Indoor air pollution is an increasing problem today and according to the EPA, our homes can have three to five times more pollutants than the outdoors. Substances like xylene (in paint and lacquers), benzene (furniture wax, insect sprays) trichloroethylene (cleaners, adhesives), and formaldehyde (upholstery, air fresheners) can cause symptoms like headaches, sore throats, or allergy-like breathing troubles.

A NEW coneflower introduction, Kismet Intense Orange is just the thing to bring color to an empty spot. Kismet features a long bloom time, blooming from summer until frost, and lots and lots of gorgeous, vivid, orange blooms. It has an upright, compact habit with a bloom-size of approximately 16 to 18-inches high that fits perfectly in most any outdoor space. This easy maintenance perennial is extremely drought tolerant, attracts pollinators & hummingbirds, and makes a beautiful cut flower.

All plants require specific nutrients from the soil. Overtime, plants in the landscape will draw essential nutrients out of the soil that need to be replenished. Fertilization is key, as plants need a lot of nutrients in order to sustain large growth and blooms. By consistently feeding, you are ensuring that your plants maintain all the nutrition necessary to grow and bloom big.

Join us for an un-BEE-lievably fun and educational week as we celebrate National Pollinator Week featuring Pollinator Palooza, an event filled with activities Wednesday-Sunday, June 19-23, 2019.

Mason Bees are friendly, non-agrgessive bees that are crucial to the pollinator community. Unlike garden-variety honeybees, mason bees are non-social creatures that nest in holes rather than in a hive with a queen. Although they don’t t make honey, they do have exceptional pollination skills. They get their name from their habit of nest-building, which is to seal off the cells where they lay their eggs with a mortar-like application of mud. Check out this video with Garden Guru, Mike Westphal, to learn ways to encourage them to your yard and help them thrive.

There’s no doubt that the sunflower has always been reminiscent to a perfect summer day. Whether you’re soaking in the sun on your patio or sitting in an office all day, just having a pot full of these bright and cheery blooms around will lift your spirits. Their dazzling, yellow petals, also known as “rays,” have a distinct sun-like appearance that has made them a crowd favorite. Sunflowers are heat-loving and extremely easy to grow and thrive during the dog days of summer.

Hampton Roads' summers are long, hot and humid, and we're approaching that time of year when water becomes the essential elixir in your garden. Plentiful spring rains are a thing of the past and the summer sun beats down relentlessly, scorching plants, lawns, and trees. You water, but is it enough? Is it at the right time of day? Why is it so difficult to keep everything from drying out? Here are some tips to ensure your plants and lawn make it through the extreme heat of summer:Lawns

Garden Guru, Mike Westphal, walks you through his best tips for saving a struggling plant.

Starting plants from seed is one of the most exciting and rewarding gardening activities, and careful plant selection allows gardeners to continue growing throughout the year. Growing seed is not complicated, it just requires a little thought and care. For best results, it is important to use fresh seed and follow the instructions on each seed packet, which include specific planting tips, light requirements and watering specifications. Here are our recommendations for what seeds to plant in the month of May:

Post provided by Kate Karem of MonroviaThe original post by Kate has been edited to reflect the best summertime annuals that thrive in Hampton Roads