Blogs by Year

PRIMROSEIf you’re yearning for a kiss of spring, but Mother Nature seems somewhat slow to oblige, don’t despair. Primroses can be grown with minimum of effort on a sunny windowsill. They make cheerful gifts for anyone, even yourself while still held indoors in the grip of winter.

Japanese MaplesWithout a doubt, Japanese maples are by far one of the most popular and versatile of ornamental trees. People absolutely love them, and for good reason - they are beautiful! Images of brilliant reds, vibrant oranges, surreal greens and any color in between come to mind when we think of Japanese maples. Their color and structure are unmatched, while their size makes them accessible to those whose gardens are measured in square feet instead of acres. With their small stature, tremendous variety, and four-season beauty, Japanese maples offer something all year long.

Great gardens start with great tools, and now is the perfect time to stock up on spring tools like rakes and pruners. The right tools make creating and maintaining your yard easier and faster and you really only need a handful of tools to handle the most common lawn and garden maintenance. Be sure to check out our complete line of economical Terra Verde Tools in stores and now 30% off through March 31. Here are a few must-have garden tools to help you be successful and efficient in maintaining your garden:

Whether spring has sprung or is just starting to peek through the winter cold, now’s the time to get your lawn spring ready. Before you break out your trusty garden tools and seed packets, there are a few chores you need to tackle to get your lawn off on the right foot.The two most important things you can do for your established lawn in early Spring to apply:Pre-emergent - a pre-emergent will prevent weeds and unwanted grasses that can germinate when the weather gets warm.

Big beauty, low maintenance. This colorful little succulent plant is easy to grow and almost as easy to bloom. Kalanchoe grows 8 to 12 inches tall with clusters of small, upright flowers in a rainbow of colors, including red, orange, yellow, gold, purple and white. It has thick, rich green, succulent leaves that retain water to sustain the plant with little water.

by Kathy Van Mullekom, a lifelong gardener & gardening writer living in Hampton Roads, VAOh, happy days – Spring is only 20 days away! Which means it’s time to assess and prep – and prune -- your plants for another season of beauty.If the word “prune” strikes fear in your heart, take comfort in the fact that pruning promotes good health in plants – but only when pruning is done at the right time and in the right way.

Starting plants from seed is one of the most exciting and rewarding gardening activities. Growing seed is not complicated, it just requires a little thought and care. For best results, it is important to use fresh seed and follow the instructions on each seed packet which include specific planting tips, light source requirements and watering specifications. So grab a selection of your favorite seeds from annuals, to perennials to herbs & veggies -- and start from seed!What you'll need:

by Kathy Van Mullekom, a lifelong gardener & gardening writer living in York County, Virginia

Valentine's Day sneaks up on us every year, but no worries - we've got a whole host of blooming possibilities for that someone special. So bring a little spring into your home this winter with these amazing bloomers. This year, give a gift from the heart with these and many other living Valentines now at your local garden center!

Looking for ways to keep your green thumb green over the winter? Well, there are plenty of opportunities to work in the garden throughout those cold winter months. And, while most of us are more concerned with caring for our lawn and garden during the growing season, winter prep is just as important for keeping things looking good year-round. We’ve put together a list of essential tasks that should be done throughout the winter months to keep your lawn and garden in tip-top shape come springtime.