Zone 6b - Mid-Atlantic Gardening

Whether pink or white or blue or red or even greenish yellow, hydrangeas are a joy in the summer garden, and there are many new varieties out there. Hydrangea demand lots of water (hydra = water), and trickle irrigation is the most effective method. More sun means more blooms, so avoid placing hydrangea in […]

The easiest type of orchid to grow at home is the Phalaenopsis, or “moth orchid.” Many homes have insufficient sunlight levels for the reblooming of most orchids, but phaels grow easily under the same conditions required by African violets. A shaded south window or an east/west window is ideal.

Fall is the time for planting hardy spring-flowering bulbs: e.g., tulips, daffodils, crocus, allium, certain lilies, hyacinth, and frittilaria. Most area nurseries have gotten their bulb shipments in, so the savvy gardener will get there quickly before the stock is depleted. Once they’re gone, they’re gone until next fall. You can stock up now and […]

Fall is a great time for planting. The most important factor in selecting a tree or shrub is to make sure that the plant – at maturity – will fit into the chosen site in terms of both branches and roots. It’s heartbreaking to have to yank out one’s prize maple or viburnum because […]