Blogs by Year

The world authority of colors, Pantone, has recently revealed its highly anticipated Color of the Year for 2018, PANTONE 18-3838 – or as most know it, Ultra Violet. The choice is described by Pantone as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, ultra violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.” Pantone’s Color of the Year selections are intended to reflect the current moods, fashion trends and current concepts in the world at the time.

As the fall leaves drop and the cooler weather arrives, it’s hard to imagine a winter landscape that is alive with color and texture. But you don’t have to do without beautiful blooms throughout the long, cold days of winter. If you’re looking to add color to your frost-covered landscape, we have just the thing - hellebores. These winter wonders are packed with flower power and are essential for any cold-weather garden.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and you may be looking for ways to dress up the table. Sure, the turkey looks great…but what about your centerpiece? There are unlimited ways to impress the guests at your table for your Thanksgiving feast or holiday parties. Consider these ideas to spice up your table this season.

When most of the garden is resting, camellias burst onto the scene with elegant, perfectly-formed blossoms. Sasanqua camellias are the first to bloom, and November and December are the best months to select and plant, since you’ll be able to see them in action.

Fall and winter are the perfect times to fertilize your lawns and plants for better health and disease resistance through the winter months. Stronger and healthier lawns and plants will endure the hardships of winter much better then weaker plants and lawns. Applying a fertilizer now through the end of December will ensure your plants success. Plants and lawns are expending energy now developing root systems and preparing for winter by storing food to be used during those colder months, so by feeding your pants you can aid in the survival during winter and stronger root development.

The cider is simmering, lights are twinkling, and the greenhouse is shimmering. That could only mean one thing- HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at McDonald Garden Center!Despite recent beach-going temperatures, the Christmas season is, in fact, right on our heels. With falling temps and football games comes our annual open house event that features all of the latest trends in the festive fantasyland that is the McDonald Garden Center Christmas Shoppe.

Want elegant, full blooms but don’t have a lot of room left in your landscape? Squeeze in an October Magic Bride Camellia! Grown by Southern Living (who else would know how to perfect the quintessential southern shrub than the southern experts right?!) this beautiful bloomer produces a profuse amount of dainty, pure white flowers but feels very cozy in a small space.

Decorating with Houseplants for FallOutside, the leaves are starting to fall but in our houseplant departments, our tropicals are thriving. We have some beautiful new additions to help you celebrate fall. Use them as table centerpieces for parties or in combination containers. Displayed with pumpkins and gourds, these plants will be a simple and pretty way to welcome fall.Florist Mums: boast large flowers and come in many different colors. These bright and happy mums make the perfect centerpiece or gift.

A houseplant that has the potential to bloom year-round is hard to come by. Luckily, we have the solution: anthuriums. This houseplant really makes a statement…and it is easy to care for. We carry anthuriums in several colors including pink, purple, red, and white. Grow anthurium alone or in combination containers with other houseplants.

Autumn is my favorite time of the year, especially in the garden. For the most part, annoying bugs go away and plant diseases disappear. And, some plants like roses produce their most stunning blooms in the fall, because they are not stressed by heat and pest problems. For me, fall is the time to enjoy the sights of colorful shrubs and trees. Here are some I like: