D. A. Dunlevy
A native plant, and Maryland's state flower, the Black-eyed Susan - Rudbeckia fulgida - is a perennial favorite. Golden yellow flowers 3-4" across have a black cone center and bloom from July through September. This low maintenance plant will attract butterflies and hummingbirds and mixes well with … Read More
Nandina ‘Gulf Stream’ is one of the greatest compact shrubs for year-round foliage. It requires almost no pruning; only dead or broken limbs need to be removed. This Nandina variety can display a mixture of different leaf colors all at once, which will grow more vibrant from … Read More
A fast-spreading, carpet-like groundcover, Mazus reptans is an excellent ground cover choice for landscape design. It will grow quickly in a tight, 1" carpet. Small, bright green leaves are accompanied by blue or white ('Albus') flowers in May and June. This plant is moisture-tolerant, tough, and hardy. Light … Read More
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