Brighten Up Your Space with Cyclamen On Sale Now!

Our Blog

From plant care tips to seasonal inspiration, our blog is packed with expert advice, creative ideas, and practical solutions to help your garden thrive year-round.

Plants

Planting for Fall: The Best Annuals & Perennials for Seasonal Color

As the summer heat begins to fade, fall offers gardeners a fresh opportunity to bring vibrant color and texture back into their landscapes....

Outdoor

How to Create Stunning Fall Mum Arrangements for Your Porch

When fall arrives, one plant takes center stage: mums! With their bold colors, long lasting blooms, and versatility, mums are the perfect way to dress up your porch and welcome...

Gardening Care

The Mulch Matchmaker: Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Garden Beds

Mulch is more than just a finishing touch for your garden beds, it’s the secret to happier plants, fewer weeds, and a polished, professional look....

Plants

From Summer to Supper: Planting Cole Crops for a Tasty Fall

While we’re waiting on the first cool breeze and trading iced tea for hot cider, fall planting season is here, and it starts with cole crops....

Gardening Care

Prep Your Lawn for Fall: Why Weed & Feed Matters Now

It may still feel like summer, but your lawn is already looking ahead to the ths. Late summer is the perfect time to prep for fall, and one of the...

Plants

How to Grow Panicle Hydrangeas Like a Pro

Looking to fill your garden with show stopping blooms that thrive in the heat and ask for very little in return? Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are the answer....

Plants

Top 5 Proven Winner Perennial Hibiscus Varieties You Can Plant Right Now

Few plants bring summer drama quite like perennial hibiscus, and Proven Winners® Summerific® varieties take that impact to the next level....

Plants

When and How to Prune Crepe Myrtles for Maximum Blooms

Few things say “southern summer” like a crepe myrtle in full, vibrant bloom. These flowering trees are beloved for their long lasting color, unique bark, and graceful canopy shape....

Plants

How to Help Your Hydrangeas Thrive All Summer Long

Hydrangeas are (in our opinion) one of the undisputed queens of the summer garden. They are reliable bloomers that brighten borders, foundation plantings, and containers alike....

Plants

Best Heat-Tolerant Perennials for Low-Maintenance Summer Color

Looking for a long lasting color that can handle the summer heat without constant care? These heat tolerant perennials are your best bet....

Plants

Top 10 Natives & Nativars for a Low-Maintenance Garden Hampton Roads

Natives are getting a lot of attention these days, and for good reason. They can be better adapted to our hot humid summers, generally drought tolerant once established, and attract...

Plants

Don’t Make These 7 Mistakes if You’re Container Gardening

Container gardening is one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to grow plants, but even the simplest pots can lead to frustration if you’re not careful!...

Houseplants

Taylor’s Garden: Houseplant Picks Taylor-ed to Your Favorite Era

Welcome to your go to guide for houseplant picks Taylor ed to your favorite era! Inspired by Taylor Swift's iconic albums, we've curated a collection of houseplants that perfectly reflect...

Houseplants

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Bromeliads

Bromeliads are more than just pretty decorations; they are fascinating organisms with a plethora of secrets waiting to be uncovered....

Houseplants

Calathea Confidential: The Insider’s Guide to Expert Care

Welcome to the mysterious world of calathea plants! This stunning foliage genus are beloved by plant enthusiasts for their intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and unique characteristics....

Houseplants

Orchids 101: An Intro to Care

Welcome to the fascinating world of orchids! These exotic and elegant flowers have captured the hearts of houseplant enthusiasts and collectors alike....

Houseplants

Summer Houseplant Highlights

Drenched days of summer are here, and it's the perfect time to adorn your living space with lush and vibrant houseplants that thrive in the warm ny conditions....

Houseplants

How to Really Care for Succulents

With their captivating shapes, stunning colors, and survival skills that would make Bear Grylls jealous, these desert divas have taken the gardening world by storm....

Edible

How to Get Into Herb Gardening

As spring emerges into its full season, many gardening enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the opportunity to cultivate fresh herbs in their gardens....

Edible

Savor the Seasons: Chef Jeff’s Fresh Herb and Veggie Inspirations

Fresh Garden Salsa: A Fiesta for Your Taste Buds It's time to enjoy the tantalizing allure of garden fresh salsa with plump tomatoes mingling with fiery jalapenos, dancing alongside zesty...

Edible

3 Herb Cocktails Worth Celebrating

Welcome, cocktail enthusiasts and herb lovers alike, to a realm where taste buds are tantalized, senses are enchanted, and the beauty of herb gardening intertwines with the art of mixology....

Edible

From Garden to Table: Exploring the Sustainable Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are not only a delicious choice for your salads and sauces, but are also a smart choice for the environmentally conscious among us....

Edible

5 Tips for When You are Sowing Your Fall Veggies

Can you believe it’s already time to start thinking about fall? For veggie gardeners, now is the perfect time to start planning and sewing seeds for your fall veggie garden....

Edible

The Berry Best – Everything You Need to Know About Growing Berries

Fresh berries, ripe for the picking, are some of the best reasons to garden in the summer. Berries are one of our favorite edible plants to grow, and getting started...

Gardening Care

Our Top 5 Tips for a Better, Fuller Lawn

Dreaming of the perfect lawn, but just can’t quite get there? The secret to a better, fuller lawn lies in understanding the basics of seeding, feeding, and soil care....

Gardening Care

Which Mulch is Best for Your Landscape?

Mulch is like the icing on the cake for your garden beds , it not only adds a finishing touch to your landscape but also serves a multitude of purposes....

Gardening Care

Our Guide to Grass Plugs

Often overlooked in favor of seeds or sod, grass plugs offer a unique set of benefits that can transform lawns and landscapes in remarkable ways....

Gardening Care

Why Do You Need to Seed & Feed? The Secret to a Lush and Healthy Lawn

A well maintained lawn is not only a source of pride, but also a relaxing place for outdoor activities and social gatherings....

Gardening Care

The Secret to Getting Rid of Moles & Voles

Picture this: you're enjoying ny afternoon in your backyard, admiring your lush lawn and vibrant flower beds when suddenly, a network of tunnels appears seemingly out of nowhere....

Gardening Care

Creative Ways to Use Mulch in Your Landscape

Mulch is an essential component for any well manicured landscape. Not only does it improve the aesthetics of your yard, but it also provides numerous benefits such as water retention,...

Seasons

Embracing 2024: Transitioning Your Houseplants into the New Year

The new year is soon approaching and as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, our houseplants join us on this journey of transition....

Seasons

5 Newest Holiday Houseplants in Stock

‘Tis the season to add a touch of greenery to your festive decor! As the holidays approach, what better way to spruce up your home than with some vibrant and...

Seasons

5 Tips for Planting Spring Bulbs

One of the most important aspects of fall gardening is the preparation for the upcoming spring season with spring blooming bulbs!...

Seasons

Blooming through the Heat: Essential Tips for Summer Plant Care

Summer is here, and so is the ! While you might be planning beach trips and ice cream indulgences, spare a thought for your leafy companions that bear the brunt...

Seasons

Valentine’s Day Prep

As Valentine’s day approaches, you may want to start thinking about the quick gifts you want to grab, whether that’s a heartfelt card, a box of chocolates, or a bottle...

Seasons

5 Ways to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in January

January has arrived and we are so thrilled for a new year of gardening indoors and out! Now is the perfect time to prepare your houseplants for the ths of...

Outdoor

Why Add Landscape Lighting to Your Home?

Outdoor lighting is often seen as an extra touch, but it plays a much bigger role in transforming your space. The right lighting can highlight architectural details, illuminate pathways for...

Outdoor

Spruce Up Their Season: Giving Fresh-Cut Wreaths and Porch Pots for Christmas

There’s something magical about the scent of fresh cut evergreens during the holiday season. A whiff of pine, fir, or cedar has the power to instantly transport you to a...

Outdoor

The Fall Porch Package

It’s officially the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and sets. That also means it’s time to bring that autumn magic right to your doorstep....

Outdoor

How to Level Up Your Low-Maintenance Landscape

At McDonald Landscapes, we're passionate about turning outdoor spaces into stunning, functional landscapes that bring joy to our clients. Landscape Designer Georgia Replogle shares her secrets for transforming a blank...

Outdoor

Fall is for Planting: Creating a Captivating Landscape

All gardening enthusiasts know that the fall season is not just for enjoying the changing foliage; it's also the perfect time to plant and create captivating landscapes that will leave...

Outdoor

Transforming an Old Backyard into a Modern Paradise

Hey there, landscape lovers! We've recently completed a fantastic hardscape project to share with you today. Our landscape designer, Luke Wheeler , worked his magic and gave these homeowners the...

Wildlife

Help Save the Monarch Butterfly

Some very sad news has crossed the world this rsday, July 21st, as our arch butterflies are officially on the “Red List”....

Wildlife

Top 10 Pollinator Friendly Plants

It’s a Pollinator Palooza at McDonald Garden Center! This week, June 20th 26th, 2022, is National Pollinator Week. This week is one of the most important of the year, as...

Wildlife

What Every Garden Needs for Hummingbirds, Bees, & Butterflies

We love seeing busy bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flitting about the garden center as they pollinate our vast collection of plants....

Wildlife

Creating a Pollinator Paradise

McDonald Garden Center welcomes National Pollinator Week as one of the most anticipated events of the year! We are celebrating this week long event by dedicating it to the conservation...

Wildlife

Pollinator of the Week: Bees

National Pollinator Week is almost here! McDonald Garden Center, along with the rest of America, will be celebrating this week long event....

Wildlife

Pollinator of the Week: Butterflies

To celebrate the upcoming 2021 National Pollinator Week, June 21st 27th, we are celebrating our favorite pollinators and plants that help the world go round....

How to Make A Scarecrow

Our Make A Scarecrow Event is coming up this weekend so we wanted to teach you how to make a scarecrow that'll not only protect your garden from pesky pests...

How to Make Houseplants Rebloom

Cattleya Hybrid Orchid Citrus Kalanchoe Anthurium Bromeliad If you're a houseplant enthusiast, you know that getting your plants to bloom can be a bit of a challenge....

How to Make a Holiday Butter Board

Dazzle your guests this holiday season with the one and only McDonald Garden Center butter board! You only need a few fantastic ingredients to get started: Your choice of spreadable...

How to Build a Scarecrow

Building scarecrows is an over 20 year tradition here at McDonald Garden Center. Every year at our Make A Scarecrow event, we partner with The King’s Daughters, the founding organization...

Prune and Groom – How To Make Your Shrubs Stand Out

Sharpen your pruners and get ready to groom! Keeping your plants looking fresh is an important aspect to upholding your garden’s happy and healthy appearance....

DIY Fresh Magnolia Wreath

‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, chilly weather, Christmas trees, and the scent of fresh cut greens. Set to deck your halls this holiday season with a fresh magnolia wreath...

Community & Events

Top 5 Trends for Christmas. Holiday Open House Preview

Lights Simplux Candles Invisilites Lifelike Trees Coastal Pillows Coastal Handtowels The cider is simmering, lights are twinkling, and the greenhouse is shimmering....

Community & Events

Cusine de Jardin – Featured Confections from the Cooking with Herbs Seminar

Moelleux au Chocolat Pot de Crème a la Lavande Chef Manu Molion Craving a little sweetness is not unfamiliar to any of us and for those of you who were...

Community & Events

STAFF FAVORITE HOMESTEAD PURPLE” VERBENA”

Michelle, Assistant Store Manager, shares one of her favorite perennials. My pick is trailing ‘Homestead Purple’ verbena. Although we have a wide selection of annual verbenas in many colors, this...

Community & Events

STAFF PICK ‘EBONY FLAME’ AND ‘EBONY IVORY’ CREPE MYRTLES

Staff Pick: Mike Crepe myrtles “The Locals' Favorite” have two standouts “Ebony Flame,” a black leaved variety with brilliant red blossoms and “Ebony Ivory,” also with black leaves and pure...

Community & Events

STAFF FAVORITE ‘CHUCK HAYES’ GARDENIA

| Store Manager Even though the gardenia is famed for its intoxicatingly sweet, fragrant flowers, the Chuck Hayes Gardenia is my favorite plant for a variety of reasons....

Community & Events

Staff Fall Favorites Week

Meghan, Sunshine Ligustrum Steve, Pumpkins Rachael, Indoor Pottery JT, Ornamental Grasses Joann, Twisted Orange Celosia Andrea, Fall Decor Like many of you, our staff here at McDonald Garden Center loves...

Laxmi Jayaraj (Lux)

Jul 2025

McDonald Garden Center feels like a second home. Plants are always healthy and well cared for. Staff are warm, patient, and generous with their wisdom.

K. F.

Feb 2025

Had a great time at Plantopia HousePlant Adoption Day. Plants are top notch, great selection. Staff are awesome, friendly and knowledgeable, and give great tips.

John Vaquerano

Jan 2023

Marissa and Erin treated us like long lost nursery mates. I got great advice, and will definitely be back. I highly recommend this place.

Elizabeth Cannon

Jun 2025

Associate helped me pick the right planter, fertilized him, and topped with decorative rocks. All for an incredibly reasonable price and caring smiles.

Sebastian Mot

Jan 2020

This place is MASSIVE and has anything you could ever want. The succulent selection is huge, and the staff is very helpful.

Joyce Drakeford

Jan 2019

So knowledgeable. Friendly service each and every time. Find the perfect plant for every spot in your yard. Been a customer for years.