Author Archives: Jessica Snell

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.

Back from Vacation? Here’s What to Do if Your Container Plants Didn’t Survive the Trip

Back from Vacation? Here’s What to Do if Your Container Plants Didn’t Survive the Trip
And how to perk things up until it’s time for your fall refresh

There’s nothing quite like walking through your front door after a summer getaway—bags in hand, sun-kissed skin, and a head full of vacation memories. But then you look at your front porch containers… and the reality sets in. While you were soaking up the sun, some of your plants were baking in it. A few look tired. A couple look downright crispy. Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. The good news? There’s an easy midseason fix to get things back on track until your fall refresh around Labor Day.

First, Assess the Damage

Before you toss anything, check for signs of life. Scrape the stems gently with your fingernail—green underneath means there’s still hope. If it’s dry and brown all the way through, it’s time to say goodbye. Cut back any dead or struggling plants, pull out what’s beyond help, and fluff the soil.

Enter the Filler Flower: A Quick Fix for Instant Charm

Now’s the perfect time to tuck in a cheerful filler flower or two. They’ll instantly perk up the whole container and give it fresh color and texture to carry you through the next few weeks.

Some great filler flowers for late summer:

  • Marigold– Bright, bold, and heat-loving, they bloom nonstop and come in so many colors.
  • Angelonia – Also known as “summer snapdragon,” this one thrives in heat and humidity and keeps blooming without fuss.
  • Mandevilla– So easy, It thrives in the sun and doesn’t mind missing a watering or two.
  • Alternathera– For containers in the sun or shade, it adds a pop of color with its vibrant foliage and bounces back quickly.
  • Calibrachoa – Like mini petunias, these cascading charmers are ideal for filling in gaps.

Pop in a couple of fresh fillers, give everything a good watering, and voilà—your containers are back to life.

Boost What’s Left with Jack’s Blossom Booster

Even if some of your plants made it through the vacation without a scratch, they likely used up a lot of energy while you were away. A dose of Jack’s Blossom Booster fertilizer can give everything a much-needed pick-me-up. It’s specially formulated to encourage vibrant blooms and stronger growth, helping your containers look their best for the rest of the summer.

We recommend feeding once a week for best results—especially after a stressful period like drought, missed watering, or extreme heat.

Save the Big Refresh for Labor Day

Think of this midseason clean-up as a mini makeover. Just enough to get you through the next few weeks with a smile. Then, when Labor Day rolls around and temperatures start to shift, you can go all-in on your fall containers—with mums, ornamental kale, pansies, and pumpkins galore.

So don’t be discouraged if your containers took a vacation of their own while you were away. A little trimming, a splash of color, and some well-timed plant food is all it takes to turn things around.

Stop by the garden center—we’ve got late-summer filler flowers stocked and plenty of Jack’s Blossom Booster on the shelf. Let’s bring your containers back to life—and get ready for that gorgeous fall season ahead. 

Our Favorite Houseplant Products for Guaranteed Success

Our Favorite Houseplant Products for Guaranteed Success

Tried-and-True Tools Every Indoor Gardener Needs

Whether you’re just starting your houseplant journey or your living room is a lush jungle of leafy greens, having the right tools makes all the difference. At our garden center, we’ve tested and trusted a variety of products over the years—and we’re sharing our go-to favorites that help houseplants not only survive but truly thrive.

Here’s a roundup of our top houseplant products that set you (and your plants!) up for success:

🌱 1. The Right Soil Matters – Coco Loco & Sol Soils Chunky Mix

A plant is only as healthy as the soil it’s rooted in. That’s why we’re picky about what we recommend—and these two mixes are the cream of the crop.

Coco Loco by FoxFarm

Our go-to for most houseplants, Coco Loco is a rich, coconut coir-based mix that holds just the right amount of moisture without becoming soggy. It’s loaded with beneficial ingredients like earthworm castings and bat guano (yes, really!) for a light, fluffy texture and nutrient-rich environment.

Perfect for: Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Peace Lilies, Spider Plants, and more.

Sol Soils Houseplant Chunky Mix

This specialty blend is a must-have for aroids and epiphytic plants that crave airflow around their roots. It’s made with chunky bark, pumice, and coconut husk to mimic the natural environments of rainforest dwellers like Monsteras and Hoyas.

Perfect for: Monstera, Philodendron, Hoya, Pothos, Anthurium, and even Christmas Cactus.

Why we love them both:
Together, these two mixes cover just about every houseplant in your collection. If you’re not sure which one is right, just ask—we’re happy to help match the mix to your plant’s personality.

💧 2. Moisture Meter – No More Guesswork!

If you’ve ever killed a plant by loving it a little too much, a moisture meter is a must. It takes the guesswork out of watering and helps you avoid root rot or crispy leaves.

Why we love it:
Just stick it in the soil and get an instant reading. No batteries, no fuss. It’s one of the best tools for learning each plant’s unique watering needs.

Perfect for: New plant parents, or anyone with finicky tropicals like Calatheas or Alocasias.

🌿 3. Leaf Shine & Insect Control – Bonide Neem Oil Spray

Healthy leaves are happy leaves. Neem oil is a natural and effective solution that both cleans foliage and helps prevent or treat common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.

Why we love it:
It’s organic, multipurpose, and safe for indoor use. Plus, it gives leaves a subtle, healthy glow without clogging pores.

Perfect for: All houseplants, especially ferns, ivy, and other bug-prone varieties.

🪴 4. The Right Container – Pots with Drainage + Stylish Cachepots

Drainage is non-negotiable. A pretty pot without a drainage hole is a recipe for disaster—but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

Why we love it:
We carry a curated selection of pots with built-in drainage and chic outer cachepots so you get both function and beauty. Just lift the inner pot to check for moisture or let excess water drain, then slip it back into the decorative cover.

Perfect for: Customers who want a seamless look without plant drama.

🌸 5. Feed for Success – Jack’s Houseplant Special Fertilizer (15-30-15)

During the active growing season, most houseplants benefit from a steady supply of nutrients to support lush growth and vibrant color. Our top pick? Jack’s Houseplant Special Fertilizer—a balanced, water-soluble formula trusted by professionals and home growers alike.

Why we love it:
This 15-30-15 blend is easy to mix, gentle on roots, and packed with essential nutrients to encourage strong stems, healthy foliage, and even blooming in flowering houseplants. It’s especially great for indoor conditions where plants aren’t getting nutrients from outdoor elements.

Perfect for:
Peace Lilies, Pothos, Philodendrons, Spider Plants, Orchids, and more.

How to use it:
Just mix with water and feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer. For best results, always water thoroughly and apply to moist soil.

Pro tip:
Consistency is key—regular feeding leads to stronger, more resilient plants with fewer issues. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your indoor jungle looking vibrant year-round.

🧼 6. ARS Snips

Cleaning up yellowed leaves or giving your plant a shape-up is part of good plant care. Dull scissors can crush stems and introduce disease, so a sharp, dedicated pair is essential.

Why we love it:
We stock soft-grip snips and bypass pruners that are small enough to maneuver between leaves but tough enough for thick stems.

Perfect for: Monstera, Philodendron, Spider Plants, or any houseplant in need of a refresh.

💚 7. Humidity Helpers – Pebble Trays & Mini Misters

Many houseplants hail from tropical regions and appreciate extra humidity. But if a whole-room humidifier feels like overkill, a few small accessories can go a long way.

Why we love it:
Pebble trays are low-maintenance: just fill the tray with water and sit your plant on top (not in the water) to increase ambient moisture. Pair with a fine-mist sprayer for quick refreshes on dry days.

Perfect for: Ferns, Calatheas, Prayer Plants, and orchids.

🪴 8. Sticky Traps – A Simple Solution for Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats can pop up any time you have moist soil, but sticky traps help break the life cycle fast—no sprays required.

Why we love it:
These discreet yellow traps are safe for use around kids and pets, and they catch gnats quickly before they can lay more eggs in your soil.

Perfect for: Any plant in a consistently moist environment.

🐛 9. Long-Term Pest Protection – Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control

While foliar sprays like neem oil are great for spot-treating pests, sometimes you need extra protection from the inside out. That’s where Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control comes in.

Why we love it:
It’s a granular treatment that you mix into the top layer of soil and water in. The active ingredient is absorbed by the roots and works from within to control pests like fungus gnats, mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, and more—for up to 8 weeks.

Perfect for:
Orchids, Peace Lilies, Palms, Snake Plants, and any plant that’s prone to recurring pest problems or lives in consistently moist soil.

Pro tip:
Use it as a preventive measure during spring and summer, when pest activity is at its peak. It’s especially helpful for customers who don’t want to spray or those dealing with persistent infestations.

💡 Bonus: Grow Lights for Low-Light Rooms

Don’t let shady corners stop you from growing plants. We carry sleek, energy-efficient grow lights that can supplement natural light in darker rooms or boost growth during winter months.

Why we love it:
Our most popular styles blend into home décor and clip easily onto shelves or stands—no ugly industrial setups required.

Perfect for: ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, and Succulents needing a little extra help.

Ready to Grow Like a Pro?

All of these houseplant helpers are available right here at the garden center—just ask one of our plant specialists to help you get set up. Whether you’re building a windowsill oasis or maintaining your growing collection, these trusted products will help you grow with confidence.

Need a custom potting mix blend? Want a plant diagnosis? We’re here to help—because houseplants shouldn’t be hard. They should be joyful.