From the McDonald Garden Center Blog
People of all ages can enjoy gardening, but children in particular have lots of fun developing new skills. A garden is much more than just plants and soil - it’s a hands-on, living classroom. Not only does gardening teach them patience, it helps improve life skills and forms a positive relationship between the child and the environment. Plus, gardening provides excellent physical activity and many more benefits:
You’ll love this super unique Crepe Myrtle that has exploded onto the scene and has everyone talking about it’s vibrant, dark red blooms offset by intense black, yes black foliage! Enjoy this drought-tolerant, flowering tree all during summer and fall months. You can expect this tree to grow about 10-12 feet tall and 8 feet wide at a moderate pace. Crepe Myrtles perform exceptionally well in Hampton Roads, tolerating the area’s heat and humidity. If you love Crepe Myrtles, you’re sure to fall for this new one with it’s rare black foliage.
Well, summer is officially upon us Hampton Roads! With the days getting longer and temperatures on the rise, your garden needs a little TLC, and summertime is all about garden maintenance! Whether growing fruits and veggies, or maintaining your ornamentals, there’s plenty to do this month. Here's a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your summer landscape:
Go ahead, make his day with our favorite gift ideas for dear old Dad! Looking for some unique gift ideas for the big guy in your life this Father's Day? Celebrate dad this Father’s Day with something he’s sure to love. Instead of the usual ties and socks, give him something he can enjoy for years to come. Our experts put together this idea list for dad, so go ahead and make dad’s Day!
If you're looking for showy summer color, Miss Huff Lantana is the way to go! This remarkably hardy perennial is an unparalleled source of quick foliage and flowers in Hampton Roads.
After being inside all winter, there's nothing like sitting outside on a warm day, and just like us, houseplants enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and change of scenery! Letting them stay outside all summer long will give them much-needed nutrients for the winter once they're back in your heated house. However, you'll need to take a few steps to ensure a smooth transition. If you take the time to make the move outdoors a gradual one and shield them from extreme elements, they will thank you with healthy, vigorous growth and gorgeous blooms throughout the year.
by Kathy Van Mullekom, a lifelong gardener and gardening writer living in York County, VirginiaMy yard is all about “au naturel,” going without chemicals as much as we can. For years, we used a turf-care company that sprayed far too many chemicals on the grass. Now, we follow Virginia Tech’s Virginia Cooperative Extension lawn-care recommendations, which provide guidelines on soil testing for proper nutrient application. We also grow Bermuda turf which naturally suppresses weeds with its thick growth and requires no supplemental watering during summer.
Dress up fences, arbors, trellises and any structure you want to add a burst of climbing blooms! Flowering vines are an easy way to make a big statement in the garden - giving you colorful flowers and vertical interest. Vines are ideal for hiding eyesores, providing privacy, softening the monotony of plain fencing and transforming a plain arbor or pergola into a focal point of your garden. Most require low maintenance and often draw the attention of colorful butterflies and delightful little hummingbirds. Consider these show-stopping climbers:
Looking for a heat-loving annual that will perform great in Hampton Roads gardens - and attract those beloved hummingbirds? Look no further than Cuphea Vermillionaire, also called a firecracker plant. Enjoy a real show with its abundant yellow orange trumpet-like flowers all summer long. Plant this drought-tolerant bloomer in full sun for best flowering and too avoid it stretching in the shade. You'll need to keep it moist throughout the growing season with regular fertilizing to keep it full and constantly flowering.
The McDonald Storyby Kathy Van Mullekom, a lifelong gardener and gardening writer living in York County, Virginia
