A Garden Challenge When transforming a small empty area into a usable space, select a theme or style as you would for any garden, but think small scale in its development. When buying plants, shrubs and trees, look for the words "dwarf" and "compact" and "miniture" attached to your favorites. Less is more, and a theme provides a [...]
Many clients come to me with questions about how to take significant "green" steps to make their gardens more eco-friendly. The question I hear the most? "Where to start?" Here are five easy steps every person can take in their home garden that will help the environment and save you money in the long run on watering and energy costs. Reduce your lawn by half [...]
Storing Clay Pots for Winter Now is a good time to add storing clay pots to your list of garden chores to do before the cold weather sets in. It's important to empty, clean and sterilize your clay pots for winter storage to give them a longer life. Clay pots must be stored in a dry environment [...]
Spring 2011 is Coming While we enjoy the cooler Fall weather, it's time to think about planting early Spring blooming bulbs to ensure your beautiful early Spring garden. Red Impression Tulips, Scilla, and Narcissus are just a few of the bulbs we're planting this Fall for our clients. When you know a river of red tulips, a burst of cool Scilla blue, and striking yellow Narcissus that will rival the sun's brightness is waiting [...]
Enjoy Your Garden Through the Cold! As cold fronts start to roll through, don't turn your back on your garden! Our gardens are to be used and enjoyed year round, and you can take pleasure in your landscape and its healthy plants and various bright colors during all parts of the year. Colder weather causes the water inside the plant to freeze, which ruptures cell walls and [...]
A new GardenWise project in DC, pictured left, includes a new front entrance that is under construction. Improvements include new stone entry walk, and a front porch with surrounding seat wall. An array of new plantings will include evergreens for year round interest, and a variety of perennials and ground covers that will provide texture and variety for seasonal interest. [...]
We found this great story from Feb. and wanted to share some of these tips on plant nutrients. When it comes down to it, most old-fashioned gardeners have plant care imprinted on their fingers. We add water as needed and allow oxygen to enter the soil by not compacting it. Certain natural soil amendments address specific [...]
I design our gardens with multi-seasonal interest, which is very important since we experience all the seasons here in the DC-area. Creating a garden that will display great visual appeal each month of the year is GardenWise’s goal, so I was excited when I read this story in The English Garden called ‘A Plan for All Seasons’ and wanted [...]
Today it's all about one of my favorite Fall show stoppers -- Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaries.) It reaches about 4'x3', with a nicely cascading, fountainous habit of cloud-like foliage. It also has billowy and profuse blooms. Pink Muhly is a North American native, and looks great en masse in a sunny garden border with hot-pink Knock Out Roses, or as a [...]
Burning Bush is a Fall Favorite Don't call the fire department because that's not a fireball in your garden, it's a Dwarf Burning Bush (Euonymus alata "Compactus,") a low-care, beautiful shrub. With its upright, bushy and vase-shaped habit, Burning Bush is a Fall garden's best friend with its brilliant and intense fiery scarlet Red foilage. Your guests will do a double take when they see your [...]