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By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Garden clubs have long played an important role in bringing people together through a shared love of plants, landscapes, and the natural world. While gardening may be the common interest that first attracts members, the benefits extend far beyond... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

If you live in Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, you've probably discovered that your yard has clay soil. Heavy, dense, and frustrating to dig in, clay soil is the reality for most homeowners in our region. But here's the good news: instead of fighting... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Gardening is often thought of as simple yard work, but for millions of people it is a deeply rewarding hobby that offers far more than aesthetic appeal. Whether tending a small vegetable patch, maintaining ornamental beds, or caring for houseplants,... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

1. Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea

One of the most recognizable native perennials, purple coneflower is a magnet for bees and butterflies throughout summer. Its long bloom time and seed heads also provide late-season food for birds.... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Native plants have become increasingly popular in North Carolina landscapes, and for good reason. They are well-adapted to our climate, support local wildlife, and often require less maintenance than non-native alternatives. Whether you're looking to... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

If you garden or manage landscapes in Raleigh, one of the most important numbers you should know is your plant hardiness zone. That number influences what survives the winter, what struggles long term, and what truly thrives.

What Zone Is... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Every homeowner knows the frustration. You have that corner under the big oak tree where nothing grows. Or the slope too steep to mow. Maybe it's a wet area near the downspout, or compacted ground where kids always run. In Raleigh,... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

A well-designed backyard can be so much more than a patch of grass—it can become a place where kids explore, create memories, and stay active outdoors. Families across the Piedmont and Triangle region are increasingly looking for landscapes that... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Artificial turf has come a long way in the last decade. What once looked overly plastic and clearly fake has evolved into a realistic, durable, and low-maintenance alternative to natural turf. Both homeowners and commercial property managers are... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

For centuries, kitchen gardens have been a practical and beautiful part of the landscape. Traditionally located just steps from the home, a kitchen garden is designed to grow herbs, vegetables, and edible plants that can be easily harvested and used... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Walls, fences, and large vertical structures are common features in both residential and commercial landscapes. While they serve important purposes such as privacy, retaining soil, or defining spaces, they can sometimes feel stark or overpowering in... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories

Fragrance is one of the most powerful yet often overlooked elements in a landscape. In North Carolina, where long growing seasons and mild winters give us a wide plant palette, incorporating fragrant shrubs can transform an ordinary yard into an... read more.