Sometimes shady gardens seem like a curse but there are many fun and exciting plants that can be used in this location. When looking at the sight it is important to think about shade gardens for one of their finest attributes, the potential to look like a peaceful woodland sanctuary! There are many perennials that [...]
All plants have different preferences for sunlight, soil type, and water requirements which are all important for growing happy plants. While measuring sun exposure for plants is not an exact science, the definitions below are the generally accepted standards for determining sun exposure in the garden. Full Sun: At least 6 hrs of direct, unfiltered [...]
Are deer munching on your garden? Deer can devastate a landscape especially if planted with their favorite snacks such as hostas, daylilies, azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, burning bushes, tulips and pansies. When planting deer resistant landscaping remember this tip for picking out plants. Deer do not like fine, fuzzy and fragrant plants. Here at Hook’s we have [...]
Rabbits are adorable critters that can cause problems in the garden. No plants are completely rabbit proof and young plants are particularly vulnerable. That being said, some plants are generally considered rabbit resistant. These plants tend to be thorny, spiny, heavily aromatic or that secrete a milky sap which makes them less appetizing to rabbits. Here at Hook’s we [...]
Strawberry plants are easy to care for and produce delicious fruits! Strawberries are also perennials meaning that you can enjoy them year after year! When it comes to picking out which strawberry variety to grow the first thing you need to know is that there are three different types of strawberries that produce at different [...]
Are you ready to start planting this spring? Creeping phlox is ready too! Our Emerald Blue creeping phlox is acclimatized to outside temperatures and can be planted now! This spring blooming semi-evergreen perennial features pastel purple color blooms and makes a perfect border or filler between stepping stones. As its name implies, creeping phlox has [...]
Proven Winners Echinacea PowWow Wild Berry Spring is on its way and here at Hook’s we are getting excited for all of the planting and gardening that comes with it. After a long winter it's finally time to get excited about working outdoors. Building a rain garden is a fun project to consider for [...]
Watch for early spring frost, freeze or just plain cold nightly weather. If you have an early itch to plant flowers, start with containers on a protected porch or that could easily be moved in. Use cold hardy annuals such as violas, pansies or alyssum. Outside grown perennials or harden off perennials make great container [...]
Spring is the perfect time to do a little pruning to get back into the swing of gardening. Every perennial is different and each variety has its own optimal pruning schedule. Therefore it is important to know the timing and type of pruning each plant needs to get the best results. That being said, there [...]
We started with annual flambé yellow strawflower, annual euphorbia, perennial hydrangea, and perennial white mums. The supplies you will need are flowers, 20-22 gauge wire that is straight, floral tape, jute twine, and ribbon. You want to have five mum blooms to work with. One large, two medium, and two small. In the end, you [...]
Digitalis or Foxglove are showstoppers in a garden with their spectacular panicles of flowers and tall stature. In addition to their height and colorful flowers, Foxgloves are deer resistant and attract all kinds of pollinators. These plants are heavy feeders that prefer neutral to acidic soil and at least 3-4 hours of sunlight. Well drained soil [...]
Buddleia or Butterfly Bush attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators with its fragrant flowers and foliage. The blooms of the Butterfly Bush are vibrantly colored and last from summer to fall giving you and the pollinators plenty of time to enjoy them. This sun-loving, drought tolerant plant prefers well draining, neutral to slightly acidic, fertile [...]
Hardy Hibiscus (Rose Mallow) has an amazing tropical look but is hardy to zone. 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 love [...]
Echinacea 'PowWow White' produces gorgeous flowers with pure white flowers around a yellow-brown central cone that are ideal for cut flowers. These long blooming flowers tolerate heat, drought, and poor soil conditions as well as being deer resistant. PowWow White flowers attract birds and butterflies alike making them a low maintenance, beautiful, pollinator friendly addition [...]
Sometimes shady gardens seem like a curse but there are many fun and exciting plants that can be used in this location. When looking at the sight it is important to think about shade gardens for one of their finest attributes, the potential to look like a peaceful woodland sanctuary! There are many perennials that [...]