Search Results

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 e dible 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. G rows 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 l ush 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 r efreshing, 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 a iry wands of pink summer flowers and tiny red-orange berries. It's excellent in arrangements! A nd 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 f eathery, 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.

Are you looking for plant survivors for your sun-starved space? Let us help with some of our favorite easy-care houseplants for medium to low light. First, what exactly IS a low-light indoor environment? We consider medium and medium-low light to be within or near northern-facing windows or in areas with a good amount of indirect light. Truly low-light areas are located far from windows, in corners/shady nooks/hallways, and receive only moderate ambient light. An easy tip is that if you can't read a book by the natural light available, then it's likely not enough light to keep a plant happy. What about artificial lighting? While it is true that fluorescent lighting can supply the full spectrum of light needed for plants to grow (though maybe not flower or truly thrive), they really need to be within a foot of the plant to provide that. If you have a room with no windows and only artificial lights overhead, we recommend supplementing some of your usual bulbs with LED grow bulbs. If lighting is far from the plant and/or isn't on for 8-10 hours a day, then you'll do best adding a grow light within a foot or two of your plants ( there are so many fun options now !). Your green babies will tell you if they're not getting enough light — if you see thinning, stretching leaves and stems, or paler and smaller leaves, it's time to move them or add supplemental light! Read on for our favorite Low-Light Houseplants! Those that are nontoxic are marked with the paw icon — we recommend keeping the others out of reach or in areas where pets aren't allowed. Ferns Best Varieties: Crocodile, Blue Star & Lemon Button (Left to right: Crocodile, Blue Star, Lemon Button) These lush ferns vary greatly in appearance, but all are very easy care — water regularly to keep them lightly moist and they will be happy in anything from high to low light. (You will have slower growth, and fronds are likely to be smaller in lower light settings. The above examples have been grown in medium to medium-high light). We love all three for their texture and color as well as how easy they are to keep looking good! Mature size after many years is 2-5' for Crocodile Ferns, 1-3' for Blue Star Ferns, and 8-18" for Lemon Buttons, depending on cultivar and lighting. An added bonus is they're all pet-safe, so you don't have to get strategic with your locations. ZZ Plants - All (Left to right: Solid, Oscura) Unlike most tropical plants that prefer bright, indirect light, ZZ plants are quite forgiving and will push new growth even if only getting the light from your desk lamp! Their glossy leaves and upright form make them a great plant for an office or poorly-lit bedroom. Over time, they can grow to 3-4' tall and 2-3' wide depending on cultivar, but they are typically slow growers. They're very forgiving of forgetful waterers, so if you want a super easy care plant for your low light spot, this is it (just keep out of reach of pets)! Give them a deep watering once every 2-3 weeks (make sure their pot has good drainage), and you're set. Snake Plants - All (Left to right: Moonshine, Whitney, Laurentii/Wintergreen/Moonshine/Black Dragon assortment) Snake plants have a dramatic, upright architectural shape, and they'll survive in even the darkest of rooms. And with endless varieties now available, you can choose from a wide range of colors/shades, sizes and shapes. You don't have to settle for the basic snake plants of your childhood (though grandma's is probably still alive in the corner!). Water these easy-care plants sparingly—only when soil is completely dry (this is another highly forgiving option for those of you with low light and less-than-perfect plant parent records). There's a snakeplant for every space—choose a sweet little birdsnest variety for a bedside table, or a 5' tall Wintergreen for a stately corner accent! While most cultivars aren't appealing/easy to chew, smaller or more spikey varietals may interest pets, so be sure to keep out of reach. Pothos ( Epipremnum ) - All (Left to right: Jade, Cebu Blue, Marble Queen) Pothos are considered to be some of the easiest houseplants to grow, and conveniently are also very tolerant of low light. The one thing they don't like is staying wet, so wait to water when the top few inches of soil have dried (or when leaves start to wilt). Jade (above left) does best in low or artificial light, but all varieties are tolerant. A rule of thumb is that variegated cultivars (especially those with more white/cream) need more light to maintain variegation, so we recommend placing them in medium-low rather than low light. In darker areas, all varieties are likely to have smaller leaves, grow more sparsely, and may revert to solid green if they are variegated. They can reach over 6' in length with a relatively fast growth rate, making them fun options for training vines over doorways and windows! This also helps keep them out of reach of pets. Satin Pothos ( Scindapsus ) - All (Left to right: Jade Satin, Exotica, Argyraeus) Did you know that Satin Pothos is actually not a true pothos? (Yes, it would have been helpful to just give it a different common name). On top of that, Jade Satin Pothos is not the same plant as Jade Pothos! Luckily, they can all tolerate lower light. In general, Satin Pothos has very similar preferences to 'true pothos'—they do not want to be overwatered. If they are too dry, the leaves start to curl, so if you're an anxious plant parent, you can wait for them to tell you they want a drink. While they can handle low light spots, you will definitely see bigger leaves in medium light or when supplemented by grow lights. Satin pothos is much slower growing than true pothos, with more compact growth and thicker leaves. Make sure to tuck or hang out of pet reach. Cast Iron Plant (Left to right: Solid, Milky Way) Cast Iron Plant has earned its name because it stands up to a lot of abuse! (You may have your great-great-grandmother's Cast Iron in a dark corner!). The long, dark green leaves complement any space and can pretty much live in any space as well. Another great option (perhaps the best) for absent-minded plant parents, Cast Iron Plants tolerate both very low light and very little water. Ideally, you give them a drink when the top couple inches of soil feel dry. Over time (often MANY years), they can grow up to 3' tall and wide. While they are pet-safe, they are also apparently appealing (at least to certain cats who will not be named)... so you may still want to tuck out of reach! Heartleaf Philodendron ( P. hederaceum ) - All (Left to right: Solid, Micans, Rio) This handsome trailing plant comes in many varieties, and all are easy care and truly lovely. They're beautiful draping over the edges of a bookshelf or climbing up a trellis. Another tough plant, it's an excellent option for new plant parents due to easy of care and faster growth rate. Heartleaf can tolerate anything from bright indirect light to low light, with variegated and colorful cultivars being less richly hued or patterned in low light. In general, heartleaf cultivars do best in medium-low light; if deciding between a heartleaf and a pothos for your darker spaces, we'd recommend the pothos. That said, we've found that Micans is surprisingly tolerant of low light (in addition to thriving in bright light as seen above). Water heartleaf philodendrons when the top couple inches of soil are dry. Most cultivars grow pretty quickly, and reach 2-3' tall and wide. We like them in hanging baskets or on high shelves to keep away from pets. Silver Sword Philodendron (P. hastatum) This lovely philodendron surprised us with its tolerance of lower light. It does best in medium light, but can tolerate medium-low. If it starts looking leggy or the leaves seem less vibrant (the beauty, after all, is in the rich silvery blue-green foliage), then move it to a brighter spot. As a natural climber, Silver Sword does best when given a pole or trellis, and can grow over 10' tall over time. As it matures, the leaves get very long and divide into lobes. Silver Sword likes to stay lightly moist — if unsure, make sure its pot has good drainage and water when the top inch of soil is dry. We love that this gorgeous variety is one of the easiest large-leaf philos to grow! Remember to place away from inquisitive mouths. Monstera deliciosa Several different species go by the name Monstera, but Monstera deliciosa is the most adaptable to lower light. It's not going to grow fast, but generally it will do just fine in low to moderate light levels. Definitely one of the best options for a large/more stately plant in your lower light spaces (just buy it big so you don't have to wait forever!). Water Monstera when the top two inches of soil are dry. This is another very easy-care houseplant, but keep in mind that it is toxic to pets, and it can be harder to find a space for a large specimen that isn't within munching range. Baby Rubber Plant, Peperomia obtusifolia 'Red Edge' Red Edge Peperomia is another winner for new plant parents or those of us just trying to survive! Tolerant of everything from high to low light, the only thing these beauties ask for is occasional water (let fully dry between waterings). If you want a more compact/tight growth habit, place in medium rather than low light — either way, they typically stay under 1' tall & wide. The O.G. Baby Rubber Plant (solid green) is equally tolerant of lower light — we just prefer Red Edge as the red stems and leaf edges give a pop of color. Diving Deeper: While we love many other peperomia for easy care such as Raindrop, Watermelon, and Felted, these varieties prefer bright indirect light. There are some trailing varieties such as Parallel ( P. tetragona ), Hope ( P. deppeana x quadrifolia), and String of Turtles ( P. prostrata ) that can handle medium-low light. If they start getting stringy/less compact or have less variegation, then move to a spot with a bit more light. Peperomia bonus —they're all pet-safe! Hoya H. publicalyx , H. carnosa & H. australis are best (Left to right: H. pubicalyx 'Pink Speckled', H. carnosa 'Pink Princess', H. australis solid' & 'Lisa') These three hoya species are pretty much tied for their adaptability to light — others may do well in medium or medium-low lighting, but these three are considered best for lower light situations. There are MANY varieties and variations of Hoya pubicalyx and carnosa, and if you want to waste a good 10 hours, we encourage you to deep dive on Reddit to get even more confused about the differences (not that Dana did...). As with other plants on this list, cultivars with more patterning will be at risk of losing some of that coloration or reverting to their simpler plant parentage in lower light. Hoya australis ss. will likely do better than Lisa, and cultivars such as Pink Princess with more white in their leaves need more light. All hoya are pet safe, so this is a great option for lower spots with lower light! Diving Deeper: While the above hoya species can maintain healthy growth in lower light, they may not bloom. If you see new tendrils reaching with no leaf development, that may not mean they need more light, but rather a trellis to grow onto. As natural climbers, they sometimes send bare shoots out to search for something to grab onto. Hoops are best so that they can wrap around them without lattice in the way. Calathea (aka Goeppertia ) G. insignis Rattlesnake Plant, G. makoyana Peacock Plant, & G. kegeljanii Network Plant are best (Left to right: Rattlesnake, Peacock, Network) Thriving in low to medium light, these tropical gems like regular watering (keep soil lightly moist, not wet). Humidity is a plus! Their bold, attention-grabbing leaves actually move in response to light cycles, making them dynamic additions to your low-light spaces. All three of these grow slowly, but can reach up to 2' tall and wide over time, creating a lush and unique statement piece for your low-light area. Calathea can get a bad rap for being finicky, but these three varieties are some of the easiest care. When someone's Network Calathea (aka Mosaic Plant) has browning leaves, it's most often due to sun scorch—these cultivars truly do prefer lower light areas! Pets can safely munch, though you may not want to lose any of these gorgeous leaves! Neanthe Bella Palm (a.k.a. Parlor Palm) Certain palms can be great options for the shadier spots in your space, with Parlor Palms being a favorite. Known for their bright, feathery fronds, these low-maintenance palms do well even with very little light. Give them a pot with good drainage and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Avoid placing near cold drafts or next to an air vent (a good rule of thumb for any plant, but these guys like to stay warm and humid when possible.). Parlor Palms are great pet-safe options for floor pots — if a few of those fronds get munched, your only concern is that it might not look great. At maturity, they can reach up to 6' tall and 3' wide, but if you'd like a smaller one, they do grow slowly. Safe for pet mouths, and also quite appealing due to their texture! Key Tips: For all plants placed in lower light areas, there are a few things to be extra conscientious of: Keep an eye out for signs of disease or pests — when they're not getting their ideal light, plants can be more stressed and therefore more prone to disease or pest activity. Dust those leaves! Yes, it can be tedious, but it's extra important for plants in low light. Even a fine layer of dust can inhibit their light uptake and ability to photosynthesize. We like using microfiber gloves — for an added bonus, spritz your gloves with an organic pest treatment. (To be extra safe, do a thorough pest check before using gloves on multiple plants. You don't want to inadvertently spread teensy spider mites!) Pay attention to your watering. While some of the above plants may like watering every few days when in a brighter spot, they likely won't need it as often in a darker area. That said, don't assume that they need less — it all depends on the type of pot, soil, how rootbound they are, if they're near an air vent, etc... don't stress about it, but take a second to do the finger test rather than assuming you know if they need watering. If you overwater in lower light areas, they may take longer to dry out and therefore be more susceptible to root rot or fungus gnats. For houseplants that like humidity (which is most of them, especially in winter/dryer months), consider adding a humidifier to your space (or placing them in a bathroom). Again, one less stress to the plant and another way to ensure its long-term success in a lower light environment! As a general rule of thumb, when we breed for special characteristics like a dark edge or pink variegation, we often sacrifice some of the original vigor that the plant evolved in nature. If you would prefer more robust plants that are less prone to disease or pests, we recommend choosing the 'O.G.s' of the above recommendations. If you are less worried about perfection and open to some trial and error, then give that Manjula a try! After all, much of the joy of growing plants is experimentation and learning!

Fall blooming perennials are a great way to add color and interest to your garden year after year. Many fall perennials are hardy, low-maintenance growers that start to bloom when most of summer's flowers are fading. They also serve as a great source of pollen for pollinators through the fall. 'Baby Joe' Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium dubium 'Baby Joe') (Photo: www.gardenia.net) Read about a few of our favorite fall-color perennials! 1. 'Baby Joe' Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium dubium 'Baby Joe' Joe Pye Weed is a native plant that can make a beautiful backdrop border in your garden. This variety is half the height of others and will give you more options for planting in varied spaces. Dark green leaves adorn it, joined by bright purplish-pink blooms in late summer/early fall. Be sure to enjoy the light vanilla scent of the blooms! Pros: Attracts butterflies & hummingbirds, tolerant of moist soil, compact size, good for cut flowers, winter interest, deer & rabbit resistant Why We Love It: Joe Pye may be one of the absolute best nectar sources of all of the natives you can plant and is especially helpful for pollinators looking for food in late summer into fall, as there are less options at that time of year. Walking through our gardens this week, the Joe Pye was consistently covered with butterflies, bees and more! We like the Baby Joe because while it is shorter than its naturally occurring parent, it is still a substantial plant with many large blooms and plenty of nectar! USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 Sun Exposure: Full sun-part shade Soil Needs: Normal, humus-y, moist, tolerant of sand/clay Water: Average to wet, do not allow soil to dry out (at least not in first few months) Care: Easy Bloom Time: Mid summer-early fall Height: 3-4 feet (yes, the shorter cultivar is still quite large!) Spread: 1-3 feet Native: Yes White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) (photo: wildflower.org) 2. White Turtlehead Chelone glabra This plant is named for its weeks-long blooms, which are shaped like turtles' heads. Another great native plant that blooms into fall. Originally found in wet woodlands and along streams, turtlehead is a great addition to a damp area in your garden or a rain garden! Pros: Supports Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly and other pollinators including bumblebees and ruby-throated hummingbirds Why We Love It: This is an especially fun native to find in nature - both the white and pink variations are relatively common along streams in WNC. Adding this to our water gardens and rain gardens provides really unique and lovely blooms as well as great ecological benefits, and it’s especially nice that it can handle part shade/dappled light and still bloom! USDA Growing Zones: 3-8 Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining Water: Wet, Medium-Wet Care: Easy Bloom Time: July-September Height: 2-4 feet Spread: 2 feet Native: Yes 'Autumn Joy' Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile) (Photo: thespruce.com) 3. 'Autumn Joy' Stonecrop Sedum spectabile Autumn Joy Sedum is one of our favorite ways to add fall interest and happens to be excellent support for late-season pollinators. The blooms are truly lovely - starting green and slowly maturing to pink, and then a deep burgundy as cool weather approaches. A mature plant makes quite the statement when planted in groupings. Pros: Drought tolerant, evergreen, low maintenance Why We Love It: This is a fabulous option for low maintenance and drought tolerant plants that are both beautiful and beneficial. We love the blooms because they are not only beneficial to pollinators, but they are long lasting and dry nicely (either on the plant or used in dried arrangements). USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 Sun Exposure: Full Sun Soil Needs: Sandy, well-draining (can also handle clay, though ammending is helpful) Water: Minimal Care: Easy Bloom Time: Summer-fall Height: 1.5-2 feet Spread: 1.5-2 feet 'Mariachi Salsa' Helenium (Helenium autumnale Mariachi 'Salsa') 4. 'Mariachi Salsa' Helenium Helenium autumnale Mariachi 'Salsa' A compact variety valued for their late summer display of bright daisy-like flowers that arrive when most summer flowering perennials are on the decline, these also attract and support butterflies and other pollinators. A very floriferous plant with beautiful deep red flowers accented by dark chocolate buttons in the mid to late summer. Pros: Low maintenance, deer and rabbit resistant, attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, nice as cut flowers, mildew resistant, upright habit Tip: The plant likes cool feet and hot heads, meaning you should use mulch to keep the roots cool but plant it in full sun to keep the top of the plant warm. Butterflies are also absolutely crazy about this dynamic, late season nectar resource. Pair them with Cardinal Flower and Swamp Milkweed in low-lying parts of your landscape to create a haven for beneficial pollinators. Why We Love It: Simply beautiful blooms in a range of bright colors and highly floriferous! Butterflies are always visiting and it’s one of the best late summer-early fall pops of color for your perennial gardens! We also offer the native straight species in our spring season. USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining (can tolerate clay) Water: Average-moist Care: Easy Bloom Time: Summer, fall Height: 18-20 inches Spread: 20-23 inches 5. 'Samurai' Toad lily Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai' People are often amazed to learn that this plant with exotic orchid-like flowers is an easy-to-grow perennial that blooms in the heat of August through the fall and is a great addition to any shade garden. They're also a great source of late summer nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. They feature purple flowers with darker purple spotting and a yellow throat held above green leaves edged in golden yellow. Be sure to plant them in a place where you can admire their blooms up close! Pros: Relatively low maintenance, heavily shade tolerant, deer resistant. Why We Love It: This may be the most unique and most admired bloom in our gardens, and each plant will simply be covered with the flowers (especially the cultivar Sinonome!). A patch of Toad Lily will not only brighten your shade gardens with stunning blooms, but they also attract and feed lovely day-flying moths by the dozens (while not native plants, they are quite beneficial in this regard - we rely on moths for 45% of the pollination that occurs!). USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 8 Sun Exposure: Shade/partial shade Soil Needs: Moist, rich soil Water: Consistent watering Care: Low Maintenance Bloom Time: August to September Height: 1-1.5 feet Spread: 6-9 inches Other Varieties We Love: Sinonome 6. 'Little Miss Sunshine' Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis 'Little Miss Sunshine') (Photo: Plantmorenatives.com) 6. 'Little Miss Sunshine' Goldenrod Solidago canadensis 'Little Miss Sunshine' Goldenrod is one of the last flowers to bloom in the fall, with its bloom period generally stretching from August to October. There are more than 100 species in the goldenrod family and we’ve chosen to feature a shorter native selection that makes a great addition to pollinator gardens of any size. Goldenrod serves as a crucial nectar source when most pollinator plants are no longer in bloom. Pros: Attracts bees & butterflies Why We Love It: Goldenrod is a close tie with Joe Pye as our favorite late summer and early fall native plant for pollinators. You may have grown up thinking of them as weeds, but there are so many varied bloom shapes and shades of yellow, and they’re all truly lovely - we recommend planting a variety of goldenrod species so that you and the pollinators can enjoy a range of textures, heights and bloom times! USDA Growing Zones: 3-9 Sun Exposure: Full Sun Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining Water: Medium moisture Care: Easy Bloom Time: August-September Blooms: Yellow Height: 12-18 inches Spread: 15-18 inches Native: Yes 'Iron Butterfly' Narrowleaf Ironweed (Vernonia lettermannii 'Iron Butterfly') (Photo:Luriegardens.org 7. 'Iron Butterfly' Narrowleaf Ironweed Vernonia lettermannii 'Iron Butterfly' An ironweed cultivar created to accentuate a compact habit, rapid growth rate, and showy long-lasting bright purple-violet flowers. This low-maintenance plant is an excellent source of late-season nectar making it a must for every butterfly garden! Pros: Good butterfly nectar source, deer resistant Why We Love It: You simply must plant Ironweed with your Goldenrod - while Joe Pye is also a great plant pairing, the brilliant purple of Ironweed is the perfect accent to make your Goldenrod pop! Another must for the pollinator garden and for late summer to fall color! USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Needs: well draining, silty/sandy Water: Low-average Care: Easy Bloom Time: August-September Height: 2-3 feet Spread: 2 feet Native: Yes Other Varieties We Love: 'New York' Ironweed 'Winston Churchill' New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Winston Churchill') 8. 'Winston Churchill' New York Aster Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Winston Churchill' This plant - great for borders, containers, and along walkways, produces beautiful daisy like flowers that are raspberry red with bright golden centers. These quick growing perennials are loved by people and pollinators alike - this plant will impress for years to come! Pros: Deer Resistant, Attracts Birds, Butterflies & Bees, Easy To Grow, Native, Great Cut Flowers Tip: Pinching back the stems in the early summer can turn these plants into dense mounds with dozens of flower buds. Why We Love It: We are a bit obsessed with fall blooming asters - growing a wide variety of species and cultivars… but the incredibly vivid color of the Winston Churchill is definitely a favorite! We love planting a range of native asters in groupings together to create large pollinator habitats and vivid swaths of early fall color! USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Needs: Well draining Water: Average Care: Easy Bloom Time: Late summer - first frost Height: 2-2.5 feet Spread: 2-2.5 feet Native: Yes Other Varieties We Frequently Carry: ' Purple Dome', 'Woods Blue', 'Lady in Black', 'Hazy Dark Pink' Assorted Huechera 9. Coral Bells Heuchera This includes all varieties of heuchera as there are simply too many to choose from. Coming in a variety of reds, purple, silvers, and greens, you are certain to find the perfect option for accentuating your border, combo pot, or walkway. This plant is evergreen in our region and will provide year-round interest in your garden. Pros: Deer Resistant, Easy To Grow, Great For Containers, Evergreen, Attracts Hummingbirds, Great Cut Flowers Why We Love It: There are SO many colors and leaf shapes!! You truly can’t beat the versatility of this plant - we love them in containers, we love them in shade gardens needing bright foliage to make up for lack of blooming plants, and we love them as border/edging due to their lower stature and tidy mounding habits. They also have dainty summer blooms. USDA Growing Zones: 4a-9a Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun Soil Needs: Rich but well-drained Water: Medium - keep soil consistently moist Care: Easy Bloom Time: spring-summer Height: 8-18 inches Spread: 12-24 inches 'Hillside Sheffield Pink' Hardy Mum (Crysanthemum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink') 10. 'Hillside Sheffield Pink' Hardy Mum Crysanthemum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink' With a beautiful mounding habit and providing blooms from late summer through fall, this is a tried and true favorite. The flowers are apricot pink with golden centers and are sure to attract butterflies. This variety is said to have been rescued from an old garden in Sheffield, MA, and re-named after the town as the original name was lost. Pros: Heat & drought tolerant, great for pollinators, good for cut flowers Tip: Cut plants back to 6” after flowering and mulch (e.g., straw or evergreen boughs) for winter. Divide every 2-3 years in spring. Why We Love It: This plant has been known to make people pull over and knock on stranger’s doors - it simply is breathtaking and incredibly impressive. A single plant can form a massive mound and be covered so thickly in blooms that you can barely see the foliage. We are excited to carry the close cultivar Cambodian Queen as well - that way you can combine both a peachy pink and a purply-pink cultivar. Pollinators love it as well as people! USDA Growing Zones: 5-9 Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Needs: humusy, fertile, consistently moist, well-drained Water: Medium Care: Easy Bloom Time: September-first frost Height: 2-3 feet Spread: 2-3 feet Other Varieties We Love: ' Yellow Quill', 'Matchsticks,' 'Cambodian Queen', 'Campfire Glow' 'Enchanted Eve' Tickseed (Coreopsis x verticillata 'Enchanted Eve') Honorable Mention: 'Enchanted Eve' Tickseed Coreopsis x verticillata 'Enchanted Eve' The Coreopsis genus is home to many popular perennial plants. Most bloom periodically throughout the summer season. But if you prune back your plant after it flowers, it will put on a glorious fall floral display. Bees and butterflies tend to love the daisy-like blooms. Pros: Beneficial for pollinators and attracts butterflies, good for cut flowers, deer resistant, heat & humidity tolerant, long blooming, disease resistant Why We Love It: There are so many gorgeous coreopsis cultivars out there now, and we love many of them but often struggle with the newer varieties being as resilient and long-lived as older varieties. This cultivar has proven itself in our gardens with prolific blooms, holding up to excessive rain as well as drought, and offering truly lovely bicolored blossoms that attract pollinators. USDA Growing Zones: 5-8 Sun Exposure: Full Sun Soil Needs: Sandy or rocky, dry to medium moisture, well-draining Water: Dry to medium moisture- occasional water once established Care: Easy Bloom Time: Early Summer through early fall Height: 8-12 inches Spread: 8-12 inches

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

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

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

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

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

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 ' Pretty in Pink' Perennial (z4-8) part-full shade, 1-2' tall, 2-3' wide Marvelous groundcover for dry shade; covered in small, whimsical pink flowers in spring Foliage takes on dramatic bronze tones in spring and fall Vigorous, low maintenance, durable; drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant Aka fairy wings 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 *Note that our supplier of trillium roots mixed up the species a bit this year--we have a wide selection of healthy plants, but you likely won't know which species you are getting. All are native, beautiful & beneficial! 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

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