D. A. Dunlevy
One of the more compact varieties of Echinacea, 'PowWow Wild Berry' is not just another purple coneflower. Exceptional blooms adorn this plant from late spring to late summer. The flowers are 3-4" with deep rose-purple ray petals that surround the rose-tinted dark orange cone. This variety retains … Read More
Most of us have fond memories growing up of warm summer nights spent chasing fireflies in large, open fields, then showing off our collection of the fascinating bugs. But have you noticed in the last few years that the firefly population (also known as lightning bugs) has … Read More
Lagerstroemia, more commonly known as the Crape Myrtle, is a favorite among landscapers. It can be grown as either a shrub or a petite tree. Crape Myrtles bloom from late spring until early fall, in varying shades of pink, red, purple, and white. Their petals have a crinkled … Read More
Perhaps the most common species of hydrangea, macrophylla is a very rewarding shrub, suitable for any landscape design in the DC area. Large green foliage is complimented with globe-shaped ("mopheads") or flattened ("lacecap") flowers, pending the cultivar. The beautiful blooms are available in many shades of pink, … Read More
Clematis vines are a great option for training on arbors, walls, fences, or screens. Their large, summer blooms are available in shades of pink, purple, and white. This particular variety, Jackmanii, is perhaps the most profuse blooming purple clematis. The large purple flowers are 5-6" in size … Read More
Betula nigra, commonly referred to as River Birch, are known for their peeling bark characteristic. The exfoliating habit exposes different shades of the tree bark, adding interest to any landscape. The leaf canopy is a lustrous green in spring and summer, changing to yellow in fall. Light Needs: … Read More
Oatlands Historic House & Garden, located in Leesburg, was originally a wheat plantation in the 1800s owned by George Carter. Carter designed and built the entire plantation, including the formally organized garden near the house. His beautifully landscaped garden included terraces carved into the hillside that provided … Read More
You may be thinking that we are being redundant since last week's Plant of the Week was the Japanese Maple, but the Japanese Laceleaf is very unique from its relative. Arguably one of the most refined of all maples, the Acer palmatum 'Dissectum' has a much more … Read More
The upright (non-dissected) Japanese Maple is referred to as Acer Palmatum var Atropurpureum. This specimen tree is has attractive foliage that ranges in color from green to burgundy, depending on the variety and planting location. The variety pictured above is planted in a relatively shaded area. The … Read More
By now, we are sure you're aware that many areas around DC will be plagued by the 17 year cicada bug this summer. But what are cicadas? How will they affect your landscape? Enter Howard Baker, or Howie, as we affectionately call him. Howie manages our IPM program … Read More