Winter Aconite

Winter Aconite (Eranthis), a member of the buttercup family, is a charming bulb that brightens up gardens with cheerful yellow blooms during the chilliest days. Frost and ice don’t deter this hardy plant, making it an ideal choice for woodland settings and under deciduous trees. As ephemeral plants, they disappear as spring emerges, making way for new growth. Plant bulbs in the fall or propagate by dividing tubers when foliage begins to die back.

Christmas Rose/Lenton Rose

The Christmas Rose/Lenten Rose (Hellebore Orientalis) offers elegant blooms in late winter to early spring, with varieties featuring double-petaled flowers and variegated foliage. While white is the most common color, you can find blooms in soft pinks to deep, almost-black hues. This robust, drought-tolerant plant thrives in shady spots, is deer-resistant, and forms a lush ground cover when established. Trim back foliage in late spring for a tidy appearance.

Winter Jasmine

Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a familiar sight across the DC region, often adorning large concrete containers along the National Mall. With flexible, deep green stems and delicate yellow blooms that appear in early winter, it’s often mistaken for Forsythia. This versatile plant thrives in various conditions and can be trained on arbors, draped over retaining walls, or planted as a spreading ground cover. Regular maintenance will keep it in check.

Winter-Blooming Camellia

Camellias are broad-leaved evergreens that offer stunning flowers from winter to spring. With over 2,300 cultivars available, you can find the perfect match for your landscape. Growing 6 to 12 feet tall with a similar spread, camellias make excellent specimen shrubs, screens, or border plants, providing continuous color from December through June.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a standout with its fragrant, colorful blooms that appear as winter transitions to spring. This low-maintenance, pest-resistant shrub thrives in full sun but can tolerate filtered shade. Reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet, Witch Hazel adds height and vibrancy to any garden.

Brighten Your Winter Garden with Meadows Farms Nurseries

Brighten your garden year-round with vibrant winter blooms! Our expert team is here to help you choose and plant the perfect seasonal flowers to enhance your landscape. Stop by your local Meadows Farms location to get started today!

The post Winter Flowers Virginia: Brighten Your Garden All Winter Long appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Take It Indoors

You may not have a greenhouse, but you probably have a garage, cellar, or protected porch. Sometimes all your potted tender plant needs is a sheltered spot for those worst weeks of the year. You can also wrap a blanket or burlap around the base of the pot to keep it insulated. Alternatively, group a bunch of containers and stuff the area with leaves.

Plant It Right

The warmest part of your yard is most likely at the base of a southern-facing wall. Plant your camellias, figs, and others in this spot of your zonal edge.

Mulch It

Pile up mulch around the base of the plant to give its root zone a blanket of warmth. Grafted trees and shrubs especially are vulnerable to die-back, so provide extra mulching to your fruit trees and rose bushes now. Be sure to pull-pack that mulch layer at the first signs of spring.

Cover It

If you have just a few small tender plants to cover or want to give an early start to the next season, use a cloche or glass bell. (An assortment of Colonial-era cloches is pictured here.). You can make a modern cloche out of plastic soda bottles or milk jugs. Be sure to take them off or vent them during the day. To vent them, you can prop them up with a small stick or on stones.

Blanket It

Watch the local weather closely and on the coldest nights of the year, have old blankets and sheets on the ready to throw over your plants. Blankets and sheets are an excellent precaution to take on nights with an ice warning. Many plants that are solid in zones 6 and 7 can still suffer severe winter damage and breakage, so go ahead and cover them when there is an ice storm in the forecast. Then uncover when the danger of icing has passed.

Insulate It

Surround your most vulnerable plants with a metal cage (like your old tomato cages) or plastic mesh and stuff the frame full of leaves. You can also wrap the plant burlap tied with twine to achieve the same purpose. Then unwrap and unstuff your plant in early spring.

Finally, if you find you have a really cold spot in your garden that is a frigid micro-climate, consider more long-term solutions for this spot. You can build a berm (earthen wall) or stone wall to block some of the winds. You can plant a border of tall evergreens as a wind-break also. Consider also the next time you out a shed, house expansion, or other out-building that this may be the location to place it and thereby create a new, warmer micro-climate for your plantings.

Winterizing in the Mid-Atlantic — Visit Us for Local Advice!

When it comes to winterizing your garden in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., there’s no substitute for expert advice tailored to our unique climate. At The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, we have the knowledge and tools to help you safeguard your tender plants through the colder months. Stop by today for personalized recommendations on winter protection techniques and the best supplies to keep your garden thriving year-round!

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Get Your Plants in the Ground Sooner

Our landscape design and installation service can be busy, especially in the prime growing seasons. By starting your landscaping process now, you can get a jump start before everyone else starts thinking about their landscape plans. This jump start will allow us to schedule your installation sooner so you can enjoy your new garden oasis more and avoid waiting times during the busier seasons.

Save Money

One of the biggest benefits of planning your landscape early in the season is the opportunity to save money. Each year, we offer exclusive discounts for customers who begin the design process in winter and sign their contracts in February. These savings typically include discounts on landscape design consultations, installed plants, and even hardscape projects—helping you bring your outdoor vision to life for less. Whether you’re dreaming of a new patio, outdoor kitchen, or lush garden, starting early ensures your project gets completed sooner while keeping more money in your pocket.

Less Workload for Designers

Our landscape designers work long hours to ensure that all Meadows Farms landscape designs are of the highest quality possible. This dedication means that they have a considerable workload throughout our busiest seasons. By getting a jump start on your plan, our designers have more time to work with you on your project, ensuring you have the best experience possible.

Make Informed Decisions

Finally, winter is a great time to plan out a new landscape because it allows you to take your time and make more informed decisions about plant selection. It’s good to plan early on and consider what plants work best for your specific space. Additionally, we’ll be stocking the highest quality plant material, including unique varieties, during the winter and early spring. You’ll pick from the best plants while everyone else is still planning.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Overall, it might seem crazy to start planning a new landscape in the winter. Still, you can get a jump start on your installation, save money, work with award-winning designers, and make informed decisions about your landscaping needs. Go ahead and schedule a consultation with one of our designers today, and let us Plant a Little Happiness this season.

Schedule a Design Consult Today

Learn More About Meadows Farms Landscaping Services

The post Why Winter Is the Best Time for Landscape Project Planning appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting

Not sure if it’s time to repot your plant? Here are some key signs to look for:

• Visible Roots: If roots are peeking out from the surface of the soil or growing out of the drainage holes, your plant has likely outgrown its pot.
• Slowed Growth: Plants that seem to have stalled in their growth may be root-bound, meaning their roots have filled the pot and have nowhere left to expand.
• Coiled Roots: Check the rootball by gently removing the plant from its pot. If the roots are tightly coiled or spiraling around the outside of the soil, it’s a clear signal that your plant needs more space.

Repotting into a slightly larger container with fresh soil will give your plant room to grow and thrive.

When To Repot Plants

The best time to repot many indoor plants is just before their active growing season begins—making winter an ideal time to get started. Repotting now ensures your plants are ready to thrive as spring approaches.

How to Choose a Pot for Repotting Plants

When selecting a pot for your plant, aim for one that complements your home décor and is appropriately sized for your plant’s needs. Avoid going too big—a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one is ideal. Oversized pots can retain excess water, leading to root rot.

Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling in the soil. To protect your floors, choose a saucer that matches the pot and will catch any excess water.

For the best results, use a high-quality potting soil mix with added nutrients. Espoma Organic’s potting soils are an excellent choice for most indoor plants, providing the right balance of nutrients to help them thrive.

At Meadows Farms and The Great Big Greenhouse, we stock an incredible selection of pottery from around the world. With early shipments arriving in winter, this is the perfect time to find the pot that suits your style and your plant’s needs. Our selection is at its best, so don’t wait to check it out!

Tips to Make Repotting Easy

Follow these simple steps for a smooth repotting process:

• Remove the Plant: Gently take the plant out of its current pot. If it’s stuck, slide a knife or trowel around the edges to loosen it.
• Tend to the Roots: If the roots are coiled, gently tease them apart. For plants that are severely root-bound, you may need to prune the roots to encourage healthy growth.
• Prepare the New Pot: Add a layer of fresh potting soil to the bottom of the new pot. Center your plant, then fill in around it with a premium potting mix, leaving space at the top for watering.
• Water Thoroughly: Water the plant to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

It is not unusual for the plant to go into shock after repotting. Try to keep the plant out of direct sunlight for a few weeks and keep the soil evenly moist while the plant recovers.

Visit The Great Big Greenhouse for All Your Houseplant Needs!

Looking to refresh your indoor garden this winter? Our Great Big Greenhouse location in Richmond, VA is your one-stop shop for everything houseplants! From unique pottery and premium potting soil to a stunning selection of fresh plants, we have everything you need to help your plants thrive this season.

Not sure where to start? Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to offer expert advice and tips, making repotting and plant care a breeze. Stop by today and discover why we’re Richmond’s go-to destination for all things plants!

The post It’s Winter in the Mid-Atlantic! Let’s Repot Those Plants appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Why Bother with Indoor Gardening?

I turn to indoor plants for solace during our (admittedly reasonably mild) DC-area winters. Their greenery reminds me that spring is just around the corner. For that same reason, I love forcing bulbs as well to make the seasons “hurry up.”

Then there is the frugal gardening practice of over-wintering your outdoor plants indoors — ergo making them indoor plants for at least five months of the year. I know there must be many of you out there who, like me, have some blooming zonal geraniums, herbs, succulents, and coleus in your kitchen windows right now. They are just biding their time until they can once again grace our outdoor spaces.

Then there is the intangible “feeling” part of the houseplant equation. When I visit homes and offices without living things in them — both plants and pets — I can’t stand the sterility and usually don’t stay long. My favorite stores are those with a few cats roaming around and some cacti crowding up their counter space. And don’t get me started on hotel rooms with nary a green leaf! The first thing I do on any trip is run out of a small plant or flower bouquet to breathe some life into it.

I think this process is instinctual. My body knows that it needs oxygen that houseplants provide in spades. Did you know that many plants remove the toxins in our indoor air, as well? Try a Peace Lily, Spider plant, or any of the ivy cultivars in your bedroom to get rid of those airborne pollutants given off by carpeting, fabric dyes, detergents, etc.

But I Have a Black Thumb!

That is what I used to think after going through five African violets in one year of college. What I’ve learned since starting indoor gardening is the same lesson we outdoor gardeners get drummed into our heads: right plant, right place.

If you have a cool, dry home, you are not going to have luck with moisture-loving plants. Unless that is, you adjust the environment to address this growing requirement.

Examine where you would like to have some greenery in your home or at work, then seek a plant that fits that space. Just as it never works in your backyard, you can’t force a plant to adapt to conditions in which it will not thrive.

Looking for the right plant for your home? The team at The Great Big Greenhouse is here to offer personalized recommendations and advice for your specific space. Stop by today, and let us help you find the perfect plant for your environment!

The Best Houseplants For Beginners

If you’re new to indoor gardening, plants like Bromeliads, Crotons, and Dracaenas are great options, especially for low-light spaces like offices. These hardy plants are easy to care for and will thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Other beginner-friendly plants that can handle a bit of neglect include Jade, Begonia, and Aloe. These plants are forgiving and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for those just starting out.

Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria) is a favorite for beginners because it thrives in nearly any condition, from low light to dry air. If you’re looking for a plant that’s nearly impossible to kill, this is it.

Pothos is another fantastic choice for beginners. It can grow in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to indirect light. Pothos is a versatile option too—grow it as a hanging plant, train it to climb a stake, or let it trail along shelves or windowsills.

Ready to Start Your Indoor Garden? Visit Us in Richmond!

If you’re excited to dive into the world of indoor gardening, we’ve got everything you need at The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, VA! From beginner-friendly houseplants to expert advice on how to care for them, our knowledgeable team is here to help you every step of the way. Stop by today to find the perfect plant for your space and get all the supplies you need to start your indoor garden with confidence!

The post Outdoor Gardeners — It’s Time to Embrace Houseplants! appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

How Snow Affects Your Garden and Lawn

Heavy snow can cause branches to sag and snap, leading to potential damage. While most plants are flexible enough to handle a snow coating, certain varieties are more vulnerable. Evergreens like arborvitaes, and broad-leafed shrubs such as camellias, hollies, and rhododendrons, are particularly susceptible to snow buildup. Snow accumulation in the center of plants often causes the most damage.

Prevent Snow Damage to Arborvitaes and Shrubs

If you know snow is on the way, it’s best to take action before it falls. For arborvitaes and tall shrubs, use soft cord like ArborTie to wrap the base and around the plant. This will help prevent snow from collecting in the center of the plant and reduce the risk of breakage.

How to Safely Remove Snow from Plants

When removing snow from your plants, always use a soft tool, like a fan rake or broom. Gently push the snow off by sweeping upward, rather than hitting the plant, which could cause branches to snap. Avoid shaking the branches to dislodge the snow, as this could result in broken limbs.

Protect Your Lawn from Foot Traffic

It may be tempting to walk through a snowy lawn, but it’s important to resist. Snow can easily compact the fragile grass underneath, which may lead to damage or encourage fungal diseases. Avoid walking on your lawn if possible to help your grass stay healthy and promote quicker melting.

Safety First: Avoid Climbing to Remove Snow

When it comes to clearing snow from roofs or overhead branches, remember that your safety should come first. Climbing on roofs or reaching high branches can lead to serious injury. It’s better to leave the snow removal to professionals rather than risk a trip to the emergency room.

Visit Meadows Farms for Winter Garden Tips

Winter can be tough on your garden, but with a little preparation, you can help protect your plants. For more tips or to get the tools and supplies you need to care for your garden this winter, visit Meadows Farms Garden Center. Our experts are here to help you keep your lawn and garden healthy throughout the cold months. Stop by today to get your winter garden essentials!

The post Winter Snow Damage Prevention for Virginia Gardens and Lawns appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

DON’T be in a big hurry to start pruning! I urge you to wait until spring after plants begin their new growth. In mid-April (or even May), you can get a much better idea of how much winter damage a plant has suffered, and you can determine if it needs pruning.

I can’t tell you the number of well-established plants that homeowners have dug up and discarded, thinking they were dead. Remember- haste makes waste!

Is The Plant Dead or Alive

You can determine if a plant is dead or alive by scratching the bark with your fingernail or with a knife. The growth layer just below the bark will be green if the plant is living. If it’s brown, the plant is dying. Use this to give you a guideline of whether there is a need to prune. If only a portion of the plant is dying, you might be able to salvage it by pruning off the dead section.

Root Damage

In some cases, plants look just fine, but all of a sudden, they’ll begin to turn brown or a silvery-green color as the weather starts to warm up. This indicates that the root system was frozen or damaged during the cold winter months, and more than likely, that plant will die.

Grasses and Perennials

Keep in mind that many ornamental grasses and perennials die back to the ground each year, so go ahead and cut them off an inch or two above the ground, as you would in a typical year. New growth will flush as it begins to warm up, so don’t be overly worried if the visible parts of your perennials still look dead.

How To Prune Winter Damage

Once you’ve waited until spring and plants have started their new growth, you can begin evaluating the winter damage and determine if pruning is needed.

• Assess the Damage: Start by carefully inspecting the plant to determine which parts are dead and which are alive. Use the scratch test to check for living tissue. Once determined, dead tissue should be removed.
• Remove Dead or Damaged Growth: Begin by cutting back any dead or damaged wood. For shrubs and trees, cut back to just above a bud or healthy growth point. This encourages the plant to send out fresh shoots. For perennials, trim back dead stems just above the ground level.
• Check for New Growth: As spring progresses, continue to monitor for new growth. Once the plant has fully awakened, it will be easier to identify any areas that require additional pruning. If you find dead branches that were missed in the initial pruning, you can prune those at this time.
• Avoid Over-Pruning: It can be tempting to prune aggressively after a harsh winter, but remember that plants need to retain as much healthy tissue as possible to bounce back. Avoid cutting too much, as this can stress the plant and reduce its ability to recover fully.

Need Help Reviving Winter-Damaged Plants? Visit Us Today!

Taking care of winter-damaged plants requires patience and attention to detail, but with the right steps, you can help them recover and thrive in the coming season. If you’re unsure about the health of your plants or need help finding the right tools for pruning, visit us at any of our garden centers. Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you with expert advice and high-quality plants, tools, and supplies to get your garden back in shape.

The post How Do You Identify & Assess Winter Damage to Plants? appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Watering houseplants in winter

As your plants adjust to indoor conditions with shorter days and dry, heated air, their water needs will change. Be sure to check the soil for dryness before watering. In a hot, dry home, you may need to water more frequently, while cooler, dimmer environments may cause plants to retain moisture longer. For most houseplants, it’s best to fertilize only during active growth periods to avoid overfeeding. Keep a close eye on their changing needs as they acclimate to their indoor environment.

Pests

Before bringing your plants inside, carefully check both the leaves and stems for signs of pests. Look for damage like chewed leaves, insect droppings, sticky residue, or webbing. Address any pest problems outside to prevent bringing them indoors. Here are some simple, effective remedies:

• Aphids, crickets, spiders, etc.: Spray with a strong stream of water to dislodge pests.
• Caterpillars and grasshoppers: Pick them off by hand.
• Snails and slugs: Use a flashlight to catch them at night and remove by hand.
• Soil-dwelling pests (ants, pillbugs, centipedes): Clean the root ball with a chlorine bleach solution (4 tbsp bleach per 1 gallon water) or submerge the root ball in water for 30+ minutes to drown insects.
• Mealybugs and scale: Remove pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Isolate the plant to monitor for re-infestation, and test a leaf before applying alcohol to avoid damage.

Diseases

For issues like powdery mildew, botrytis, and black spot, try insecticidal soap or a home remedy made by mixing 4 teaspoons of baking soda in a gallon of water with a few drops of dish soap. For tough fungal problems, use a fungicide labeled for indoor plants. Good light and air circulation can also help prevent fungus.

If you use a chemical treatment, make sure it’s for the right issue and follow the instructions. Using the wrong product can harm your plant and the environment, and overusing it can lead to resistance. If you’re unsure, bring a plant sample to one of our nurseries for help. Our experts will diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.

Visit The Great Big Greenhouse for All Your Houseplant Needs!

Stop by The Great Big Greenhouse location in Richmond, VA  for expert advice on transitioning your plants for the colder months. We offer a wide selection of indoor plants, pots, and plant care products to keep your greenery thriving all year long.

The post Houseplant Highlight: Bringing Plants Inside for Winter appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

How to care for Hellebores:

Hellebores thrive in rich, well-drained soil and are perfect for brightening garden borders, planting under deciduous trees, or filling in spaces between shrubs. While they can tolerate full shade, they perform best with a few hours of morning sunlight. Though they remain evergreen, it’s a good idea to trim back the tattered old foliage each spring to make room for fresh foliage to put on a show.

Once established, hellebores are highly drought-tolerant and grow well in hardiness zones 4-8. Locally, our area spans hardiness zones 6B, typically found in the cooler northern and western parts, and 7A, which covers the warmer southern and eastern areas closer to Washington, D.C.

As a bonus, the deer tend not to bother these winter bloomers either!

When do Hellebores bloom?

These beauties start blooming in late December or early January and can continue to flower through May and June. Their blooms come in a stunning variety of colors, including reds, pinks, whites, greens, purples, and even unique grey and black hues.

Hellebore Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the hellebores listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post Winter-Blooming Hellebore Varieties for Virginia Gardens appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Why Pruning is Important This Time of Year

Pruning in the winter months not only shapes your plants but helps them thrive through the growing season. Whether it’s shrubs or trees, winter pruning encourages healthy growth and maximizes the chances for blooms during the upcoming seasons.

Before you start pruning, here are some essential tips for success!

Prep Your Tools for Success

One of the first steps in successful pruning is ensuring your tools are ready. Clean your pruners thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue from past uses, and make sure the blades are sharp. Dull pruners can make the task harder and more stressful. Don’t forget to oil your tools after each use—this prevents rust buildup and extends the life of your pruners, ensuring smooth cuts every time.

Know What You’re Pruning

Understanding the unique needs of your plants is critical to successful pruning. For instance, pruning at the wrong time of year or cutting too much can cause trees and shrubs to fail to bloom. Many plants, like older hydrangeas, bloom on old wood. If you prune these in winter, you risk removing their flower buds for the season. Similarly, azaleas and rhododendrons should only be pruned after blooming in late spring to ensure they bloom next year.

February to Early March Pruning Tips:

• Remove Weakened or Damaged Branches: Always cut back broken, diseased, or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth. Removing these early gives your plant a head start for the growing season.

• Prune Crape Myrtles: Now is the perfect time to prune crape myrtles, as they bloom on new growth. Removing old wood and seed heads will help the plant stay clean and encourage fresh blooms.

• Prune Fruit Trees and Bushes: A moderate pruning of fruit trees and bushes helps maintain steady fruit production through the growing season.

• Prune Roses: Hybrid teas and shrub roses should be pruned to 12”-18”, with cuts made just above a healthy bud at a slight angle. This encourages maximum growth and beautiful blooms.

• Cut Back Liriope: Liriope may have turned brown over the winter. Now’s the time to cut it back to encourage fresh spring growth.

Feeling Overwhelmed? We’re Here to Help!

Pruning can be intimidating, especially for new gardeners, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can ensure your plants remain healthy and vibrant. If you need advice or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert horticulturists. Visit any Meadows Farms location in VA, WV, MD, or DC for professional advice, tools, and everything you need for successful winter pruning.

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