mid-Atlantic region, where seasonal transitions can be unpredictable, taking proactive steps now can make a significant difference in the […]
2025 Perennial Plant of the Year
By: Renee Godfrey Quillin Every year since 1990 the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) votes on the Perennial Plant of the Year (PPOY) by its members. I am happy to announce the PPOY for 2025 is Pycnanthemum muticum which is commonly known as Short Toothed Mountain Mint or simply put, Mountain Mint. Mountain Mint is native to Eastern North America which ranges as north as Maine, south as Florida and as […]
The Perennial Movement
By Renee Godfrey Quillin There has been an increased focus on a new trend in 2024 that could be a garden game changer. The Perennial Movement is advocating for a more naturalistic and low-maintenance garden to celebrate the beauty of nature as the landscape changes from season to season. This creative process is accomplished by utilizing a naturalistic design, a colorful plant palette, use of natives and their cultivars, and […]
Electroculture
By: Renee Godfrey Quillin A new year can bring new perspectives to the landscape or at least bring back centuries old lost practice. Electroculture is the use of copper wire to harness the Earth’s energy to boost the soil and stimulate plant growth. While some will speculate that this falls under the classification of a pseudoscience, many have seen existential results to prove otherwise. We will explore the beneficial properties […]
Benefits of Houseplants
By: Renee Godfrey Quillin There is nothing like walking into the greenhouse at your local garden center and get an overwhelming sense of euphoria. Why is that? Is it the fresh smell, the endless ambiance of beautiful flora or even the warm humid atmosphere? It lies much deeper than our simple five senses. Houseplants provide a range of health benefits such as improved mental clarity and decreased depression that leads […]
Edible Landscape
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 […]
Fungi in the Ecosystem
by Karl Deibert We wouldn’t have the plants we know today if fungi did not exist. They have played an integral role in how life has developed and come to flourish on this planet. Fungus generally is not something that people hold in high regard, often associated with decay and disease, which is true for some species, but there is a lot more going on out there. Humans are just […]