Looking to add a brilliant splash of color to your winter landscape? Look no further than witch hazel. This shrub features spellbinding winter color in shades of gold, orange, and red. Better yet, it blooms when other plants are done. Its spicy fragrance and spidery flowers in yellow, orange and reds make it a must for the winter landscape. In spring it erupts with a new robe of greenery, while in summer its thick, scalloped-shaped leaves form a dense screen of dark green. Witch Hazel is a rugged, early spring bloomer that provides much needed food for the pollinators.

Valentine's Day sneaks up on us every year, but no worries - we have a whole host of possibilities for that someone special on your list. And need we remind you that roses aren't the only choice. So, if those diamond studs are not in your budget this year, consider giving one of these cupid approved gift this Valentine's Day!

'Of all the flowers, me thinks a rose is best.' - William Shakespeare

Vines add a dynamic finishing touch to any landscape by providing color, texture and vertical interest. Climbing vines are an especially valuable element in small spaces or where tall, blank walls cry out for décor. In addition to creating a delightful floral panel, vines can also be extremely functional, serving as privacy screens, hiding eyesores, or shelter from hot afternoon sun.

Whoever coined the phrase, “Stop and smell the roses,” clearly has never stopped to smell the daphne. Revered for the angelically intoxicating fragrance of a citrusy-honeyed, almost baby powderesque perfume, daphne is usually the first thing that comes to mind when our customers visit our stores and ask, “There was this plant I remember from my youth that had the most amazing smell!”

Written by McDonald Garden Center CEO, Eddie AndersonWeather affects plants in many obvious ways, but also in ways we may not realize, and this winter’s fluctuating temperatures are certainly a cause for concern. Here’s an overview of the weather patterns that have occurred over the last few months and how they may affect your plants:

Written by McDonald Garden Center CEO, Eddie AndersonAfter a mild prolonged fall season our plants and gardens are having to endure a severe cold shock. Plants develop their cold hardiness slowly in the fall and beginning of winter. The further into winter we go the more cold hardiness plants develop. Most likely our gardens are more vulnerable than usual this year.

Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale is a relatively new nonnative scale that was first detected in the U.S. in 2004. Slowly over the last 13 years it has moved northward and is now a serious threat to Crepe Myrtles in Hampton Roads.

The world authority of colors, Pantone, has recently revealed its highly anticipated Color of the Year for 2018, PANTONE 18-3838 – or as most know it, Ultra Violet. The choice is described by Pantone as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, ultra violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.” Pantone’s Color of the Year selections are intended to reflect the current moods, fashion trends and current concepts in the world at the time.

As the fall leaves drop and the cooler weather arrives, it’s hard to imagine a winter landscape that is alive with color and texture. But you don’t have to do without beautiful blooms throughout the long, cold days of winter. If you’re looking to add color to your frost-covered landscape, we have just the thing - hellebores. These winter wonders are packed with flower power and are essential for any cold-weather garden.