By Misty Gil, Posted in Plants

An ephemeral plant is one with a short, seasonal life cycle. It emerges, blooms, and sets seed quickly—often in early spring—before going dormant. These plants take advantage of ideal conditions, like sunlight before trees leaf out, and... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Plants

Adding bulbs to your landscaping, annual beds, and planters is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to introduce vibrant color, texture, and seasonal interest to your outdoor space. These underground powerhouses offer a wide variety of shapes,... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Plants

Best Low-Maintenance Shrubs for Eastern North Carolina
Maintaining a beautiful landscape in Eastern North Carolina can be challenging due to the region's hot, humid summers and occasional winter frosts. However, with the right selection of... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Plants

As winter draws to a  close, some beloved evergreens may adopt a bronze hue, prompting a common concern: "Is my plant dying?" Fear not! This transformation, known as "winter bronzing," is a natural occurrence during the transition between... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories, Plants

Formal hedges can indeed add a touch of grandeur to any landscape, reminiscent of the elegance of the Palace of Versailles. Yet, the stringent maintenance of tightly sheared shrubs year-round comes with its own set of... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories, Plants

The traditional approach to caring for crape myrtles in the South has undergone a significant shift. Once considered acceptable, the practice of "pollarding" or severe pruning, known colloquially as "crape murder," is now recognized as detrimental to... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories, Plants

In the enchanting landscapes of North Carolina, the vibrant palette of flowering shrubs and trees brings a burst of color and beauty to the region's diverse ecosystems. 

Hydrangea: Renowned for its exquisite and large blooms, the... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories, Plants

North Carolina is blessed with a diverse landscape and a wide array of pollinator-friendly plants. Whether you have a small garden or a vast landscape, incorporating these plants will attract and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories, Plants

Crape myrtle trees (Lagerstroemia indica) are a popular choice for adding beauty, color, and elegance to any landscape. With their vibrant blossoms, attractive bark, and ease of care, these versatile trees have become a staple in gardens and public... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories, Plants

North Carolina’s landscape is full of trees. In most areas, with no interference from people, this state would be a forest of hardwoods and pine trees. Many times, homes are built with the hope of keeping the canopy cover of trees to bring shade... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Feature Stories, Plants

We see vloggers and influencers talk about trends in clothing, home décor, and makeup, but did you know that landscaping has trends as well? The plant ID classes our team took in college may look as different now as a textile... read more.

By Misty Gil, Posted in Plants

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that you are relegated look at a stark landscape for months on end. There are many plants that add winter interest that you can add to your landscape. Some of these plants can also supply refuge and a... read more.