Mulching is one of the easiest and most beneficial practices you can use in the garden. We define mulch as a protective layer of material that is spread on top of the soil. It can either be organic -- such as grass clippings, pine straw, bark chips, and similar materials -- or inorganic -- such as stones, brick chips, and plastic. Organic mulches improve the condition of the soil. As these mulches slowly decompose, they provide organic matter which helps keep the soil loose.
CRYSTAL FALLS® MONDO GRASS
It’s crystal clear... you need to add this plant to your landscape. If you've been looking for that perfect plant for a shady spot, look no further than Crystal Falls® Mondo Grass. This evergreen grass is shade loving and cold hardy. With wide, dark green this slow spreading mound will produce leaves that grow 24 to 30 inches long. Panicles of star shaped, white blooms appear from July through September. Following the bloom period, very large berries are produced which turn bright blue by November.
It’s hot and humid and with that comes the threat of Brown Patch in many local lawns. Brown Patch presents itself in a circular pattern appearing brown, yellow or tan anywhere from 6 inches to several feet in diameter and spreads rapidly. This fungus is more prominent in fescue grasses and is common when there are moist conditions and night temperatures are above 60 degrees. It is most severe when low and high temperatures are above 70 degrees and 90 degrees. When turf grass is wet for 10 or more hours, the fungus will infect grass quickly.
Known for its beauty, long blooming period and hardiness, the “Tree of 100 days” is being celebrated at our 31st annual Crepe Myrtle Festival.
In its more than a quarter-century tribute to a tree that beautifies landscapes across Hampton Roads, the 2013 Crepe Myrtle Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, at McDonald Garden Center year-round locations in Hampton, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Crepe Myrtles are America’s most versatile, long-blooming perennial.
While some of you may be wishing for cooler temperatures to set in, there are plenty of plants that love the heat and humidity we are experiencing! The dog days of summer can turn your garden into a crispy mess if you're not careful. But we have the tough stuff to keep your summer landscape looking fresh and colorful. Here's a few of our favorite annuals that tolerate Hampton Roads heat and give you that beautiful color until frost sets in.
Heat & Sun-Loving Summer Annuals: