Summer Gardening

From the McDonald Garden Center Blog

5 Best Ways to Keep Your Garden Happy In the Heat

During the hottest times of the year, it is sometimes difficult to keep your garden happy and healthy. Extra high temperatures can cause stress on your plants, which can lead to other problems, like pests and disease. To avoid these issues, your plants just need a little more TLC in the summer, and we are here to help make that happen.  5. Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Disease

3 Summer Garden Cocktails to Beat the Heat

Now that the weather is heating up, it’s time to use that garden you planted this past spring. The herbs, berries, and other fruits that you are growing are not only great to combine in a summer salad or dessert, they are also perfect for summer garden-inspired cocktails. Make sitting out on the porch even more relaxing with a cold glass of your garden’s most tasty and refreshing rewards. We have put together 3 of our favorite cocktails from some of Hampton Road’s most popular plants of the season.  

The Top 10 Sunsational Plants of the Summer

When the weather is warm and bright, it’s always a great time to get out and enjoy your garden. You may notice some of your early spring blooms are now fading and it’s time for a refresh! We have put together a list of some of our top favorite plants to give you that summer color you are just dreaming of.    10. Black-Eyed Susan

The Plant Olympics

The 2020 Olympics are finally happening in 2021 and we couldn’t be more inspired by how team USA is showing their talent and sportsmanship in Tokyo this summer. Since these games are so inspiring to our country, we wanted to host our own Plant Olympics here at McDonald Garden Center to see what plants are the podium winners of summer 2021! 

5 Spectacular Ideas for Using Hanging Baskets

When you are looking for a way to bring your eyes upward in your yard, on your porch, or even in your home, hanging baskets have you covered. Whether it’s outdoor blooms, edible plants, or even houseplants, the possibilities are endless with hanging baskets. Follow our top 5 ideas for spectacular hanging baskets with tips and tricks on how to use, design, and maximize your vertical space.   

Plant of the Week: Perennial Hibiscus

When most people think of hibiscus they think of a tropical plant that grows in warm climates like Hawaii or Florida. Well, if you love the look of hibiscus but think it can only be grown in very warm climates don’t fret. If you crave a touch of the tropics, perennial hibiscus is a must. The perennial hibiscus should not be confused with the tropical hibiscus, which will not survive a winter freeze. Perennial varieties are true, cold hardy shrubs that die back each winter only to reemerge in the spring even bigger and better! And best of all, these beauties are easy to care for.

Summer in the 757! Gardening To-Dos

Well, summer is officially upon us Hampton Roads! With the days getting longer and temperatures on the rise, your garden needs a little TLC, and summertime is all about garden maintenance! Whether growing fruits and veggies, or maintaining your ornamentals, there’s plenty to do this month. Here's a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your summer landscape: