10 Shrubs and Vines for Fall Color
For some of us, trees take up too much space, and that’s fine – there are plenty of fantastic shrubs and vines the provide fall leaf color. Many are native and have added benefit to wildlife and are easy-care. I…
6 Trees for Fall Color
Sometimes I think those of us who live in parts of the U.S. with mixed-species deciduous forest take our autumnal show of colors for granted, especially here in the mid-Atlantic. I have visited several wonderful places around our country (and…
The Best Time to Plant a Tree…
I have said it many times before, the best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago and the second best time is today… The other day, my husband, Jon, my father in law, Marshal and our grandson decided…
I Need to Freshen Up a Bit
Summer is in the final stretch, and most of what we are doing in August is maintenance or harvest. It’s the time when you realize that the slugs have really been hitting the hostas, leaving them full of holes, and…
Grape-Holly/Mahonia
Named for its holly-like foliage and grape-like fruit (well, they don’t look like grapes to me), these evergreens are another of my favorite shade shrubs. As durable as their relatives Nandina and Barberry, they are very adaptable and easy to…
Bewitching Witchhazels
The witchhazel family has a beguiling name and, in my opinion, well-deserved due to their enchanting garden presence. Here are four members that I feel are deserving of wider recognition and use.
Carol’s Favorite Woodies vs. Mine
I love the videos (and live talks) by horticulturist Carol Allen and she’s my favorite plant expert for our region. I also consider myself a specialist, of sorts, in woodies, especially shrubs. So, in her latest video for Behnkes, “Carol’s …
Introduction to Woody Plants
Woody plants are plants that live for more than year and make wood, which, as you know, is the stuff furniture is made of. They have one or more stems as well as branches. These grow in diameter every year…
The Basics of Gardening
Our gardens reward us in many ways. Starting a new garden or maintaining an established one is an enjoyable task, providing gardeners with a healthy outdoor activity that beautifies our surroundings and enriches our souls. Gardening is not as complex…
The Wonders of Winter
I used to say that I hated winter. An outdoor-playing, nature-lover at heart, there were no insects – those beloved objects of my fascination – to play with. The garden, to my naïve eyes, seemed dead and dull. And, of…
Fall Back and Relax – Enjoying Fall Color
While pansies and chrysanthemums are producing multitudes of flowers, arguably the most impressive display lies in autumn leaves. Rich and brilliant hues hidden all season burst forth from trees and shrubs and give the garden that last bit of warmth…
Proper Planting for Trees and Shrubs
Behnke Nurseries would like to offer it’s customers some guidelines on the proper planting procedures for both b&b (balled and burlapped) and container grown plants. Nursery Plants: B&B vs. Container Grown In general trees and shrubs are available either balled…