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1. LIPSTICK PLANT, AESCHAYNTHUS RADICANS Lipstick Plant is a beautiful trailing foliage option that also sports showy blooms on occasion. We love the patterning on the leaves of the 'Zebra' cultivar especially! Grow in bright indirect light, and water only when almost dry (they don't like sitting wet). A warm, more humid environment helps stimulate blooming. 2. STAGHORN FERN, PLATYCERIUM BIFURCATUM Getting its name from the fact that its fronds resemble that of a deer or elk, this pet-safe fern is popular mounted on wood and hung on the wall. In the wild, these plants are epiphytic, meaning they grow on the sides of trees - so mounting them with sphagnum moss and fishing line closely resembles their natural habitat. Staghorn Ferns like indirect/partial light and frequent watering (though allow them to dry out slightly in between). If you have a mounted fern, simply take it off the wall and soak it in your sink for 15-20 minutes until the roots are fully saturated. This is just one of many members of the fern family that are pet safe, along with Bluestar Ferns, Pteris Brake Ferns, Crocodile Ferns, Rabbit's Foot Ferns, Bird's Nest Ferns , and Lemon Button Ferns . 3. STRING OF HEARTS & VARIEGATED STRING OF HEARTS, CEROPEGIA WOODII (VARIEGATA) A highly requested plant, both the variegated and non-variegated variety of this trailing succulent are pet safe. As with most succulents, this plant prefers LOTS of bright, indirect light (too much direct sun will burn its leaves), and to dry out between watering. For best success with this plant, place it near a southern window, bottom water when the soil is almost/completely dry, and fertilize frequently with succulent-specific fertilizer when actively growing. 4. VENUS FLYTRAP, DIONAEA MUSCIPULA & CAPE SUNDEW, DROSERA CAPENSIS Venus Flytraps and Sundews are always a fun option, especially for kids, so it's helpful that they are nontoxic to humans and pets. Indoors, they do best when grown in very bright light/direct sun, with a dish underneath the pot with water in it. They naturally live in bogs, so keeping the soil consistently moist is key - however, make sure to use rain water, spring water, or distilled water as chemicals or fertilizer can quickly kill them. 5. SPIDER PLANT, CLOROPHYTUM COMOSUM Did you know that spider plants are available in straight, curly, variegated, and reverse-variegated varieties? These plants are great for beginners, easy to care for (though they do not like to be neglected), make a statement on a shelf or plant hanger, and are suitable for a wide range of growing conditions. While pet safe, cats love the long grass-like leaves on this plant, and it contains a chemical compound that is mildly hallucinogenic - meaning it may be your cat's new favorite plant... so keep it out of reach if you don't want it eaten! 6. BIRD'S NEST FERN We've had several varieties of this low light loving, pet safe fern over the years at Painters. With a fun growing habit, bright green fronds, and varying shapes and sizes, this plant compliments any houseplant collection and is guaranteed to keep your pets safe. As with most ferns, Bird's Nest Ferns love lower light, frequent waterings (do not let it dry out too much), and high humidity. As of March 2023, we have Japanese Bird's Nest Ferns (top and far right photo) available at Painters Greenhouse. This variety was selected for how well it does in normal household humidity (yay fewer brown tips)! 7. CALATHEA 'RATTLESNAKE PLANT', GOEPPERTIA INSIGNIS Rattlesnake Plants are just one of many pet-safe varieties of Goeppertia (formerly Calathea), and they all feature stunning leaves that look as though they've been hand-painted. Goeppertia can get a bad rap for being high maintenance, but some such as Goeppertia Rattlesnake, Orbifolia, and Peacock make for moderately easy houseplants with a big impact! These plants like high humidity, thrive in medium, indirect light, and don't like to dry out too much in between waterings. In order: Calathea ‘Zebra Plant’, Goeppertia zebrina; Calathea Orbifolia, Goeppertia orbifolia, Calathea ‘Jungle Velvet’, Goeppertia warszewiczii tigrina, Calathea Fishbone Prayer Plant, Ctenanthe burle-marxii ‘amagris’; Calathea Peacock Plant, Goeppertia makayona; Calathea Pinstripe Plant, Goeppertia ornata. 8. BURRO'S TAIL, SEDUM MORGANANIUM Burro's Tail (Sedum morgananium) is nontoxic, as are most other sedum. This trailing plant does best in baskets as it tends to get heavy when the stems get long. We love the unique appearance, and it's very easy care, liking bright light and low water. While it isn't toxic, we recommend hanging out of reach, as all it takes is one smack from a frisky paw to knock some of the delicate leaves off! 9. PEPEROMIA 'CUPID', PEPEROMIA SCANDENS Peperomia 'Cupid' is a great option for those looking for a trailing plant. All peperomia are low-maintenance, pet-safe houseplants that make a statement on their own, or great accent plants. They maintain a smaller form, never growing beyond 12”-18". Peperomia are a member of the pepper family, but not the one that gives us green or hot peppers; they come from the pepper family that gives us the pepper spice! They include a variety of colors - purples, red, greens, grays, and creams, and can have plump succulent-like leaves, thinner rippled leaves, or long, narrow, pointy leaves (just to name a few). There are so many varieties to choose from! Assorted pet-safe Peperomia. 10. CAST IRON PLANT A member of the lily family with eye-catching leaves speckled in white, this pet friendly plant adapts well to the home, is extremely easy to care for, and will even tolerate some neglect. (While pet safe, cats love this plant, so you may want to keep it out of reach to prevent it from being munched on!) 11. ECHEVERIA With endless colors and patterns to choose from, pet-safe Echeveria gives you so many options! Don't be afraid of it because it's a succulent - as long as you have bright light and water infrequently (from underneath is ideal), you can keep these happy for a long time. If it gets too tall, cut the top off and watch it regrow. 12. NERVE PLANT, FITTONIA This plant is adorned with lovely accented veins on the leaves which lead to its name. Relatively easy care, nerve plant does appreciate regular watering, or it will droop/wilt dramatically (watering quickly perks it back up). They prefer medium light and higher humidity, doing great in terrariums. 13. NEANTHE BELLA PARLOUR PALM, CHAMAEDROREA ELEGANS Palms are one of the best options for someone looking for a large statement plant that is pet safe, and we especially love this one. Palms add a tropical flare and tend to be easy care - the Neanthe Bella can handle medium to lower light, and prefers to be allowed to slightly dry between waterings (water when top 2 inches of soil are dry). With ficus, corn plants and so many other large houspelants being toxic if ingested, large palms are one of the best alternatives. 14. AIR PLANTS Air plants are a stunning and unique pet safe addition to any house plant collection. They don't need to be potted in soil, and there are many creative ways to display them. To care for your air plant, provide it with bright indirect light, completely submerge it in water for 20 minutes every 1-2 weeks, and dry upside down. Want to get creative? Add an air plant to a terrarium, tuck them into a seashell or beautiful piece of driftwood, hang them with fishing line, or use a macrame air plant hanger! 15. STRING OF TURTLES A member of the Peperomia family, String of Turtles and all Peperomia make great pet safe houseplants! Typically they prefer lots of bright, indirect light and to dry out completely between waterings. The more light they get, the more you can enjoy the dramatic venation! 16. HOYA MACROPHYLLA This low-maintenance vining Hoya, aka wax plant, is one of many varieties of Hoya that are pet safe. Hoya all love to climb, have thick waxy leaves, and if given the right care and a little luck produce beautiful flowers. Hoyas make great additions to plant hangers and also look great trellised. Hoyas need less frequent watering than other vining houseplants, like bright indirect light, and you can give them a boost by spritzing with orchid fertilizer 1-2 times a month. In order: Hoya 'Krohniana Black', Hoya 'Krimson Queen', Hoya publicalyx, Hoya publicalyx 'splash', and Hoya macrophylla.

Many of us have shady areas, or perhaps an entire yard of shade. If you're used to gardening in sun, it can initially feel limiting to work with mostly shade... however some of our favorite spaces at home are our shade gardens! There are many species of plants including an array of beautiful natives that thrive in shade, and we've highlighted 30 varieties of trees, shrubs, flowering perennials, groundcovers, and grasses! A stunning array of native wildflowers grow and thrive under trees, in part shade to almost full shade. Combine native flowers, ferns, and grasses to create a tranquil shade garden, or restore a wooded area in your landscape with native woodland plants. SHRUBS 1. Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia Can grow in part shade/dappled light and features beautiful, large blooms that often persist from late spring through fall. 2. Carolina Allspice, Calycanthus floridus Featuring lovely blooms that smell like strawberries & attractive foliage on a nicely shaped larger shrub. 3. Fothergilla, Fothergilla major Beautiful bottlebrush blooms are great pollinator food in early spring and fall leaves provide rich orange color. 4. Summersweet, Clethra alnifolia Excellent pollinator support and beautiful and prolific bloom spikes. Some sun is ideal. 5. Blackhaw Viburnum , Viburnum prunifolium Tolerates shade better than most other viburnum and provides attractive foliage, lovely white blooms for pollinators, and berries in fall for the birds. (Arrowwood Viburnum, Viburnum dentatum, is another native variety that does well in shade). 6. Flame Azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum You can't beat the brilliant orange of these native blooms! 7. Catawba Rhododendron, Rhododendron catawbiense Always a beautiful option, with stunning blooms of many colors and evergreen foliage, but they do take a bit more finesse (plant shallowly and avoid smothering the crown) and can take a while to settle in. 8. Mountain Laurel, Kalmia latifolia Similar to Rhododendron, these plants offer stunning blooms, evergreen foliage, and require a bit of finesse. Plant shallowly and avoid smothering the crown, and know that these plants can take a while to settle in. Annabelle Hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens 9. Annabelle Hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens Often seen in our woods, this lovely native will bloom and grow in a more open habit when in dappled shade, but can also be grown in full sun. 10. Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia Truly stunning giant bloom spikes are unique, showy, and beloved by hummingbirds. In shadier conditions, they grow to large shrub size, whereas they reach tree height in sun. 11. American Holly, Ilex opaca A beautiful native tree found throughout the woods of WNC, this holly provides glossy evergreen foliage and bright red berries appreciated by winter birds. 12. Partridgeberry, Mitchella reptans A lovely evergreen ground cover closely resembling native wintergreen. Prefers good drainage, so often seen growing on rocky areas or slopes in the woods. 13. Winterberry, Ilex verticillata Winterberry is known for its massive show of red berries in winter and produces large quantities in part shade as well as full sun. Great food for wintering birds! FOLIAGE 13. Ferns For Beautiful Color Lady Fern, Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum For Unique Textures Maidenhair, Adiantum x. mairisii Sensitive Fern, Onoclea sensibilis For Height & Showy Fronds Ostrich, Matteuccia struthiopteris American Royal, Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Cinnamon, Osmundastrum cinnamomea 15. Autumn Bride Heuchera, Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' Grown primarily for its pretty ruffled foliage, this perennial's mounding habit shoots up small flower spikes with teeny flowers in spring to mid-summer. It will tolerate some sun, but its best color typically occurs in shade. FLOWERING PERENNIALS SPRING/EARLY SUMMER-BLOOMING 16. Dwarf Crested Iris, Iris cristata A native species in the Iridaceae (iris) family that grows in North Carolina, this beautiful spring bloomer reaches only 4-9 inches tall and spreads to form a ground cover in its native peaty woodland habitat. It offers an early perennial spring bloom in partly shady areas and grows well in rock gardens and woodland sites. 17. Trillium: Trillium erectum, Trillium luteum, Trillium cuneatum We simply couldn't choose a single variety of Trillium! This low-growing woodland native comes in many different shapes, colors and patterns, and some species are endangered. One thing all varieties have in common is they are made up of three leaves, three petals, and three sepals! 18. Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum Fascinating and fairy-like, many gardeners are drawn to this stunning and unusual flower. Finding one in nature is a real treat, and watching them bloom in your shade garden is sure to bring joy! 19. Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica This spring ephemeral will greet you with beautiful blue blooms between March-May. The blooms last for about 3 weeks and will certainly attract some of the earlier butterflies, birds, and bees to your shade garden. 20. Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum biflorum Native to woodlands and a shade garden favorite, this native plant features pairs of small, white, tubular flowers along long arching stems accompanied by beautiful foliage. Birds will flock to the berries that remain once the flowers fade. This plant spreads slowly but will eventually blanket the ground. 21. Spiderwort, Tradescantia x This plant prefers part shade. It bears coin-sized three-petaled flowers that open every morning and last through early afternoon. The prolific blooms occur throughout the warm season and support pollinators. 22. Columbine - Aquilegia canadensis A lovely perennial with unique flowers, this plant is easy to grow and will self-seed in the garden if allowed. It does well in the shade in warmer zones but will need a few hours of sun in cooler zones. MIDSUMMER/FALL BLOOMING 23. Hot Lips Turtlehead, Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' This plant is named for its weeks-long blooms, which are shaped like turtles' heads. Another great shade-loving native plant that blooms late summer into fall. Originally found in wet woodlands and along streams, Turtlehead is a great addition to a damp area in your garden or in a rain garden! 24. Obedient Plant, Physostegia virginiana Blooming in late summer, this plant is easy to care for and a true magnet for bees and hummingbirds! Part shade is ideal for this native. Kids love playing with the blooms as they will 'obediently' stay in place when moved, but keep the disruption to a minimum so the plant isn't damaged. 25. Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum Thriving in soggy clay soil, this plant is perfect for our native woodlands. Its small white flowers present as one large fluffy cluster, and it makes for great additions to bouquets. Blooms occur in late summer/early fall. 26. Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis This native is normally found along streams, swamps, and in moist wooded areas. Its tall flower stalks burst into bloom from July to early fall with bright scarlet flowers, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and humans alike! GROUNDCOVERS & GRASSES: GROUNDCOVERS 27. Woodland Phlox, Phlox divaricata These lovely natives produce abundant, fragrant blooms in early spring, supporting pollinators and adding color at a time when you don't see much. The semi-evergreen slowly spreads in a dense mat. 28. 'Home Fires' Creeping Woodland Phlox, Phlox stolonifera ' Home Fires' Another lovely native phlox, this variety is also scented and sports incredibly showy pink blooms beloved by pollinators. Also spreading in a mat, the foliage is slightly less cold-tolerant and may die back in winter. 29. Green and Gold, Chrysogonum virginianum Rich green semi-evergreen foliage is very low to the ground and topped by small bright yellow blooms in spring. While not exceptionally fast to spread, this native is popular for covering areas where few other plants can grow (aka deep shade). GRASSES 30. Northern Sea Oats, Chasmanthium latifolium This native grass is a vigorous spreader and should be planted cautiously (use in areas where you need to fill a space quickly). A great plant for adding fall/winter interest to your garden, and also a unique addition to cut flower bouquets - the seedheads are simply beautiful. Non-Native Shade-Loving Plants TREES AND SHRUBS Japanese Kerria Japanese Andromeda ANNUALS/TROPICALS Caladiums Impatiens Wax Begonias Coleus FOLIAGE Brunnera Aralia Farfugium Ferns Japanese Holly Fern (evergreen) Autumn Fern (evergreen, lovely color) Japanese Painted Ferm (beautiful color) Heuchera Obsidian Delta Dawn Fire Alarm + many others Hostas Abiqua Drinking Gourd (unique dimples/cupped shape) Guacamole (big, beautiful leaves) Blue Mouse Ears (adorable miniature size) + many others FLOWERING PERENNIALS Lungwort Astilbe Bugbane (or native Black Cohosh) Toad Lily GROUNDCOVERS & GRASSES Feather Reed Grass Japanese Forest Grass Ajuga Japanese Pachysandra (or the native Allegheny Spurge) Lamium

Mother's Day is days away - time to find the perfect gift to show your mom just how much you appreciate her! If you're struggling with ideas, don't worry – Painters has got you covered! We've put together a Mother's Day gift guide to help you find the perfect present for every plant-loving Mom! Find gifts for the Mom Who: Loves Mother Earth Loves to Get Her Hands Dirty T he Colorful Mom Who LOVES Flowers With a Shady Garden Who's Crazy About Houseplants Who Loves to Entertain Who Loves to Cook With an Eye for Design Who Loves Painters Greenhouse Who Has It All FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES MOTHER EARTH Give your eco-conscious mom a gift that will not only brighten up her garden but also help support local ecosystems. Consider gifting her native and pollinator plants that will attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, while also providing a natural habitat for other wildlife. Yarrow This plant has a long history of medicinal use, and it's also a favorite of many beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Yarrow produces clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in shades of pink, white, red, and yellow, adding a lovely pop of color to any garden. Plus, it's a low-maintenance plant that's easy to grow, making it a great option for gardeners of all skill levels. Salvia We have several species of perennial salvia, namely different Meadow Sage varieties. These lovely perennials feature spikes of different-hued purple, pink, white or blue flowers that put on a reliable show every spring to early summer, with continued sporadic blooms into late summer if deadheaded. They're known for attracting a variety of pollinators like bees and butterflies. Salvia is also drought-tolerant and can handle a range of soil types, making it a great low-maintenance addition for your mom's garden. This plant looks great in borders, rock gardens, or as a focal point in a container garden. Milkweed This beautiful native plant is a must-have for any pollinator garden. Not only does it provide food for monarch butterfly caterpillars, but it also attracts and supports a wide range of other butterflies and bees. We grew three species this year, giving you several options for bloom color, height, and moisture/sun requirements. Henry Garnet Sweetspire This native deciduous shrub is known for its fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the spring, and its stunning fall foliage that ranges from deep red to purple. Henry Garnet Sweetspire is also a great choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. This plant is also low-maintenance, making it an excellent option for any garden. Buttonbush This native deciduous shrub produces unique, globe-shaped flowers that attract a variety of beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, as well as hummingbirds. The plant's leaves turn a stunning yellow or orange color in the fall, adding a splash of color to any garden. Button Bush prefers moist to wet soil and can be grown near water features or in rain gardens. This shrub is also low-maintenance, making it a great option for gardeners of all levels. Sweet Gum Known for its distinctive star-shaped leaves, which turn a brilliant mix of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, this native tree is an excellent source of food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds and squirrels. Additionally, Sweet Gum produces fragrant, spiky seed pods that add a unique element to any garden. Sweet Gum prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Mexican Bush Sage While typically grown as an annual, this plant has been known to survive winters in WNC. It produces a profusion of purple or blue flowers on long spikes in the fall, providing a late-season source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Mexican Bush Sage is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot, dry conditions, making it a great option for low-maintenance landscaping. Its leaves have a pleasant aroma, and it has several culinary and medicinal uses, making it a versatile addition to any garden. FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES TO GET HER HANDS DIRTY Foxgloves C3 Hat The Foxgloves C3 hat equals Comfortable, Cotton and Crochet. C3 hats are lightweight, practica,l and a pleasure to wear. They are hand crocheted in Bali by a women’s cooperative, so each is unique. The 4” brim and tight crochet provide UPF 50+ sun protection. The C3 hat is perfect for the garden, beach, and beyond! Fox Gloves Gloves We've got multiple styles of these gloves that our staff members rave about! Available in a range of fun colors, give the gardener in your life a special treat with a new pair of these gardening gloves - whether it be the elbow-length super soft long gloves, or the multipurpose, breathable yet highly durable work gloves! Spearhead Spade Truly the toughest and most efficient garden tool we've ever used, and a wonderful option for our tough clay and rock-filled soils! The Spear Head Spade garden shovel was designed by 85-year-old Daniel Mathieu to easily penetrate tough soils and be lightweight while incredibly durable - anyone will appreciate using them, but it's especially helpful for folks with some aches and pains, bad backs, or other challenges making digging a daunting task. The New Jersey-based company claims their spades make digging 80% easier than the typical garden shovel or spade, and we agree wholeheartedly! We are proud to be the first NC business to carry them! Little Quick Fire Hydrangea Paniculata We love the color on this small-statured panicle hydrangea! Full sun is best for this beauty, and while like like some moisture to their soil, they are very adaptable and easy to grow. This is just one of many lovely hydrangea species and varieties we currently have in stock! Spirea Alba (White Meadowsweet) This native shrub produces airy white bloom spikes that are lightly fragrant and a great food source for butterflies, moths, bees, and other pollinators. The fruit is an excellent source of food for birds, and the foliage turns a lovely gold color in fall. A wonderful addition to your landscape that both supports wildlife and adds beauty. Adaptable and easy to grow, but does best in some moisture (excellent choice for rain gardens). FOR THE COLORFUL MOM Dipladenia Hanging Baskets Full sun, easy care, and showy blooms all summer! Adds a tropical flare to Mom's deck! Portulaca We have many colors of this gorgeous, easy-care, drought-tolerant annual. Looks great in containers or in garden beds, trails or spreads, and rarely needs watering. A full sun lover, these plants are available in 4-packs or smaller pots, so you can cover a large area at low cost. Zinnias We grow a wide variety of these beautiful annuals, giving you several options for height and endless colors to choose from. Zinnias are one of the easiest-care annuals for full sun, providing cheerful color all season long. Also great food for pollinators, these will be sure to bring butterflies to the garden! Agastache We love this perennial for many reasons - primarily because it has so many different flower types and colors! With varied options, you will surely find one you love. Agastache is one of the most consistent and profuse bloomers in our perennial gardens, and is always covered with butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. Easy care, we highly recommend it! Beehive95 Adult Coloring Book This locally designed coloring book has lovely, fun illustrations just waiting for Mom to color them in. A great way to reduce stress and foster creativity, coloring books are always a welcome gift! Stickers We are proud to carry a variety of locally designed and printed stickers from several artists! Great for water bottles, cars, fridges, computers and more! FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES FLOWERS Gardenias We've just stocked up on three varieties of these lovely shrubs - including larger statement Frostproof Gardenias, low-growing groundcover Fragrant Pathways Gardenias, and Kleim's Hardy Gardenias - perfect for large containers. We love gardenias for their lovely blooms and incredible scent - this is a wonderful Mother's Day gift option! Special Mother's Day Porch Pots and Hanging Baskets We have combos for shade, part shade/morning sun, full sun, or combos that can tolerate a range of conditions. A variety of colors, textures, and unique plants make these our favorite combos so far! An easy way to make Mom feel special! Petunias or Million Bells Hanging Baskets You can't beat the size or bountiful blooms of our Million Bells and Petunia hanging baskets! We have endless colors to choose from, and these massive beauties are competitively priced. Full sun is best and daily watering is ideal. FOR THE MOM WITH A SHADY GARDEN Fuschia These baskets are perfect for morning sun or part shade, and beloved by hummingbirds. Ours are massive and beautiful this year, and flying out the door! Torenia Hanging Baskets Another great option for morning sun or part shade, these brilliant blooms are unique and also a hummingbird favorite! A great way to brighten up darker areas! Special Mother's Day Porch Pots for Shade Sara designed so many lovely porch pot combos for this week! We especially love our combos for part shade/morning sun - there are color combinations to suit every style! Invincibelle 'Wee White' Hydrangea This diminutive Annabelle Hydrangea works well in part shade or dappled light (though may bloom heavier in more sun). The native parent can be found throughout our WNC woods! Wee White is a shorter and more compact cultivar well suited for smaller spaces. Caladiums Our caladiums are flying out the door this year - grab them while you can! There simply is nothing else that compares to the uniquely colored and patterned leaves for your shadier spots! We had to work hard to find bulbs this year due to a massive shortage, so we don't have as many as usual. Wandering Jewels Hanging Baskets We have a lovely selection of ten different Tradescantia varieties as well as some beautiful combination baskets - large and full, these are also going fast! A great option for northern-facing porches or part shade, these beauties can trail over 4 feet! FOR THE MOM WHO'S CRAZY ABOUT HOUSEPLANTS Philodendron Gloriosum This stunning philo features velvety, iridescent leaves that you have to see to fully appreciate. A lovely and unique houseplant option, it is relatively easy care! Pottery from Vine and Frond Consider gifting Mom a locally crafted terra cotta pot from Vine & Frond. Terra cotta absorbs water and therefore helps plants dry out faster. We have stocked a variety of unique designs. Available in hanging planters, 4" and 6". Philodendron Rio We love the multi-colored leaves on this collectible, and the baskets are quite full! Sure to go quickly, as several staff have already snagged some! Very easy care and can handle lower light situations. Monstera deliciosa We have become known for our lovely monsteras over the years, offering a range of sizes and prices. The ones we propagate on sight tend to have massive leaves with plenty of fenestrations. A cult favorite, this plant is extremely easy-care and creates a stunning display. Macrame Car Plant Hanger from Line by Line Macrame A fun way to show just how much Mom loves plants - so much so that she has to hang one of these cute miniatures from her mirror! Locally made! FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES TO ENTERTAIN Statement Porch Plants Our stunning, massive palms are on sale just for Mother's Day week! You truly won't find these prices anywhere. These beauties look amazing in a corner of a great room or entrance or gracing a porch - adding instant tropical flare! Easy care and pet safe! Outdoor Pottery from The Pottery Market of Asheville A large outdoor planter can be a big investment and also a beautiful gift. Whether it's for their front door, back deck, or somewhere in between, it's sure to be a thoughtful gift Mom will enjoy for years to come. We have shapes and sizes to suit every need! Mint, Basil, and Rosemary to Make Cocktails and Mocktails We have a wide selection of mints and basil this year, and while our large rosemary is sold out, we do have young plants. Mom can have fun with her cocktails and mocktails, incorporating everything from strawberry mint to lemon basil! Cute Labels for Those Herbs We love these labels because they stand up to time - no fading writing! Lemon Cake from Houston House Houston House will be on hand with a wide variety of cookies, breads, pies, sweets, and more this Saturday! They sell out fast! FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES TO COOK Tomatoes & Peppers Our selection of tomatoes and peppers is excellent and going fast, with heirloom favorites like Brandywine as well as new cultivars bred for increased production, unique colors and disease resistance such as Dancing with Smurfs! We put a lot of research into planning which varieties to grow each season and have hard-to-beat prices, plus you can rest assured that our veggies are not treated with pesticides. Herb Combos We created some beautiful and unique herb combos this year - they make a great gift and can fit in most spaces! A nice way to bring Mom fresh herbs without worrying about where she will plant them. Herbs with Edible Flowers like Nasturtium, Chamomile, & Borage We love these options for their beauty, support of pollinators, and the fun they add to salads and other dishes! Choose from nasturtiums, chamomile, borage, calendula, African Blue Basil and more! Fresh-Baked Bread from Houston House It goes fast! Houston House knows how to bake - let them do it so Mom doesn't have to! They will be set up Saturday morning for as long as supplies last! FOR THE MOM WITH AN EYE FOR DESIGN Copper Garden Art from Haw Creek Forge One of a kind hand-crafted copper garden art made locally by Haw Creek Forge! We've got a wide assortment of pieces including hummingbirds, owls, frogs, praying mantis, dragonflies, birds, and more! These pieces are absolutely stunning and will be prized for years by Mom. Succulent Frames Individually designed and planted at Painters, these unique gifts are sure to impress! Our staff chose hardy succulents so that these frames can be hung outside (full sun ideal) year round! Quantities are limited. Indoor Pottery from The Pottery Market Asheville We've got a fun selection of beautiful indoor pottery from this local company! Bouquets from Mackey Meadows Available at Painters on Friday, these locally grown bouquets offer a unique blend of seasonal flowers and greenery, and are truly pieces of art! Mounted Staghorn Fern or Bird's Nest Fern If you know your plant-loving loved one would love another plant this year, then gift them something truly unique like these mounted Staghorn and Bird's Nest Ferns, crafted on-site by our team members! FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES PAINTERS GREENHOUSE Painters Greenhouse 50th Anniversary T-shirt In a variety of colors and sizes, this shirt was designed by owner Brad Owen and printed locally by Lightning Bolt Ink! Painters Greenhouse Gift Certificate Help Mom afford the landscape of their dreams with a Painters Greenhouse Gift Certificate ( available for purchase online or in person). Painters Greenhouse Sticker Jazz up Mom's water bottle with a Painters sticker! FOR THE MOM WHO HAS IT ALL What does Mom really want for Mother's Day? To spend time with you! Why not take her out to lunch and spend the afternoon strolling around Painters Greenhouse? Co-owners of Painters Greenhouse plus mother & daughter, Deenie & Dana, pause to enjoy the beauty made possible by their amazing team! Imagine surprising your mom with a beautiful and unique plant she's never seen before - it's sure to make her day! Visit us during our Mother's Day event, and treat your mom to an unforgettable experience filled with stunning plants, exclusive deals, and our welcoming team! We can't wait to help you make this Mother's Day truly special for your mom!

We are proud to have a half-century in business behind us, and we had so much fun looking back at old photos in preparation for last week's festivities! We put together a slideshow and gallery to share with you! Take a peek! Cheers to the next fifty!

Last week, we covered some of our favorite shade perennials for the front of the garden or to be used as borders or groundcovers . This week we will cover mid-height fillers and back of the garden statement plants. We still have some space in Dana's Talk and Tour this Sunday for those of you who'd like to dive a bit deeper into the world of shade gardening! Medium Height Fillers (Meat of the Garden) Astilbe Perennial (z3-9), part sun-part shade, most varieties range from 1-2' tall and wide Robust yet ethereal bloom spikes occur in late spring through mid summer depending on variety and weather Bloom colors range from white to pale pink to vermillion to purple, and flower textures vary from dense, erect tufts to open, feathery, and cascading - excellent cut flowers! Attractive foliage can range from glossy dark green to bronze to rich dark brown Prefers refers rich, moist soil, but is tolerant of our native soils and good for novice gardeners When planted en masse, makes a great taller groundcover Hosta Perennial (z3-9), part-full shade in general, though some are bred for more sun tolerance Leaf sizes range from 2" long to over a foot, and most varieties feature mid-summer bloom spikes of white or purple, many quite fragrant. The size of the plant can range drastically, but most range from 1-2.5’ tall and 1.5x3.5’ wide.  While hostas can handle our native soils, they do best in richer, more fertile soils and with good drainage - so for best performance and size, you definitely want to amend your soil. Hostas are often beloved by both deer and slugs - we carry many cultivars that are slug resistant, but deer are another story (we recommend frequent applications of Green Screen around your beds). We carry a range of leave colors, shapes, and sizes along with variation in the total plant size. Some of our favorites include: Big Daddy (24x36") - Often described as the best blue hosta, and also one of the larger ones. The foliage emerges blue-green, and matures to a chalky blue with thick seersuckered leaves that are deeply cupped. Exhibits good slug resistance. Guacamole (22x38") - Very large leaves are a rich apple green with avocado colored margins, though summers and more sun exposure can turn them more gold green. Very fragrant lavender blooms, a faster grower than many, and good sun tolerance. Some unique options we have this year include: Captains Adventure (a true collector’s hosta with very unusual leaf variegation), Golden Tiara (a different habit from most - profuse, small golden variegated leaves form a dense border), & Blue Mouse Ears (tiny, adorable, rich blue-green). Autumn Fern Autumn Fern, Dryopteris erythrosora Perennial (z5-8) part-full shade, 1-2' tall and wide One of the most colorful ferns of its genus; showy, semi-evergreen fronds emerge coppery pink-orange and mature to glossy green, semi-evergreen in our winters Prized for its adaptability and beauty; low maintenance, deer and rabbit resistant Thrives in consistently moist soil; spreads by rhizomes over time Lady Fern 'Limelight' Lady Fern - We love the straight species as well as the showier nativar 'Limelight'. The red stems on the native make it easy to identify in our woods, and Limelight features stunning gold-green fronds that contrast with a deep purple-red stem. Eared Lady Fern Athyrium otophorum 'Limelight' Perennial (z5-9) full-part shade, 1-2' tall and wide Exquisite fronds emerge chartreuse and mature to green, creating a two-toned effect May stay evergreen in mild winters; deer resistant Thrives in consistently moist to wet soil; outstanding specimen for container combos or woodland gardens Japanese Painted Fern 'Godzilla' Japanese Painted Fern - Regal Red & Godzilla are favorites, but all cultivars are simply lovely! Athyrium 'Godzilla' Perennial (z5-8) part-full shade, 3' tall, 3-6' wide Silvery fronds with green highlights and dark purple stems, forms a massive, arching clump Thrives in rich, moist soil Low maintenance; deer and rabbit resistant Maidenhair Ferns A lot of variation in Maidenhairs - from the Mairis' Northern Maidenhair on the left to the 5-Finger Maidenhair (more commonly seen here in WNC) to the right. All feature stunning, delicate foliage. Northern Maidenhair cultivars have foliage that tends to persist from late spring through fall if given proper sun protection, but the 5-Finger Maidenhair is most showy in late spring, often looking a little stressed by later summer. Both die back completely and winter and often worry gardeners due to how late they may emerge in spring. Northern Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum pedatum NATIVE (z3-8), full part shade, 18-24 tall, 12-18 wide Finely cut graceful leaves on wiry dark stems Young fiddleheads emerge pink in spring Tiarella, Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) NATIVE perennial (z4-9) part-full shade, 9-12'' tall, 1-2' wide Thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soil Dainty white-pink blooms in early spring Such a beautiful native - blooming all over right now in our woods! Cultivars may have more colorful or patterned leaves, or richer pink blooms. Heuchera - our favorite native is Dale's Strain, and our favorite hybrids include Obsidian (the richest black), Midnight Rose, Forever Purple, Forever Red, Delta Dawn and Southern Comfort. When planted en masse, they can make a lovely groundcover or border - also great in shade combo pots! Heuchera americana 'Dale's Strain' (Coral Bells) NATIVAR perennial (z3-8) part-full shade, 1-2' tall and wide Cultivar originating in North Carolina, selected for its exceptional silver-blue highlights Excellent semi-evergreen, drought-tolerant groundcover for dry shade; panicles of tiny pink-white flowers bloom in spring Aka coral bells or alumroot Heucherella 'Catching Fire' Heucherella - 'Catching Fire' is a favorite for it's vivid contrast! Heucherella is a cross between Heuchera and Tiarella, and features the leaf shape of a Tiarella with richer colors of the Heuchera. Foliage often cascades, making a lovely option for combo pots or garden edges. Spiderwort 'Sweet Kate' Spiderwort, Tradescantia andersoniana 'Sweet Kate' Sweet Kate is a favorite for the chartreuse foliage that adds a pop of bright color to your shady areas, and the royal blue blooms contrast beautifully Perennial (z4-9) full-part sun, 12-18'' tall and wide Unique yellow-chartreuse foliage, best color in full sun Vibrant purple-blue flowers spring to summer Tolerates wet, boggy soil Turtlehead - We love both the white and pink selections - in nature, you'll see a variation of white to rich pink. A really unique bloom and a tough plant as long as it gets moist soil and protection from too much sun. Cheloni lyonii 'Hot Lips' NATIVAR perennial (z3-8) part shade, 2' tall and wide Spikes of rich rosy-pink blooms late summer (pinker than above photo) Flower has an unusual shape, resembling the head of a snapping turtle Thrives in moist woodlands and boggy, wet soil Deer resistant Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum NATIVE perennial (z3-8) full-part sun, 4-6' tall, 3-4' wide Fluffy white flowers late summer Thrives in constantly moist soil If you are lucky enough to have a spot these in the woods in late summer, they often are quite profuse - looking like lovely, ethereal white tufts throughout the forest. Snakeroot, Eupatorium rugosum We especially enjoy the "Chocolate" nativar for the bronze-green foliage as it contrasts nicely with the white blooms. NATIVE to WNC, part/full shade, 3-4' tall, 2-3' wide Mounds of green or bronze-green (Chocolate) leaves, puffy clusters of white fall flowers Attractive to butterflies and bees Cardinal Flower , Lobelia cardinalis Our favorite is the straight species, but we also like 'Black Truffle' and 'Starship Rose' for richly contrasting foliage and brilliant bloom colors. NATIVE perennial (z3-8) part sun-part shade, 2-4' tall, 1' wide Brilliant red flower spikes late summer; loved by pollinators Clumping habit; suited to wet sites Indian Pink, Spigelia marilandica NATIVE perennial (z5-9) part-full shade, 1-2' tall and wide Striking red-and-yellow starburst blooms late spring; dormant in winter Prefers rich, moist soil; tolerates wet conditions A real STUNNER! Tractor Seat Plant aka Leopard Plant The large, round, intensely glossy leaves are simply beautiful in the landscape or in containers, and remain evergreen through all but the harshest winters. Also unique because they send up bright yellow bloom spikes in December! Farfugium japonicum var. giganteum Tender perennial (z7-10) part-full shade, 1-2' tall and wide Large (18''), thick, glossy green leaves resemble tractor seats Tall (4') stalks of bright yellow daisy-like flowers in fall Prefers rich, consistently moist soil and protection from strong winds Hardy Geranium (part sun) - We especially love Bevan's and Rozanne for groundcovers and front of borders! Geranium 'Rozanne ' Perennial (z4-8) full-part sun, 15-20 tall and wide Masses of glowing, violet-blue flowers bloom all season long Contained, sprawling habit Considered by many to be, of all hardy geraniums, simply the best Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety ' (Bigroot Geranium) Perennial (z3-8) full-part sun, 10-12'' tall, 18-24'' wide Abundant clusters of pink-purple flowers late spring through summer Semi-evergreen, fragrant, light green foliage takes on purples tones in fall Effective at choking out weeds; ideal attractive groundcover Bluebells, Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells) NATIVE perennial (z3-8) part-full shade, 1-2' tall and wide Pink flower buds develop into trumpet-shaped blue flowers early spring Smooth, oval, blue-green foliage One of the most magical spring bloomers there is! Bleeding Heart - We typically carry a few different species and selections, including the native Dutchman's Breeches. Emerging foliage is very tender - mark to avoid stepping on it, and cover if fear of a hard frost. The foliage as well as the blooms are just beautiful. Dicentra 'Amore™ Titanium' Perennial (z5-9) part-full shade, 9'' tall, 12-18'' wide Vigorous, heat-resistant cultivar with an exceptionally long bloom time Pure white flowers appear in spring and last all through summer Attractive, fine-textured, smoky blue-green foliage Thrives in moist, well-drained soil Spring and Fall Blooming Anemones Forming well behaved clumps, all anemones sport delicate, lovely blooms ranging from white to deep pink, single or double. Some of our favorites include A. sylvestris and Wild Swan. Japanese Anemone 'Wild Swan' Perennial (z4-8) part shade, 1-2' tall and wide Award-winning variety with large, pure white flowers, backed with lavender-blue; blooms from spring to frost Easy care and well-behaved; does not aggressively spread Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil; deer and rabbit resistant Toad Lily Tricyrtis formosana  'Seiryu', 'Samurai,' 'Gilt Edge' Pretty foliage is often spotted and provides a nice filler in the garden. Blooms are simply show-stopping in late summer and fall, resembling orchids and simply covering the plant. Daytime moths will often be seen pollinating them. Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai' Perennial (z5-9) full-part shade, 12-18'' tall and wide Sensational, petite, purple-pink flowers late summer to fall; one of the few varieties with variegated leaves Soil must not be allowed to dry out; can form colonies over time A Painters favorite! Obedient Plant Physostegia virginiana   A lovely taller native for moist areas - tolerant of more sun than most on this list. The flowers are fun to manipulate (kids love them!), and are excellent for pollinators. Will naturalize if happy, so good to fill a larger moist area. We often carry both a white and a pink nativar - 'Crystal Peak White' and 'Vivid'. Physostegia 'Vivid' NATIVE perennial (z3-9) full-part sun, 3-4' tall, 2-3' wide Spikes of pink blooms summer to fall, brilliant for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; tolerant of wet soil Great Solomon's Seal  Polygonatum commutatum , Common Solmon's Seal  Polygonatum multiflorum, & Variegated Solmon's Seal Polygonatum odoratum  var. pluriflorum All three of these are simply lovely and will spread and naturalize in part shade. Beautiful delicate blooms, and lush foliage. Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum NATIVE perennial (z3-8) part-full shade, 3-7' tall, 3-4' wide Green-white spring blooms; blue-black fall berries Graceful, arching; thrives in moist soil Taller, Back-of-the-Garden Statement Plants Aralia   Aralia cordata  'Sun King' Perennial (z3-9) part sun-full shade, 3-6' tall and wide Finely toothed, arching foliage shines with a bright yellow-green hue Clusters of tiny white flowers in summer; purple berries feed birds in fall Aka Japanese spikenard An impressive plant at maturity, and incredible bright color for darker garden spaces! Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa  & Bugbane Actaea simplex  - SS, 'Chocoholic' & 'Pink Spike' Actaea 'Pink Spike' Perennial (z4-8) part-full shade (z3-9) 4-5' tall, 2-3' wide Tall spikes of pink-white, fragrant flowers late summer to fall Flowers feed the pollinators; following seeds feed the birds Chocolate-purple, finely textured foliage; fabulous accent for shade A taller showpiece plant - cultivars with darker foliage and colored blooms are particularly impactful, but the towering bloom spikes are impressive regardless of the selection! Goats Beard Aruncus dioicus  - SS or hybrid 'Sparkles' NATIVE perennial (z3-7) full-part shade, 4-6' tall, 4' wide Rich green, elegant foliage Plumes of wispy, creamy white flowers in summer The straight species gets very tall and serves as a great backdrop, whereas many cultivars are more of a medium height. The giant feathery blooms will not disappoint! Meadow Rue - We love the straight species, but the cultivar "My Little Favorite" is great for those looking for a more compact option. Delicate foliage resembles a Maidenhair Fern, and puffs of pink blooms are equally magical! Be warned that if skin brushes the plant, you may have irritation when combined with sun exposure. Best to plant with gloves and sleeves and leave alone once established. Meadow Rue, Thalictrum aquilegifolium Perennial, light shade, 24-36 tall, 12 wide Bluish green foliage resembles Columbine Rosy lilac clouds of flowers in spring Delicate and airy Ostrich Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris NATIVE perennial (z3-7) part-full shade, 2-5' tall, 3-4' wide Tall, majestic fronds resemble ostrich feathers; thrives in rich soil with constant moisture. Will naturalize with time, creating a mass of tall, erect, fabulous plumes! American   Royal Fern Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis NATIVE (z3-9) full-part shade, 3-5' tall, 2-3' wide Deep green fronds with red stems Copper-brown inflorescences produce spores An unusual looking fern, typically forming large clumps that become strong statements in back of gardens or as focal points. Cinnamon Fern Osmundastrum cinnamomeum NATIVE perennial (z4-9) part-full shade, 2-4' tall and wide Arching green fronds; brown spore-bearing stalks (fertile fronds) are well known for their height and beauty Thrives in moist, boggy soils Northern Sea Oats Chasmanthium latifolium NATIVE perennial grass (z5-9) full sun-part shade, 2-3' tall and wide Clump-forming, good for naturalizing and stabilization - may reseed aggressively so best planted where you do't mind some naturalization. Great to hold steep banks in place. Dangling oat-like seed heads in fall and winter provide beauty and lovely sounds as wind blows through them.

All the media hype seems to be focused on bees, and perhaps a few butterflies, as the most important pollinators. For sure, pollinators are critical to us and the environment, with about 80% of flowering plants requiring active pollination by ants, bees, bats, birds, butterflies, moths, wasps and other animals, and about 75% of our crops depending on pollinators. Without pollinators we would starve and have little to look at in the natural world! We all tend to think of bees (specifically honey bees) as the main pollinators of plants. Let’s rethink this!! The honey bee is the best known pollinator– but what you may not know is that the honey bee doesn’t even belong here in North Carolina. The honey bees we commonly see and raise in hives were actually introduced to North America, and their abundance due to domestication can be blamed for the decline of many true native pollinator bees. Nevertheless, they have become an integral part of our manmade agricultural and horticultural environment, and as such require our attention and support. However, certain groups of animals seem to have been seriously underrated as pollinators, largely because of their obscurity, and in the case of moths (also bats and some others), they are doing their work in the dark. As someone who has collected moths since 1951, I have seen first hand that many adult moths feed on flowers, much like the butterflies we all have observed in the daytime. Recent research has shown that some moth species have features that capture pollen and facilitate pollination, while others just happen to passively get a “dusting” of pollen as they move from flower to flower. Others, such as the hummingbird moths (also known as sphinx or hawk moths) are specifically adapted to feed on long tubular flowers through the use of the proboscis (their tongue is really like a flexible straw, through which they can suck up various nectars and other liquids), which in one species can extend up to 14 inches! Google it - there are thousands of great pictures of this phenomenon. Recent research has vindicated my opinion of the value of moths in pollination, and remarkably even gotten the attention of the media - about two weeks ago The Washington post had a feature article exhorting the value of moths as pollinators . For those of us who think of moths as dull pesky things that fly around our lights (or eat clothes or pantry items), I offer the following tidbits: Moths are thought to have evolved about 300 million years ago during the carboniferous age, prior to the existence of flowering plants, feeding first on nonvascular plants in their larval stages (caterpillars), and probably not feeding as adults; butterflies apparently evolved from moths around 100 million years ago in North America, then spread worldwide; butterflies and moths then further evolved to feed as adults, having co-evolved with flowering plants to feed on the nectar of flowers with a proboscis, today there are about 160,000 known species of moths, but only about 17,500 species of butterflies; many moths have just as, or more, colorfully patterned wings (and caterpillars) than butterflies, but due to their flying almost entirely at night, are seldom seen by most people; there has been a huge and well documented decline in moths and butterflies, especially over the last 50 years or so, signaling alarming ecological trends on our beloved planet! I plan to have a limited display of some of these remarkable creatures on Saturday, June 24, for our annual Pollinator Week, and hope to see you there! Bring questions, observations, or any moths (or butterflies) you want to talk about or identify. Brad Owen, PhD., Co-owner, Painters Greenhouse

Did you know that rain gardens can improve drainage & water flow in your landscape, help clean local waterways, and attract and support wildlife? Not to mention, they're beautiful and low to no maintenance! Photo courtesy the EPA Rain gardens can be developed or naturally occur in an area of lower elevation in your landscape, where there is typically a visual depression and/or obvious blockage to quick drainage. This area then collects excess water from your roof, driveway or streets, or other areas of the yard that drain into the depression, and the plant roots and soil filter and soak up the water. Rather than spending lots of money and time re-landscaping and trying to install drains for the area, the rain garden alternative involves planting a variety of shrubs, grasses and perennials that enjoy having ‘wet feet’. Rain gardens may have a small amount of standing water during storms and a couple of days following, but most of the time they are relatively dry. They can be essential tools in filtering pollutants from runoff and providing important wildlife habitats, and are overall extremely low-maintenance once established. One of the tenants of gardeners who plant a lot of native plants is the ‘right plant in the right place’, meaning that rather than endlessly trying to change your existing soils, you should instead work with the micro-environments that already exist in your yard. After years of attempting to convert a consistently moist area of my front yard (due to a fire pit blocking the natural drainage, water was pooling in this area), I decided that I would accept that it wanted to be a rain garden and plant species that would do well in that habitat. I had imagined that a rain garden as the key feature of my yard would feel a bit messy, and not very colorful or as physically appealing. But once I researched a bit and began experimenting, I found a wide array of beautiful native and pollinator-friendly species that provide color and texture all season! Photo courtesy the NC Cooperative Extension KEY BENEFITS OF RAIN GARDENS 1) Help keep our waterways clean A critical benefit of rain gardens is the filtration of groundwater and storm runoff so that water entering ditches and streams is cleaner. This helps protect the health of our waterways. 2). Reduce erosion and washout Rain gardens can handle stormwater at the source, collecting runoff from your home or steeper areas of your yard, and decreasing the speed of water flowing over the land as it infiltrates, soaking up that excess. If your rain garden is placed appropriately in a depression of your yard where water naturally heads, minimal ditches (if any) are necessary, and most if not all, of that runoff can be stopped by the rain garden. Make sure to have a small berm (use the excess soil from digging holes while planting) on the far side to keep excess water in the rain garden while it absorbs. This means less erosion/washout of your other garden spaces and driveway, and therefore less loss of topsoil, mulch, and gravel. Less runoff also means reduced flood risk - the more of us who plant rain gardens, the more we help mitigate future flooding in our region! 3) Create habitat for wildlife of all kinds If you are filling your rain garden with a majority of native plants and including a diversity of species, you will also be providing an excellent wildlife habitat! Birds and pollinators will appreciate the food and housing provided by rain gardens. For the best wildlife support as well as adequate space for filtration and water absorption, most rain gardens are around 100 - 300 square feet. Rain gardens can be quite wet, with a bit of standing water for days after a lot of rainfall, but then have long periods of only being lightly moist or even dry. If planted densely, you won’t have areas of standing water for long periods as the roots will filter and soak up the water. This is also important when planting a native/majority native garden, as you want to plant the way these plants would naturally occur. Most wetland plants are used to growing densely and in a great diversity of species - this way they support one another structurally, and create a natural defense against invasives. FAVORITE PLANTS FOR RAIN GARDENS And don't forget shrubs! Buttonbush, New Jersey Tea, Spicebush, Summersweet, Chokeberry, Elderberry, most native dogwoods, most native viburnum and most native willows can handle moist soils, though planting them in a deep depression that gathers standing water for days may be a bit much. Try some of these at the edges of depressions rather than in the center, especially on the berm along the lower edge to help keep water collection in the rain garden.

We've had a lot of queries this fall as to when is the ideal time to plant varied items as well as which plants go best together. Note that anything we have out for sale now is appropriate to plant at this time of year - we are careful to grow and sell with the season in mind to ensure planting success. Managers Sara and Betsy put together some of their favorite perennials and shrubs for fall color and texture as a guide for those of you looking for inspiration! 1. Sunny Pollinator Garden Design by Betsy All of the above items in the design are detailed below (note that these are still potted, so you are not seeing them at their mature size and spacing). TREES/SHRUBS: 'Ruby Falls' Redbud Beautifully weeping and has great purple tones that make it unique this time of year. Its lavender-pink blooms in the early spring are show stopping too. Photo courtesy GardenersPath.com   Eastern Ninebark The 'Red Baron' Ninebark would have looked lovely with the Ruby Falls, but I chose the straight species because ours are already densely branched. The cardinals and song sparrows were all over mine this year, using the good cover as a lookout spot before returning to their nests. Photo courtesy Carolina Nature ' Lewis' Mock Orange - (Currently out of stock but in photo due to prior planting) Photo courtesy Oregon State University PERENNIALS: Willowleaf Sunflower 'Autumn Gold' Love this one so much! Loaded with blooms and buds, and Fall is its time! It's perfect paired with the Agastache. Photo courtesy Monrovia.com 'Blue Fortune' Agastache We planted a large patch of it last fall, and it's been blooming like this ever since the spring! Not a native, but a huge draw for all kinds of pollinators. The honey bees were the most active this morning, but I've had plenty of swallowtails, skippers, bumblebees and even hummingbird moths on mine at home. Photo courtesy Walters Gardens. Autumn Sage 'Arctic Blaze Purple' This one is a tender perennial - meaning if we have a harsh winter, it might not come back. I had a 50% survival rate with mine last year. This is a great one for color and texture that's loved by hummingbirds. Northern Sea Oats Grass What's not to love about this one! Beautiful nodding seed heads, and it can get some nice fall color on it too. Outstanding for erosion control if that's a concern. It does reseed relatively vigorously, so don't plant if you don't want it to spread and/or aren't wanting to weed out the seedlings. Fountain Grass 'Cayenne' I love the texture on this one and how the purple undertones play against the Agastache. This one isn't self fertile so it shouldn't take more space than you give it. Photo courtesy Emerald Coast Growers Appalachian Mountain Mint Mountain Mint is probably one of my favorite things, and the pollinator activity in my garden is off the charts thanks to this stuff. I picked the Appalachian variety for the front of this particular grouping because it is a little lower to the ground and doesn't spread as quickly as the other varieties. It also has a gorgeous bloom and smells amazing. Photo courtesy American Beauties Natives Coreopsis 'Golden Stardust' & 'Uptick Red' These are both perfect for sun and dry soil. They're some of my favorites for fall flowers even though they bloom all summer too. They work really well in beds with other tall yellows like the sunflowers and goldenrods to play off of purples and greens. 2. Perennials for Shade/Part-Shade Gardens or Containers by Sara These plants were chosen to add bright colors to a shady garden and can even be used in a combo pot for fall season! All of the above items in the design are detailed below (note that these are still potted, so you are not seeing them at their mature size and spacing). 'Brigadoon' St. Johns Wort Bright chartreuse green, yellow, orange foliage brightens a shady spot, sprawling habit is perfect along borders or overhanging the edges of combo pots. 'Obsidian' Heuchera Heuchera comes in many different leaf colors for a diverse amount of options; this deep purple allows bright accent colors to pop, while the clumping habit fills in gaps. It will act as the "filler" in a combo planter. 'Samurai' Toad Lily A favorite shade-loving, fall blooming perennial due to the uniquely shaped, jewel toned blooms. 'All Gold' Japanese Forest Grass A shade-loving, clumping grass with chartreuse colors that really pops! Photo courtesy AWaytoGarden.com Autumn Fern Copper colored fronds add both color and texture. The upright habit could act as a "thriller" in a fall combination planter. 'Dodd's Variegated' Doghobble Mounding evergreen with arching stems and variegated leaves, especially noticeable on new growth with hints of coral, white and light green. White blooms in early spring hang from the stems like chains. Photo courtesy Leslieland.com   'Valley Valentine' Pieris/Japanese Andromeda An upright, evergreen shrub for the back of a garden reaching up to 5-7' at maturity, similar blooms to Doghobble, but pink/red in color. Photo courtesy Oregon State University 3. Sun-loving Native Shrubs by Sara Many customers are taking advantage of this time of year to plant trees and shrubs in their gardens. Shrubs are the foundation and "bones" of the garden, so if you're planning a new bed, it's important to focus on shrubs first and fill in your design with perennials after. We often hear from customers: "I have a blank slate in a mostly sunny location, and I'd like to fill it with high-impact native shrubs that are low maintenance." Here is a list of some favorites available this fall season with notes on their adaptability to different growing conditions. All of the above items in the design are detailed below (note that these are still potted, so you are not seeing them at their mature size and spacing). American Witchhazel This large shrub/small tree is worth the space it can take up! Yellow fall foliage and yellow blooms in October/December provide a beautiful display and fragrance. Full sun/part shade. Can also act as a specimen in a winter garden or along a woodland edge. Photo courtesy PlantitWild.net   'Red Baron' Ninebark Burgundy leaves add interest, white blooms in May-July attract bees and butterflies, nutlets (fruit) provide food for birds. An easy to manage shrub in any landscape, can be cut back in winter to keep a tidy appearance from year to year or let it grow into a dense shrub to allow habitat for birds. Full sun, but can appreciate part shade in the hotter southeast. 'Winter Red' Winterberry Provides a bounty of red berries for birds, stunning in winter after this deciduous holly loses its leaves. Full sun/part-shade, works great in low lying or wet areas. Will need a male Winterberry partner ('Southern Gentleman') in order to produce berries. Photo courtesy PlantJoy.com 'Troja Black' Georgia Bush Honeysuckle New growth emerges dark burgundy for a contrast of foliage colors. Yellow blooms are similar in appearance to honeysuckle, while also fragrant, nectar rich and enjoyed by bees and butterflies during the long bloom period in summer. Songbirds enjoy fruit in fall! Full sun/part shade, drought tolerant. Photo courtesy pflanzmich.de   'Sunburst' St. Johns Wort Dense mounding shrub with blue-green foliage. "Puffy" yellow summertime blooms attract bees and butterflies. Full sun, drought tolerant. 'Lady in Black' Calico Aster 'Calico' due to the variation of colors as blooms mature. This perennial is always "buzzing" with native bees this time of year! Little Bluestem Grass Larval host plant to various butterflies and moths, excellent food for birds in fall and winter, plus stripes of blue, purples, reds in the fall make this plant highly ornamental, too! Photo courtesy Hoffman Nursery

First of all, how do we at Painters define a groundcover?  We think of groundcovers as low growing, spreading perennials that require moderate to minimal maintenance to succeed.  You may choose a groundcover for attractive foliage and to add some lushness to an area. You may want a pop of color with blooms or to simply fill a large space. Sometimes, groundcovers can include a mass of mid-sized plants to cover a larger area and we've included a few of those here too. Areas needing groundcover could be full sun, full shade, steep slopes, or flat rock gardens. And ideally, you are probably interested in something that requires minimal care and that will self-multiply or spread for affordability! We’ve chosen plant recommendations here that address these many needs. Sometimes you may be able to fill part of the area by sowing seed, but it’s typically well-worth investing the upfront cost and time in planting established groundcover-friendly plants as your foundation. This is a dual investment in time and ecology, as it can mean less lawn, lawn care, or aggressive invasive plants. In this blog, we've made sure to grow, market, and include only groundcover plants that are currently considered to be non-invasive, and many are in fact native. One overlapping category of groundcover plants are those that are helpful in preventing erosion on steep hillsides or stream banks .  While some of our suggestions will work for such situations, there are also many deeply-rooting grasses, shrubs, and trees that are ideal but do not spread like groundcovers, so we will treat those as another topic. Read our blog about erosion control and plants we recommend for this . Here are some of our favorite perennial groundcover options organized from sun to shade: Pinks -- Dianthus 'Baths Pink' (Also love 'Flashing Lights', 'Arctic Fire' & 'Firewitch' - bu t not available this spring.) Perennial, full/part sun 6" tall, 8-12" wide Dainty pink blooms in late spring Grass-like blue-gray foliage Silene 'Carol Jean White' or 'Carol Jean Pink' Perennial (z5-10) full sun 3-5'' tall, 2' wide A flower-power evergreen groundcover that picks up blooming late spring where creeping phlox leaves off, providing a cheerful blanket of color right through to the end of summer Excellent heat tolerance; thrives in evenly moist soil Creeping Speedwell -- Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' Perennial (z6-9) full sun 4-6'' tall, 18-24'' wide Petite cobalt-blue flowers with white centers bloom in spring Semi-evergreen foliage turns burgundy in cold weather Excellent groundcover for sharp-draining soil Deer and rabbit resistant Blue Rug Juniper -- Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' NATIVAR evergreen shrub (z3-9) full sun 6" tall, 6-8' wide Thick, dense, silvery blue foliage, at home in rock gardens or spilling over walls Drought tolerant, unlike many junipers; perfect groundcover for sunny, dry, sloped sites Creeping Thyme -- Thymus serpyllum 'Magic Carpet' or 'Pink Chintz' Perennial, full sun 1-2'' tall, 1-2' wide Aromatic foliage, rarely used for cooking, spreads in a tight, ground-hugging carpet; emits an invigorating scent when trodden upon (tolerates light foot traffic) Smothered in pink blooms in summer, adored by bees! Must have sharp-draining soil; thrives in sunny herb or rock gardens, perfect between stepping stones Caraway Thyme - Thymus herba barona Perennial, full sun 3-6'' tall, 1-2' wide (one of the fastest spreaders of the thymes) Useful and delicious, with the fragrance of caraway seeds, serves as both a culinary herb and an evergreen groundcover Clusters of pink flowers bloom in summer, beloved by bees Must have sharp-draining soil to thrive; tolerant of drought and light foot traffic, deer resistant (We also grow and love Red Creeping Thyme, Thymus praecox  'Coccineus' - similar to Caraway in size, it offers rich reddish blooms, but is a bit slower to spread.) Elfin Thyme -- Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' Perennial (z4-8) full sun 1-2'' tall, 12-18'' wide Extremely tiny leaves, lavender-pink blooms early summer Mat-forming habit; perfect carpeting for fairy gardens or tucked around stepping stones Thrives in loose, gritty, nutrient-poor soils with sharp drainage Candytuft -- Iberis sempervirens 'Summer Snowdrift' Perennial (z6a-9b) full sun 5-8'' tall, 9-12'' wide Fragrant, pure white flowers bloom spring to summer atop evergreen, carpet-forming foliage Low maintenance, deer resistant; works wonderfully in beds or containers Cotoneaster -- Cotoneaster dammeri 'Lowfast' Evergreen shrub (z5-8) full sun-part shade 1' tall, 8-12' wide As the name suggests, grows low and fast, covering problem areas quickly Trailing stems root wherever they touch the ground; great choice for slopes or erosion control Small white flowers in spring, followed by abundant bright red berries Deer resistant, drought tolerant; aka bearberry cotoneaster Dwarf Blue Plumbago -- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Perennial (z5-9) part-full sun 6-8'' tall, 12-18'' wide Profuse, vivid, sky-blue flowers mid to late summer, dark green foliage turns a beautiful bronze-red in fall Deer resistant and durable -- even produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of weeds, making this a most excellent and attractive groundcover choice Lamb's Ear -- Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' Perennial (z4-9) full sun 3-8'' tall, 1-2' wide Velvety soft, silvery foliage has a pleasing look and texture; excellent for sensory gardens Can suffer in high humidity; benefits from a bit of light afternoon shade in hot summers Great groundcover for dry, well-drained, rocky areas Creeping Phlox or Thrift -- Phlox subulata (Multiple Varieties and Colors) NATIVE cultivar, part/full sun 3-6" tall, 12" wide Semi-evergreen foliage spreads into a dense groundcover, often out-competing weeds & grass Profusion of early blooms welcomes spring to the garden Hardy Ice Plant -- Delosperma cooperi Perennial (z6-10), full sun 3-6" tall, 12-24" spread Evergreen succulent foliage makes great ground cover Magenta pinkish-purple flowers late spring-frost Drought tolerant, low maintenance Northern Sea Oats -- Chasmanthium latifolium NATIVE perennial grass (z5-9) full sun-part shade 2-3' tall and wide Clump-forming, good for naturalizing and stabilization Dangling oat-like seedheads in fall and winter Self sows Native Stonecrop -- Sedum ternatum 'Larinem Park' NATIVAR perennial (z3-9), full sun-full shade 3-4'' tall, 1-2' wide More tolerant of shade and moist soil than other sedums Excellent groundcover for rock gardens, woodland edges, or dry shade (needs more moisture in full sun) Dainty white spring blooms support early season pollinators Stonecrop -- Sedum 'Angelina' Perennial (z3-11) full sun-part shade 4-6'' tall, 6-12'' wide Evergreen lime-green needle-like foliage turns orange in cold weather Yellow flower clusters in summer Low maintenance, year-round color; thrives in sharp-draining soil Known for being able to out-compete weeds Carolina Campion -- Silene caroliniana 'Hot Pink' NATIVAR perennial (z5-8) full sun-part shade 1' tall and wide Semi-evergreen groundcover, bright pink spring blooms Must have excellent drainage to thrive; prefers sandy, gravelly soil and a bit of afternoon shade Tiny sticky hairs discourage predation from insects; aka wild pink or sticky catchfly Ornamental Clover  -- Trifolium repens   Perennial (z4-10) full-part sun, 2-4'' tall, 5-7'' wide Grow your own luck with this eye-catching groundcover, where every clover is a four-leaf clover! White flowers bloom spring to summer, loved by bees Spreads quickly; cascades beautifully over edges of containers or walls Short Toothed Mountain Mint -- Pycnanthemum muticum 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year - for good reason! NATIVE perennial (z3-9) full-part sun 2-3' tall and wide -- a bit taller than other lower growing plants but great en masse at a woodland edge Fragrant leaves smell of spearmint A phenomenal pollinator plant with lovely silver bracts and blooms Not overly aggressive but will spread Appalachian Mountain Mint -- Pycnanthemum flexuosum NATIVE perennial (z6-8) full-part sun 2-3' tall, 3-4' wide -- a bit taller than other lower growing plants but great en masse at a woodland edge Aromatic, silvery white flowers on sturdy, upright stems summer-long Red-tinged foliage in fall Dwarf-Eared Coreopsis -- Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana' NATIVAR perennial (z4-8) full sun-part shade 6-9'' tall, 1-2' wide Easy care, deer resistant groundcover with yellow spring-summer blooms; evergreen foliage turns burgundy in fall Thrives in moist, well-drained soil; not as drought tolerant as other coreopsis species Hardy Geranium 'Bevan's Variety' -- Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety' Perennial (z3-8) full-part sun 10-12'' tall, 18-24'' wide Abundant clusters of pink-purple flowers late spring through summer Semi-evergreen, fragrant, light green foliage takes on purples tones in fall Effective at choking out weeds; ideal attractive groundcover Cranesbill Geranium 'Midnight Ghost' -- Geranium pratense  'Midnight Ghost' Perennial (z4-8) full-part shade 6-8'' tall, 1-3' wide Exquisite white flowers positively glow against rich, dark chocolatey, purple-red foliage, blooming all summer long An excellent drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, attractive groundcover Bearberry -- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi NATIVE evergreen shrub (z2-6) full sun-part shade 6-12'' tall, 3-6' spread Slow-growing groundcover; drought tolerant White-pink blooms, red berries Creeping St. John's Wort -- Hypericum calycinum Perennial (z5-9) full sun-part shade, 12-18'' tall, 1-2' wide Cheery yellow-blooming groundcover Best blooms in full sun, but tolerant of a wide range of conditions Rapid spread by underground stems; evergreen in mild winters Spreading Bellflower -- Campanula carpatica 'Pearl Deep Blue' Perennial (z3-8) full sun-part shade 8'' tall, 1-2' wide Blue-violet, upward-facing bells of flower spring to summer Dainty, compact, mounding foliage, excellent for edging and containers Prefers well-drained soil and cooler summer temperatures Lithodora -- Lithodora diffusa 'Blue Star' or 'Grace Ward' Perennial (z6-8) part shade-full sun 6-12'' tall, 2-3' wide Vigorous semi-evergreen groundcover with brilliant blue star-shaped blooms; a lovely summer-blooming complement to the spring bloom of creeping phlox Tolerates full sun in cooler climates; appreciates afternoon shade in hot summers Thrives in rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soil Bugleweed or Ajuga -- Ajuga reptans (Many varieties and colors) Perennial, full-part shade Most varieties at Painters this season are 3-6'' tall and 12'' wide Dense, rapidly spreading groundcover Spikes of lavender-blue flowers bloom in spring, adored by pollinators Dead Nettle -- Lamium maculatum 'Orchid Frost' (Dead Nettle) Perennial (z3-8) part-full shade 6-10'' tall, 1-2' wide Mat-forming groundcover with variegated heart-shaped foliage Pink-purple flowers in late spring and later rebloom Green and Gold -- Chrysogonum virginianum NATIVE perennial (z6-8) full-part shade 3-6'' tall, 18-24'' spread Yellow blooms April-October, with a lull during hottest months A great shade groundcover and one of our most popular Sweet Woodruff -- Galium odoratum Perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 6-12'' tall, 10-18'' wide Fragrant and vigorous groundcover for moist, shady areas White star-shaped flowers in late spring Creates a carpet of green foliage, can naturalize if conditions are right Barrenwort -- Epimedium 'Pretty in Pink' Perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 1-2' tall, 2-3' wide Marvelously attractive groundcover for dry shade; covered in whimsical pink flowers in spring, foliage takes on dramatic bronze tones in spring and fall Vigorous, low maintenance, durable; drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant Aka fairy wings Allegheny Spurge -- Pachysandra procumbens NATIVE perennial (z4-9) full-part shade 6-10'' tall, 1-2' wide Semi-evergreen, silvery mottled foliage Fragrant flower spikes in spring Slower growing but so worth it! Pennsylvania Sedge -- Carex pennsylvanica NATIVE perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 8-12'' tall and wide Tiny brown flowers in spring mature to sac-like bracts Semi-evergreen; deer resistant and easy to grow Ostrich Fern -- Matteuccia struthiopteris NATIVE perennial (z3-7) part-full shade 2-5' tall, 3-4' wide -- while a tall groundcover option, beautiful en masse as an understory plant Tall, majestic fronds resemble ostrich feathers Thrives in rich soil with constant moisture Hostas Perennial (z3-9), part-full shade in general, though some are bred for more sun tolerance Leaf sizes range from 2" long to over a foot, and most varieties feature mid-summer bloom spikes of white or purple, many quite fragrant. The size of the plant can range drastically, but most range from 1-2.5’ tall and 1.5x3.5’ wide.  While hostas can handle our native soils, they do best in richer, more fertile soils and with good drainage - so for best performance and size, you definitely want to amend your soil. Hostas are often beloved by both deer and slugs - we carry many cultivars that are slug resistant, but deer are another story (we recommend frequent applications of   Green Screen   around your beds).  We carry a range of leave colors, shapes, and sizes along with variation in the total plant size.  Some unique options we have this year include: Captains Adventure (a true collector’s hosta with very unusual leaf variegation), Blue Mouse Ears (tiny, adorable, rich blue-green), Blue Umbrellas ( an immense variety with thick, blue-green, corrugated leaves), and Beach Boy (their thick leaves have good resistance to slug onslaught). Woodland Phlox -- Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze' or 'Blue Moon' (Spring 2025 stock SOLD OUT. Watch for these favorites in future seasons at Painters!) NATIVAR perennial (z4-8) full-part shade 12-15'' tall and wide Lovely, fragrant, white or purple-blue spring blooms, perfect for filling in around bulbs or perennials Forms large colonies over time; drought tolerant once established Wild Ginger -- Asarum canadense (Spring 2025 stock SOLD OUT. Watch for this one in future seasons at Painters!) NATIVE perennial (z4-6) full-part shade 6-12'' tall, 12-18'' wide Cup-shaped, purplish brown flowers appear in spring Attractive groundcover for shade Meehan's Mint -- Meehania cordata NATIVE perennial (z4-8) part-full shade 6'' tall, 12-18'' wide Low maintenance, deer resistant, shade tolerant groundcover, with lovely lavender-blue blooms in spring A unique mint that spreads politely, not thuggishly; thrives in rich, moist woodland soil Click here for a printable list: Updated and republished 05/2025

Two quintessential classics!   Philodendron Cordatum , a.k.a. Sweetheart Philodendron and a brighter cultivar, Philodendron Cordatum “Lemon Lime”   These two varieties of hanging basket philodendrons are Painters’ staff favorites and likely some of the easiest houseplants to grow. Perfect for novice plant lovers, but sophisticated and elegant enough for houseplant connoisseurs. You could choose from the philodendron cordatum’s dark emerald-green hue or the bright chartreuse-colored leaves of the “Lemon Lime.” Or maybe choose both! Whether your style is traditional, eclectic, or super modern, with their lush and opulent foliage, they can fit into any décor.   Place them nearly anywhere except direct sunlight. Both varieties can be quite tolerant of lower light and some neglect! Our Painters houseplant specialist recommends them as even easier to grow than a pothos—an oft-prescribed beginner plant.   Philodendron cordatum’s heart-shaped glossy foliage can grow and trail up to 6 feet or more. Hanging philodendrons appreciate occasional trimming. Pruning back new growth right after a leaf node will encourage new leaves and more fullness at the base.   And while lush hanging baskets are a favorite way to display these beauties, they will readily climb a moss pole or trellis. In fact, in the wild, they more commonly grow as epiphytes or semi-epiphytes–climbing up the trunks of trees in tropical forests. Encourage larger leaves with a climbing pole and check out our Painters-made moss poles !   They appreciate warmth and humidity and moderate watering—only needed when the soil feels dry. Be mindful of locale and access, as these sweethearts are toxic if ingested. Both philodendron varieties are available at Painters in 8” hanging baskets and they are stunning specimens! We also have a select number of lush “Lemon Limes” in 6” growing pots. A perfect holiday present!

It’s the first day of Spring! In WNC, March brings sunny days that can reach into the 70s, but keep in mind that temperatures can still dip below freezing (like last night!),  and a fluke snowstorm is not unheard of. Now is a great time to start cleaning up the yard, prepping beds for spring, planting cool-season veggies and annuals, and adding hardscaping elements.  PREP YOUR GARDEN Test Your Soil – Healthy soil is the basis of a healthy garden and the first step is getting your soil tested!   Here's how you can test your soil through the NC State Extension Office .  Folks often are advised to do this when moving to a new property, but it's a great idea at any point if you want more information on what you're working with! Fertilize and Amend Based on Your Results – Your soil test will tell you the acidity of your soil as well as which nutrients you may be lacking. Based on the results of your test and what you want to grow you can amend your soil and fertilize it more accurately! CLEAN UP Garden Clean up – You may be tempted to remove all the old leaves and twigs that have settled in beds, but most of this organic matter is a benefit for your garden and soil health. We recommend selective clean up of leaves, leaving a thin covering over areas where new growth is emerging to serve as protection, and leaving some mounded at the base of known plants as additional protection (last night was evidence that tender new growth needs that!).   You can clean up fallen limbs, small branches, and some of the leaves without raking and manicuring everything. Remember that these leaves provide homes and protection for many insects and small creatures. If moving some leaves, pile along yard edges so that the insects within can still emerge rather than running over leaves with a mower and chopping them up. And if you do uncover a chrysalis or nesting/semi-hibernating insect, reptile, or amphibian, you can gently tuck them back where they were or gently move them and recreate their environment so that they are able to continue their cycle!  Try to keep leaf blowing to a minimum as insects and other creatures will obviously be disrupted.   As for cutting plants back, we encourage folks to read this article by the NC Extension. They give specific guidance on certain species that are better housing for solitary bee pollinators (with hollow stems), and suggest cutting your gardens back modestly in early to late March. Be aware that most nesting bees need 8-12” of growth for nesting so restrained trimming is helpful! As your plants put out their new growth, it typically covers up the old growth, plus the old stems often help support new ones in addition to providing housing for pollinators. TREES & SHRUBS Certain shrubs and trees do best when pruned at this time of year, as we move out of winter and before they start flushing with new growth, but you have to do your research! Some shrubs and trees cannot be pruned at this time without sacrificing future blooms. Watch for future blog posts on proper techniques and best practices! Fertilize and mulch existing trees and shrubs. We recommend top dressing with a good broken down compost, working it into the top layer of the soil a bit, then covering all with a couple inches of mulch. Avoid applying mulch directly up against tree or shrub trunks. Plant fruit trees and vines as well as other container-grown shrubs and trees. Spring is a great time to find a wide variety of choices at Painters and also the perfect time to set them up for a great start–it is much easier to keep them well-watered and happy before the hotter days of summer.  COOL SEASON PLANTS Do Your Research – Here is a   WNC planting calendar  for vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Greens like spinach and kale, peas, and root veggies such as radishes and carrots are some examples of cool-season veggies that can already be planted outside! Plant cold-tolerant annuals such as pansies, violas, and cool season veggies Fertilize & Mulch – Now is a great time to add top dressings of compost to perennial edibles such as asparagus (before the first spears begin to emerge), and to mix in compost when planting your cool season annuals and veggies for a slow release food source. Mulch can provide a little extra protection for your early crops when we get a cold snap. Make sure to use natural mulches such as straw, pine needles or shavings, or undyed bark.   Check out what’s available at Painters this season! BLOG UPDATED FROM 02/21/2023.

You may hav e heard the term “hardening off” regarding seedlings you start indoors, but many folks don’t realize it’s also important for mature plants grown inside a greenhouse. To harden off a plant means to slowly acclimate it to a new environment so that they don’t go into shock and suffer damage or even die.  When plants are raised indoors in early spring and then moved outside for planting, they have to adapt to direct sun, cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and increased air movement and winds–let alone different pest and disease pressures–all of which are now out of your control and highly unpredictable.   If a plant is properly hardened off, the cell walls and leaf structure literally thicken. More energy is put toward root development and reduction of excess water in the plant, which means it will be stronger, more rigid, and less susceptible to freeze damage. As plants harden off, they will grow less quickly than indoors but that slower growth will create a firmer and less floppy plant that can handle the stresses of outside. If a plant is not hardened off, wind, sun, or cold can lead to significant wilting, browning leaf edges, or even death. (Note that even with thorough hardening off, frost-prone plants can still get frost damage.) If you are following most guidelines for hardening plants off, especially if you’ve started your own seedlings and are adapting them to outdoor conditions, it is a pretty time intensive process and ideally done over two weeks. While this is certainly a good rule of thumb, we tend to simplify it a bit when moving crops outside for sale as well as at our own homes. Generally, adapting seedlings to the outdoors is a much more sensitive process than bringing home well-rooted more mature plants from a greenhouse and acclimating them to your new environment.  For less cold-sensitive crops, such as many perennials or cool-season annuals and veggies, we use this process throughout early spring, but for the more frost-tender crops (Boston Ferns, most annual bloomers, tropicals, tomatoes and warm-season veggies, etc), we tend to wait to harden off until risk of frost is unlikely. At the greenhouse, we often bring warm weather crops out in mid April rather than the recommended mid May due to our merchandising needs, but may still have to cover or even move the more sensitive crops back indoors in the case of freezing nights. If you want to be extra safe at home and avoid having to move plants back and forth, the general rule of thumb is to wait until temperatures are consistently in the low 50’s. In our area, the tradition is to wait till after Mother’s Day, but with warming temperatures over the last few decades (the US zone map has relabeled Asheville area as a zone 7 rather than a zone 6), we rarely have to wait that late to be safe from hard frosts.  When we bring plants home to plant outdoors, we try to follow the below protocol: Our absolute best piece of advice for hardening plants off–as well as just a great rule of thumb for when to plant–is to wait for a string of overcast and lightly rainy days if possible. This will both protect plants from sun scald and help with watering them in but also encourages healthy root growth as they harden off.  (This is our go-to method when moving large numbers of plants outdoors from a heated greenhouse at Painters.) Try clustering the pots of plants together so that they can protect one another from wind gusts and being knocked over. Plus, this makes it easier to cover them with shade cloth and/or frost cloth as needed. Group the pots in an area with protection from high winds as well as protection from full sun. The edge of a covered porch, the entrance to a garage, or a spot on the south side of a building that stays warmer but still has some wind and direct sun protection is best. If you don’t have a spot that protects from full sun, drape netting that offers 10-20% shade above the plants for the first 4-5 days.  Wind can be just as damaging and drying as the sun, so we recommend watering the plants deeply (or dipping the pots into a bucket of water to saturate them) prior to taking them out to harden off. Over the next week or two, you can gradually reduce the amount of water you give the plants–just be aware that while adapting to outdoor conditions, they are likely to dry out faster… if you see them starting to wilt, check to see if they’re dry (wind or sun damage can also cause wilting, so only water them if they are actually drying out).   To be extra careful, bring the plants back inside for the nights during the first week if predicted to be lower than 40 deg. Then the following week, cover plants with frost cloth or fleece each night. If you do manage a week of overcast and wetter weather, you may not have extreme cold, so leaving them outside with some additional frost protection for 40 or below should be adequate.    After 1.5 to 2 weeks, you should be able to plant your hardened off plants wherever you plan to keep them (assuming you’ve chosen spots suited to their needs). Just watch for late frosts and cover if needed.    *NOTE: When protecting plants with heavy material or frost cloth, you should prop the cloth up above foliage and blooms with stakes or supports–if thicker cloth or frost blanket lays on the plants, they can still burn from the cold where it touches the foliage.  So what plants at Painters are safe to plant outside right now and how do you know if something needs hardened off?   A general rule of thumb is that if you see something  outside on the retail tables  at Painters, it’s safe to plant it outside at home. We do often cover crops on the outside tables even if hardened off when the temps are predicted to be 34 or lower, as customers aren’t as likely to want a frost-burned plant (even if the roots and majority of growth are healthy, it doesn’t look so good until the new growth overtakes any damaged).  If you see crops on   tall carts   but not on tables, they are likely frost-tender items that want fresh air and sun, but we aren’t ready to unload them permanently, instead wheeling them back inside until chilly nights are done.  Our shrubs and trees  are all container-grown and kept outside throughout the year, so they are safe to plant at any time (ideally before the heat of summer as they are much harder to keep well-watered and happy when planted at that time).  Perennials from our cold frame  (the large, low greenhouse sans tables, adjacent to the parking lot) are able to handle light freezing temps, but do need some protection against hard frosts and lower temps until acclimated. When purchasing items from inside our main greenhouse  (the tall, heated greenhouse with tables), you may want to double-check with staff regarding when to plant outside. It is safe to assume that anything purchased from the main house has not been hardened off. We have perennial ferns and shade perennials that may be ready to go outside right now and will just need to be hardened off per the above rules (knowing that a hard frost can still cause leaf and bloom damage but plants will be OK once hardened), but we also have tender tropicals, hanging ferns, and succulents that prefer not to be left outside until nighttime temperatures stay above 55 degrees. Signs should tell you if it’s a perennial or annual and have a listed growing zone, but if in doubt, ask a Painters team member!   In general, the warmer the environment the plant is coming from, the longer the hardening off process should be–plants in our cold frame have had moderate protection from cold and therefore mild hardening off already, whereas plants from our heated greenhouses have not been exposed to temperatures below 55 and will need a longer introduction and more protection as they adapt.  Don’t want to bother with any of this? Then wait until mid-May to plant everything!  The only risk is that you may miss out on many of our popular items, as some crops sell out by late April or early May at Painters. The bottom line for us is that we want you to have success with anything you bring home from Painters. A lack of proper adaptation to its new environment (including proper planting and watering), can lead to poor plant health or even failure. We are here to help, and if you can’t find a staff member available during your shopping, feel free to email us with questions! Sources: https://www.harrisseeds.com/blogs/homegrown/what-hardening-off-seedlings-means-and-how-to-do-it https://extension.psu.edu/hardening-transplants https://extension.psu.edu/vegetable-planting-and-transplanting-guide

Hydrangeas are a deciduous shrub that can flower from spring through summer and oftentimes into fall. They quickly fill in and can become a showstopper within just a year or two of planting. There are several different species of hydrangeas that grow in our area and understanding the differences between the four different types can help you become a successful gardener and ensure that you plant a hydrangea in the right spot and prune at the right time for the best results. Below you'll find a description of each species and a few examples of varieties that we have in stock this season. To see a full list of available hydrangeas, please reference our tree and shrub availability list. HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS, aka Smooth Hydrangea This species is very adaptable and can handle a wide range of soils and moisture conditions. Native to North America, it's the most cold tolerant of the hydrangea species. No need to fuss with soil pH - the flowers stay true to their color. Prefers part shade or full sun. In the south, smooth hydrangeas can still bloom in areas where it receives as little as 4 hours - further north hydrangeas prefer increased hours of sunlight (6 hrs). These blooms make great cut flowers, or feel free to leave the blooms on the shrub to dry to add winter interest. Allow the shrub to establish for a couple years before performing any hard pruning. Trim down to the ground in early spring or not at all if you want a larger shrub in the landscape. ANNABELLE One of the oldest and most popular smooth hydrangea cultivars. This classic shrub has huge white round heads of flowers often blooming throughout summer. Known for its vigorous blooms on sturdy stems. Grows to 4-5' tall and 3-5' wide. INVINCIBELLE WEE WHITE Compact, dwarf variety growing 1-3' tall and wide.  Strong, upright stems are topped with big summer blooms - essentially a mini-Annabelle. INVINCIBELLE RUBY This nativar reaches 3-4' in height and 2-3' in width.  Sturdy stems support the ruby red/silvery pink blooms.  Makes an excellent cut flower, fresh or dried! HYDRANGEA PANICULATA, aka Panicle Hydrangea The easiest and most adaptable hydrangea to grow. They are sun-lovers and perform well in urban plantings. They can handle part-shade, but bloom best in sun. "Panicle" references the pyramidal or cone shaped bundles of blooms. Panicle hydrangeas are known for their long blooming times. Most panicle hydrangeas bloom white and as the flowers age they turn to shades of pink or red. If blooms are left to dry on the plant they will fade to a beige color and add winter interest to the landscape. All panicle hydrangeas, regardless of variety, can be pruned the same since they all bloom on new wood - pruning should be done in winter or early spring and will ensure that blooms each summer. LITTLE LIME A dwarf variety of Limelight growing only 3-5' tall and wide. This is a great option for a lower height mass planting or in containers. LIMELIGHT PRIME An improved variety of 'Limelight' with a more compact stature (4-6' tall and wide) and an earlier bloom time for an extended bloom season and stronger stems to support the large heads of flowers.   LITTLE LIME PUNCH A dwarf variety of 'Limelight' only reaching 3-5' tall and wide with a unique twist of color.  Flowers emerge green and gradually progress through white and pink to fruit-punch-red. Makes a great container shrub! FIRE LIGHT A large, sturdy variety reaching 6-8' tall and wide.  The long-blooming flowers emerge creamy white and age to deep red-pink. LITTLE QUICK FIRE A dwarf form of the variety 'Quick Fire', reaching 3-5' in height and 2-4' in width.  The loose, fluffy blooms emerge white and mature to red-pink.  This is the earliest blooming panicle hydrangea! BOBO A dwarf variety only reaching 3' tall and 3-4' wide.  Sturdy, upright white blooms engulf the shrub throughout summer.  The blooms may take on a subtle pink hue in fall. PHANTOM A large variety reaching 6-10' in height and width.  The huge blooms can reach 15" in size!  This variety has sturdy stems to hold up the large blooms. SILVER DOLLAR A compact variety reaching 4-5' in height and width.  Regardless of the shrub's size, the white blooms are full-sized and present from mid-summer through fall. HYDRANGEA QUERCIFOLIA, aka Oakleaf Hydrangea Named after the leaf shape, oakleaf hydrangeas are the most heat tolerant of the hydrangea species that grow in our area. Another native to North America, this species blooms a little later than the other hydrangeas, but makes up for it by offering rich maroon red leaves in the fall. This is the one hydrangea I would hold off on pruning, unless it's necessary to prune out dead stems. This is a multi-stemmed, suckering shrub that often grows wider than tall. Looks great along woodland edges or in a natural/non-formal garden. Because oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, planting in a spot where it may have some winter protection can help save next-season's flower buds. This hydrangea prefers a little more shade, but can tolerate full sun. As the shrub matures, older stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark that is attractive in winter. QUEEN OF HEARTS* A hybrid of 'Snow Queen' and 'Pee Wee' varieties, matures to 6' tall and 9' wide. Noted for its large, upright conical flower heads (up to 9" long) which open white and gradually turn a deep pink. *Not currently available. Will be available at Painters during the Fall 2024 Season. MUNCHKIN A dwarf variety reaching 3-4' in height and width.  White summer blooms mature to mahogany red in fall. Photo by David J. Stang , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons PEE WEE A dwarf variety with a compact, rounded habit.  Reaches 3-4' tall and 2-3 wide.  White summer blooms mature to pink in fall. SNOWFLAKE Flower heads are formed with clusters of double blooms, resembling snowflakes. Bloom season is much longer than single flower species as florets continue to open throughout summer. Grows up to 6-10' tall and wide. HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA, aka Bigleaf Hydrangea* This is the most common garden hydrangea shrub, also called French hydrangeas. This species is showy and popular and there are two different types of blooms, lacecap or mophead. Mopheads are the shrubs that bloom large, dense, pom-pom-type flower clusters. This group has the ability to change flower color based on soil pH. ( Click here to dig deeper on an explanation on how soil pH controls bloom colors in Bigleaf Hydrangeas). Lacecap shrubs form flattened, round flower heads of tight fertile buds, resulting in an airy, delicate look. Bigleaf hydrangeas don't fare too well with hot summer afternoons, they may respond to the heat by drooping their leaves. Since blooms appear on old growth wood, make sure to plant in a spot where they have some winter protection. NIKKO BLUE* When planted in acidic soil, blooms have a beautiful Dutch blue coloring. Offers great cut flowers and makes a great statement in the garden, especially if planted along fences or as a border. Reaches 4-6' tall and wide. ALL SUMMER BEAUTY* This compact variety grows in an upright and mounded habit reaching only 3-4' tall and wide.  The ball-shaped blooms are present on both old growth and new growth which allows this variety to bloom through spring and summer since the flower buds are produced in fall and spring/summer.   *Not currently available. Will be available at Painters during the Fall 2024 Season. PLANTING The best time to plant hydrangeas is in fall, the second best is in spring. The idea is to give the shrub plenty of time to establish a healthy root system before blooming. The best time of day to plant is in early morning or late afternoon to protect the plant from heat stress. Please refer to our Tree and Shrub Planting Guide to better understand hole size and depth as well as proper mulching. Hydrangeas prefer evenly moist, well-draining soil. If you have heavy clay soil, make sure to amend the site with compost and plant the shrub shallow/mounded to promote better drainage. Mulch will help keep hydrangea roots cool and moist. Make sure to choose a planting site that will suit your hydrangea - Most all hydrangeas like warm morning sun and some afternoon shade. WATER Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from even moisture. Water hydrangeas deeply in the morning (sometimes needed up to 3x a week while the plant is getting established). Deep waterings promote root growth. PROPOGATION Do you have a hydrangea in your landscape that is a great performer or is sentimental? Do you wish to slowly build out a border in your landscape? Here are some techniques to help you save money and try your hand at asexual propagation! Panicle and Bigleaf hydrangeas are propagated best through "layering". In early to midsummer, dig a small trench near your hydrangea plant and bend a branch down to the trench so the stem makes contact with the soil. Make sure 6-12" of the branch is extended past the trench. Make scratches on the bark where the branch touches the soil and back fill the trench with soil and place a rock on top to hold the branch down. With time, the branch will form its own root system and can be separated from the main plant and transplanted. Oakleaf and Smooth hydrangeas put out new shoots through underground stems. Dig up the new young plant and carefully separate it from the main plant then transplant to a new location. FERTILIZER The best way to determine your fertility needs is by using a soil test, but the basic rule of thumb for fertilizing hydrangeas is as follows: Bigleaf prefers several light fertilizing applications in March, May and June Oakleaf and panicle do best with two applications in April and June Smooth hydrangea only need fertilizer once, in late winter PRUNING Both Bigleaf and Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom on old growth, if pruning is necessary to promote fullness or maintain size then prune in late summer after the shrub has finished flowering. Make sure your pruning cuts are made just above a node (where a bud or lateral stem is present on the branch). Panicle and Smooth Hydrangeas bloom on new growth, if pruning needs to be done it should be done in late winter. Smooth hydrangeas can be cut all the way back to the ground. HYDRANGEA TYPE WHEN TO PRUNE FLOWERS APPEAR Bigleaf (H. macrophylla Summer, after flowering On old growth Oakleaf (H. quercifolia) Summer, after flowering On old growth Panicle (H. paniculata) Late winter, before spring growth On new growth Smooth (H. arborescens) Late winter, before spring growth On new growth

Gardens are all about timing! It's never too late to plan yours using these quick monthly checklists: January What's showing color : Witch Hazel, Winter Jasmine, Winter Daphne, Hellebore, Twig Dogwood Chores : Prune fruit trees & grapevines Remove unwanted weeds & overgrowth that died back during winter February What's showing color : Crocus, Hellebore, Winter Honeysuckle, Carolina Jessamine, Witch Hazel, Camellia Chores : Fertilize shade trees & spring flowering bulbs Prep garden beds for early season veggies Prune summer flowering shrubs such as Crape Myrtle, Rose of Sharon, and Panicle Hydrangeas Cut back ornamental grasses Divide clumping perennials such as Daylilies and Shastas March: What's showing color : Crocus, Hellebore, Carolina Jessamine, Daffodils, Violas, Pansies, Mahonia, Saucer & Star Magnolias, Flowering Cherry, Pieris, Fothergilla... Chores : Mark your calendar for Painters Greenhouse opening day! Fertilize shrubs & trees Fertilize Asparagus beds Fertilize veggie garden beds prior to planting Plant fruit trees & vines and other shrubs & trees Plant early season veggie starts Begin organic pest treatment on fruit trees April What's showing color : Crossvine, Peony, Daffodils, Amsonia, Lungwort, Jacob's Ladder, Columbine, Coreopsis, Woodland Phlox, Trillium, Dwarf Crested Iris, Globe Flower, Bleeding Heart, Jack in the Pulpit, Foamflower, Meadow Sage, Baptisia, Carolina Silverbell, Dogwood, Redbud, Viburnum, Rhododendron, Lilac, Carolina Allspice, Pieris, Azalea, Kerria, Leucothoe... Chores : Mark your calendar for Painters Greenhouse Herb Fest! Fertilize any remaining shrubs not fed Watch veggies (especially cruciferous crops) for caterpillars and treat as needed Mulch garden beds as needed May What's showing color : Clematis, Honeysuckle, Yarrow, Chives, Amsonia, Blanket Flower, Calla Lily, Columbine, Milkweed, Baptisia, Bearded Iris, Goat's Beard, Peony, Lavender, Catmint, Penstemon, Salvia, Indian Pink, Spiderwort, Coreopsis, New Jersey Tea, Southern Magnolia, Kousa Dogwood, Lilac, Rhododendron, Viburnum, Mountain Laurel, Virginia Sweetspire, Azalea, Deutzia, Weigela... Chores : Mark your calendar for Painters Greenhouse Mothers Day Weekend! Time to get some hanging baskets Fertilize summer flowering plants like Crape Myrtle Wait to cut back spring bulb foliage until it turns brown Fertilize veggie starts Plant tomato, sweet potato, pepper, & eggplant starts (still watching for late frosts) and sow melons, corn, cucumbers, okra, & summer squash Repot houseplants needing it and begin giving houseplants regular, deeper watering June What's showing color : Yucca, Hypericum, Milkweed, Daylily, Balloon Flower, Stokes Aster, Coreopsis, Red Hot Poker, Salvia, Agastache, Bee Balm, Veronica, Russian Sage, Catmint, Southern Magnolia, Mimosa, Smoketree, Oakleaf, Bigleaf & Mophead Hydrangeas, Sweet Azalea, Rosebay Rhododendron, Gardenia, Roses, Clethra, Southern Bush Honeysuckle... Chores : Stop at Painters Greenhouse one last time before closing for the summer Fertilize veggies, shrubs & trees Plant okra, beans, pumpkins, and later batch tomatoes Prune needle evergreens like Juniper & Arborvitae Prune Bigleaf & Mophead Hydrangea blooms once faded Deadhead Shastas, Phlox, and Daylilies for 2nd bloom flush Trim dead bulb foliage Watch for Japanese Beetles and veggie pests July What's showing color : Coneflower, Agastache, Milkweed, Garden Phlox, Black-Eyed Susan, Russian Sage, Coreopsis, Shasta Daisy, Gaura, Bugbane, Hardy Geranium, Bee Balm, Catmint, Mountain Mint, Buttonbush, Clethra, Smooth, Mophead, Panicle, & Oakleaf Hydrangeas, Steeplebush, Hypericum, Lilac Chaste Tree... Chores : Give landscape plants second rounds of fertilizer Plant beans, carrots, and tomatoes for late season harvest Prune fruiting canes of raspberries and blackberries after harvest Deadhead flowers for second bloom flush Keep veggie and flower gardens well-watered during periods of extreme heat and drought August What's showing color : Coneflower, Lobelia, Agastache, milkweed, Turtlehead, Culver's Root, Hosta, Garden Phlox, Black-Eyed Susan, Coreopsis, Guara, Hardy Geranium, Bee Balm, Catmint, Passionflower, Obedient Plant, Mountain Mint, Ironweed, Boneset, Asters, Goldenrod, Swamp Hibiscus, Buttonbush, Clethra, Smooth, Panicle, & Oakleaf Hydrangea, Steeplebush... Chores : Maintain irrigation during heat and periods of drought Prune fruit trees for shape and to remove suckers Sow cool season veggie seeds September What's showing color : Belgian Mums, Violas & Pansies, Toad Lily, Anemone, Hardy Mums, Hardy Asters, Sedum, Goldenrod, Joe Pye Weed, Ironweed, Helenium, Heliopsis, Helianthus, Boneset, Turtlehead, Gentian... Chores : Mark your calendar for Painters Fall Season Opening Day! Plant groundcovers and perennials so they have time to establish before winter Start planting shrubs and trees Prep houseplants to move indoors (pest check, wipe down, transplant) Plant legume cover crops if not planting fall gardens October What's showing color : Goldenrod, Fall Asters, Belgian and Hardy Mums, Toad Lily, Franklinia, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Beautyberry, Dogwood, Itea, Chokeberry, Fothergilla, Holly, Sumac, Viburnum, Maples... Chores : Finish planting shrubs, trees, and perennials before cold sets in Divide dense perennials and spring-blooming bulbs Plant new spring bulbs Leave spent blooms and grass heads for birds and pollinators to have shelter and food through winter Leave the fallen leaves when possible for pollinator habitat November What's showing color : Witch Hazel, Camelia, Franklinia, Beautyberry, Holly, Dogwood, Viburnum, Chokeberry, Sumac, Oakleaf Hydrangea... Chores: Watch for pop-up events at Painters Greenhouse. Houseplants are a lovely treat! Plant spring flowering bulbs, if not already done Remember to leave frost-killed perennials and grasses for wildlife (cut back after last frost in spring) Water evergreen shrubs and trees thoroughly before winter December What's showing color: Camelia, Beautyberry, Holly, Twig Dogwood, Sumac, Hellebore... Chores: Mulch strawberries with wheat or pine straw Reduce watering of house plants and avoid feeding unless an active winter bloomer, such as Cyclamen and Christmas Cactus Assess garden tools and equipment to see if any need repairs Start dreaming and planning for next year...

Each year Painters offers a variety of mature combination pots to add instant color to a front porch or patio. And this year they are stunning! But for those who might be interested in the creative endeavor of planting and designing your own, it can be as simple as 1-2-3. The design idea behind basic container planting starts with a time-honored three-step template: Thriller - Filler - Spiller: Thrillers are plants with height . They add drama; they add splash; they constitute the vertical element of the container. Thrillers might be a showy bloom or ornamental grass or bright, tall foliage. They are generally placed either in the center of the container with plants all around or towards the back to set a front-facing scene. Read further down to find a list of Painters favorites. Fillers are just as they sound. They are plants that create the center of the design and make it look full . They tend to be plants with a mounding habit and generally are placed in front of or around the tall element. There are many choices in this category so choose from your favorite colors or foliage. Spillers are also easily self-explanatory! They are the plants that spill over the lip of the container. They are plants with trailing habits and are placed along the front or the edges of the planter so they can spill over the sides. We always grow a wide variety of favorites including those listed below. But first here's a quick photo tutorial on creating a very simple Thriller-Filler-Spiller design for a sunny spot: Thriller = Dahlia 'City Lights', Filler = Purple false shamrock, Spiller = Glitz euphorbia You can start with just the basic three items, but add additional Fillers and Spillers depending on how full you want your pot to be. For example, in this pot, you could add two of the false shamrocks and two glitz euphorbia to create more lushness. Or you can add a different fourth or a fifth component to really punch it up! Maybe a spike plant or an additional color component. Then just make sure to water it all in and enjoy your new creation! Find your full selection of Spillers and Fillers in Aisle 3 of Painter's Main Greenhouse! Some Recommended Thrillers For a Tropical Vibe: Taro, Canna, Ensete (False Banana), Asparagus Fern, or a Spike Annual grasses for showy seed-heads or intense color contrasts: Purple Fountain Grass, First Knight, Fireworks Perennial grasses for a more natural look & year-round interest:  Northern Sea Oats, Everoro Sedge & Orange Sedge are favorites along with Japanese Forest Grass Herby Options: Lemongrass, Rosemary, a tall ornamental basil like African Blue Some Favorite Fillers For sun, Geraniums, Zinnias & Lantana are great Hens and Chicks Dahlias (shorter cultivars such as City Lights series are ideal) Petunias - especially Potunia, Crazytunia and others bred for compact container-friendly habit Fan Flower Persian Shield Shrimp Plant Duranta for bright color Salvia farinacea or Salvia guaranitica Rex Begonia Lavender African Blue Basil Torenia, Polka Dot Plant, or New Guinea Impatiens for shade Coleus (We have compact, large leafed varieties that do well in both shade and sun.) Fuschia Gartenmeister, Mexican Heather, or Plectranthus Velvet Elvis for part shade Oxalis, False Shamrocks Caladiums Ferns - especially Japanese Painted, Autumn Fern, Japanese Holly, and Limelight Lady Fern And Spillers Dichondra 'Silver Falls' Wire Vine  Licorice Plant Sweet Potato Vine Sedum - 'Angelina' is a favorite! Bacopa Red Stem Pilea Portulaca  Golden Oregano Mint Thymes Trailing Tradescantias Turtle Vine *Make sure to check signage, tags, or do a little research to ensure you are combining items that have the same sun and moisture preferences. A Painters pet-peeve is seeing combo pots sold that contain a mixture of sun and shade loving or drought and moisture loving plants - we want you to have combos that last all season and are designed to thrive! And finally, for those of us who learn by examples, check out these combo pots at Painters this year for some inspiration! Shady Hummingbird Combo - Part Shade Gartenmeister fuchsia, New Guinea impatiens (about to bloom!), Coleus Cool and Classy Combo - Part to Full Shade New Guinea impatiens, Coleus, Wire vine Made in the Shade Combo - Part to Full Shade Impatiens, Polka dot plant, Torenia (about to bloom!) Enchanted Combo - Part to Full Shade Asparagus fern, Polka dot plant, Dichondra 'Silver Falls', Oxalis 'False Shamrock' Icy Combo - Part Shade Caladium (just starting to emerge), Lobelia, Swedish ivy, Dichondra 'Silver Falls' Chartreuse Combo - Full Sun to Part Shade Dahlia (about to bloom!), Sweet Potato vine, Coleus Sapphire Combo - Full Sun Black & Blue Salvia, Fan Flower, Angelonia (all about to bloom) Blaze Porch Combo - Full Sun Geranium (about to bloom), Bidens, Melampodium Glitz and Glam Combo - Full Sun Taro, Black petunia, Sweet potato vine, Dichondra 'Silver Falls' Sunny Hummingbird Combo - Full Sun Salvia, Pentas, Million bells Desert Divas Combo - Full Sun Craspedia, Portulaca, Gazania Gloriously Gothic Combo - Full Sun Celosia 'Dracula' (about to bloom), Black petunia, Rudbeckia And a few more for innovation ... from previous years at Painters.