The color red is associated with both positive and negative emotions. It is linked to passion and love as well as power and energy (...and sometime anger!). In any form, it elicits a strong response. And in plants, people love it or hate it. It's the color that refuses to blend in. Because it is so eye-catching, it can be used sparingly as an effective accent, or you can "paint the town red" and go all in with lots of scarlet color. Hot colors, like red or orange, are visually advancing colors, meaning they 'jump forward' and can create an appearance of looking closer than in actuality. In a large yard, plant a mass of red at the far edge of your property to visually pull the boundary in. (Pineapple sage, anyone?) Similarly, because the human eye easily locks onto red colors so easily, you have some great ways to use this. You can make it a single focal point to draw the eye exactly where you want people to look: a floral focal point! (Perfect use for the quintessential red geranium.) You could use the red as a frame for a different specimen plant. Or you could repeat the same red plant in a sweeping drift through a garden bed to guide the viewer's eye across the landscape. (Designers often recommend these rivers of color instead of scattering single plants randomly which can make the eyes jump around nervously.) How red behaves also depends on what is sitting next to it. Pair red with its complementary green color and that foliage acts as the perfect stage to make the scarlet blooms absolutely explode. Pair red with more vibrant yellows or lime greens (like a bright sweet potato vine) to create a high-energy, summery vibe that creates a pop of joy. Or for a more sophisticated match, pair red with deep purples, burgundies, and blues (i.e. trailing blue lobelia or an alternanthera) to cool down the aggressive nature of the red and create a rich color combination. And for sure, if you are wanting to view hummingbirds and pollinators from your porch, red is your cheat code. Plant native honeysuckle, beebalm, and annual sages close to windows or patios where you can enjoy the show! Whatever your design choice, make it a red-letter day! Join us at Painters and grab your favorite ruby-hued bloom. Just be careful not to fill your cart too high—you wouldn’t want to get caught red-handed taking the very last one... or would you? (As always, our inventory sells fast. Before you get your beating red heart totally set on one particular plant, check prices, sizes, and current season availability on our Growing & Availability Lists:) RED in Name Sometimes the vibrancy is so undeniable that "red" is the only word bold enough to cover it. Check out these high-energy, head-turning focal points. RED Perennials Bring that bold, scarlet energy back year after year so you can skip the replanting and get straight to the admiring. RED-ish Blooms It turns out that in the botanical world, "red" is sometime more of a vibrant suggestion than a literal description, frequently leaning into those deep magentas and punchy pinks that still pack a scarlet punch. Straight Up Red Annuals The O.G. Red Geranium is an undisputed icon but don't overlook the other scarlet stars that can bring that same heat: Punchy Alternatives Sometimes you need a blaze without screaming fire. Here are a few show-stopper alternatives that are solid standouts, without the crimson hue.

Hanging baskets are the perfect way to make the most of your space and add dimension, texture, and color to your yard, porch, or balcony. Here are some of our favorites annual hanging baskets for both sun and shade! Hanging Baskets for Sun GERANIUM A summertime staple, geraniums are versatile and heat tolerant. They have a mounding or semi-trailing habit and are available in a variety of colors. Their preferred location is morning sun and some afternoon shade - they can also thrive in full sun as long as you don't let them fully dry out. To encourage new, full blooms all summer, feed every 10-14 days and deadhead spent blooms. DRAGONWING BEGONIAS The number of begonia varieties out there is truly astounding. One of our favorite full-sun to part shade varieties is Dragonwing Begonia. One of the most popular plants for porch pots and combos, this plant also does great in a hanging basket. With blooms that will flower from spring through frost, and large glossy leaves, it’s no wonder this is a timeless classic. Dragonwing begonias are heat tolerant, can handle a few skipped days of watering, have a nice branching habit, and require no pruning or dead heading. Available in pink or red. Note: we recommend that with all begonias, you avoid watering them in the heat of the day. Water on the leaves can cause sun scorch. We water ours before 10am at the greenhouse. GIANT WAX BEGONIA - BRONZE LEAF OR GREEN LEAF Another favorite begonia, the Giant Wax Begonia, is a hybrid cross between wax and angel wing begonias. It's vigorous, bushy, and heavy-blooming. With a tidier upright habit, it makes for a fabulous 'thriller' component to a combo pot as well as making a full basket on its own. It appreciates full to partial sun and evenly moist soil, and will bloom spring through fall. Big color, big size, big impact! SCAEVOLA (FAN FLOWER) The beautiful trailing habit and abundant fan-shaped flowers of this unique plant are sure to intrigue you and your guests all summer long. Sometimes know as the 'Fairy Fan Flower' this annual will live up to its name as it spills over the side of your hanging basket. In a hot and humid climate this annual will offer blooms from early spring until first frost. Its thick stems provide an extra layer of drought tolerance making it a perfect choice for hanging baskets, which tend to dry out quicker than pots. It does not need to be pinched back, requires little in the way of fertilizing, and can bounce back from a few skipped days of watering (though it will be healthiest if watered daily in full sun spots). PETUNIAS Petunias are a timeless garden favorite, offering big impact with bright blooms in a limitless array of colors from early spring to first frost. While petunias can tolerate part sun they give off their best show in full sun with regular fertilizer. We are continually adding new cultivars to our program each year featuring a range of colors, flower sizes and habits. No variety of petunia is maintenance-free, but some do bloom better if regularly deadheaded. You can typically tell by looking at a petunia basket if it's one that will need more regular cleanup, but most petunias grown and sold today will continue to bloom regardless of deadheading. We do recommend daily watering (sometimes twice daily when hot or windy), and many petunias benefit from being pruned back when they get leggy in the heat of summer--they'll then send out fresh new growth and blooms. CALIBRACHOA (MILLION BELLS) Also known as Million Bells, Calibrachoa is a full-sun annual with a gorgeous mounding and trailing growth habit available in single or double blooming and a multitude of solid, bicolor, and ombre shades. The blooms are similar to that of its cousin, the petunia, but miniature! And what its flowers lack in size they make up for in abundance. These bright blooms also attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your front porch or garden. Like the petunia, million bells enjoy full sun to part sun, but you’ll get the most blooms in 6+ hours of full sun. Calibrachoa's flowers will go strong through the heat of summer and it does not require deadheading to look tidy or keep blooming, but it does need regular fertilizing. Keep their soil lightly moist and avoid consistently wet soil, but don't allow to fully dry out (on super hot and/or windy days, you may have to water twice). PORTULACA (MOSS ROSES) This annual flowering succulent offers some of the brightest blooms in an array of pinks, oranges, and yellows and is a great choice for someone who prefers low maintenance plants. Its flowers open and close with the sun, so be sure to keep this plant in a full sun spot to enjoy the bright pops of color that emerge anew every morning. Because it is a succulent, this plant can tolerate high heat, drought conditions, and requires less frequent watering than other annuals on this list. This low maintenance plant only requires water when the top 1/2-1" is completely dry. LANTANA Lantana is a profusely flowering plant that will provide a long-lasting show of color. Plus this beauty is a tried-and-true butterfly favorite! Versatile and easy to grow, it requires full sun (6+ hours per day) and is quite tolerant of hot and dry conditions which makes it an excellent choice for a hanging basket. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote new blooms, and if plants become leggy by midsummer, cut back by up to one-third. LOBELIA There truly is no blue more vibrant in the flower world than lobelia! While it's often thought to be difficult, the combination of a good cultivar (we've got you covered) and the right light and watering results in an easy-care basket with stunning blooms all season. We recommend 4-6 hours of morning sun or part shade (avoid prolonged afternoon sun), and keeping the soil lightly moist. Regular feed helps too as it does all blooming baskets. These beauties attract butterflies as well as humans! Hanging Baskets for Shade SWEDISH IVY Purple Swedish Ivy and Variegated Swedish Ivy Popular as a houseplant for years, Swedish Ivy grows well as an annual hanging basket for shady or partially shady spaces. The variegated variety has bicolored foliage, and the purple has glossy green leaves with rich purple undersides. You may find other variations in color as well but these are our favorite for growth habit. They also make great spillers for container combinations. Both purple and variegated have textured and fragrant foliage (some find the scent very strong) with small tubular blooms in optimal conditions. Swedish Ivy is easy to grow, heat tolerant, and nontoxic to pets and humans. STREPTOCARPELLA (FALSE AFRICAN VIOLET) Streptocarpella, also known as a False African Violet, or Nodding Violet, has airy, dainty blooms all season and is loved by hummingbirds and Painter's staff alike! Choose from lilac-blue or white. Streptocarpella is a beautiful, easy-care choice for part shade, filtered sun, or bright indirect light. It's also a great filler with other plants in shady combination pots or baskets. Direct hot sun, cold nights, and even cold water can cause burn on the delicate foliage so wait to put out until it's consistently above 60 degrees day and night. Then after the summer season is over, move it indoors to bright indirect light for a happy houseplant! TUBEROUS BEGONIA There are so many varieties of begonias! Fragrant Falls, Waterfall, Nonstop and many other varieties fall into the group of Tuberous Begonias. Some have large, layered, rose-like blooms and mounding habits, while others have smaller cascading blooms and more open habits--and they come in a range of bloom and leaf colors. They are another popular basket for attracting hummingbirds, and for some reason seem to be a favorite nesting site for wrens! They are a bit particular about their growing conditions--dappled sun, and bright indirect light or a touch of morning sun is best, and like Torenia, avoid letting them sit wet and avoid overcrowding them. Once you find a spot they like, you'll be hard pressed to plant anything else! TRADESCANTIA (WANDERING JEWEL) There are almost as many names as there are varieties of this shade-loving plant. Tradescantia, also commonly known as Wandering Jew, Wandering Dude, and Wandering Jewel among others, is grown as a trailing annual or houseplant. It appreciates lightly moist soil and part shade (morning sun is fine). Darker-leafed varieties can tolerate more sun and can often be grown in full sun if gradually adapted. Pinching back and pruning encourages bushier growth, or you can let them go and watch them reach 3-4' in length by fall! It's the perfect patio plant as it can be overwintered indoors to be enjoyed year after year! We've become known for our massive tradescantia baskets along with our giant ferns, and we try new varieties every chance we get! FUCHSIA Gorgeous, eye-catching blooms brighten up shady spots all season long. And with their bright colors and draping blooms, they are adored by hummingbirds! These plants thrives in consistently moist soil so keep them watered. And they bloom best with regular deadheading and feeding every couple weeks or so. CHINESE LANTERN Aka trailing abutilon or Brazilian bellflower. It can trail up to 6 feet!! The bright red-yellow drooping 'lanterns' bloom all season long, to the delight of butterflies, hummingbirds, and people alike. This plant thrives in rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil and it can handle a bit more sun, but appreciates shade. Plus, it's always a bonus when you can bring it indoors to overwinter (in bright indirect light)! NEW GUINEA IMPATIENS (INCLUDING SUNPATIENS) These hybrid impatiens enjoy part shade, and make a cheery addition to a shady porch. New Guinea impatiens are perfect for someone who likes a tidier look as they do not trail but have a nice upright, mounded habit and will fill out a basket beautifully from spring through autumn. Available at Painters in a variety of colors, you can also consider pairing them with trailing plants like Dichondra Silver Falls or Sweet Potato Vine if you do want to add some spilling plants to your basket. These easy-to-grow plants are low maintenance and require moderate watering. They do appreciate a liquid feed every two weeks or so to continue blooming prolifically. TROPICAL FERNS: BOSTON, MACHO, AND KIMBERLEY QUEEN FERNS And of course, our absolute favorites for shade, and what Painters is known for: FERNS! Read all about choosing your favorite or the best fit for your space in our Blog: Which Tropical Fern is Right for Me? As always find current prices, sizes and availability on our website: Updated from the 2022 Blog: Hanging Baskets for Sun

The grass is always greener on the other side… or is it? Most of our customers who have shady yards are desperate for more sun, and while they may not be able to grow a sunny pollinator garden, there are so many stunning textures, shapes and colors that we love for shady spaces! Ideally, we’d give you a short list of our favorites, but there are so many we love that we decided we needed two weeks to present them all! This week we are focusing on lower-growing plants, most of which put on their show in early to mid spring. Join Dana on Sunday, April 7, 2024, for our first Talk and Tour, as she takes attendees on a tour of our shade plants and discusses favorites, why she loves them, ideal growing conditions and more! LOW-GROWING SHADE PERENNIALS Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides NATIVE perennial (z3-9) part-full shade, 12-18'' tall and wide Glossy, leathery, evergreen foliage; upright, clumping habit Can tolerate dryish, rocky soils Can fade/look stressed in heat of summer or depth of cold winter, but does stay evergreen. Lungwort, Pulmonaria x 'Raspberry Splash' Perennial (z4-9) part-full shade, 12-18'' tall and wide Intensely colorful early spring blooms start out bright pink and mature to rich purple Prized for its gorgeous, mottled, semi-evergreen foliage; excellent groundcover for woodland settings Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil that does not dry out in hot summers; must have protection from afternoon sun GROUNDCOVERS & EDGING Japanese Forest Grass, 'All Gold' Perennial grass (z5-9) full shade-part sun, 12-18'' tall, 20-24'' wide Bright golden-chartreuse color gleams in the shade - lovely flowing texture as well Foliage turns pink-tan in fall Likes well-draining soil; great in containers *May not have this spring 2024. Siberian Bugloss, Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart' & 'Alexander's Great' Perennial (z4-8) full-part shade 'Silver Heart' is 6-12'' tall & 1-2' wide, 'Alexander's Great' is 12-18'' tall & 24-30'' wide Large, silvery, heart-shaped leaves are stunning in gardens & containers Exquisite, petite, bright blue blooms early spring Remarkably tough cultivar, stands up well to heat and humidity; excellent groundcover for moist, well-drained woodland Aka false forget-me-not Wild Ginger, Asarum canadense NATIVE perennial (z4-6) full-part shade, 6-12'' tall, 12-18'' wide Cup-shaped, unique purple-brown flowers appear in spring Attractive groundcover for shady spots - glossy, low growing foliage is slow to spread Woodland Phlox, Phlox divericata 'Blue Moon', 'May Breeze' NATIVAR perennial (z3-8) part-full shade Blue Moon is 8-12'' tall & wide, May Breeze is 12-15" tall & wide Clusters of lovely fragrant blooms in spring, adored by pollinators (white or blue) Can naturalize in time, creating a beautiful woodland carpet of flowers in spring Dwarf Crested Iris, Iris cristata NATIVE perennial (z3-9) full sun-part shade, 6-9'' tall and wide Pale blue iris flowers with gold crests in spring; narrow, sword-shaped leaves Grows low and spreads rapidly, good woodland groundcover Fun fact: Irises are named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow 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 Seeds provide food for birds; one of the best performers at the WNC Arboretum Allegheny Spurge, Pachysandra procumbens NATIVE perennial (z4-9) full-part shade, 6-10'' tall, 1-2' wide Semi-evergreen, foliage emerges mottled and matures to solid green Fragrant flower spikes in spring A truly lovely native groundcover, but a slow spreader Barrenwort aka Bishop's Hat, Epimedium x perralchicum 'Fröhnleiten' Perennial (z5-9) part-full shade, 4-8'' tall, 1-2' wide A compact cultivar and one of the toughest -- makes an excellent weed-suppressing evergreen groundcover for dry shade Bright yellow flowers in spring; attractive foliage takes on bronze tones in spring and fall Drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant Bugleweed, Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip' Perennial (z3-10) evergreen, full-part sun, 3'' tall, 9-12'' wide Dwarf variety with smaller, deep maroon leaves Brilliant violet-blue flower stalks in spring Excellent for small spaces; doesn't spread as aggressively as species Bugleweed, Ajuga reptans 'Mahoghany' Perennial (z4-11) evergreen, full sun-part shade, 3-6'' tall, 12-18'' wide Dense, rapidly spreading groundcover Larger leaves emerge black-burgundy and mature to deep mahogany Spikes of lavender-blue blooms in spring Yellow Archangel, Lamium galeobdolon 'Hermann's Pride' Perennial (z6-10) part-full shade, 8-12 tall, 12-18 wide One of the easiest and loveliest solutions for dry shade; beautiful silver-streaked foliage Tubular butter-yellow blooms late spring Restrained mounding habit, not overly aggressive Spotted Deadnettle, Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' Perennial (z3-8) part-full shade, 6-8'' tall, 2-3' wide Variegated silvery-white, heart-shaped leaves with green margins; beautiful groundcover White blooms spring to summer; cut back after flowering to stimulate new growth Prefers moist, well-drained soil SPRING EPHEMERALS The following ephemerals (native plants with short periods of active growth, often growing only during brief periods when conditions are favorable) put on their show in woodland habitats in early to mid spring. Plant them in part shade and lightly moist, rich soil (think forest floor) for best performance. While their show is short-lived, they're each magical in their own right and often my favorites in the garden each year. We have several other spring wildflower species as well! Native Trilliums - Trillium grandiflorum, cuneatum, erectum, luteum, recurvatum & more NATIVE perennials, hardiness range from zones 3-9, size range from 3-18'' tall & 6-12'' wide Bloom colors can be white, maroon, pale pink or yellow, and species such as T. cuneatum have lovely mottled foliage and sweet-smelling blooms. Go dormant mid-summer Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum NATIVE perennial (z3-8) part-full shade, 12-18'' tall and wide White spring blooms hide beneath umbrella-like foliage One of the first to emerge in spring - unfurling leaves are simply magical Perfect for naturalizing in woodland areas; goes dormant in summer Jack in the Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum NATIVE perennial (z4-9) part-full shade, 1-2' tall, 1' wide Unique dark purple and green striped spathe blooms in spring are a showstopper Goes dormant mid-summer Clump-forming habit; needs consistently moist soil Celandine Poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum NATIVE perennial (z4-9) part-full shade, 1' tall and wide Cheery yellow spring flowers atop pretty, lacy foliage - a staff favorite! Self-seeds in optimal conditions Thrives in moist woodlands and stream banks; excellent choice for native rain gardens

Ferns come in many shapes and sizes! We grow a wide selection including native and semi-evergreen perennial ferns (such as Cinnamon Ferns and Autumn Ferns), houseplant ferns (including the popular Bird's Nest Fern, Blue Star Fern, and Staghorn Fern), and tropical ferns that you typically see adorning southern porches (including Boston Ferns, Macho Ferns, and Kimberley Queen Ferns). While we grow ferns of all types, we are famous for having the largest, healthiest, and most affordable tropical ferns around - let's talk more about them! WHAT IS A TROPICAL FERN? Technically a tropical fern is any fern that will not survive the winter outdoors in your climate. Ferns grown as houseplants are often tropical ferns, but for the sake of this article, we are using the term 'tropical fern' to talk specifically about three varieties commonly used outdoors in our warmer months: Boston Ferns, Macho Ferns, and Kimberley Queen Ferns. What makes these ferns special? All three LOVE humidity, can grow to immense size, and thrive outside on a covered patio/porch in warmer months. These varieties can be brought indoors over winter, but some do better than others (more info below). What else sets them apart? We spend 6+ months growing these ferns from tiny plugs into giant statement pieces to have them ready for customers each spring! You may be surprised to learn that our production team starts the process in July when they transplant almost 5,000 1-inch baby ferns! There is something special about being involved in each step of the growing process--we can tell you everything that has touched these ferns, can guarantee they were grown with love, plus, locally grown means a smaller carbon footprint (no transporting fully grown plants). Though getting thousands of ferns to maturity and hanging from the greenhouse ceiling is no easy feat! But how do you know which tropical fern is right for me? WHICH TROPICAL FERN TO CHOOSE? BOSTON FERNS Common Names: Boston Fern Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide Sun Exposure: Partial shade/dappled shade Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Hardiness Zone: 10 to 12 (USDA) Native Area: Americas, Africa, Polynesia These are by far our most popular ferns and what we have become known for! If you've ever seen a photo from Painters Greenhouse with endless rows of ferns on the ceiling, you are most likely looking at Boston Ferns - we grow over 4,000 of them each year! When you think of hanging porch ferns, these are probably what comes to mind. They like to remain evenly moist, cannot tolerate direct sun but do well in medium/bright indirect light, can grow 2-3 wide, and while they have been used in decor since Victorian times, their tendency to shed means we prefer to keep them on the porch during the warmer months and treat them as annuals rather than bringing them inside. These ferns are well suited to hanging baskets and plant stands; their bushy nature and the gentle 'weep' of their fronds will eventually envelop their container. Don't be fooled, this variety of fern is not native to Boston. It is native to tropical regions of South America, Mexico, Africa, and Polynesia. Thriving in humid forests and swamps, it definitely would not survive a snowy New England winter! MACHO FERNS Common Name: Macho Fern, Broad Sword Fern Scientific Name: Nephrolepis biserrata Mature Size: 3-4 ft. tall/long, up to 6 ft. wide Sun Exposure: Partial sun to shade Soil Type: Moist but well-draining Hardiness Zones: 9a-10b Native Area: Florida The name says it all! These big guys like bright morning light and can grow up to 4 ft long and 5-6ft wide! Their fronds have a thicker, leathery appearance and glossy shine, which combined with their size make quite the statement. Compared to a Boston Fern whose smaller leaflets have a shaggy appearance and serrated edges, Macho Fern leaflets are smoother, shinier, and do not have serrated edges. They can also tolerate more sun than a Boston Fern (but still do not like direct, intense sun). They are slightly less likely to shed but still may be tough to overwinter in your house without supplemental humidity. KIMBERLEY QUEEN FERNS Common Names: Kimberley Queen Fern, Kimberly Queen, Kim Queen Fern Scientific Name: Nephrolepis obliterata Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide Sun Exposure: Sun to part shade Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (USDA) Native Area: Australia This fern has more of an upright growth habit and is especially well-suited to porch pots. Out of the three ferns, this is the best choice for an indoor fern, as it sheds little and will over-winter nicely indoors. Additionally, Kimberley Queen ferns can tolerate the most light of those listed (and also survive in very low light!). Kimberley Queen Ferns have more rigid, upright fronds and are perfect in pots flanking a pathway or entrance. CHOOSING THE RIGHT FERN BASED ON LIGHT SHADE TO PART SUN: Boston Ferns PART SHADE TO PART SUN: Macho Ferns PART SUN TO SUN: Kimberley Queen Ferns TIPS FOR GROWING FERNS ROTATE: Whether your fern is hanging on your porch or sitting in a porch pot, it is a good idea to rotate it occasionally. This provides all parts of the plant with equal sun and encourages even growth all around the plant. FERTILIZE: Fertilize your fern once a month throughout the spring, summer, and into the early fall. We like a water-soluble, nitrogen-rich fertilizer. WATER REGULARLY: No fern likes to dry out completely. If your fern is in a hanging basket, remember that baskets tend to dry out more quickly and will therefore need more frequent watering. Our giant ferns are gorgeous, but do typically need daily deep watering to maintain all of that foliage! TEMPERATURE: Watch those nighttime temps! Folks are often itching to purchase their ferns in the springtime before they are ready to live outside on the porch. A good rule of thumb is to wait until it is at least 50 degrees at night before letting them stay out. OVER-WINTERING: Location, humidity, and water are essential for an attempt at overwintering. Remember that even a dormant fern likes moisture, and a heated home can dry out a plant quickly. Give your plant a good soaking in the shower a few times throughout the winter months and consider adding more humidity to the environment with a humidifier. You can also cut back your fern to limit shedding. Find Prices, Sizes, and Availability on our Website. And don't forget to check out our Houseplant Availability to see which reliable houseplant ferns we are carrying right now.

I can’t think of anything more delightful than the taste of summer. And to me this is thick slabs of sliced tomato with a generous chiffonade of fresh basil. My mouth is watering just thinking of it! Often when we are referring to basil, we are referring to its use in western culinary tradition–maybe sweet basil or Genovese basil–but there are so many more varieties to choose from! Each year Painters grows a broad selection. Don’t miss trying a new variety. Ocimum basilicum is an annual herb of the mint family Lamiaceae that is grown for its aromatic leaves. Across many cuisines and cultures (think Italian, Thai, Indonesian, or Vietnamese), the leaves are used fresh or dried to flavor vegetables, sauces, meats, and fish. It can be brewed into tea or used in cocktails or other cool drinks. Because the aromatic compounds vary widely with each cultivar, each of the various basils have distinct scents and flavors. Experiment with new varieties of basil to SPICE up your kitchen! Maybe try a Lemon Basil beverage or cocktail. Make a Red Rubin Basil-infused vinaigrette or Cinnamon Basil shortbread. Whip up a batch of your favorite pesto from the copious leaves of Pesto Perpetuo (or read all the way to the end to find Painter's famous Pesto Recipe)! Beyond the kitchen, basil can also be used medicinally*. All varieties of basil contain vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants within the fresh leaves and the essential oils. Holy basil (or tulsi) has been used therapeutically in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties and to reduce stress. Basil essential oil has been shown to reduce the symptoms of migraines. And of course, beyond consumption, many varieties of basil are renowned for their gorgeous foliage or their attractiveness to pollinators! Pesto Perpetuo's variegated leaves add a bright filler in a garden space, and Purple Ruffles Basil's frilly, deep purple leaves give a nice contrast. Siam Queen Basil’s violet-pink blooms are great for pollinators or, my favorite, African Blue Basil is loved for its hardiness and long lasting color (the flowers and the foliage) and will attract bees and butterflies all summer. When growing basil, remember that all basils are very sensitive to frost, so plant in the ground after the last spring frost date. They are best grown in full sun in moderately rich and well-drained soil and require consistent and regular moisture throughout the growing season. While generally basils thrive in warm, sunny sites, some varieties have more tolerance for a bit of afternoon shade. And in our region, do watch out for blight and downy mildew as basils grown in humidity are susceptible to these conditions. Give them plenty of space to air out! *When using herbal medicine, it is important to make informed decisions. Consult your trusted healthcare provider to help review and individualize your use to be sure it is safe and supports your health needs. Varieties of Basil Available at Painters for 2024 Sweet Basil Ocimum basilicum Annual, full sun, 2' tall and wide One of the most popular culinary herbs with marvelously fragrant leaves -- the quintessential scent of summer! Reliable and easy; loves warm, sunny weather and regular watering Pinch back flower buds for continued leaf growth Cinnamon Basil Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon' Annual herb, full sun, 18-30'' tall, 12-18'' wide Cinnamon-scented leaves Purple stems, small purple blooms in summer; suitable for container growing Often used in Mexican cuisine; delicious in tea, salads, and cocktails (try it in place of mint -- yummm) Everleaf Basil Ocimum basilicum 'Everleaf Genovese' Annual herb, full sun, 1-2' tall and wide Compact and extremely high-yielding, with large, full, aromatic leaves Slow to flower, disease resistant Robust flavor, perfect for pesto Siam Queen (Thai) Basil Ociumum basilicum 'Siam Queen' Annual, full sun, 2-3' tall and wide Heirloom variety native to southeast Asia with a rich licorice aroma and distinctive flavor Perfect for soups, stir-fries, and spicy Thai cuisine Highly ornamental purple-red stems and violet-pink blooms Red Rubin Basil Ocimum basilicum 'Red Rubin' Annual, full sun, 10-12'' tall, 8-10'' wide Compact, dark-leafed variety that combines ornamental appeal and intense, spicy flavor Striking container or accent plant; excellent for garnishing or flavoring vinegars and oils Sweet Italian Large Leaf Basil Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Italian Large Leaf' Annual, full sun, 12-15'' tall, 10'' wide Marvelously fragrant leaves up to 4'' long One of the most popular culinary herbs, and the basil of choice for all manner of Italian recipes Reliable and easy; pinch back flower buds for continued leaf growth Tuscany (Lettuce-Leaf) Basil Ocimum basilicum 'Tuscany' Annual herb, full sun, 12-16'' tall and wide Lettuce-leaf variety with very large (3-5'') ruffled leaves Delicious mild basil-anise flavor Large leaves are excellent for salads or wraps Appreciates rich, moist soil Lemon Basil Ocimum basilicum x 'Lemon' Annual herb, full sun, 1-2' tall and wide Refreshing, sweet lemony aroma and flavor -- a delicious finishing touch for countless beverages and dishes Attractive spikes of small, white, fragrant flowers in summer Thrives in rich, well-drained soil with regular, generous watering Note: The next three are similar species within the same genus as other basils and may be commonly called "basil", though they are not varieties of Ocimum basilicum. African Blue Basil Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum Annual, full sun, 2-3' tall and wide Gorgeous, profuse spikes of purple flowers bring bees and butterflies all season Excellent cut flower; sturdy and easy to grow Sterile hybrid with a more camphoraceous taste than most basils; edible, but more highly valued as an ornamental pollinator magnet Holy (Tulsi) Basil Ocimum tenuiflorum Annual, full sun, 1-2' tall and wide Also known as Tulsi, grown as a sacred herb Leaves are strongly scented and contain high amounts of eugenol Most commonly used in teas and in Ayurvedic medicine Pesto Perpetuo Basil Ocimum x citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo' Annual herb, full sun, 1-2' tall and wide Non-flowering, sterile cultivar with light green foliage edged in creamy white - the only variegated basil! Produces copious amounts of small leaves for cooking Exceptional culinary and ornamental value The Original Painter’s Pesto Pesto is great served on bread, pizza, pasta, baked potatoes, seafood or poultry, veggies and more! Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic peeled 2 tablespoons pine nuts ¼ teaspoon coarse salt 3 cups/3ounces fresh basil leaves ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese Wash the basil, discard the stems and dry thoroughly. In a food processor or blender, add garlic, pine nuts and salt; process for approximately 15 seconds. Add basil leaves and pulse continuously to shred the leaves. Gradually add the olive oil to create a course mash, then add the parmesan and pulse to combine. Makes approximately 1 cup. Pesto will keep for up to 4 weeks in a covered container in the refrigerator. Pour a thin film of olive oil on top of the pesto to prevent discoloration. For longer storage, do not add the parmesan cheese until ready to use.

Ficus Audrey (Banyan Fig) Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey' Bright indirect light (not tolerant of low light conditions), reaches 6-8' tall when grown indoors Prefers soil evenly, lightly moist - allow the top 2-3" to dry between watering National tree of India, considered to be less fussy than the Fiddle Leaf Fig (though we don't think the Fiddle Leaf is fussy!) Fiddle Leaf Fig Ficus lyrata Bright indirect light, height only limited by pot size (Little Sunshine matures at 3') Huge, glossy, prominently veined leaves; dramatic structural form Highly effective statement plant for that classic 1970s dream lounge vibe Water deeply once every ~10 days, allow to dry between waterings (most failures with this plant are due to too much watering, moving them too frequently, or placing them in an area where they receive continuous drafts of cool air) Painters also frequently carries cultivars such as 'Little Sunshine' Monstera deliciosa Bright indirect light, 4-6' tall and wide Time-honored classic for instant jungle atmosphere; aka Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron When in a tropical setting, produces fruit that is, indeed, deliciosa (and also a laxative) Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings -- TRIED & TRUE -- Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior Low light, 10-20" tall/wide One of the toughest, easiest houseplants in the history of the world Can handle lower light than most Can go without water for record periods, but would prefer a deep watering every 2-3 weeks Pet safe Snake Plant Sansevieria trifasciata Low to bright indirect light, 8"-4' tall, 1-2' wide (depends on cultivar) Easy care, great for beginners; brings air purification and striking color to your home Allow soil to dry completely between waterings Aka mother-in-law's tongue (ouch) Hoya (Wax Plant) H. krohniana, carnosa, pubicalyx, curtisii, shepherdii, crassiopetiolata... Bright indirect light, climbing or trailing Waxy, glossy foliage; fragrant red-purple flowers bloom when conditions are ideal Appreciates warmth and humidity; allow soil to dry between waterings Pet safe Silver Squill Ledebouria socialis Part shade, 6-10" tall/wide Delicate pinkish white flower stalks are sporadic, resemble tiny orchids A unique and contrasting foliage that takes mid-light levels Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings Angelwing Begonia Bright indirect light, 2-4' tall and wide depending on variety Easy care; allow soil to dry between waterings Loves humidity Toxic to pets so keep it away from those who love to munch! Angelwing 'Looking Glass' Angelwing 'Sophia' Angelwing 'Polka Dot' Angelwing 'Torch Pink' Blue Star Fern Phlebodium aureum Medium to bright indirect light, 2-3' tall and wide Epiphyte (grows on tree trunks) native to tropical rainforests; appreciates humidity and evenly moist (not wet) soil; can be drought tolerant, especially in larger pots Benefits from bottom-watering, as surface rhizomes like to stay dry (aka prefers not to be watered excessively from above) Pet safe Arrowhead Plant Syngonium podophyllum ('Milk Confetti' is pictured) Medium to bright indirect light, climbing to 6' Responds well to pruning for a bushier habit; if not pruned, will trail out of hanging baskets or climb up supports Easy care, great for beginners; allow soil to partially dry between waterings Aka Arrowhead Vine Grey Star Ctenanthe setosa Bright indirect light Appreciates warmth and humidity; allow top 2'' of soil to dry between waterings Aka Calathea setosa or 'Never Never plant' Just as beautiful but not as fussy as many calathea; very tolerant of missed waterings Peperomia 'Red Edge' Medium to bright indirect light, 6-12'' tall and wide Easy care, low maintenance; can thrive in fluorescent lighting Allow soil to dry between waterings; very tolerant of missed waterings Pet safe Peperomia 'Felted' Bright, direct sunlight (south or west-facing window ideal), 6-12'' tall, 12-15'' wide Heart-shaped leaves are covered in white fuzzy hairs Allow soil to dry out between waterings Also known as 'Amazon Fuzz' Pet safe Peperomia 'Raindrop' Bright, indirect light, 8-12'' tall and wide Glossy, droplet-shaped leaves are elegantly poised Likes humidity; allow soil to dry between waterings Pet safe These are by no means the only plants that thrive on neglect, but based on the experience of several Painters team members who have a 'live and let live' approach, we chose these as our strongest survivors! If you've grown some of these and have had trouble, or have heard rumors of them being challenging (such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig being a challenge), it's likely because you watered or moved them around too frequently. Give them space and let them do their thing!

We can't tell you how often we are asked for the secret to growing lavender. Many people have tried growing it time and again with minimal success, but the beautiful blooms and lovely scent convince us all to give it one more go. So, is there a secret? Sadly, no simple secret (there rarely is with plants!), but learning what this fragrant favorite wants and how to provide it is key. Here are our tried and true tips: LET'S START WITH SOIL Lavender can be planted in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground. Because lavender is borderline cold hardy in our zone, many people prefer to plant it in the ground as the soil offers insulation and gives it a better chance of making it through the winter (though a pot with amended soil can allow for better drainage, you likely will then have to protect the pot in winter). This plant likes sandy, well-draining soil that allows it to dry out quickly. Unfortunately, the dense red clay of North Carolina does not offer the drainage lavender needs, so you are almost guaranteed to fail if you plant it in the ground without amending the site. We recommend mixing perlite (4 parts soil:1 part perlite) or gypsum (follow directions on bag) into the soil in the hole, and you may even want to replace half of the native soil with a bark-heavy well-draining soil mix in addition. You want to dig a BIG hole. Think 4x larger than the pot, or dig the hole as if you were going to put a fully mature lavender in it (each species and cultivar varies--many Spanish Lavender grow to over 2 feet wide and tall). To set yourself up for success, dig the hole 16-18" deep and fill with the amended well-draining soil until the lavender is sitting with the crown, or base of its stem, slightly above the surrounding ground. Then fill around the sides with the rest of the amended soil. This will help during rainy periods as lavender often dies due to"wet feet", so having good drainage beneath the plant is critical. Avoid adding compost as a fertilizer because it holds moisture, and make sure you space each plant well (considering mature size) to allow for good air flow. Of course, there are some exceptions to heavy clay soil in our region--a few of you may have a spot of bottomland with sandy soil and won't need to be as extreme! WHAT ABOUT SUN EXPOSURE & WATERING? Lavender requires full sun, which means 6+ hours of direct sunlight. Because lavender wants to dry out completely between waterings, if you feel any moisture in the soil, don't water. Better to error on the side of too dry than too wet. You really shouldn't need to water lavender once it is established. SHOULD I FERTILIZE? Lavender is a low feeder, but if you are growing it in a pot it will need a bit more, as nutrients wash out of potted plants quickly. If planted in the ground you will not need to do much feeding. OK, BUT WHAT DO I DO OVER THE WINTER? If you're worried about your planted lavender not making it through the winter, you can add a lightweight mulch. Be careful to leave enough room around the crown for the plant to breathe. Mulch can hold in moisture, and for lavender moisture is a bigger enemy than the cold so do so sparingly. If grown in a pot, try grouping your pots close to a building in a sunny spot and mounding leaves around them for extra insulation. SHOULD I PRUNE MY LAVENDER? The key here is to not allow your lavender to get too woody. We recommend you prune it in the late fall or very early spring, removing older branches and giving it a light shaping. If left unpruned, Spanish Lavender in particular can get very leggy, and you may be left with balder stretches of the woody stems at the base of the new growth and blooms. OK, BUT WHAT VARIETY SHOULD I CHOOSE? Every year Painters researches which lavenders do best in WNC. This research combined with our own experience and customer feedback informs the varieties we sell. Phenomenal Lavender is a tried and true choice in our region, with an excellent shape and prolific blooms. Hidcote Lavender is said to be hardier and more vigorous. Co-owner Dana loves her Spanish lavender, finding it less picky about soil and tougher in the wet and cold winters (despite a lot of sources claiming it is more tender than other species). Painters typically grows Anouk among other Spanish varieties, as it has proven to be hardier than many others we've tried. There are lots of cultivars to choose from, and it may require some trial and error to find which works best for you! Each year we grow a beautiful selection of Spanish Lavender, English Lavender, and/or French Lavenders. Read below for a few favorite varieties and growing information to help you choose the best one! 'La Diva Big Night' Spanish Lavender just beginning to bloom out Spanish Lavender 'La Diva Big Night' Lavandula stoechas 'La Diva Big Night' USDA Growing Zones: 7-9 Sun Exposure: Full sun-part sun Size: 1' tall and wide Cultivar bred to be more compact than most, ideal for containers and small spaces. Long-lasting deep purple flowers, abundantly fragrant, bloom late spring to summer; lightly shear back after initial flowering to encourage rebloom Good tolerance for drought and cold; thrives in well-drained soil Spanish Lavender 'Anouk Spanish Lavender 'Anouk' Lavandula stoechas 'Anouk' USDA Growing Zones: 6-10 Sun Exposure: Full sun 1-2' tall and wide Compact and hardy evergreen with highly aromatic silvery foliage and robust, long-lasting blooms Must have sharp-draining soil and good air circulation to thrive Drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant Aka butterfly lavender French Lavender 'Grosso' Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' USDA Growing Zones: 6-10 Sun Exposure: Full sun Size: 3' tall and wide Richly fragrant, the variety most often grown for use in perfume making Large, showy flowers attract pollinators all summer; beautiful in cut arrangements, fresh or dried Must have sharp-draining soil to thrive Aka fat spike lavender 'Provence' Lavender. Photo credit: Hope Duckworth CC BY 4.0 Lavender 'Provence' or Provence French Lavender Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence' USDA Growing Zones: 5-8 Sun Exposure: Full sun Size: 2-3' tall and wide A top choice for humid summers, for fragrance, and for aromatic hedging; it's the next best thing to being in the South of France! Vigorous and fast growing, thrives in poor, sharp-draining soil; drought tolerant Phenomenal Lavender, Photo credit: Walters Gardens, Inc Lavender 'Phenomenal' Lavandula x intermedia 'Phenomenal' USDA Growing Zones: 5-9 Sun Exposure: Full sun Size: 2-3' tall and wide Cross between English and Portuguese lavender; exceptional in both winter hardiness and humidity tolerance Thrives in dry, poor, sharp-draining soil (good drainage is essential for winter survival) Excellent aromatic cut flower, fresh or dried English Lavender 'SuperBlue' English Lavender 'SuperBlue' Lavandula angustifolia 'SuperBlue' USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 Sun Exposure: Full sun Size: 1-2' tall and wide Large, full, deep violet-blue summer blooms, soothingly aromatic flowers and foliage Mounded, compact habit; excellent heat and humidity tolerance Thrives in sharp-draining alkaline soil English Lavender 'Hidcote Blue' Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote Blue' USDA Growing Zones: 4-11 Sun Exposure: Full sun Size: 12-18'' tall and wide Fragrant, deep purple flower spikes, aromatic foliage Uniform, compact, shrub-like habit; excellent cut flower Prune regularly to encourage fullness; thrives in sharp-draining, sandy, alkaline soil To see what we have in store this season, check our Growing Lists for prices, sizes and current availability:

One of the most common questions we get at Painters is, "What can I plant to attract hummingbirds?" We love this question because there are so many great choices! Whether you are looking to plant annuals or perennials; in the ground or in a container for the porch; for shady places or sunny spots, the staff at Painters have so many options for you to choose from. And we've created this photo-blog of our favorites. We know the hummingbirds love them and hope you will too! Hover over or click on the images for plant identification. Or download a full list at the bottom of the blog. Salvia is a tried-and-true hummingbird magnet in the garden! You can never go wrong with annual or perennial salvias. Dana swears by the purples and blues, like Hummingbird Falls and Mexican Bush Sage, and Azia loves them all, but especially adores Black and Blue Salvia! And a close cousin to the salvias, taxonomically speaking, is another hummer fave: Agastache. Also commonly referred to as Hummingbird Mint! Tracy is especially a fan of Agastache foeniculum, or Anise Hyssop, as an herb that hummingbirds enjoy! If you are interested in sun-loving vines, both Sara and Betsy said coral honeysuckle is a favorite to plant for hummingbirds, but trumpet vine and crossvine are similarly great choices. Shade is no barrier to providing a great food source. Betsy always highly recommends Streptocarpella, or False African Violet, which makes a great hanging basket in part-full shade (alongside your annual fuchsia basket!). And Brooke M. swears by the love of purples: shade-tolerant plants like torenia and Plectranthus 'Velvet Elvis' have never let her down! (See evidence out her window in the bottom photo!) And we all know hummingbirds love RED. Hummingbirds are attracted to nectar-producing flowers native to the bird's range, like coral honeysuckle, bee balm, buckeye, and cardinal flower. Many of the plants they naturally feed on have red or orange blooms - so they will often choose reds and oranges even when not native. Retail floor staff member, Brooke A. loves her pineapple sage and cardinal flower (and even her big red grill to draw their eye!) Keep hummingbirds coming to your garden by interweaving annuals and perennials with different blooming periods. This way you will be certain to provide a steady food source from spring into the fall! And there are so many choices for a sunny garden! Besides annual salvias, a few more sun-loving annual blooms to keep in mind: And some additional sun-loving perennials not already included in our list: Hummingbird MOTH on Native Garden Phlox

"It feels like my property line is shrinking every time we have a heavy rain." "The edge of this river is getting so steep and soft that I’m afraid to get the mower anywhere near it." "I’m worried that if my tree falls, it’s going to take a huge chunk of my yard with it—is that inevitable?" "I remember when this was just a small jump-over creek; why is it suddenly eating up so much space?" Are these questions familiar? Is streambank erosion impacting your property? From minor soil loss to significant channel incision and gully formation following storm events, these rapid changes can be alarming. If you’ve wondered why your streambank is changing so fast, you aren't alone. "70 percent of NC streams are impaired & likely in need of at least some streambank repair.” --based on a 2020 Water Quality Assessment performed by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality. Painters’ employee Stefanie attended the free stream bank repair workshop hosted by NCSU’s Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) Extension this spring to help gather information for coworkers and customers to reference when tackling the daunting efforts of restoring stream banks post-Helene. While mid-April might be past the optimal window for planting live stakes, if you’re working towards restoring a stream bank, "now" is always the best time to start. And this project is going to take a bit of homework and a bit of learning and a bit of labor. Start here and start now with these curated resources provided by BAE and a list of best plants found at Painters for transplanting options. A Starter List of References and Resources Small-scale Solutions to Eroding Streambanks From NC Cooperative Extension-North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University Don't pass up this great document that acts as a practical rescue manual for landowners watching their property literally wash away. It bridges the gap between doing nothing and hiring an expensive engineering firm by providing a "middle ground" of nature-based solutions: https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/soil_amp_water_conservation_district/page/137859/backyardstreamrepairguide.pdf Small-scale Streambank Repair With Mitch Woodward from NC Cooperative Extension NCSU For a visual demonstration, watch this concise video of an affordable, small-scale streambank restoration using native plants and natural materials. Permits: “When in doubt, reach out!” It’s important to not alter the main channel of a waterway by never removing or adding sediment or rock from a stream. Before restoring a stream bank, be sure to check any needs for permits here: USACE Post-Helene Quick Permitting Guide Certified Repair Support A list of certified stream bank repair professionals to help you. Compiled by NCSU's BAE Extension: Pick the Right Plants While Painters Greenhouse can’t aid with getting the job done, we do one thing very well – and that’s grow healthy plants! Rooting natives into the bank is a major component of stabilization and we are glad to offer many plants recommended on BAE’s “Pick the Right Plants” a list of WNC native riparian plants for stream bank stabilization: https://bae.ncsu.edu/workshops-conferences/pick-the-right-plants/ Using a mixture of native species creates biodiversity and a more resilient stream bank. Here’s a quick list of plants Painters typically offers that are included on BAE’s list. SHRUBS & TREES - Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Black Willow Salix nigra Eastern Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Sweetshrub Calycanthus floridus Virginia Sweetspire Itea virginica Fothergilla Fothergilla major Winterberry Ilex verticillata Summersweet Clethra alnifolia Red Chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia HERBACEOUS – Soft Rush Juncus effusus Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia silphilitica Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium spp. Bottlebrush Grass Elymus hystrix Yellow-Root Xanthoriza simplicissima Ironweed Veronica noveboracensis River Oats Uniola latifolia Turtlehead Chelone glabra Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata As always, check our availability for current stock: More Resources, More Options Follow this link to find excellent resources and guide from NC State University. It provides the working documents required to actually plan and budget a repair project, such as assessment tools, cost estimation worksheets, and in-depth educational media. https://sites.google.com/ncsu.edu/sbr-cert-materials-page?usp=sharing And you could always find a BAE workshop to attend!

Welcome to the world of edimentals (a portmanteau of "edible" and "ornamental), where the boundary between good-enough-to-gaze-upon and good-enough-to-eat crumbles like the proverbial cookie. If you’ve ever stared at a particularly lush kale leaf and wondered why it’s hiding in the veggie patch instead of taking center stage in a floral arrangement—or if you’ve secretly wanted to garnish your beverage with the very flowers currently decorating your front porch—you’re already one of us. Edimentals are the ultimate garden multitaskers: plants that pull double duty by looking spectacular along the garden walkway while being perfectly prepared to jump onto your dinner plate or into your iced tea. It’s high-fashion landscaping with a side of antioxidants, and honestly, why should we choose between a pretty yard and a pantry when we can simply grow both in the same square foot? Check some of our favorite edimentals here at Painters: plants that are every bit as functional—be it for flavor, tea, or tincture—as they are decorative. The Garnish Gallery: Edible Flowers and Herbal Blooms From vibrant petals that pop on a plate to blooms that brew into a soothing tea, these eye-candy additions prove that beauty is literally a matter of taste. Calendula 'Resina' Bright flowers in shades of orange and yellow, long treasured for their medicinal properties, as well as their uses in fabric dyeing and cosmetics. This cultivar is bred for high resin content, ideal for making salves, tinctures, and teas; can also be used culinarily in lieu of saffron. Mexican Mint Marigold A beautiful annual herb with aromatic, flavorful foliage, and bright yellow flowers summer to frost. Also known as Mexican tarragon, it is a heat and drought tolerant alternative to French tarragon and is popular as a kitchen herb to season fish, chicken or tossed salads. The edible golden flowers and foliage have an anise flavor, slightly hinted with citrus. Viola petals effortlessly beautify any dish, from baked goods to salads. Echinacea Known for its iconic "coneflower" beauty in borders, but equally famous for its immune-boosting roots and petals. Nasturtium Leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible; peppery and nutritious, perfect for brightening up salads. Grows wonderfully from seed, Sow True Seeds Nasturtium packets available at Painters but supplies are limited. Feverfew Mounding, aromatic, and feathery foliage, with small daisy-like flowers summer-fall. Makes a good cut flower and dries beautifully. Also known as wild chamomile. Feverfew has been a folk remedy in Europe for thousands of years and has been referred to as ''medieval aspirin.'' Borage This is a wonderful addition to the herb garden. The cucumber flavored blooms are fun to add to salads and summer beverages (Pimm's cup, anyone?)! Plus one of the "best" plants for bees as the flowers refill their nectar every two minutes! Blue Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora This native perennial herb has small, pale blue blooms summer to fall. A woodland beauty, and prized in folk medicine for its calming properties. Scented Scenery: Pretty Herbs for Culinary or Medicinal Use Why hide your flavor in a dedicated herb plot when these aromatic multitaskers offer enough texture and fragrance to anchor your most stylish containers? Eucalyptus is a favorite "edimental" because it bridges the gap between high-end floral design and the home apothecary--a staple in home medicinal use for its decongestant properties. And its silvery-blue coin-shaped foliage provides a cool tone contrast that makes nearby flowers really pop. Bouquet dill: Bouquet grows taller and produces abundant large seed heads, making it ideal for canning pickles and cut flowers. Large and lovely, it has lush foliage and abundant summer blooms that attract pollinators and all sorts of beneficial insects. Excellent eaten fresh and the most popular choice for pickling. Chives: Completely gorgeous with loads of edible, pink-purple, pom-pom blooms in spring. Or try Garlic Chives with an abundance of white flowers in early summer; a beautiful addition to your edible landscape (top video). Red Rubin Basil Compact, dark-leafed variety that combines ornamental appeal and intense, spicy flavor. It's a striking container or accent plant and excellent for flavoring vinegars and oils or using as a gorgeous garnish! Lemon Basil Attractive spikes of small, white, fragrant flowers in summer that are amazing in any pollinator garden. Plus its refreshing, sweet lemony aroma and flavor is a delicious finishing touch for countless beverages and dishes. Lemon Balm: A lush, green filler with a bright citrus scent that makes a refreshing tea and acts as a gentle, calming tonic. Jewels of Opar This succulent purslane relative is beautiful with its airy wands of pink summer flowers and tiny red-orange berries. It's excellent in arrangements! And it's edible--use the foliage in place of lettuce or spinach in the heat of the summer. Salad Burnet The young leaves have a fresh cucumber-like flavor and are delicious in salads. The feathery, serrated fern-like leaves and small, reddish, globe-shaped flowers are attractive in borders, cottage gardens and containers. Summer Savory This fast-growing perennial herb has culinary, medicinal, and decorative value. Its mild peppery taste is delicious in teas, soups, and savory dishes. The tiny white-pink summer flowers are equally loved by bees! Valerian Often used in cottage-gardens for its attractive foliage and clusters of white blooms that attract pollinators, it is also a well-known medicinal herb with a strong, sweet scent. Also known as "all-heal," it is valued as a sleep aid and used in foods, perfumes, and teas, and has similar effects as catnip for cats. Loveage Ornamental and endlessly useful! (A.k.a. mountain celery). All parts--stems, roots, leaves, and seeds--are edible, with a strong, pleasant, citrusy celery-like flavor used in salads, soups, and teas. With its lush foliage, it acts as a dramatic accent plant in the back of a border and the bright yellow clusters of flowers in mid-summer are highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects. Rosemary 'Arp' A staple ornamental herb! This aromatic evergreen with very good flavor for culinary use also is beloved for its pale blue spring flowers. Plus, one of the sturdiest, most cold-hardy varieties available. English Lavender 'Munstead' Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' Dating back to the early 1900s and still one of the most popular lavender varieties today, it is cherished for its resilience, fragrance, and beauty. Compact, early blooming, and long lived, this lavender is an excellent choice for hedging or knot gardens. Parsley Planted in larger blocks, curly-leaf parsley is a brush-stroke of texture. And it lasts nicely even as fall frost takes out other warm season herbs. And don't forget all the culinary Sages: Garden Sage 'Berggarten': Highly aromatic, large-leafed variety of common garden sage with abundant spikes of showy, violet-blue flowers in early summer. Myriad ornamental, culinary, and medicinal uses. Tricolor sage (Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor'): Variegated leaves are as beautiful as they are delicious. Purple sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'): Aromatic purple-green leaves can be used fresh or dried. It lends ornamental appeal without sacrificing fragrance or taste. Haute Horticulture: Desirable and Delicious Veggies Forget the dusty farm rows; these are the show-stopping vegetables that are bringing bold colors and dramatic foliage to your ornamental beds. Pop them in between herbs and flowers for a striking snack. Mustard 'Miz America' These deeply lobed, wine-colored leaves are as beautiful as they are tasty. A visually striking addition to salads and to the veggie garden. Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights' Leafy green with brilliantly colored stems, in stunning shades of gold, pink, crimson, white, orange, purple, and green. A rainbow of yummm!! Kale 'Red Russian' Silvery-green, oak-leaf-cut leaves with bright purple stems are both tasty and ornamental. The red-purple hues intensify after a frost so it makes a great fall garden addition. Lettuce 'Lolla Rossa' Heavily frilled leaves with dark red edges add fantastic texture and color to salads and garden boxes. Eggplant 'Shooting Stars' Italian heirloom variety with charmingly small (3-4''), striped fruits that are elegant and delicious, high in both ornamental and culinary value. Eggplant 'Fairy Tale' The world's cutest eggplant!!! Compact, with beautiful purple, white-streaked, miniature (2-4'') fruits. Suitable for containers and pretty enough for flower beds. The Edible Estate – Trees and Shrubs that Anchor the Landscape and Fill the Pantry These are the 'permanent collection' of your garden runway— the beauties that provide a backdrop of blossoms and greenery and a harvest of fruit for years to come. You can't top all the beautiful blossoms on Crabapple, Cherry, Pear, and Apple Trees! Nearly the crown-jewel of edimentals (but who can choose?)! Hardy figs Statement foliage! The massive, deeply lobed leaves provide a lush, tropical texture that few other hardy plants can match. Plus the clusters of fruits are lovely also! Serviceberry Gorgeous multi-season artistry plus a harvest of delicious berries--if you get them first!-- it also acts as a natural birdfeeder, bringing "living art" in the form of cedar waxwings and songbirds directly to your garden. Black Chokeberry 'Viking' Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking' While it offers lovely white spring blossoms, aronia is famous for its flaming, neon-red autumn foliage that outshines almost every other shrub in the landscape. Plus this nativar was developed for orchards, with nutrient-rich berries that are perfect for jams and juices. Southern Home Grape Vitis rotundifolia x vinifera This self-fertile, hybrid cross between muscadine and bunch grapes, has delightfully ornamental foliage and the sweet, black, flavorful fruits ripen late summer to fall. Blueberries Blueberries are beautiful bushes, producing white, bell-shaped flowers in spring and turning vibrant shades of red and orange in autumn. Rabbiteye types: Often have an upright habit and good fall color. ' 'Pink Lemonade': Features pink berries, pinkish-beige bark, and red fall foliage Northern Highbush Blueberry 'Duke' Leading early-ripening cultivar, delicious, high-yielding, and hardy; attractive fall foliage and winter stems As always, our inventory can change quickly - to see if items in this blog are currently available, visit our availability pages.

For years and years I've lived in sweet tiny homes with loads of mature trees. The yards were not always small, but the amount of growing space was. And choosing one favorite might mean sacrificing creative garden space for another. I had to plant smart. The treasures I took home had to fit in and play well with others. I would go to the garden center and swoon over a draping pink wandflower... the plant tag says 3 feet tall and wide, but you can't even TELL how tall or wide that plant is! It's all over the place! I had to pass over those lovely plants with traveling habits that keep going and going--no rhizome spreading bee balm or heliopsis for me. And I'd cover my eyes for the biggies. The big beauties like native buttonbush and native ninebark. The fantastic hardy hibiscus. And Joe Pye Weed. Aint nobody's gon' stop them! And unless it's the only thing I get to grow, I needed smaller plants. I think I'm not alone. Perhaps you have a similar yard. Or maybe you are renting and the landlord will allow for one corner garden. Maybe you own a condo with a small back patio for planters. Maybe you are looking at a narrow margin to create a garden vignette. There are so many ways that many of us find ourselves looking for small plants. Luckily, we've got you covered at Painters! Painters is known for our vast selection and each year we try to outdo ourselves. We love growing all kinds of plants (except invasive ones of course!) and we continue to expand our selection of natives. We love this! But sometimes these straight species natives are going to take some space. This is phenomenal for those trying to fill in a new yard, but no fear — those of us needing to economize are not left out. There are lots of great nativars and also cultivars of favorite ornamentals that are smaller than the straight species. Let's look at a few we are excited about this year from our Tree and Shrub Department. (Annuals, edibles, and perennials coming in later blogs). First off, look for anything labeled Dwarf or Compact as a quick start to your search. (Duh. You knew this with your own good brain.) Dwarf Alberta Spruce : Moderately sized dense conical evergreen tree at 10-13' tall, 7-10' wide. It's slow-growing (2-4'' per year) and a highly popular choice for containers and topiary. Japanese Holly 'Compacta': An evergreen shrub 4-5' tall and wide. It's low, compact, with a globose habit and a great substitute for boxwood! (Japanese Holly 'Soft Touch' is even smaller at 2-3' tall and wide and just as it says, soft to the touch). Dwarf Japanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana': 2-4' tall and wide. An extremely old cultivar with a slow growth rate and an attractive rounded habit. Its finely textured, blue-green foliage takes on yellow hues in summer, red tones in winter. A beautiful choice! Dwarf Redtwig Dogwood 'Kelseyi' Cornus sericea: The smallest and most compact redtwig we carry at 2-3' tall and wide. Its vivid red twigs make for a spectacular winter display, stunning when planted en masse. Nativar. And at Painters, we label all of our plants with mature growth size to make it easier for you... but also, because plant folks are super punny kids, it's pretty simple to identify by the name: 'Legend of the Small' Fothergilla: 2-3' tall and wide. This compact nativar is as notable as its name! With copious amounts of fragrant white bottlebrush blooms in spring and fantastic fall foliage. We love it. 'Velveteeny' Smokebush: (I'm giggling at this pun!) It's ideal for small gardens and containers and the soft, wispy flower plumes bloom like puffs of smoke late spring to summer. 3-4' tall and wide and pretty cool! 'Little Henry' Itea virginica: 2-3' tall and wide instead of the native 6' sweetspire. Plus this dwarf cultivar has more flower power and brighter fall color than the straight species! 'Blue Muffin' Viburnum: Who says you need 10' to have yourself an Arrowwood Viburnum? This nativar is 3-5' tall and wide. It's deer resistant, low maintenance, and adaptable. With the same great beautiful and beneficial hedging, just more compact! 'Sweet & Lo' Sweetbox Sarcococca hookeriana: Just the sweetest little evergreen shrub you ever did see! And smell! It has a jasmine-like fragrance late winter to early spring and is adored by pollinators. Growing to 2' tall and 2-3' wide it's durable, versatile, and attractive year round — makes an excellent groundcover for shady spots! Arborvitae 'Mr. Bowling Ball' and 'Golden Globe':  Would be easy to tuck into a smaller landscape. 'Golden Globe' is 2-4' tall and wide that is naturally tidy and attractive, with soft yellow foliage that holds color well through winter. 'Mr. Bowling Ball' is even smaller at 2-3' tall and wide. Useful for low hedging or foundation plantings, this dwarf variety with dense foliage maintains its compact globose form (and is pretty cute to boot!). 'Nanum' European Cranberry Bush Viburnum opulus : Now, 'Nanum' is not a word I know, but it sure sounds like a diminutive word to my ears. And when I look it up, sure as sunshine, it's derived from the Latin nanus , meaning small or dwarf! At 2' tall, 2-3' wide, this dwarf non-flowering cultivar prized for its dense, mounded habit and lush, textural foliage. A great smaller addition! Outside of silly, Lilliputian-ish names there are smaller cultivars of favorite shrubs that can get you as much bang for your buck as any bigger-sized plant! 'Fiber Optics' Buttonbush: A deciduous nativar that grows 5-6' tall and wide (vs. the straight species buttonbush at 5-12' tall, 4-8' wide). It's a compact, fast-growing cultivar, smothered in fragrant, fuzzy white blooms in summer and exceptional for wildlife value. Plus it's ideal for wetlands restoration or rain gardens. Arabian Nights Weigela: This little one is a stunner. Growing up to just 2' tall, 2-3' wide, it's deep, dark foliage creates a dramatic backdrop for vibrant, crimson flowers late spring through summer, attracting pollinators and adding depth and elegance to the garden. Flipside Chaste Tree:  While not exactly small, it's smaller than the species and suitable for containers. This deer resistant, drought tolerant, easy to grow deciduous shrub will grow to 6-8' tall and 8-10' wide. Its distinct foliage with dusky purple undersides and panicles of fragrant purple flowers summer to fall is beloved by pollinators! Find smaller ninebarks in many color, habit, and size options. Most cultivars are certainly smaller than the straight species size--coming in at 5-8' tall, 6-10' wide--but these in particular: 'Raspberry Lemonade': This attractive nativar grows 3-4' tall and wide. Its abundant white summer flowers are followed by bright red berries making a lovely contrast to the golden-green foliage and a stunning overall display. 'Little Devil': This tiny nativar provides year-round interest and stays at 3-4' tall and wide. Its burgundy foliage is complemented by pink spring blooms and the leaves hold their dark color spring through fall. And while we all love the large native oakleaf hydrangeas or the big smooth and panicle varieties, sometimes you just need something a bit tidier. Check out these options: Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee': A deciduous nativar growing to 3-4' tall, 2-3' wide. This compact cultivar is an ideal beauty for smaller spaces. The profuse white summer blooms gradually mature to pink, and the foliage turns burgundy in fall. Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers': A bit bigger nativar than the other but still diminutive in comparison to the straight species. Measuring 3-4' tall, 4-5' wide, the large panicle blooms open white, maturing through pink to red; and the foliage takes on burgundy tones in fall. Plus exfoliating bark provides winter interest. Hydrangea paniculata 'Bobo': 3' tall and 3-4' wide. Fun-sized (like it's name!) and entirely engulfed with sturdy, upright blooms throughout summer. Choosing a small tree or shrub is like concentrating the best parts of nature into the space you already have. They offer all the architectural beauty and seasonal color of their giant cousins, just in a package that fits your life. Plus, they prove you don’t need a sprawling estate to create a personal sanctuary—just a little bit of dirt and a dream. So, go forth and plant! Your garden might be compact, but its personality is going to be massive.

Like many gardeners in winter, we also daydream of various crops we’ll grow for the coming season. At Painters we spend the off-season researching vegetable varieties that perform well in our area. We gather feedback from customers and employees and research to find varieties bred to be adapted to the climate, soil, and pest/disease pressures of our area. To match our extensive research, we include detailed signage with information for each variety we offer (a big thanks to Nora for her hard work with that!). This week we are highlighting all of our cool-season veggies. When our doors opened the first week of March we made sure to have our whole selection of early season veggie starts available to customers. Many gardeners plant these veggies before March even, and that’s a good call! When the weather starts warming, many of these won't perform their best. Our starts are mature enough to be transplanted directly into your garden–we've grown them to a healthy (and beautiful!) size. We try to select short-season or early maturing varieties of cool-season crops to help customers reap a bounty within the small window we have between now and summer. We also try to select varieties that can withstand warmer temperatures and are slow to bolt. All of these plants are grown in 3.5” pots, 18 pots to a flat, and priced to move--we often feature specials on veggies by the flat, so make sure to check out our   New this Week  page to view the latest price updates. As Winter mellows into Spring, don’t be fooled that the cold is totally gone. We are still susceptible to frost ± 10 days from April 13th. This week is certainly showing us that the cold nights aren't gone yet! Check your average last (and first) frost days in your area here:   https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/freeze/map.php . We plan to have our warm-season vegetable starts available for sale closer to mid-April (plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and cucumber), but check out our Edibles page  for our full growing projections. Now onto the greens! BRASSICAS Also considered members of the cabbage family, this includes some of the most widely cultivated (and often most nutritious) vegetables throughout the world. Plants in the Brassica family love temperate weather, thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, and love a healthy dose of nitrogen. Bok Choy ‘Joi Choi’ – F1* A vigorous, white-stemmed bok choy (or pak choi) that grows up to 15” tall. Slow-bolting, and tolerant of both heat and cold makes it adaptable and easy to grow. An essential part of Chinese cuisine for thousands of years. Mild mustard flavor with a background sweetness – great steamed of stir-fried. Broccoli ‘Imperial’ – F1* Head-forming broccoli. Excellent heat tolerance and continues to produce heads during longer days, making it suitable for summer harvesting. Harvest when heads are tight, before flower buds start to open. Stores well. Brussels Sprout ‘Jade Cross’ – F1* An All-American Selections winner. Uniform small sprouts (up to 1”) that taste delicious. Plants are compact (<30”). Brussels Sprouts are best planted in fall for a winter harvest (tastes better after a frost!), but they can also be grown in mild springs and benefit from moist, rich, cool soil. Chinese Cabbage ‘China Express’ – F1* Napa type Chinese cabbage. Produces a barrel-shaped head averaging 3-5 lbs. with 10-12” diameter! Sweet, flavorful, and crisp - perfect for kimchi and stir fries. Resistant to mild frosts and disease, slow to bolt. Cabbage ‘Ruby Perfection’ – F1* Red/purple cabbage resistant to thrips and black rot. Heads grow to 6 lbs. and are ready to harvest in late summer. Full of anthocyanins and phenolics – good for your memory and immune system! Cabbage ‘Stonehead’ – F1* Grey-green round heads of smooth, tightly packed leaves growing up to 6” and 6lbs. Resistant to splitting, yellowing, and black rot. Widely considered to be the easiest cabbage to grow – great for slaws and sauerkraut! Cauliflower, Romanesco ‘Veronica’ – F1* As visually striking as it is tasty--perfect for lovers of both flavor and math. It is known for its striking, fractal-like heads with spiraling, chartreuse florets that form pointed, turreted spears. The heads continue to mature while outer spears are harvested. Also known as Fibonacci broccoli! Cauliflower ‘Snow Crown’ – F1* Snow white heads up to 8”. Matures quickly and ready for harvest in summer. This is the go-to variety for many gardeners as it’s vigorous and reliable. Sweet and mild – great raw, roasted or steamed! Collards ‘Flash’ – F1* A dark green variety known for its vigor, dependability and high yield. Fast regrowth offers repeated harvests for gardeners. Mild and sweet, and even sweeter after a frost. Kale ‘Toscano’ This Tuscan kale is an Italian heirloom. It’s also known as lacinato or dinosaur kale. Leaves are extra-dark green and savoyed. It is tolerant of heat and frost, grows up to 3’ tall and 2’ wide. Rich and tender, with a softer texture than curly kales. Kale ‘Vates’ Also called Blue Scotch Curled Kale, delicious, dark green-blue, crinkled leaves are perfect for making kale chips, eaten raw, in salads or cooked in many different ways. Among the most nutrient-dense vegetables on the planet! Compact, slow-bolting, hardy in heat and cold (even frost tolerant). Kale ‘Red Russian’ Silvery-green, oak-leaf shaped leaves with bright purple stems. Grows up to 3’ tall and remain tender when large. This type of kale is more tender, smooth and sweet than other kales – great in massaged salads! Kohlrabi ‘Kossak’ – F1* Hybrid variety with massive bulbs–up to 10'' and 10 lbs–although best when harvested around 8.” These vegetables are excellent for storage. They are sweet and juicy, with no woodiness, even when bowling-ball sized! Delicious raw or in sautés and stir-fries; versatile and nutritious! Mustard ‘Miz America’ Mizuna – F1* Deeply lobed, wine-colored leaves are tasty while also being ornamental (great for combo pots!). Leaves are crunchy with a mild mustardy flavor and can be eaten as baby greens or fully-developed leaves. Toss a small handful in with milder greens for a nice zest! ALLIUMS Latin for “garlic,” members of this family include onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, chives, and shallots . Bunching Onion ‘White Lisbon’ The most popular variety of non-bulbing bunching onions since the 1700s! Tolerates both heat and cold and reliably thrives in a wide range of soils and conditions. Smooth, succulent stalks have a mild, zesty flavor. Leek ‘King Richard’ Beautiful full-sized leeks with non-bulbing shafts up to 12”. This variety has a sweet, mild flavor excellent for soups, stews and salads – will be ready to harvest in summer. GREENS From fresh lettuces for salads, to spicy arugula and bright hints of rainbow chard, growing leafy greens in your garden is extremely rewarding! Lettuce ‘Buttercrunch’ Small, loose heads of deep green, wavy leaves. Leaves have a velvety texture and sweet flavor. Harvest outer leaves first to encourage growth of inner leaves. Does great grown in containers. Lettuce ‘Encore Mix’  A mix of red and green lettuces varying in shape, color and texture. This mix includes Green Oakleaf, Red Oakleaf, Green Romaine, Red Romaine, Lollo Rossa, Redleaf, and Bibb lettuces. A great option for a diversity of greens. Suitable for outdoor production, in containers, or in the low-light conditions of hoop houses and greenhouses. A “cut and come again” technique of harvesting baby greens works for this lettuce, as most lettuces in the mix will regrow. Lettuce ‘Lolla Rossa’ Heavily frilled leaves with dark red edges add fantastic texture and colors to salads. Harvest the outer leaves first to encourage growth of inner leaves. Lettuce ‘Parris Island’ An heirloom Romaine (aka Cos) lettuce with vase-shaped heads of dark green, tender leaves. Disease resistant, slow to bolt, and exceptionally nutritious. Named after Parris Island, a small island off the coast of South Carolina. Lettuce ‘Salad Bowl Green’ Long frilly leaves are tender and flavorful, perfect for salads. Award-winning variety tolerant of heat, frost, and tip burn. Harvest the whole heads when large, or harvest outer leaves a bit at a time. Swiss Chard ‘Bright Lights’ – F1* Leafy green with brilliantly colored stems in shades of gold, pink, white, purple, orange and green. Sweet and delicious, harvest young for salads, or use larger leaves for stir-fries and sautés. Arugula ‘Astro’ A peppery, nutty green that lends a punch of flavor to pizzas, salads, pesto, and pasta dishes. This variety is heat-tolerant and grows well in full sun. White-pink flowers are also edible and add a lovely garnish to salads or stir-fries. Spinach ‘Bloomsdale’ (Savoy) A tried and true heirloom variety, a favorite for over a hundred years. Thick, crinkled leaves stand upright which keeps the leaves clean, and harvesting is a breeze! Fast-growing and slow to bolt. Delicious raw or cooked. SEEDS Some vegetables have sensitive roots and do not respond well to transplanting from a pot into the ground. Some examples are radishes, corn, peas, beans, squash, melon, cucumbers, okra, and others. We do plan to grow limited quantities of squash, melon, eggplants, cucumbers, and okra for customers, but we also offer   Sow True Seed  packets for the vegetables that do best by direct sowing. Supplies are limited. *NOTE: F1/Hybrid Varieties: F1 denotes a plant that is a first generation offspring of two individuals of two different plant varieties. These are more artificially-bred than plants that are grown from open-pollinated (OP) seeds. F1 hybrids are usually bred to create a plant with particular traits to cater to a specific desire (i.e. disease resistance, fruit/flower color, sweetness, dwarf form/habit, larger fruit, etc.). If you allow F1 varieties to produce seed the plants from these seeds will not be true to the parent plant. The debate of F1 vs OP is heated. We understand, as a greenhouse, the importance of heirloom or open-pollinated varieties to allow customers to produce one’s own seed supply with diverse genetics. We also want to serve our customers' desires, and we find that many are looking for popular hybrid varieties that have become a staple in many home gardens.

Have you ever wondered if our region’s plants will evolve fast enough on their own to keep pace with the current rate of climate change? Plants adapt through natural selection if plant individuals carry traits that help them survive new conditions (drought, heat, cold fluctuations, disease/pest pressure, etc.), but it can take generations for those traits to become common. The breeding program led by Dr. Tom Ranney at North Carolina State University’s Mountain Crop Improvement Lab (MCI) in Mills River, NC is helping accelerate the adaptation process so plants used in agriculture, nurseries, and landscapes can remain viable under changing conditions. While playing a part in speeding up evolution can be viewed as ‘problematic’ to some, I believe it can help create resilience in our landscapes by planning for future shifts in climate. What may take centuries to naturally occur is able to be sped up to 10-20 years of research and breeding. In addition to breeding for better cold or heat tolerance and improved disease resistance, MCI is also breeding for unique flower colors or forms, compact growth habits for landscaping, and developing sterile cultivars of potentially invasive ornamentals. The breeding program at MCI is massive and has helped bridge academic research and the commercial nursery industry. You can view MCI’s full list of introduced plants here: We’d like to honor the importance of MCI’s work by highlighting some of our favorites they’ve bred and by noting specific improvements made upon these plants. We will also update our plant signs here at Painters Greenhouse with a sticker to let our customers know which varieties were developed locally at MCI. El Niño® Desert Orchid ×Chitalpa tashkentensis Unique intergeneric hybrid combining the cold hardiness and large blooms of Catalpa and the smaller stature and drought resistance of Chilopsis. Deer resistant and a non-invasive and seedless variety. Zones 6-9, height/spread 5-8’ x 4-6’ Aphrodite® Sweetshrub Calycanthus hybrid Deer resistant, larger, brighter and clearer red-pink fragrant flowers than the straight species, vigorous and easy to grow. Zones 5-9, height/spread 6-12’ x 6-12’ Carolina Sweetheart® Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis Unique tricolor foliage, emerging pink and fading to green and white. Native and deer resistant. Zones 4-9, height/spread 15’ x 15’ Double Take® Flowering Quince (Scarlet and Peach) Chaenoemeles speciosa Spineless and fruitless variety. Larger blooms and a wider color selection than the straight species. Double blooms have an extended flowering period. Deer resistant and non-invasive/seedless. Zones 5-9, height/spread 4-5’ x 4-5’ Legend of the Small® Witch Alder Fothergilla ×intermedia Compact variety of a native. Fragrant early spring blooms and brilliant warm colors in fall (a range of yellow, orange and reds). Zones 5-9, height/spread 2-2.5’ x 2-4’ Incrediball® Blush Smooth Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens Improved native variety with strong stems and larger pale pink blooms. Extended bloom period. Zones 3-8, height/spread 4-5’ x 4-5’ Orion® Star Flower Illicium hybrid Native evergreen with fragrant foliage. Star-anise like white blooms with a long bloom window due to tendency to rebloom. Deer resistant. Zones 6-9, height/spread 5’ x 5’ Perfecto Mundo® Evergreen Azalea Rhododendron Hybrid evergreen azaleas with the longest spring bloom period on the market, strong reblooming in the fall, and high floral coverage and dense habits that perform well in containers and the landscape. Improved cold hardiness, Zones 6b-9, height/spread varies by specific color varieties. As always, find prices, sizes, and availability on our website:

In our ‘Plant Features’ we highlight a plant or species that we are particularly excited about. This week we want to introduce an old-fashioned favorite that may be unfamiliar to many yet is cherished by plant collectors for its incredible variety: the Scented Geranium. Evocative of flowers, spices, and fruits, these aromatic plants enhance your garden with color, scent, and gorgeous foliage. First things first though. The name geranium. Scented geraniums, or pelargoniums, are not actually geraniums at all. True geraniums (according to their genus), are comprised of assorted beautiful, hardy perennials--many of which make lovely part-shade groundcovers. While pelargoniums are native to temperate and tropical regions where they are green year-round, and include the annual "geraniums" we hang in baskets to brighten our porches as well as the scented geraniums in this feature. The delicate clusters of pale pink blooms and intricate foliage of scented geraniums can be very reminiscent of the foliage and blooms of the hardy perennials, but they are completely unrelated. In North Carolina, the scented geranium is typically grown as an annual herb, with some varieties able to be classified as tender perennials under the right conditions. Fragrant and easy to grow, these herbs are not typically grown for their flowers but rather prized for their aromatic leaves. Fragrances such as fruits, flowers, and spices are released by brushing their textured foliage, so they are perfect for growing anywhere you can enjoy their scents. In the Victorian Era when pelargoniums were highly popular, scented geraniums were strategically placed so that their scents would be released when brushed by the skirts of passing ladies. And they are not just great to smell! There is a long history of using this herb in cooking and baking. In early America, without easy access to spices, pelargoniums were a useful substitution for flavor profiles. Scroll down to the bottom for a Scented Geranium Syrup recipe, and find more fun recipes at Pelargoniums: An Herb Society of America Guide . Additionally, the essential oils can provide therapeutic benefits including reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. And the same strong essential oils can also be an effective way to deter pests. Their aroma masks other plant smells in the garden and thus can make it harder for pests to find their preferred hosts. Some varieties like citronella scented geranium are said to even repel mosquitoes. Scented geraniums are well-suited to container growing. Terra cotta pots are often recommended because they promote water evaporation and prevent excess moisture. Their delicate blooms, mostly in pale pink or white, have a long flowering period and their attractive, textured leaves will add gorgeous artful foliage to your garden space. Note that you should prevent pets from munching on them, as the same essential oils that we may enjoy smelling or ingesting are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (most pets do not find them appealing, so this is typically not an issue). Read about the cultivars available at Painters: Note: that while our early spring plants are not yet in bloom and just beginning to bud, the photos below show the gorgeous intricate and tactile foliage - just asking to be touched! Attar of Roses Scented Geranium Pelargonium capitatum 'Attar of Roses' Annual, full sun, 12-18'' tall and wide Foliage emits a rose scent when brushed or crushed; best situated where its fragrance can be regularly enjoyed Soft, velvety leaves; early and abundant pale pink blooms Appreciates a bit of afternoon shade in hot summers Variegated Citronella Scented Geranium Pelargonium citrosum 'Variegated' Annual, full-part sun, 2-3' tall and wide Beautiful variegated leaves have a sharp citronella scent Invigorating and highly ornamental; excellent for summer porch pots Pink Champagne Scented Geranium Pelargonium 'Pink Champagne' Annual (tender perennial z10-11) full sun, 1-3' tall and wide Crinkly, deep green leaves have a zesty citrus scent, can be used for flavoring or garnish Showy bright pink flowers in spring, larger than those of most scented geraniums Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with protection from afternoon sun in hot summers Suitable for container growing; can be overwintered indoors Scented Geranium 'Fruit Angel' Pelargonium 'Fruit Angel' Annual (tender perennial z10-11) full sun, 1-3' tall and wide Luscious foliage has a heavenly lemony scent Gorgeous two-toned pink flowers bloom in summer Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with protection from afternoon sun in hot summers Suitable for container growing; can be overwintered indoors Nutmeg Scented Geranium Pelargonium fragrans Annual, full sun, 1-2' tall and wide A long-time favorite hybrid, dating back to the late 1700s Particularly intense, nutmeg-scented foliage; dainty white blooms Thrives in evenly moist, well-drained soil Best situated where its fragrance can be enjoyed regularly Peppermint Scented Geranium Pelargonium tomentosum Annual (tender perennial z9-11) full sun, 2-3' tall and wide Large, soft leaves have a pure mint fragrance and can be used for flavoring sweets and jellies; sprays of dainty white flowers make for a beautiful aromatic garnish Thrives in rich, well-drained soil with protection from afternoon sun in hot summers Suitable for container growing; can be overwintered indoors Mosquito Plant (Citronella) Pelargonium 'Citrosum' Annual (tender perennial z9-11) full-part sun, 1-2' tall and wide Developed and hyped in the 1980s as an alleged mosquito repellant; while the leaves don't actively repel pests, the oil released by crushing them reportedly does (somewhat) With lovely pink summer blooms and an invigorating fragrance, it's a fantastic porch plant, regardless! Aka citronella geranium For current sizes, prices, and availability check out our Growing List: SCENTED GERANIUM SYRUP Herb syrups are wonderful flavor essences that are good on all kinds of fruits and used in beverages. They can be added in place of the liquid in cakes, pie filling, and sorbet. Brush the syrups on over baked fruit, in pound cakes, cupcakes, muffins, or breads just out of the oven. Some of the scented geraniums best suited for making flavored syrups are rose, lemon, nutmeg, and spice—but try any of your favorites! When in bloom, I use the flowers too. Makes about 2 cups 1½ cups water 1½ cups sugar About 12 to 15 scented geranium leaves and/or flowers To make an herb syrup, combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan; add the herbs, bruising the leaves against the side of the pan with a spoon. Place over moderate heat and bring to a boil. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for at least 30 minutes. Remove the leaves and squeeze them into the syrup to extract their flavor. Pour into a clean bottle or jar and label. This syrup can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for about 4 weeks. If you want to keep the syrups for a long period of time, pour them into jars or bottles leaving at least an inch of headspace, place on the lid or cap, and label. Freeze them for up to 1 year. Remove from freezer the night before using and allow to thaw, or place the bottle in a bowl of warm (not hot) water to thaw more quickly. Use as needed and re-freeze immediately. This recipe is excerpted from Not Just Desserts--Sweet Herbal Recipes by Susan Belsinger, © 2005.

Did you know there's a disease caused by a fungus that has been spreading among our native dogwoods since its discovery in 1978? Dogwood anthracnose has caused serious losses to flowering dogwoods found in the forest and as ornamental plantings in the Eastern and Southern United States. The fungus is more prevalent during wet springs/falls, at higher elevations (3,000+ ft)), in shaded areas (especially north-facing slopes), and in cool moist planting sites. Signs and symptoms of Dogwood anthracnose include: Small tan leaf spots, often with a ring of purple, often resulting in leaf mortality Leaves are aborted prematurely and might cling to the stems through winter Evidence of fungus fruiting bodies on dead stems Dieback from the lower branches and progressing to the top of the tree Cankers and bark shedding Epicormic shoots - young new stems that sprout from the main stem and along main branches Click here for additional information and pictures of signs/symptoms. There's not much that can be done to treat existing Dogwoods in your landscape that are already infected with Dogwood anthracnose, but there are several measures that can be taken to prevent the disease before planting. Be sure to choose a planting site with: Good air flow Good water drainage At least part-sun if not full sun conditions An even better way to prevent Dogwood anthracnose from infecting your Dogwood tree is to purchase a hybrid or variety that is anthracnose resistant. There are several different Dogwood selections that have the typical white, spring blooms and beautiful purple fall foliage as found in our native flowering Dogwood ( Cornus florida ).  You can also opt for a Kousa/Japanese Dogwood ( Cornus kousa ) as this non-native species is not susceptible to the anthracnose.  Read more about some favorites we carry and visit our website for sizes, prices, and current stock: https://www.paintersgreenhouse.com/tree-shrub-availability Flowering Dogwood ‘Super Princess’ Zones 5-9 Full sun – part shade 15-20’ tall and wide Extra-large white blooms appear early to mid spring before the tree’s spring flush of leaves.  Foliage turns red-purple in fall.  Red berries persist well into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.  While this variety is not completely resistant to anthracnose, it was bred for increased resistance in comparison to the straight species. Flowering Dogwood 'Spring Grove' Zones 4-9 Full sun to part shade 20' tall and 20-30' wide This selection was discovered growing in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH.  Known for an abundant display of large (5") white blooms in early spring.  It naturally has excellent resistance to dogwood anthracnose, which makes it a great choice for homeowners wanting a native flowering dogwood with improved disease resistance.   Flowering Dogwood ‘Cherokee Brave’ Zones 5-9 Full sun – part shade 15-30’ tall and 25-35’ wide Pink-red blooms in early to mid spring before the tree’s spring flush of leaves.  Foliage turns crimson in fall.  Red berries persist well into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.  While this variety is not completely resistant to anthracnose, it was bred for increased resistance in comparison to the straight species.   Dogwood hybrid ‘Stellar Pink’ 'Stellar Pink' bracts Zones 5-9 Full sun – part shade 20-30’ tall and 15-25’ wide – mature form is vase-shaped Developed at Rutgers University and bred to be completely resistant to dogwood anthracnose and dogwood borers.  A hybrid between  C. florida  and  C. kousa.   Large pink blooms are similar in appearance to native dogwoods, but bloom in mid to late May (after the native dogwoods finish blooming). Flowers are sterile and this tree will not produce fruit. Fall foliage is red-purple. Deer resistant.   Kousa Dogwood ‘Scarlet Fire’ Zones 5-9 Full sun – part shade 20-25’ tall and 15-20’ wide Large, 5” dark pink-fuchsia blooms last for 6-8 weeks in late May/early June – blooms appear alongside the leaves (as opposed to blooms before foliage like the native dogwoods).  New leaf is tinged with purple.  Fall foliage turns red.  Produces round, warty, red fruits edible to humans in August/September, but fruit is ignored by birds.  Fruit tastes like a cross between pumpkin and mango with a custardy texture.  Resistant to anthracnose, deer resistant, drought tolerant once established.   Kousa Dogwood ‘Greensleeves’ Zones 4-8 Full sun – part shade 15-20’ tall and wide Large white star shaped blooms emerge green in early summer alongside foliage and fade to a creamy white.  Mature form is vase-shaped.  Produces red fruits edible to humans in August/September, but fruit is ignored by birds.  Fruits taste like a cross between pumpkin and mango with a custardy texture.  Resistant to anthracnose, deer resistant, drought tolerant once established. Dogwood hybrid 'Starlight' Zones 6-8 Full sun to part shade 25-30' tall and 15-20' wide A hybrid cross between Pacific and Kousa dogwoods, bred for impressive stature, improved vigor, and disease resistance.  Covered in white blooms in late spring.  This hybrid has the upright, oval growth habit and form of Pacific dogwood and the disease resistance of Kousa dogwood.  Resistant to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew.  It sparsely produces red-orange fruit about 3/4" in size.