For everything that lives is holy, life delights in life.
-- William Blake

The Fall Equinox is September 22, marking the first official day of the new season. With the temperatures being so high, it is hard to believe, but it WILL happen! Fall IS the BEST time to plant, so do take a moment to assess your gardens. Perhaps you have lost a few plantings, due to lack of water? Maybe you’ve decided the lawn is ruling you, and you’d like to extend a perennial border? Think about what happens in your yard, come spring. Everyone could use a little early color, so think bulbs! They are a welcome addition to containers, as well. Dirty Hands Garden Center has a terrific selection of bulbs, including many that are not attractive to deer--- fritallaria persica, Dutch irises, alliums, siculum nectaroscordum (Mediterranean Bells), and anything in the narcissus family are good choices.

Every year we seem to have a “signature” plant that does especially well in the demonstration gardens. This year our callicarpa dichotoma ‘Issai’ are very heavily berried, and the birds are certainly looking forward to this tasty treat. The roses, particularly the ‘Knock Out’ series (red, pink, and blush, as well as the double red) have performed admirably well, under less than ideal circumstances. It’s the perfect rose for those who are intimidated by the idea of roses, or who want assured success! Echinacea x Big Sky ‘Sunset’ was a new introduction for us this year. It is the most spectacular of the orange coneflowers, and has a lovely fragrance. Try it! (insert photo) White Rain Lily (Zephyranthes candida) looks very sweet and refreshing this time of year. It is an excellent evergreen perennial border plant, growing 9 inches tall. Its blooms appear after late summer and fall rains.

Camellias are another shrub that some folks shy away from. They are actually very easy to grow, if placed in the correct location. They need some protection from harsh sun and wind, and a Northern or Eastern exposure provides ideal light for them. They need good drainage, too. There are many varieties to choose from, each with a different projected bloom time. For more information on Camellias, (click here).

According to the Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, our beloved ruby-throated hummingbirds will be beginning their migration to warmer climes on September 29, this year. It is important that you take down your feeders, so they will not be tempted to stay beyond their safe time!

We have added to our good selection of soils and amendments, and have fresh new bagged mulch available for you, too! Pine bark is best near your home as it is less attractive to termites. We have shredded hardwood and cedar mulch, and WE are open on Sundays!

If you haven’t visited us lately, you’re overdue. Come shop in a serene atmosphere, and Catch the Spirit!

Live well, plant happy…. With Dirty Hands Garden Center!