Two monarch butterflies feeding on pink flowers with the text Bringing Butterflies to the Backyard

How to Make a Butterfly Garden in Virginia

Virginia’s diverse landscapes offer a perfect habitat for a variety of butterflies. By creating a butterfly garden, you can not only enjoy their beauty but also contribute to their conservation. Let’s explore how to attract these winged wonders to your backyard. What Are Butterflies Attracted To? In spring, female butterflies will be mostly concerned with… Read More

Cluster of vibrant dahlias in shades of pink, red, orange, and white with green foliage background.

Our Favorite Summer Blooming Bulbs for a Vibrant Virginia Garden

Spring is the season to think summer-flowering bulbs—everything from exotically fragrant lilies to ever-blooming shade-loving begonias. There is such a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors from which to choose—and some are even deer and vole-resistant! Dahlias First on the pest-resistant list are Dahlias. They have something to please almost everyone, from 12” tall… Read More

Tomatoes on vine with one red tomato showing blossom end rot and two healthy green tomatoes

How To Prevent Blossom End Rot in Your Vegetable Garden

Nothing is more disappointing than picking a perfect tomato only to find its bottom soft, black, and rotten. Blossom end rot (BER) isn’t limited to tomatoes—it also affects peppers, eggplant, squash, and melons. Caused by insufficient calcium and inconsistent watering during rapid growth, BER is preventable with proper care and planning. Why Calcium Matters for… Read More

Lawn sprinkler spraying water over green grass in a garden or yard.

Gardening 101: Beginner Plant Care Guide

Proper care of your newly planted garden is key to long-term success. Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential tasks, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and more, to ensure your plants thrive in Virginia’s unique climate. Watering Your Plants Watering is crucial for the first 6-8 weeks after installation, as plants adjust to their new environment. Regular… Read More

Dianthus flowers with bright pink petals and green stems with Dianthus text overlay.

9 Dianthus Varieties to Grow in Virginia

There’s nothing quite like the timeless beauty of a perennial dianthus plant. With its bluish-grey, grass-like foliage, dianthus stands out in the garden all season long. Different varieties offer a range of growth habits, from compact mounds to slightly trailing forms. In spring and early summer, their small, carnation-like blooms emerge, with colors ranging from… Read More

Stone garden path with ground cover plants leading to a decorative stone bench surrounded by rocks.

Sturdy Stepables and Groovy Groundcovers

What are Stepables? 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… Read More