At Meadows Farms, we’ve seen how thoughtful design can transform underused backyards into inviting, functional spaces that add real value to the home. From Northern Virginia communities like Falls Church, Annandale, and Leesburg to areas around Fredericksburg and central Virginia, local conditions play a major role in how outdoor spaces perform over time.

Start With How You Want to Use Your Backyard

Before plants, patios, or materials come into play, successful backyard landscaping starts with intention. Virginia homeowners have different priorities when it comes to their outdoor spaces, and identifying those goals early helps guide every design decision that follows.

Common Backyard Priorities

• A comfortable space for entertaining friends and family
• A quiet retreat for relaxing after a long day
• A family-friendly area with room for kids or pets
• Improving privacy from neighboring properties

Designing around real-life use helps prevent layouts that may look appealing but don’t function well on a daily basis.

Create Outdoor Living Areas That Feel Like an Extension of the Home

A great idea for Virginia homes is to create defined outdoor living areas. These spaces give structure to the yard and encourage homeowners to spend more time outdoors.

When a backyard is designed to feel like a natural extension of the home, it becomes more practical and inviting. Creating defined outdoor living spaces is especially important in Northern Virginia, where lot sizes often benefit from clear organization and efficient layouts.

Outdoor seating areas, dining spaces, and patios help anchor the design and establish clear gathering zones. Even a modest patio can become a central feature of the backyard, supporting both everyday use and occasional entertaining without overwhelming the space.

Add Structure With Hardscaping for a Finished Look

Hardscaping plays a key role in turning a backyard into a polished, intentional space. Features like stone, pavers, and walkways help define movement through the yard while adding durability and long-term value.

Hardscape Elements That Work Well in Virginia Backyards

• Paver or stone patios
• Walkways connecting different areas of the yard
• Retaining walls for sloped or uneven terrain

Considering the climate in Virginia, hardscaping can be an important tool for improving drainage, reducing erosion, and supporting long-term usability.

Choose Plants That Thrive in Virginia’s Climate

Plant selection is where local knowledge makes a real difference. Virginia’s climate supports a wide range of plant options, but humidity, summer heat, and soil conditions make thoughtful selection essential.

Popular Plant Choices for Virginia Backyards

• Perennials such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans
• Shrubs like boxwood, hydrangea, and inkberry holly
• Trees including crape myrtle, red maple, and dogwood

Selecting plants suited to Virginia’s growing conditions helps reduce maintenance needs while keeping the backyard attractive throughout the seasons. At Meadows Farms, plant recommendations are informed by real-world performance across regions rather than one-size-fits-all trends. View your local location to pick out some plants.

Balance Privacy and Openness Naturally

Privacy is a common concern for Virginia homeowners, particularly in suburban neighborhoods. Landscaping offers natural solutions for creating separation without relying solely on fencing.

Layered plantings, hedges, and strategically placed trees can soften property lines while maintaining an open, welcoming feel. This approach provides privacy without making the backyard feel closed off or confined.

Design With Low Maintenance in Mind

A backyard should enhance daily life, not add extra work. Many homeowners prefer backyard landscaping ideas that look great while remaining easy to maintain.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping Strategies

• Mulched planting beds to help control weeds
• Efficient irrigation solutions suited to hot Virginia summers
• Durable materials that age well over time

Making smart design choices early helps keep maintenance manageable and ensures the backyard continues to look its best year after year.

Seasonal Backyard Planning for Virginia Homes

With four distinct seasons, planning for year-round interest is especially important in Virginia landscapes. Summer heat, fall leaf drop, and mild winters all influence how outdoor spaces are used.

Backyard Focus by Season

• Spring: Fresh growth and flowering plants
• Summer: Shade, seating, and outdoor living
• Fall: Colorful foliage and strong structure
• Winter: Evergreens and hardscape features

Designing with Virginia’s seasonal shifts in mind ensures the backyard remains attractive and functional throughout the year.

Turn Backyard Ideas Into a Space You’ll Enjoy

The best backyard landscaping ideas combine beauty, function, and long-term value. By focusing on how the space will be used, selecting plants suited to Virginia’s climate, and balancing greenery with hardscaping, homeowners can create outdoor spaces that truly enhance their homes.

At Meadows Farms, we help Virginia homeowners bring backyard ideas to life through thoughtful design, quality installation, and local expertise. If you’re ready to start planning a backyard that fits your lifestyle and your property, our team is here to help you take the next step.

The post Backyard Landscaping Ideas Virginia Homeowners Will Love appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

These small yard landscaping ideas are meant to inspire homeowners who want their outdoor space to feel intentional, livable, and easy to enjoy.

Start With Purpose, Not Plants

Before choosing plants or materials, it’s important to understand how you want to use your yard. A small space works best when it’s designed around real needs rather than trends.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a quiet place to relax or entertain guests?
• Is the yard mainly for visual appeal or daily use?
• How much time do you realistically want to spend on maintenance?

Answering these questions first helps guide every other decision and prevents the space from feeling cluttered or impractical.

Think Vertically to Free Up Ground Space

One of the most effective small yard landscaping ideas is using vertical space. When ground area is limited, walls and fences become valuable design tools.

Vertical elements can include:

• Trellises with climbing plants
• Wall-mounted planters
• Hanging containers along fences

These features add greenery without taking up walking or seating space, while also making the yard feel taller and more open.

Create Structure With Simple Zones

Even the smallest yards benefit from a sense of structure. Instead of treating the entire area as one open space, subtle zoning makes it feel more organized and intentional.

For example:

• A small patio or seating area paired with surrounding planting
• A narrow pathway guiding movement through the yard
• A defined garden corner separated by edging or materials

These visual cues help the space flow naturally and feel easier to use. A landscaping designer can help you figure out the best zones to use.

Choose Features That Do More Than One Job

In compact outdoor spaces, multi-functional design is essential. Features that serve more than one purpose help keep the yard clean and uncluttered.

Popular options include:

• Built-in benches that offer seating and storage
• Raised planting beds that double as borders
• Compact furniture designed specifically for small spaces

These choices support both style and functionality without overwhelming the layout.

Use Containers to Add Flexibility and Style

Container planting is a favorite solution for small yards because it offers flexibility and visual interest. Containers allow homeowners to adjust layouts, experiment with plant combinations, and refresh the space seasonally.

They work especially well for:

• Patios and decks
• Areas where in-ground planting isn’t practical
• Adding height and dimension without permanent changes

Grouped thoughtfully, containers can become a design feature rather than just a space-saving solution.

Balance Greenery With Hardscaping

A well-designed small yard usually combines plants with hardscape elements. Too much greenery can feel busy, while too much hardscaping can feel cold.

Stone pathways, small paved areas, or gravel accents help anchor the space visually. When paired with planting, they create contrast, improve flow, and make maintenance easier over time.

Keep Plant Choices Scaled and Manageable

Plant selection plays a major role in how spacious a yard feels. Oversized plants can quickly dominate a small area, while well-scaled options maintain balance.

Focus on:

• Compact shrubs and perennials
• Ornamental grasses for texture and movement
• Layered planting to add depth without crowding

Choosing plants that stay proportional helps the yard feel calm and intentional. We also offer a pick and plant service, where you can have our experts pick the plants (with your approval) and plant them. Pick and plant is perfect for those that don’t have the greenest of thumbs.

Avoid Common Small Yard Mistakes

When working with limited space, small mistakes can have a big impact. Common issues include overcrowding the yard with features, choosing oversized furniture, or ignoring sun and shade patterns.

Keeping the design simple and scaled appropriately leads to better long-term results.

Small Space, Big Potential

With the right approach, a small yard can become one of the most enjoyable parts of a home. These small yard landscaping ideas focus on smart planning, visual balance, and practical design, helping homeowners create outdoor spaces that feel both inspiring and easy to live with.

A thoughtful layout, flexible features, and well-chosen plants can turn even the smallest yard into a space that truly works. Get started with the Meadows Farms landscaping team today!

The post Small Yard Landscaping Ideas to Maximize Your Outdoor Space appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Why a Professional Landscape Designer Matters

A landscape designer does more than just sketch pretty ideas. They understand how to blend aesthetics with practicality, taking into account your property’s soil, sun exposure, drainage, plant choices, and long-term maintenance. In areas like the DMV, local experience matters because every yard has unique conditions and seasonal challenges.

By choosing a professional local designer, you get:

• Custom solutions that fit your space
• Practical plans that are buildable and sustainable
• Expert recommendations on plants, materials, and layout
• A roadmap for installation and future care

For example, at Meadows Farms, you’ll work one-on-one with a professional in your local service area who will craft a custom plan to transform your space.

Check Portfolios and Design Style

Not all landscape designers have the same creative voice. Some focus on native plant gardens and natural design, while others specialize in modern hardscape or ornamental plantings. As you review portfolios:

• Notice if the projects feel cohesive and well-executed
• See if the designer has experience with properties similar to yours
• Pay attention to variety. Does the designer handle multiple styles?

A strong portfolio tells you a lot about a designer’s strengths and helps narrow your options before any meetings begin.

Meet Our Designers – Get to Know the Team

Once you’ve identified a few promising designers, take time to learn more about them. At Meadows Farms, you can browse designer and landscape architect profiles and find professionals available in your area, or the team can assign a designer based on your location and needs.

Many designer profiles also include real client feedback, which makes it easier to choose with confidence. For example:

“The work provided by Meadows greatly exceeded our expectations!! The design and knowledge Amanda brought from the start was exactly what we needed… We are so pleased with the quality of work and would highly recommend Meadows…”

— C.M., Warrenton, Virginia

Schedule a Consultation

After narrowing your list, the next big step is scheduling a consultation. A professional consultation gives you:

• A chance to talk through your ideas in detail
• Expert feedback and suggestions
• A clearer understanding of budget and timeline
• A sense of how well you and the designer can work together

Many of your questions will be answered during the consultation, but we also have a list of frequently asked questions available.

Make Your Final Choice

If you had consultations with multiple designers, compare notes:

• Who listened best and understood your vision?
• Whose style aligns more with your preferences?
• Did the designer provide clear next steps and expectations?

Your ideal landscape designer should feel like a partner, someone who respects your ideas and enhances them with experience and expertise.

Ready to Hire a Landscape Designer?

Choosing the best landscape designer near you in Virginia or Maryland takes research, thoughtful questions, and clear communication. By reviewing portfolios, checking local reviews, meeting professionals in person, and scheduling a consultation, you give yourself the best chance of ending up with an outdoor space you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Choose your designer and book a consultation to get started today!

The post How to Find the Best Landscape Designer Near You in Virginia and Maryland appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Curb appeal isn’t just a buzzword. It’s often a deciding factor in how quickly a home sells and how valuable it feels to buyers. Well-planned front yard improvements frequently deliver a strong return on investment, with many projects yielding 90% to 100%+ ROI. A strong “wow factor” at first glance can dramatically increase perceived value without requiring excessive or high-maintenance design choices.

The goal is to create a landscape that looks polished, intentional, and inviting, not overdesigned or difficult to maintain.

How Can a Front Yard Stand Out?

Strong curb appeal is built on balance, clarity, and structure. Clean bed lines, healthy plants, a well-maintained lawn, and clearly defined walkways create an immediate sense of order and care. In contrast, front yards that appear overly “wild” or unstructured are often perceived as high-maintenance, even when that isn’t the homeowner’s intent.

A more effective approach focuses on high-impact, low-maintenance design. Natural, organic lines, layered plantings, and drifts of plants create visual interest while still feeling controlled. When landscapes are designed with year-round structure in mind and with deer pressure considered, they maintain their appeal well beyond a single season.

Start with Clear Bed Lines and a Defined Structure

Defined edges instantly sharpen a front yard’s appearance. Re-edging landscape beds and refreshing mulch brighten the space and help plants stand out. Beyond aesthetics, proper edging and mulching also support plant health by reducing weeds and retaining soil moisture.

Borders, whether stone, brick, pavers, or clean spade-cut edges, guide the eye and give the landscape a cohesive form. These foundational elements create the framework that allows plantings to feel intentional rather than scattered.

A healthy, well-maintained lawn plays a critical supporting role as well, acting as a clean visual backdrop that allows planting beds, walkways, and architectural features to stand out.

Include Plants That Perform Well in the Mid-Atlantic

There is no universal list of “best plants” for curb appeal. Successful plant selection always starts with understanding how the space will be used, the homeowner’s aesthetic preferences, and their realistic maintenance commitment.

In the Mid-Atlantic, the most effective landscapes prioritize plant groupings and layers over individual specimens. Designers often begin by establishing the “bones” of the landscape, structure, geometry, and form, before selecting specific plants to fill that framework.

Many Virginia and Maryland landscapes benefit from a mix of reliable performers such as:

• Evergreens like boxwood and holly for year-round form
• Redbuds and dogwoods for spring interest
• Hydrangeas and azaleas for bold summer color
• Coneflowers and black-eyed Susans for durable perennial brightness

In areas with heavy deer activity, choosing deer-resistant plants is essential to protecting long-term curb appeal and reducing replacement costs. What matters most isn’t the plant itself, but how it fits into the overall design and how it will grow alongside neighboring plants over time.

Low-Maintenance Options for Busy Homeowners

Low maintenance doesn’t simply mean doing less; it often means knowing more. Understanding when to prune, why certain plants need seasonal care, and which plants require ongoing management has a greater impact than the amount of time spent in the yard.

Homeowners seeking low-maintenance curb appeal are best served by designs that match their level of knowledge and available support. Native plants are often ideal, as they adapt naturally to local conditions and require less intervention once established.

Popular low-maintenance options in Virginia and Maryland include:

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
• Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
• Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)
• American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

These plants provide structure, seasonal interest, and durability without demanding constant attention.

Consistent seasonal care, including proper pruning, fertilization, and weed prevention such as pre-emergent applications, helps landscapes mature gracefully rather than decline over time.

Make the Entryway a Natural Focal Point

The front entry should feel welcoming and intentional. Well-defined walkways guide visitors naturally toward the entrance, while subtle flares near driveways soften transitions and improve flow.

Planters with seasonal color, symmetrical greenery, and well-placed lighting help anchor the entry visually. Strategic lighting on the home, along walkways, steps, and stoops improves safety while adding warmth and evening appeal. Even small updates like fresh paint, clean hardware, or updated stoops, can dramatically enhance how the home is perceived.

Thoughtfully placed privacy screening can enhance comfort and aesthetics without creating a heavy, barricade-like wall of evergreens. Strategic screening preserves openness while still defining space.

Common Front Yard Landscaping Mistakes in Virginia & Maryland

Many landscaping issues don’t appear immediately; they emerge years later as plants mature and compete for space. Common mistakes include ignoring mature plant size, overplanting, and choosing plants without considering long-term compatibility.

Other frequent challenges include excessive mulching, particularly “volcano mulching” around tree trunks, which can damage plants over time. Planting only for spring blooms rather than for successional, year-round interest often leads to flat, short-lived designs.

In this region, soil conditions also play a major role. Clay-heavy soils are nutrient-rich but require proper amendment to improve drainage and root development. Breaking clay with organically enriched soil encourages earthworms and allows young roots to establish and take hold.

Additional mistakes include poor plant grouping (“one of everything” planting), ignoring fertilization needs in slopes or tree-dense areas, and prioritizing the lowest price over long-term value. In most cases, homeowners get exactly what they pay for.

When Is It Time to Hire a Professional Landscaper in Virginia & Maryland?

Professional guidance is especially valuable when homeowners want a cohesive front-yard design that balances aesthetics, functionality, and long-term maintenance. Designers first establish the structure and geometry of a landscape, layers, forms, and continuity, before selecting individual plants.

This approach ensures plants work together rather than compete over time, reducing future maintenance challenges and visual clutter. Investing in thoughtful design and proper installation upfront often prevents costly corrections later and delivers greater long-term value.

Meadows Farms offers landscape design and installation services tailored specifically to Virginia and Maryland homes, helping homeowners translate these ideas into landscapes that perform well and look intentional year after year.

The post Front Yard Landscaping Ideas That Boost Curb Appeal in Virginia & Maryland appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Incorporating Mountain Mint into Your Garden Design

Mountain Mint is a versatile plant that can enhance a variety of garden styles! Below, we’ve outlined some of our favorite ways to incorporate this powerhouse plant into your garden design.

Create a Pollinator Paradise

Mountain Mint is a natural pollinator magnet, making it the perfect centerpiece for a buzzing, vibrant garden.

Design Tip: Plant a large swath of Mountain Mint as a backdrop, then layer in other native pollinator favorites like coneflowers (Echinacea), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), and bee balm (Monarda). This creates a colorful, dynamic garden always alive with activity.

Natural Meadow Look

For a more relaxed, naturalistic garden, Mountain Mint fits right in with the meadow-inspired design.

Design Tip: Combine Mountain Mint with native grasses like little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Add pops of color with a blazing star (Liatris) and Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium). This combination creates a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape that mimics natural ecosystems.

Edible and Medicinal Garden

Mountain Mint isn’t just pretty; it’s functional, too! Incorporate it into an edible or medicinal garden for both beauty and utility. This design is best for Narrow-leafed and Hairy Mountain Mint varieties.

Design Tip: Plant Mountain Mint near your vegetable garden to attract beneficial insects that help control pests. Pair it with other edible natives like wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana) and New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) for a multi-functional space.

Woodland Edge Garden

Many Mountain Mint varieties can tolerate partial shade, making them a unique choice for woodland edge gardens.

Design Tip: Use Mountain Mint to create a transition between sunnier areas and shade gardens. Pair it with shade-tolerant natives like columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), and foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) for a diverse and attractive border.

Rain Garden Hero

Some Mountain Mint varieties, like Clustered Mountain Mint, can tolerate periodically moist soil, making them great additions to rain gardens.

Design Tip: Plant Mountain Mint on the upper edges of your rain garden, where it will receive moisture without becoming waterlogged. Combine it with rain garden favorites like swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) for an attractive, functional water management solution.

Cut Flower Garden

Don’t forget that Mountain Mint makes an excellent cut flower arrangement. Its long-lasting blooms and aromatic foliage can add interest to any bouquet.

Design Tip: Plant Mountain Mint in your cutting garden alongside other native flowers like purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) for season-long bouquets.

Design Considerations

• Spread: Some Mountain Mint varieties can spread vigorously. Consider planting it in containers or using root barriers to contain its growth in smaller gardens.
• Height: Most Mountain Mint varieties can grow 2-3 feet tall. Depending on your design, plant them in the middle or back of borders.
• Texture: Mountain Mint’s fine foliage texture contrasts beautifully with plants with bolder leaves, like Joe Pye weed or black-eyed Susans.
• Color: Mountain mint’s silvery-green foliage and white to pale pink flowers provide a neutral backdrop that complements any color scheme.

Bring Your Garden to Life with Mountain Mint – Visit Meadows Farms Today!

Mountain Mint is a versatile, beautiful, and ecologically valuable plant that can enhance any garden design. By incorporating native plants like Mountain Mint into your garden, you’ll create a vibrant space, support local ecosystems, and bring a buzz of life to your backyard.

Ready to start designing with Mountain Mint? Head to your nearest Meadows Farms location and explore our selection of Mountain Mint and companion plants. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you bring your garden dreams to life!

The post Using Native Mountain Mint in Your Virginia Landscape Design appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

1. Keeps Weeds Under Control

In my opinion, the most unenjoyable and labor-intensive part of maintaining a garden is weeding. So many hot, humid days in the middle of summer trashing my knees and straining my back trying to pull the fifty-thousand varieties of weeds that invade the garden and rob precious moisture from my plants. Applying mulch is a great way to limit weed growth and save yourself a lot of time and effort later. Mulch blocks light and air from the soil surface, hindering weed growth. It won’t eliminate all weeds, but it will undoubtedly keep numbers under control.

If you’re looking for even more weed protection, apply a weed preventer such as Preen or Espoma Organic Corn Gluten. The pre-emergents will keep any new weeds from taking root, giving your mulched beds an extra layer of protection. You can apply these at the same time that you are mulching and several times throughout the season for best results.

2. Prevents Soil Erosion

Heavy rains can cause erosion in the topsoil of your gardens, which not only limits the amount of soil available but also leeches vital nutrients from the earth that your plants need. Applying mulch in the spring helps keep erosion in check and protects the health of your soil.

3. Regulates Soil Temperature

Mulch is excellent for controlling soil temperatures and protecting your plant’s root systems throughout the growing season. In the heat of the Virginia summers, mulch will help to keep the soil cool by retaining moisture and limiting harsh sunlight. During the dead of winter, mulch will help insulate plant roots from the cold so that they can continue growing strong even if your plants above ground have gone dormant.

4. Enriches the Soil

Throughout the spring, mulch will break down and degrade, which is great for your plants. This process will add nutrients to enhance not only the earth but also attract beneficial insects like earthworms which help improve the quality of the soil as well.

5. Keeps Plants Moist

I know, this has not been a big problem for the Virginia area throughout the last year. But in typical weather conditions, plants can quickly dry out, especially during our long, humid summer months. A fresh three-inch layer of mulch applied in the spring will help prevent water supplied by your watering efforts and from Mother Nature from rapidly evaporating, keeping moisture on the plant longer. This extra moisture will allow for less intensive watering demands each day.

Get Mulch From Your Local Meadows Farms

If you’re ready to start mulching, purchase some mulch from your local Meadows Farms in VA, MD, WV, or DC. You can also check if we have mulch in stock in our online store!

The post Top 5 Reasons to Mulch Your VA Garden This Spring appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Get Your Plants in the Ground Sooner

Our landscape design and installation service can be busy, especially in the prime growing seasons. By starting your landscaping process now, you can get a jump start before everyone else starts thinking about their landscape plans. This jump start will allow us to schedule your installation sooner so you can enjoy your new garden oasis more and avoid waiting times during the busier seasons.

Save Money

One of the biggest benefits of planning your landscape early in the season is the opportunity to save money. Each year, we offer exclusive discounts for customers who begin the design process in winter and sign their contracts in February. These savings typically include discounts on landscape design consultations, installed plants, and even hardscape projects—helping you bring your outdoor vision to life for less. Whether you’re dreaming of a new patio, outdoor kitchen, or lush garden, starting early ensures your project gets completed sooner while keeping more money in your pocket.

Less Workload for Designers

Our landscape designers work long hours to ensure that all Meadows Farms landscape designs are of the highest quality possible. This dedication means that they have a considerable workload throughout our busiest seasons. By getting a jump start on your plan, our designers have more time to work with you on your project, ensuring you have the best experience possible.

Make Informed Decisions

Finally, winter is a great time to plan out a new landscape because it allows you to take your time and make more informed decisions about plant selection. It’s good to plan early on and consider what plants work best for your specific space. Additionally, we’ll be stocking the highest quality plant material, including unique varieties, during the winter and early spring. You’ll pick from the best plants while everyone else is still planning.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Overall, it might seem crazy to start planning a new landscape in the winter. Still, you can get a jump start on your installation, save money, work with award-winning designers, and make informed decisions about your landscaping needs. Go ahead and schedule a consultation with one of our designers today, and let us Plant a Little Happiness this season.

Schedule a Design Consult Today

Learn More About Meadows Farms Landscaping Services

The post Why Winter Is the Best Time for Landscape Project Planning appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Trees

• Arborvitae
• Birch
• Cryptomeria
• Red Maple
• Autumn Blaze Maple
• Sweet Bay Magnolia
• Pin Oak
• Willow Oak
• White Oak
• Sweet Gum
• Black Gum
• Weeping Willow

Shrubs

• Aronia
• Blueberry
• Clethra
• Inkberry Holly
• Winterberry Holly
• Virginia Sweetspire
• Leucothoe
• Hydrangea
• Red Twig Dogwood
• Viburnum

Perennials

• Astilbe
• Asters
• Bee Balm
• Lobelia
• Ferns
• Forget-Me-Nots
• Iris
• Pennyroyal
• Sweet Flag

Purchase Wet-Area Plants at Your Local Meadows Farms

If any of the above plants sound like they’d be a good fit in your yard or garden, we likely have them in stock. Visit or contact your local Meadows Farms store today to get started!

The post Plants for Wet Areas in VA, WV, MD, and DC appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

1. Water in the early morning

This is the best time to water because lower temperatures mean less evaporation. It is usually calm in the morning so water covers the lawn without blowing around. Watering in the morning allows your grass to dry out during the day which helps prevent fungus developing in your lawn. Automatic irrigation systems are the most convenient way to water but hoses and lawn sprinklers will do the job just fine.

2. For newly seeded lawns

It is important to keep the young grass plants well watered throughout the first summer. This allows the grass to send roots deep into the soil where water evaporates more slowly.

3. After fertilizing lawns

It is important to add some extra water which allows the fertilizer to release into the grass. It will also help prevent a “burning” effect from the nitrogen in the fertilizer.

4. Water heavily a day before mowing

By watering ahead of mowing it helps to reduce the browning on the tops of the blades of grass and helps your lawn recover quicker.

Using these tips you should be able to barefoot on your lush green lawn all summer!

Let Our Lawn Care Experts Help

Meadows Farms specializes in lawn care offering weekly mowing, edging, and trimming to residents in the D.C. metro area. We also handle aeration, over-seeding, slit-seeding, top dressing, pest control and more. Learn more about our lawn care services.

The post 4 Tips for Summertime Lawn Watering in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Stepables and groundcovers are sturdy perennials designed to endure foot traffic and are ideal for walkways, narrow paths, and rock gardens. But don’t let the small size fool you — they are vigorous growers and have incredible versatility.

Benefits & Uses

Stepables and groundcovers are a low-maintenance landscaping solution that offers a beautiful and practical alternative to traditional lawns. Their compact size and trailing growth make them ideal for borders, pathways, and container plantings. With a diverse range of blooming colors and unique foliage textures, there’s a Stepable variety to suit any garden style and sun exposure. These durable perennials require minimal care, making them a sustainable choice for busy homeowners.

Explore Our Selection of Stepables and Groundcovers

See below for a listing of some of the varieties we carry in this line. Some varieties are not found at all stores so please call your local Meadows Farms location for pricing and availability.

• Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’
• Anacyclus ‘Silver Kisses’
• Arabis ‘Spring Charm’
• Cymbalaria muralis ‘Mini Kenliworth Ivy’
• Erysimum ‘Orange Flame’
• Erysimum ‘Apricot Twist’
• Glechoma hederacea ‘Variegata’
• Isotoma fluviatilis ‘Blue Star Creeper’
• Leptinella ‘Platt’s Black’
• Leptinella squilida ‘Brass Buttons’
• Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
• Lysimachia nummularia ‘Goldilocks’
• Mazus reptans ‘Creeping Mazus’
• Mazus reptans ‘Alba’
• Mentha requienii ‘Corsican Mint’
• Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
• Pratia angulata ‘Fragrant Carpet’
• Sagina Irish Moss
• Sagina Scotch Moss
• Sedum ‘Angelina’
• Sedum ‘John Creech’
• Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’
• Thymus ‘Doone Valley’
• Thymus ‘Elfin’
• Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’
• Thymus ‘Wooly’
• Thymus ‘Coccineus’
• Veronica ‘Georgia Blue’
• Veronica ‘Sunshine’
• Veronica ‘Waterperry Blue’

Shop Stepables and Groundcovers

Meadows Farms is your one-stop shop for premium stepables and groundcovers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Our expert staff can help you choose the perfect groundcovers to enhance your garden, pathways, or container plantings. Visit one of our 17 locations today to discover the possibilities!

The post Sturdy Stepables and Groovy Groundcovers appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.