Author Archives: Jessica Snell

The Secret to a “Sunday Garden”… Starts with Boxwood

The Secret to a “Sunday Garden”… Starts with Boxwood

There’s a reason the most beautiful gardens feel so calm, so put together… so effortless.

It’s not just the flowers.

It’s the structure underneath—the quiet, evergreen backbone that makes everything else shine.

And that’s where boxwood comes in.Right now, we’re fully stocked with better boxwood varieties—including Skylight, Babylon Beauty, and Renaissance—and to make it even better:

🌿 Why Boxwoods Are the Foundation of a Beautiful Garden

Think of your garden like a perfectly styled room.

Flowers are the accessories…
But boxwoods? They’re the furniture.

They create:

  • Clean lines and definition
  • Year-round structure and color
  • A sense of calm, organized beauty

That “Sunday Garden” look everyone is loving right now?
It’s built on structure + softness.

Boxwoods give you the structure.

✨ The Look: Structured, Soft, Timeless

Picture this:

Clipped boxwoods lining a walkway…
Soft white hydrangeas billowing behind them…
A simple, cohesive palette of greens, whites, blush, and lavender…

It feels peaceful. Elevated. Effortless.

And the best part?
It’s incredibly achievable.

🌿 Meet Our Better Boxwoods

We’ve carefully selected varieties that perform better in our region:

Skylight – A beautiful upright form, perfect for adding height and elegance to entrances or corners.

Babylon Beauty – Dense, rich, and classic—ideal for low hedges and foundation plantings.

Renaissance – Vigorous and resilient with excellent disease resistance, great for mass planting and structure.

These aren’t just any boxwoods—these are modern, improved selections that handle our conditions better and stay looking good year-round.

🌱 Where to Use Them

Boxwoods are one of the most versatile plants you can add to your landscape:

  • Frame your front walkway
  • Line garden beds for a polished edge
  • Anchor corners of your home
  • Create symmetry around entryways
  • Build a simple hedge that elevates everything behind it

Even adding just a few instantly makes your garden feel more designed.

🌼 The Perfect Time to Plant

Early season is one of the best times to plant boxwoods.
Cooler temperatures and spring rains help them establish quickly before summer heat arrives.

Just remember:

  • Water deeply after planting
  • Add 2–3 inches of mulch (but keep it off the stems)

 

Lilacs – Foundation of Beauty & Structure

A Foundation of Beauty and Structure

Lilacs bring more than flowers—they bring presence.

Classic varieties like Common Purple Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and ‘Monge’ offer that timeless, full-bodied look—tall, upright, and generously filled with blooms. These are the shrubs that anchor a border, frame a property, or create a flowering privacy screen that feels anything but ordinary.

For a slightly more refined structure, ‘Ludwig Spaeth’ delivers deep, rich purple blooms with a more tailored habit, making it a perfect choice for adding depth and contrast to a layered planting.

When designing with these larger varieties, think of them as your architectural backbone—the shrubs that hold everything else together.

Designing with Fragrance in Mind

Lilacs are meant to be experienced up close.

To truly enjoy their signature scent, place them where life naturally happens:

  • Along a front walkway
  • Near a patio or outdoor dining space
  • Outside a kitchen window
  • Beside a bench, swing, or quiet corner of the garden

A variety like ‘Beauty of Moscow’, with its soft blush-to-white blooms, feels especially magical in these intimate spaces—its fragrance subtle, elegant, and unforgettable.

This is where lilacs move beyond landscape and become lifestyle.

Color, Contrast, and Garden Mood

Your selection offers a designer’s palette of color possibilities.

  • Deep, saturated purples like ‘Ludwig Spaeth’ and ‘Monge’ create richness and drama. Pair them with silvery foliage or white perennials for contrast that feels intentional and bold.
  • Soft, romantic tones from ‘Beauty of Moscow’ bring a lightness that works beautifully in cottage-style gardens.
  • Crisp white blooms like ‘Mount Baker’ add brightness and elegance—especially striking in evening light or moon gardens.
  • And for something unexpected, ‘Sensation’ offers its signature bi-color blooms—deep purple edged in white—adding a touch of whimsy and visual intrigue.

Repeating these tones throughout nearby perennials—salvia, nepeta, peonies—creates a cohesive, layered look that feels curated but effortless.

Designing for Season-Long Interest

One of the secrets to designing with lilacs is extending their moment.

Traditional varieties like Common Purple, ‘Pocahontas’ (an early bloomer), and ‘Ludwig Spaeth’ naturally stagger bloom times, giving you a longer window of spring color.

But the real magic happens when you layer in a reblooming variety like Bloomerang® Purple Pink (‘PurPink’).

This newer introduction offers a flush of spring blooms followed by repeat flowering throughout the season. Tucked near patios or high-traffic areas, it keeps the lilac experience going well beyond its expected season—something customers truly appreciate once they see it in action.

Layering Lilacs into the Landscape

The most beautiful gardens don’t rely on a single moment—they build layers.

Use taller lilacs as a backdrop, allowing their blooms to rise above waves of perennials. In front, soften their base with plants like catmint, salvia, or hardy geraniums to create a seamless transition from shrub to ground layer.

For a more natural, relaxed look, plant lilacs in loose groupings. A trio of ‘Mount Baker’ or ‘Sensation’ can feel like a blooming cloud in spring, while still offering structure throughout the rest of the year.

And don’t overlook their role as informal hedges—especially with varieties like Common Purple—where they create privacy with seasonal beauty woven in.

Beyond Bloom: The Quiet Strength of Lilacs

After their spectacular spring display, lilacs settle into a quieter role.

Their heart-shaped foliage provides a clean, classic backdrop for summer blooms, while their branching structure maintains the integrity of your design. They are steady, reliable—never demanding attention, but always contributing to the whole.

A Garden That Holds Meaning

Lilacs have a way of becoming part of a home’s story.

They mark seasons, frame memories, and often outlive the gardens they were first planted in. There’s something deeply personal about cutting a few stems to bring indoors, or watching children play beneath their branches as petals fall softly around them.

Planting a lilac isn’t just a design decision—it’s an investment in feeling.

A Final Thought

If you’re designing a garden that you want people to remember, start with lilacs.

Layer them with intention. Place them where they’ll be experienced. Choose varieties that extend the season and enrich the palette.

Because long after the blooms fade, it’s the feeling they created that lingers.

Top Mulching Tips: How to Mulch Like a Pro (and Why It Matters)

Mulching is one of the simplest ways to transform your landscape—but the real magic happens when it’s done the right way and at the right time.

If you want healthier plants, fewer weeds, and better soil, follow this step-by-step approach used by the pros 👇

🌱 Why Mulching Matters

Mulch does so much more than make your beds look fresh:

  • Locks in moisture (less watering in summer)
  • Suppresses weeds before they start
  • Regulates soil temperature
  • Prevents erosion
  • Improves soil over time

Think of mulch as a protective layer that helps your entire landscape thrive.

🌳 Why Pine Bark Mulch is a Smart Choice

When it comes to mulch, pine bark stands out as one of the best options.

  • Improves soil health as it slowly breaks down
  • Holds moisture while allowing airflow to roots
  • Long-lasting, so you don’t have to reapply as often
  • Gently supports acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, evergreens, and blueberries

It’s a natural way to build better soil year after year—while keeping your beds looking clean and professional.

🛠️ The Right Order: How to Mulch Like a Pro

This is where most people go wrong—mulching is the final step, not the first.

✔️ Step 1: Prune First

  • Trim back dead or damaged branches
  • Shape shrubs as needed
  • Cut back perennials from last season

👉 This keeps your beds clean and prevents trapping debris under mulch

✔️ Step 2: Fertilize Your Plants

  • Apply a slow-release fertilizer around trees, shrubs, and perennials
  • This gives plants the nutrients they need right before the growing season kicks in

👉 Mulch will help hold those nutrients in place

✔️ Step 3: Weed Thoroughly

  • Remove existing weeds completely (roots and all if possible)
  • Edge your beds for a sharp, finished look

👉 Mulch prevents weeds—but only after you start clean

✔️ Step 4: Apply Pre-Emergent (If Needed)

If weeds have been a problem in your beds:

  • Apply a pre-emergent herbicide like Snapshot Pre-Emergent Herbicide
  • This creates a barrier that prevents new weeds from germinating

👉 Best applied before or just after mulching, depending on your preference and label directions

✔️ Step 5: Mulch at the Proper Depth

  • Apply 2–3 inches of mulch evenly
  • Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems

🚫 Avoid “mulch volcanoes”—they can cause rot and pest issues

💡 Pro Tips to Make Mulching Easier

  • Water your beds before mulching to lock in moisture
  • Dump mulch in small piles, then spread evenly
  • Use a tarp to move mulch quickly across large areas
  • Smooth by hand for a clean, professional finish

🌸 When to Mulch

  • Spring: retain moisture + prevent weeds
  • Fall: insulate roots + improve soil

Both are great times to refresh your beds.

🌼 The Bottom Line

Mulching isn’t just about looks—it’s about setting your plants up for success.

When you:
✔ Prune
✔ Fertilize
✔ Control weeds
✔ Then mulch

…you create a landscape that’s healthier, easier to maintain, and beautiful all season long.

And for the best long-term results?
🌿 Pine bark mulch is one of the smartest choices you can make. Read more about the benefits of Pine Here.

Don’t Miss Out on These Early Blooming Perennials

Don’t Miss Out on These Early Blooming Perennials

Your garden’s first color, and your easiest wins

After a long winter in Maryland, nothing feels better than those first blooms pushing through the soil. Early-blooming perennials aren’t just beautiful—they’re hardworking plants that solve real garden challenges. From brightening shady corners to feeding early pollinators, these varieties set the tone for a successful season.

Let’s break them down by where they shine best—and why you’ll want them in your landscape this year.

🌿 Shade Garden Stars

Color where you need it most

Shady areas can feel limiting—but these early bloomers turn them into some of the most magical parts of your landscape.

Lenten rose (Helleborus)

If there’s one plant that defines early spring, it’s the Lenten rose.

What makes it special:

  • Lenten Rose – Helleborus orientalis. A Spring flowering hellebore with cerise pink flowers.

    Blooms as early as late winter—even through snow

  • Elegant, nodding flowers in soft pinks, whites, purples, and greens
  • Evergreen foliage adds year-round structure

Solution gardening benefits:

  • Deer and rabbit resistant (a huge win in Maryland landscapes)
  • Thrives in dry shade once established
  • Long-lived and low maintenance

Where to use it:
Plant near entryways, walkways, or under trees where you’ll catch those early blooms up close.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria)

A true shade garden gem that brings both flowers and foliage interest.

What makes it special:

  • Speckled or silver-washed leaves that brighten dark spaces
  • Unique flowers that often shift from pink to blue
  • One of the earliest nectar sources for pollinators

Solution gardening benefits:

  • Excellent for illuminating deep shade
  • Naturally resists deer
  • Helps support early-emerging bees when little else is blooming

Where to use it:
Tuck along shaded paths or beneath shrubs where its foliage can shine all season.

 

Tiarella (Foamflower)

A soft, woodland native that feels right at home in naturalistic plantings.

What makes it special:

  • Airy, bottlebrush-like blooms in white or blush tones
  • Attractive, often patterned foliage
  • Spreads gently to form a lush groundcover

Solution gardening benefits:

  • Perfect for erosion control on shady slopes
  • Native plant = supports local ecosystems
  • Low maintenance and adaptable

Where to use it:
Ideal for woodland edges, under trees, or filling in between larger shade plants.

☀️ Sun-Loving Early Bloomers

Bold color when your garden needs it most

Sunny beds come alive early with these vibrant, reliable performers.

Dianthus (Pinks)

“Close up shot of some Spring time Dianthus Gratianapolitanus ‘Firewitch’ plant. 

 

A classic favorite that delivers both charm and fragrance.

What makes it special:

  • Frilled blooms in pink, red, and white tones
  • Sweet, clove-like scent
  • Compact, tidy growth habit

Solution gardening benefits:

  • Drought tolerant once established

    Courtesy of Proven Winners – www.provenwinners.com

  • Great for edging and small spaces
  • Attracts pollinators while resisting deer

Where to use it:
Perfect along walkways, in containers, or at the front of sunny borders.

Speedwell (Veronica)

Vertical interest that wakes up the garden early.

What makes it special:

  • Spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers
  • Adds height and structure to early-season beds
  • Long bloom time with potential rebloom

Solution gardening benefits:

  • Pollinator magnet
  • Easy to divide and spread throughout the garden
  • Great for layering with other perennials

Where to use it:
Mix into perennial borders to break up mounded plants with vertical lines.

Creeping phlox

A true spring showstopper—this is the plant people stop their cars for.

What makes it special:

  • Carpet-like coverage of vibrant pink, purple, blue, or white blooms
  • Completely blankets the ground in color
  • Evergreen, needle-like foliage

Solution gardening benefits:

  • Excellent for slopes and erosion control
  • Suppresses weeds naturally
  • Low water needs once established

Where to use it:
Spill it over retaining walls, edge pathways, or plant on slopes for a dramatic spring display.

🌸 Why Early Bloomers Matter

Planting early-blooming perennials isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s smart gardening.

They help you:

  • ✔ Feed early pollinators when resources are scarce
  • ✔ Fill the “color gap” before summer perennials emerge
  • ✔ Reduce maintenance with hardy, reliable plants
  • ✔ Solve tough spots (dry shade, slopes, poor soil)

🌱 A Simple Planting Strategy

For a landscape that feels full and intentional from day one:

  • Pair Lenten rose + Lungwort + Tiarella for a layered shade garden
  • Combine Creeping phlox + Dianthus + Speedwell for waves of color in sun
  • Repeat plants in groups for a natural, cohesive look

Early-blooming perennials are one of the easiest ways to elevate your landscape—and once they’re in, they’ll reward you year after year with very little effort.

7 Reasons to be growing ‘Blackhawk’ Bluestem Grass

1.It’s a Native—Refined for Today’s Gardens

‘Blackhawks’ Andropogon is a nativar—a carefully selected cultivar of Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem), a grass native to Maryland and much of North America.

That means it brings the ecological benefits of a native plant—resilience, adaptability, and wildlife value—while offering enhanced ornamental traits like richer color and a more refined habit.

It’s the best of both worlds:
nature’s wisdom, designer polish.

2. It Delivers Show-Stopping Color Without a Single Flower

Who says flowers get all the attention?

‘Blackhawks’ foliage evolves beautifully through the seasons:

  • Fresh green in spring
  • Deep wine and purple tones in summer
  • Nearly black foliage by fall

Backlit by the sun, brushed by wind, or kissed by frost, it looks like living art—adding drama and depth without deadheading or constant care.

3. It Adds Structure That Elevates the Entire Garden

Great gardens have bones—and ‘Blackhawks’ provides them.

Its strong, upright form brings vertical architecture that anchors planting beds and gives landscapes intention. It pairs effortlessly with softer, rounded plants, making everything around it feel more designed and cohesive.

Use it as:

  • A bold backdrop in mixed borders
  • A repeating element along walkways
  • A statement plant in naturalistic or modern designs

4. It Looks Incredible in Every Season

‘Blackhawks’ doesn’t have a short moment—it has a long performance.

  • Spring: Clean, upright emergence
  • Summer: Movement and deepening color
  • Fall: Peak drama with dark foliage
  • Winter: Textural interest when left standing

Even dormant, it adds beauty and structure to the winter garden.

5. It’s Tough, Reliable, and Low Maintenance

This plant works as hard as it looks good.

Once established, ‘Blackhawks’ is:

  • Drought tolerant
  • Heat loving
  • Deer resistant
  • Long-lived and dependable

Plant it in full sun, give it room to grow, and simply cut it back in early spring. That’s it.

6. It Supports Wildlife and Natural Systems

As a native-derived grass, ‘Blackhawks’ contributes to a healthier landscape.

Its roots improve soil structure, while its seed heads can provide food and shelter for birds. It fits beautifully into pollinator gardens, meadow plantings, and eco-conscious landscapes—without sacrificing style.

7. It Pairs Beautifully with Garden Favorites

One of the greatest strengths of ‘Blackhawks’ is how well it plays with others.

Stunning pairings include:

  • Coneflowers for soft, meadow-like contrast
  • Rudbeckia or Coreopsis for golden brightness
  • Sedum for rich late-season color
  • Russian Sage or Catmint for airy movement
  • Ninebark or Smokebush for layered drama

No matter your style—natural, modern, or classic—this grass belongs.

A Perennial Worth Building Around

‘Blackhawks’ Andropogon isn’t just a plant you tuck into the garden.
It’s one you design around, season after season.

Native at heart.
Bold by nature.
Chosen for a reason.

‘Blackhawks’ Andropogon 2026 Perennial of the Year

A Natural Work of Art in the Landscape

‘Blackhawks’ Andropogon grows with a strong, vertical habit—never floppy, always architectural. It brings structure, movement, and depth to gardens in a way few plants can.

Use it to:

  • Anchor a modern landscape with clean lines and bold contrast
  • Add drama to naturalistic and prairie-style gardens
  • Create a stunning backdrop for flowering perennials
  • Line walkways or driveways for a sense of rhythm and repetition
  • Stand alone as a statement plant in mixed borders or large containers

As the wind moves through its blades, the garden feels alive—whispering, shifting, and ever-changing.

The Magic of Pairing: Plants That Make ‘Blackhawks’ Shine

This grass truly comes alive when paired with the right companions. Think contrast, texture, and glow:

🌼 Golden Rudbeckia or Coreopsis

The bright yellows pop dramatically against the dark foliage.

💜 Echinacea (Coneflowers)

Soft pinks, purples, and whites create a meadow-like elegance.

🔥 Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ or ‘Firecracker’

Late-season color echoes the richness of ‘Blackhawks’ fall tones.

🌾 Little Bluestem or Switchgrass

Layer grasses for a sophisticated, prairie-inspired look.

🌸 Russian Sage or Catmint

Airy, silvery blooms float beautifully beside the grass’s bold form.

🌿 Shrubs like Ninebark or Smokebush

For landscapes craving depth and drama, this pairing is unforgettable.

Tough, Reliable, and Beautiful

Beyond its beauty, ‘Blackhawks’ Andropogon is a hard-working plant:

  • Thrives in full sun
  • Drought tolerant once established
  • Low maintenance
  • Deer resistant
  • Long-lasting winter interest

It’s the kind of plant that looks designer-chosen but grows effortlessly.

A Plant for Gardeners Who Dream

‘Blackhawks’ isn’t just something you plant—it’s something you experience. It changes with the seasons, catches the light, and gives your garden a sense of intention and artistry.

If you’re ready to elevate your landscape and plant something truly unforgettable,

this is the one.

Happy National Poinsettia Day—from Our Family to Yours!

Every December, right in the midst of twinkle lights, cinnamon-scented kitchens, and last-minute gift wrapping, a special holiday flower gets its very own celebration: National Poinsettia Day! And if you’ve ever walked into our garden center this time of year, you know exactly why. These cheerful blooms—whether classic red, soft pink, pure white, or one of the fun marbled or speckled varieties—feel like a warm hug from the holidays themselves.

But let’s start with a little story, because every good plant has a history.
The poinsettia traces its roots back to Mexico, where it was known as Flor de Nochebuena—the Christmas Eve Flower. Legend says its star-shaped bracts were a gift from a humble child who had nothing else to offer at church on Christmas Eve. In the 1800s, a gentleman named Joel Poinsett, America’s first ambassador to Mexico, fell in love with the plant and brought it back to the States. Fast forward to today, and poinsettias have become one of the most iconic holiday plants in America—so iconic that December 12th was declared National Poinsettia Day in his honor.

Around here, we see poinsettias do a little bit of everything: they brighten kitchens, add a festive glow to mantles, dress up porches and entryways, and instantly make any room feel holiday-ready. We especially adore them as hostess gifts—they’re the perfect “I’m so glad we’re celebrating together” gesture. No wrapping required, just a pretty pot cover or a bow and you’re good to go. They last well beyond the holiday dinner, too, giving your host a little cheer in the weeks that follow.

And let’s talk about one of the best updates in poinsettia news: they’re not nearly as toxic as people once believed.
For decades, poinsettias were unfairly labeled as dangerous to pets and kids, but modern research shows they’re only mildly irritating at worst—similar to many common houseplants. In most cases, a child or dog would need to nibble quite a bit to feel any effects, and even then it’s usually just minor tummy upset. So while we always recommend placing plants out of reach (toddlers and puppies love a good leaf!), there’s no need to fear having poinsettias around your home. They’re far safer than the old myths made them out to be.

So whether you’re decorating the house from top to bottom, grabbing a last-minute hostess gift, or simply wanting to bring a little color and joy into your home, poinsettias are one of the easiest ways to sprinkle in holiday magic.

Come celebrate National Poinsettia Day with us—we’d love to help you pick the perfect one for your home or your next gathering. From our family to yours, may your holidays be bright, merry, and filled with beautiful blooms! 🌺✨

How to make a Holiday Porch Pot

Holiday/Winter Porch Pot

First let’s talk about the supplies you will need. Whats awesome about this decoration is that you can just transition one of your summer or fall planters into a Holiday porch pot. We just cut back the dead flowers and stick the greens into the existing potting soil. To make your holiday porch pot gorgeous we recommend using at least 3 different types of greens. The different textures of greens all mixed in a container makes it very visually appealing! Our main filler green we work with is cypress. Its strong enough to have a great structure but also flow-y enough to be graceful and elegant. Other filler greens we love include pine, and yew. For a 12″ pot we recommend a good arm full (12-15 stems) of filler greens. This will give you a gorgeous really full pot at the end. Next your will need a handful of at least 3 groups of specialty greens (3-5 stems per group). Our favorite specialty green is incense cedar, it is so adorable with its distinctive yellow pollen buds at the tip of the bough. It works in beautifully at the front of a pot and really stands out. Other specialty greens include Holly with its glossy dark green leaves, Gold cypress with its bright yellow fronds,  juniper with its blue berries and magnolia. The last items you will need are like icing for a cake and they include pine cones, red winterberry and a bow!

There are two basic designs the one-sided porch pot and the 360 degree porch pot. Think about where your pot will be placed and how it will be viewed and this will determine your design.

For a one sided design: Start with a pot that has potting soil, sand or oasis. Begin by using filler greens, cypress is one of the best greens to work with since it is very full and forgiving. Place a tall stem in the center back of the pot with its prettiest side facing forward.. This stem should be either 2/3rds the height of the pot or 1/3d the size of the pot. This is a good guideline to be visually pleasing. Then place two stems on either side of the one in the middle, they should be slightly smaller. Repeat this to form an A shape (or fan shape) in the back of the pot. This should all be done with filler greens. Place a few more filler greens along the front edge spilling over the pot. This should give you a good basic silhouette. Now begin using specialty greens, these should be added toward the front and center. The more varied your color and textures the more interesting your pot will become. For more color depth add sprigs of magnolia with its velvety brown underside it will add a nice touch. For a pop of color use 3-5 red twig dogwood stems. You can group them in the center or space them throughout. Berries are a must! Add winterberry for cheerful red color. Place three stems in the center radiating outward.  Add the finishing touch with pinecones. Place three sugar pine cones in the center, if it’s windy in your area wire them to the greens. Then add the finishing touch with a bow. When Christmas is over just take out the bow and you now have a winter pot. You can keep your pot fresh all winter long by occasionally watering (twice a month).

For a 360 degree design: Start with a pot that has potting soil, sand or oasis. Begin by using filler greens, cypress is one of the best greens to work with since it is very full and forgiving. Place either birch logs or a tall green stem in the center of the pot. The stem should be 1/3 the overall height of the pot. Then using filler greens, uniformly arrange them around the outer edge of the pot. Use smaller stems to fill in the gap between the edge and center of the pot, still leaving space for specialty greens. This should be a nice silhouette. Now begin using specialty greens, these should be added all away around. The more varied your color and textures the more interesting your pot will become. For more color depth add sprigs of magnolia with its velvety brown underside it will add a nice touch. For a pop of color use 3-5 red twig dogwood stems. You should space them radially around the pot. Berries are a must! Add winter berry for cheerful red color. Place three stems one on each side.  Add the finishing touch with pinecones. Place three sugar pine cones in the front, if it’s windy in your area wire them to the greens. Then add the finishing touch with a bow. When Christmas is over just take out the bow and you now have a winter pot. You can keep your pot fresh all winter long by occasionally watering (once a month).

Labor Day sale

Labor Day Sales

We’re celebrating Labor Day with a big sale on a mix of shrubs!  Just a little incentive to get some of these great plants in to your yards at a great price!

50% off

American Hazelnut

Elderberry

Honeysuckle Bush ‘Kodiak Fresh’

Ninebark ‘Amber Jubilee’ ‘Darts Gold’ ‘Lady in Red’

40% off

Privacy Trees….

‘DeGroot’s’, ‘Emerald’, & ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae

‘Skip’ Laurel

Cypress ‘Heather Bun’

Deutzia ‘Raspberry Surprise’

Hydrangeas

Juniper ‘Blue Star’

Sorbaria ‘Matcha Ball’

Weigela ‘Czechmark trilogy’, ‘Sonic Bloom’, ‘Wine & Spirits’

20% off

Deutzia ‘Nikko’ & ‘Yuki series’

Sweetspire

Viburnums

Winterberry

 

 

Berry Bushes BOGO Free

Perennials BOGO Free – quart sized only

 

 

Sales expire 9/1/2025. While supplies last. Sales cannot be combined with any other offers. Free plant of equal or lesser value. Sale plants carry no warranty. See store for other details.

Asters: Autumn’s Star Blooms

Asters: Autumn’s Star Blooms

As summer’s warmth begins to fade, asters step into the spotlight, bringing dazzling bursts of color to the fall garden. Known as the “stars” of autumn (the word aster comes from the Greek word for star), these hardy perennials shine when many other flowers have begun to wane. With their daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white, asters are pollinator magnets, feeding bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects late in the season.

At D.R. Snell Nursery, we carry an inspiring selection of asters—ranging from compact ground-huggers to tall, airy forms. Below, discover some of our favorite varieties and how you can use them in your garden.

Featured Aster Varieties

Avondale

This native Wood Aster is a prolific fall bloomer, producing clouds of soft blue flowers that extend seasonal interest in the garden. A favorite of butterflies and an essential pollen source for native bees, it brings life and movement to your landscape just when many plants are fading. Wood Aster naturalizes easily beneath trees, adds charm to borders, and thrives along woodland edges. Its airy blooms also make a beautiful, long-lasting filler for autumn flower arrangements.

Eastern Star

‘Eastern Star’ White Wood Aster packs a striking punch in a small package, with crisp white petals and textured pink-and-yellow centers that light up the late-summer to fall garden. Blooming right up until frost, it offers abundant nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other late-season pollinators. Unlike many asters, ‘Eastern Star’ thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for naturalizing beneath trees, filling in around large shrubs, or adding long-lasting seasonal interest to shaded borders.

Grape Crush

‘Grape Crush’ is a standout for its saturated deep purple blooms and strong, clumping habit. Blooming in late summer to early fall, it’s ideal for adding bold, dramatic color to perennial beds.

Jindai

A tall, airy variety with delicate lavender-blue blooms, ‘Jindai’ is perfect for the back of the border. Its open form allows it to pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and fall-blooming perennials.

Lady in Black

This unique variety is loved for its striking dark foliage, which contrasts beautifully with clouds of tiny pink flowers. ‘Lady in Black’ adds a touch of drama to the fall garden and pairs well with lighter-colored blooms.

Little Carlow

With masses of violet-blue flowers and a graceful, arching habit, ‘Little Carlow’ is a charming aster for mixed borders. Its abundant blooms provide a feast for butterflies late in the season.

October Skies

True to its name, ‘October Skies’ delivers soft sky-blue flowers that bloom prolifically in fall. Compact and easy to grow, it’s a versatile variety for edging, rock gardens, or mass plantings.

Raydon’s Favorite

Known for its reliability and vigor, ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ boasts fragrant, lavender-blue blooms in October. This aster is also one of the best for attracting late-season pollinators.

Snow Flurry

A groundcover aster with a spreading, cascading habit, ‘Snow Flurry’ is covered in starry white blooms in autumn. It’s perfect for rock gardens, retaining walls, or as a ground-hugging accent.

Twilight

‘Twilight’ features semi-double, violet-purple flowers that bring a rich splash of color to the fall landscape. Compact and bushy, it fits nicely in perennial beds or containers.

Wood’s Purple

One of the most popular asters, ‘Wood’s Purple’ offers neat, mounded growth and reliable fall color. Its long-lasting purple blooms are mildew-resistant and beloved by butterflies.

Growing Tips for Asters

  • Sunlight: Most asters thrive in full sun, though some tolerate light shade.

  • Soil: They prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.

  • Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and bloom time.

  • Maintenance: Pinch back in early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms for an extended show.

  • Companions: Pair asters with goldenrod, ornamental grasses, sedums, and late-season hydrangeas for a dazzling autumn display.

Why Add Asters to Your Garden?

Asters not only extend the color in your garden into fall but also provide vital nectar for pollinators preparing for winter. With so many forms and hues available—from cascading white to bold grape-purple—there’s an aster for every garden style.

Stop by D.R. Snell Nursery to explore our full selection of asters and bring the magic of autumn’s star blooms to your garden.