Blogs by Year

With its appealing aroma and burst of flavor, it’s no wonder why people go crazy for a cup of tea, and we don't blame them. Served hot or cold, herbal teas are a delicious way to experience the refreshing flavor of herbs that can be grown in your very own garden. Tea is traditionally known for its calming effects and many of us turn to herbal teas to help unwind after a long day. Furthermore, herbal tea has been used for centuries as an at-home remedy for common ailments, such as headaches, stress, bloating, and nausea.

A professional landscape designer will ensure that your garden is not only beautiful but also practical. They've learned through experience what works and what doesn’t. Whether your yard needs seasonal updates or a total renovation, our experienced designers can offer a wide range of ideas while offering the flexibility to create your own unique outdoor space that reflects your needs and your personality.

The victory gardens movement was born more than 60 years ago during the World War II era when money and supplies were tight and tensions ran high. The United States government formally created a World War II Victory Garden initiative to focus on improving the health of the nation through homegrown produce as a role individual families could play to help the troops abroad. Planting a garden also served as a morale booster for Americans, where gardeners felt empowered by their contribution and involvement.

Social distancing, quarantine, isolation- all things that we as humans are not wired to do and that can have psychological effects that are difficult for most of us to deal with. We all experience anxiety at one time or another and when worry and fear take over, they can become disruptive and even debilitating. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is linked not only to worry and unease, but also to physical effects, such as fatigue, restlessness, and muscle tension.

Houseplants are growing in popularity and a new generation of plant parents are visiting our greenhouses everyday. With that, we wanted to give everyone a few tips to be successful. GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PLANT - Some plants require very little attention, while others need a bit more TLC. Certain plants such as tropical house plants need regular misting to boost humidity, others are sensitive to salts and chemicals in tap water. Reading care cards, doing research and asking our plant experts will all help to get to know your plants better and become a better plant parent.

In spring 2009, McDonald unveiled the first Garden Market in Poquoson, Virginia. Now, Markets have expanded throughout the Southside, the Peninsula and up into Williamsburg. Entering our 10th Garden Market season, we're excited to reveal our locations for 2020. This year we're offering ten convenient locations to serve garden enthusiasts on both the Peninsula and Southside. Click here to find a Market location near you.

McDonald Garden Center began as a partnership between two brothers in 1945 in Hampton, Virginia. In the 1950's a diversity of plants and products made the operation a full-line garden center. New buildings and plant display areas met the growing needs of Peninsula gardeners. In 1973, Eddie Anderson and his wife Sara purchased the garden center. With a commitment to improving the quality of life through the business of gardening, McDonald Garden Center grew rapidly in size and structure.

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:

Flowers have been a long-standing favorite for Valentine’s Day, and February 14th is one of the busiest days for flowers. Looking for the perfect way to say it, try sending a flower that has a meaning. Here is a list of some ‘meaningful’ flowers that we adore: ORCHIDS (Meaning: Love, Luxury, Beauty and Strength)

Succulents have never been more on trend than they are right now, and these low maintenance plants make the perfect houseplant for those of any age to learn how to nurture their green thumb. These eclectic plants come in silhouettes and growing habits that look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Succulents are low-maintenance, get by on minimal water, and come in an amazing assortment of interesting shapes, varied patterns, unusual colors and many even boast beautiful flowers! Try your hand at succulents and see how exceedingly easy these gems are to grow.