by Kathy Van Mullekom, a lifelong gardener and gardening writer living in York County, Virginia
My 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.
Looking for plants you can trust to create a beautiful, easy-to-maintain garden? Get growing with this season's must-have annuals by Proven Winners. These sun-lovers can take the heat giving you mega color all summer long. Here's our favorite proven performers...
Angelface Angelonia - Beautiful flowering thriller with violet flowers. Angelonia are heat-loving plants that will grow most vigorously and bloom best when the heat is on. The plants are easy care with no deadheading needed.
