Ornamental grasses are treasured for their hardiness, ease of care, dramatic appearance, and the wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes available. And, today’s ornamental grasses are worlds apart from what was available a few years ago. There are more varieties to choose from, colorful foliage for season-long interest, and shorter, more compact selections for growing in containers and small spaces. Many varieties bloom all season, not just in fall like warm season perennial grasses. Their color palettes range from green to blue, copper, cream, red, and purple.
Shrubs are some of the most important plants in the landscape offering color, texture, and oftentimes four-season interest. They can also create shade, attract birds or give you privacy from neighbors or a busy street. Mike Westpahl, McDonald Garden Center’s Garden Guru, has selected three of his favorite shrubs that thrive in Hampton Roads. .
Hampton Road’s love affair with crepe myrtles is undeniable. Few plants can match their combination of stunning summer flowers, vibrant autumn foliage, and unique and beautiful exfoliating bark.
The Canna Cannova Series separates itself from almost every other canna on the market. These easy-care, tropical bulbs are prized for their super-sized leaves in bright green, bronze, black, or variegated. Cannova has a compact, bushy habit and the ability to form multiple shoots. They bloom earlier and continue nonstop from summer until the first frost. Flowers come in shades of red, rose, yellow, scarlet, lemon, and mango and are available in standard forms that can grow 5 feet tall and dwarfs that grow just 2 feet tall.
