Ornamental Grasses for the Fall Palette

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Hameln Fountain Grass
This dwarf cultivar of fountain grass displays
white flowers, resembling a bottle brush.
Bright green foliage transitions to a golden
brown color in fall.

The weather has brought us that crisp autumn breeze, and the gorgeous tones of the fall season are beginning to arrive. Nothing says autumn like the combination of striking warm colors with a wisp of soft texture in the garden. From feathery seedheads, to bold and vibrant color, ornamental grasses provide a versatile appeal in any landscape.

Ornamental grasses are known for their ease and low maintenance. Many grasses are also drought tolerant, as well as disease and deer resistant.  They’re also known for their year round addition of movement to the garden. Even the smallest of breezes animates their foliage, and in fall, their seedheads.  

They’re also regularly praised by landscape designers for their architectural value and four-season interest. After many plants have begun to transition into winter dormancy, grasses continue to provide a distinct texture and form in the winter landscape.  Though most ornamental grasses die back in the winter, their dormant foliage and seedheads remain as a focal point in the landscape.  They are exceptionally beautiful when covered in winter frost.  Most grasses can be cut back in late winter, then return with new growth in the spring.

Ornamental grasses can be incorporated into almost any landscape. Grasses make excellent borders, backdrops, accents, container plantings, and even mass plantings.   Don’t forget: seedheads and foliage are even excellent additions to floral arrangements!

Check out our Live Inventory - 30% OFF All Ornamental Grasses!

Grasses for Borders & Edging:

Grasses for Shade:

Grasses for Accents:

Drying Hydrangea Blooms

Drying Hydrangea blooms is an excellent way to savor the charming color of your garden. The natural appeal of finely muted pastels makes a wonderful addition to the home.  Some of our favorite uses are vase and basket arrangements, wreath displays, and easy gifts for friends!  Follow these simple directions, and start bringing the joy of your landscape indoors.
The key to drying Hydrangeas is cutting them at the appropriate time.  If blooms are cut while they are still retaining too much moisture, they will not dry properly.  From August - October, watch for the blooms to begin drying on the plant.  You'll see the color of the blooms begin to fade, and they'll begin to transition to a more papery texture. This is the time when they're ready to be cut.
Cut blooms with about a 12" stem, and remove all leaves.  Blooms can then be placed in a vase with or without water.  Be sure to keep the vase out of direct sunlight, which could significantly diminish the saturation of the blooms.  Blooms can also be hung upside down to dry, or can be dried using silica gel.
Then, enjoy!
Don't forget to check out our Live Hydrangea Inventory - They're all 30% OFF, just in time for the drying season!

Fall is for Planting (...and Saving $$!)

"When is the best time to plant?" - It's one of the most common questions asked at the nursery.  Fall is an excellent season to tackle planting projects.  Planting in fall allows plants time to establish and extend their roots throughout the winter.  Though they may not be visually displaying their growth, it's important to recognize the processes occurring beneath the ground. Establishing a healthy root zone is essential to a plant's vitality and success within the landscape. When spring arrives and plants begin to display new growth in it's top zone, it will have a well established root structure to anchor it within the ground.
Fortunately, from an economical perspective, it's also a great time to purchase plants and take advantage of seasonal sales.  Right now, we're running our Fall Sale-

For sale pricing and availability, check out our live inventory: 

Fall Sale {Ending 10/30/11}. 

30% OFF ~ All Shade & Flowering Trees (excluding Japanese Maples), Edible Fruit Trees, Perennials, Hibiscus, Phormium, Blueberries, Vines, Bamboo (excludes Nandina), Hydrangeas, All Pottery, Statuary, & Fountains