Foxglove, also known as digitalis, are gorgeous woodland plants that attract birds, bees and hummingbirds to the garden while also being deer and rabbit resistant. These showy plants feature tall stalks of distinctive bell shaped flowers in late spring to mid summer. Digitalis makes a wonderful addition to any garden by adding eye-catching height and [...]
It is not too late to get vegetables planted. If the poor weather this spring has delayed planting or damaged your vegetable garden this year, do not fret! There is still time to get a garden planted or replant a garden damaged by the storms. Tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables have a short enough [...]
We are all familiar with the classic Black-eyed Susan look featuring yellow ray flowers around a dark brown or black center cone, but we may not be aware of the many types of Black-eyed Susan plants available. Black-eyed Susan plants come in many different varieties including upright growers and vines and ranging from annuals to [...]
The 4th of July is just around the corner. Here at Hook’s we have red, white and blue planters ready to help decorate for Independence Day celebrations. We will be closed tomorrow to spend time with our families, so be sure to stop by the greenhouse today for these quick and easy patriotic centerpieces!
Sweet William Barbarini comes in two stunning bicolored varieties, 'Purple Bicolor' and 'Purple-White Bicolor'. These two fabulous plants feature large clusters of eye-catching flowers. Sweet William flowers are known for their beauty, easy care needs, drought tolerance, deer resistance and long blooming bicolored flowers. In addition, Sweet William's fragrance attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. [...]
Hardy Hibiscus (Rose Mallow) has an amazing tropical look but is hardy to zone 4. Hibiscus plants have breathtaking 12-18 inch blooms making them a striking addition to any garden. This easy maintenance plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and many other pollinators while deer typically leave it alone. These awesome perennials survive in wet soil and [...]
Russian Sage, produces lacy lavender blue flowers from mid summer all the way through mid fall. The delicate blooms of Russian Sage make great cut or dried flowers. In spite of its delicate appearance, Russian Sage is hardy, drought tolerant and deer resistant. Russian Sage also features fragrant foliage and attracts hummingbirds. Russian Sage is [...]
Dill is a wonderful plant that is useful in the kitchen, fragrant and easy to care for. Its wonderfully refreshing taste is enhanced by vinegar or lime juice. Dill is an annual herb that is easy to grow and can reach the staggering height of 3 ft! This versatile herb can grow in containers or [...]
Basil is one of the most widely used herbs and is found in cuisines worldwide. It is commonly associated with Italian cooking and pairs well with both garlic and tomatoes. On top of its appeal as a culinary herb basil is aesthetically appealing and has a fabulous aroma. The name basil comes from the Greek [...]
Growing Lavender Lavender 'Munstead' is evergreen fragrant shrub is deer resistant, drought tolerant and attracts butterflies. This gorgeous perennial plant features spikes of soft purple flowers and a soothing fragrance. Lavender’s unforgettable flowers can be enjoyed in the garden or as cut or dried flowers. Lavender blooms in summer and has beautiful purple flowers that [...]
Potpourris and sachets make wonderful gifts and can fill a room with amazing fragrance. There are three different types of potpourris or sachets, open potpourris and simmering potpourris. Sachets are an aromatic combination of dried herbs and flowers contained within a small pillow or cheesecloth bit typically placed in a drawer for fragrance. Potpourris are [...]
Another relaxing way to enjoy the products of your herb garden is an herbal bath. Herbal baths can help soothe sore muscles, ease anxiety, and keep your skin healthy. The different herbs and ingredients added to the bath determine its effects. For example, chamomile helps soothe skin irritations and calm emotions while lavender blossoms are [...]
Lemon Verbena Herbal teas are perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Herbal teas have no caffeine in them because black tea from the plant Camella sinensis, is not added in the blend. There are over 3,000 varieties of this one plant that give rise to the many types of tea seen in stores today. [...]
Rosemary is a fabulous culinary herb to grow and has many uses in and out of the kitchen. Rosemary has been used by many different civilizations since first appearing in cuneiform writings from the 5 millennium BC in Sumeria. Besides being featured in delicious dishes around the world rosemary is also has medicinal uses, such [...]
Herbs are meant to be used. Here’s a quick guide for harvesting, drying and storing herbs from your garden. Whichever method you choose to use be sure to label the dried or frozen final product for future use. Tips for Harvesting Herbs: Ideally aim to harvest herbs on a sunny day after the dew is [...]