There’s just something about a crepe myrtle. Vibrant blossoms that radiate elegance on lengthy, artistic limbs that seem to beckon the summer sun. And although we struggle to find a favorite, we’ve compiled a list of our most prized varieties of Hampton Roads’ “favorite tree.”
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 white blooms. Both of these will provide the pop of contrasting color one needs to create colorful focal points and screens in the garden.
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. First, it was developed right here in Virginia Beach by Mr. Chuck Hayes, at the Virginia Tech test site. It has superior performance and is more cold hardy and heat tolerant than other varieties.
Oh the sweet taste of summer! Chef Manu is taking us to Italy this week with a McDonald Garden Center twist on tiramisu. Meaning “a pick me up,” this coffee confection is primed to perk with bold flavors of cocoa and espresso with mascarpone cheese and ladyfinger biscuits. With Chef Manu’s addition of our very own private label strawberry butter, this silky smooth sensation is sure to satisfy your summer sweet tooth. Perfect for those fourth of July BBQs, our strawberry tiramisu will say arrivederci to your culinary woes!
