Landscapers are embracing new varieties of plants and flowers introduced in 2018. If you’re looking to add something different in your garden, check out the latest offerings. 

one: “Seaside Serenade Hydrangea series is new for 2018. The Cape Cod is blue to purple and the Hamptons is a deep pink. It requires low light, is a repeat bloomer and is great for moist small spaces.” David Sherwood, Sherwood’s Forest. 

March 1-4
Mow lawns low to remove old growth before new growth begins.

March 1-11
Loosen winter mulches from perennials cautiously. Re-cover plants at night if frost returns. Clean up beds by removing all weeds and dead foliage at this time.

Heavy pruning of trees should be complete before growth occurs. Trees should not be pruned while the new leaves are growing.

one: “Cornus 'Ivory Halo' or Tatarian Dogwood is a medium-sized shrub for every season but puts on a stunning finale in the winter months. It has beautiful variegated leaves and white blooms in the spring and summer, berries in the fall and brilliant red stems to brighten the winter landscape. The cut red stems are perfect for holiday decorating.” Sarah Riley, Bowood Farms.

The settings couldn’t be more different. One sandwiched in the city, bordered by brick buildings and alleys; the other spread over multiple acres and accessed down a long gravel driveway. 

At heart, however, they are one and the same. Both sites overflow with flowers. Glorious, colorful exquisite flowers. Flowers to gladden the heart. Flowers to soothe the soul.

The 23 acres that border Wild Horse Creek Road defy an easy description. There is a massive, white house with wide, welcoming front steps that graces the land with a lovely, hospitable, Southern ambiance. Surrounding the house are lush plantings of flowering shrubs and native plants that soften the hardscape, particularly in back of the home. That’s where an outdoor kitchen, hot tub, fireplace and waterfall surround a shimmering swimming pool.

Local landscapers share their favorite fall-blooming perennials.

1. Variegated Liriope is one of my favorite fall-blooming perennials for its showy purple flower spires that emerge in late summer/early fall and jazz up an otherwise neutral perennial. Katy Scott, Green Guys.