Extend Your Vineyard Garden Into Late Fall
Read moreAUTUMN GARDEN
Cornus kousa (Asian dogwood) fruit at Polly Hill Arboretum
SUMMER SALE
Monarda
SUMMER
SALE SERIES
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STARTING MONDAY AUGUST 25TH
Agastache 50% off
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CURRENT SALES AT THE NURSERY
We have a variety of plants marked 35%–50% off right now - Rose of Sharons, viburnum, roses, rhododendrons, fruit trees and a variety of perennials. If you’ve been thinking about adding something new and filling any holes in your garden, this is a perfect time to stop by and take a look.
Check out our current list of plants on sale.
AUGUST GARDEN TIPS
(L to R) Coreopsis, Rudbeckia, Agastache & Allium
AUGUST
GARDEN TIPS
Late summer brings a shift in the garden. Some perennials begin to fade, but many late-blooming shrubs and perennials are just getting started. Here’s how to keep your landscape thriving through the month and into fall.
Annuals & Containers
Deadhead and lightly prune to keep annuals looking fresh.
Add a diluted liquid fertilizer when watering to encourage continued blooms.
Trees, Shrubs & Perennials
Fertilize trees and shrubs through the end of August. This helps strengthen them before dormancy.
Avoid fertilizing beyond August to prevent tender new growth before frost.
Garden Maintenance
Cut back spent perennials; some may reward you with a second flush of blooms.
Deadhead flowering perennials to prolong their show.
Stake any top-heavy or rain-weary plants.
Vegetable Gardens
Harvest warm-weather crops regularly to encourage more production and prevent them from going to seed.
Now’s the time to sow cool-season crops: lettuce, spinach, arugula, carrots, beets, beans, kale, and peas for fall harvest.
Weeding
Stay vigilant, crabgrass and blackberry thrive in summer heat and can spread quickly.
Enjoy the buzz of late-summer pollinators darting from bloom to bloom, it’s one of the season’s sweetest rewards!
[PLANT PROFILE] ECHINACEA
Echinacea purpurea illustration by karen blackerby logan
ECHINACEA
CONEFLOWER
Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog or sea-urchin in reference to the spiny central cone.
Echinacea purpurea
Natives vs. Hybrids: A Closer Look at Echinacea
Beauty, Biodiversity, and What to Plant
Walk through any summer garden center and it’s hard to miss the bright, joyful faces of Echinacea, or coneflowers. From fiery oranges to soft whites and vibrant reds. Beyond their colorful appeal, coneflowers tell an important story about biodiversity, adaptability, and the relationship between native plants and modern hybrids.
Native Coneflowers: Built for Resilience
At our nursery, we grow several species of Echinacea from seed, including:
Echinacea purpurea – the classic purple coneflower
Echinacea pallida – with pale, drooping petals
Echinacea paradoxa – a rare yellow species
Starting plants from seed introduces new genetic combinations, which increases the plant’s ability to adapt to changing conditions and resist disease. These natives offer long-term benefits to pollinators, wildlife, and the resilience of the garden itself.
Their color palette is more limited, primarily pinks and yellows, but their ecological value is profound. Native coneflowers are also long-lived, drought-tolerant once established, and deeply rooted in local ecosystems.
Echinacea White Swan
Echinacea Sombrero Salsa & Sangrita
Hybrid Coneflowers: Stunning & Sophisticated
The other side of the spectrum are the hybrids. These cultivars, mostly derived from Echinacea purpurea, have been carefully bred for color, size, and form. Today, you’ll find Echinacea in shades of:
Reds (Salsa Red)
Oranges (Adobe Orange)
Greens (Green Twister)
Whites (White Swan)
And even bicolors that blend two tones in a single bloom
We sell countless hybrids that the horticultural industry has created from mostly Echinacea purpurea. Hybrids are typically propagated asexually through cuttings or tissue culture to maintain consistency in appearance. This can make them less genetically diverse, and potentially less adaptable, especially under stress from disease or climate extremes but boy are they beautiful. When carefully sited and well-maintained, they’re a stunning and reliable part of any garden design.
We carry the Sombrero series, like Salsa Red and Adobe Orange which are two of our favorites. We love many of the Echinacea hybrids like Green twister and White Swan.
*If food for pollinators is your number one reason for planting Echinacea, either plant the native species or pick the single hybrids. The doubles are not believed to be good food for pollinators. Many of the doubles are sterile and produce no seed.
Coneflowers come in a rainbow of colors!
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ECHINACEA AVAILABLE AT VINEYARD GARDENS
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SOMBRERO SERIES
(Continues to be one
of our favorites!)
Salsa Red
Adobe Orange
Hot Coral
Lemon Yellow
Rosada
Summer Solstice
Tres Amigos
Sangrita
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SUNSEEKER SERIES
(Tall with beautiful flowers that
often transition to other colors as
they mature. Some can be
double.)
Rainbow
Salmon
Perfection
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Green Wizard
(The flower petals are
yellow-green
on the tips and
bleed into a pale
pink closer to
the cone.)
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Old Fashioned Hybrid
Ruby Giant
(Quite tall with
large pink flowers)
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Ruby Giant
Green Twister
(Very hardy)
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New this year!
We are testing for hardiness.
Dark Shadows Wicked
Orange You Awesome
The Fuschia is Bright
One in a Melon
Summer Song
Fire Finch
Baja Burgundy
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USES
Pollinator Magnet: Coneflowers attract a wide variety of butterflies, bees, birds, and other beneficial pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any ecologically minded garden.
Winter Interest & Wildlife Support: Leave the spent flower heads standing through winter. Their signature seed-filled cones provide an important food source for birds, especially finches. In early spring, simply cut the stems back to the ground to encourage fresh growth.
Medicinal Tradition: Long used in herbal medicine, Echinacea is believed to support the immune system and may help reduce the duration of colds and flu. Their distinctive blooms are often associated with healing and wellness in both gardens and apothecaries.
GROWING CONDITIONS
A hardy herbaceous perennial, Echinacea is native to the Midwestern prairies of the United States and thrives in a wide range of conditions.
Adaptable and resilient, it tolerates drought, heat, humidity, and even poor soils once established.
Best grown in full sun with average to dry, well-drained soil, it doesn’t need rich soil to flourish.
Coneflowers are low-maintenance and rarely troubled by pests or disease. They require little to no fertilizer.
Expect a vibrant display of blooms in mid-summer, with some varieties continuing into fall.
An excellent, long-blooming flower for massing in the border, meadow, native plant garden, naturalized area or wildflower garden. Often massed with black-eyed Susans.
NATIVE SUMMER BLOOMING SHRUBS
NATIVE SUMMER
BLOOMING SHRUBS
Shrubs are often considered the bones of the landscape: providing structure, year-round beauty, and crucial ecological support. Native summer-blooming shrubs go a step further, they offer immeasurable benefits for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife during a season when gardens are in full swing. From early summer blooms to fall berries, these shrubs extend the growing season and support biodiversity. As entomologist and author Doug Tallamy explains in Nature’s Best Hope and Bringing Nature Home, keystone plants are “native plants that are essential to our ecosystems because they support 90% of the caterpillar species that enable our terrestrial birds to reproduce, as well as all of our specialist native bee species.”
Three standout native shrubs that thrive on Martha’s Vineyard:
Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis
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Cephalanthus
occidentalis
BUTTONBUSH
If your landscape includes wetlands, soggy areas, or you’re planning a rain garden, buttonbush is an ideal choice. Native to wetland edges and streambanks, this fast-growing shrub thrives in consistently moist or standing water and can handle heavy clay soil.
In summer, they bloom abundantly with fuzzy ball shaped flowers. These fragrant blossoms attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, such as tiger swallowtails and nearly two dozen species of butterfly and moth larvae. In fall, bright red seed heads feed songbirds, small mammals, and even waterfowl.
USES:
Rain gardens
Retention ponds
Erosion control
Its fast-growing root system helps with water quality near marshes, streams or wetlands. Since it can grow in water it is a favorite for wetland conservation.
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Hydrangea
arborescens
SMOOTH HYDRANGEA
Our native hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens, is more than just beautiful, it’s an important host plant for the hydrangea sphinx moth and a magnet for butterflies, pollinators, and birds. Found naturally on wooded slopes and streambanks in the eastern United States, Hydrangea arborescens prefers partial shade and blooms on new wood, meaning it can be pruned close to the ground in late winter.
Several cultivars produce large, ball-shaped flower clusters. This low growing hydrangea fits nicely beneath taller trees and shrubs, or as part of a layered garden design.
Uses:
Mass plantings
Woodland and shade gardens
Pollinator and rain gardens
Sloped or naturalized areas
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Clethra alnifolia
SWEET PEPPERBUSH
Clethra is a wonderful addition to any garden. A versatile shrub that can thrive in most conditions. Typically found in open woodlands or swamps along the Atlantic coast this workhorse can flower from full sun to shade. Clethra prefers moist soil but can even adjust to dry, compact soil.
Fragrant white flower spikes appear mid-to-late summer, drawing in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In addition, to being a hardy shrub, Clethra has year round interest. In fall, its deep green leaves turn golden yellow, and in winter, dried seed pods add texture and interest.
Uses:
Seaside or woodland gardens
Mass plantings or hedges
Rain gardens
Pollinator-focused landscapes
Why Native Shrubs Matter
Planting native shrubs helps create sustainable, resilient landscapes. They support local wildlife, improve soil health, and require less water and maintenance once established. Whether you're restoring a coastal property or refreshing a backyard garden, native shrubs offer beauty with a purpose.
Tip: Mix early bloomers with summer and fall bloomers to ensure continuous habitat and visual interest throughout the growing season.
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[PLANT PROFILE] HYDRANGEA PANICULATA
Hydrangea paniculata[illustration by karen blackerby logan]
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HYDRANGEA
PANICULATA
Panicle Hydrangeas
Panicle Hydrangeas are the no fuss hydrangea with long lasting blooms. They range in size from large to compact depending on variety, allowing for many planting options in the landscape. A late blooming shrub, they become the autumn stars when most other shrubs are no longer blooming. Triggered by air temperature fluctuations and day length Hydrangea paniculata go through a color transformation starting with an early summer white that fades to shades of pink or red before drying to beige in the winter. Their nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies and bees late into the season, providing them with a vital food source.
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HYDRANGEA PANICULATA ATTRIBUTES
Panicle Hydrangeas thrive in full sun or morning sun, a place in the garden that mophead hydrangeas don’t flourish.
They bloom on new growth each summer so prune early in spring. There is also no risk of flower buds being harmed by the cold winter or late frost because they bloom on this years growth.
As the rest of the garden winds down, the fall panicle hydrangeas take center stage.
Flowers can even be left to dry on the plant in the fall and can stay looking good into the winter.
Uses:
* Variety of sizes means there’s a perfect fit for most situations
* Smaller specimens ideal for foundation, mass or container planting
* Larger specimens ideal for hedges and back of the garden
Quick Fire Hydrangea
hydrangea paniculata
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Limelight
Limelight Prime
Little Lime
Quick Fire
Little Quick Fire
Bobo (dwarf variety)
Grandiflora
Phantom
Fire Light
Hydrangea paniulata Bobo
JULY GARDEN TIPS
JULY
GARDEN TIPS
As the heat ramps up there are many ways to keep your garden looking beautiful. With a few smart strategies, you can keep your plants vibrant and healthy, ensuring a spectacular display late into the season.
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Season Extenders
Want to keep color bursting in your garden as summer winds down? Now's the perfect time to plant late bloomers and season extenders. They'll get established nicely and then light up your landscape when other plants are fading. Consider adding:
Tender Salvias: 'Black and Blue' Salvia guaranitica for deep indigo, Pineapple Sage for a fragrant punch, or Dalvia uliginosa with its charming baby blue flowers.
Classic Fall Favorites: Asters and mums are always reliable. Or Chrysanthemum pacificum for something different.
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’
Mums
Asters
What to Prune and When
Say Goodbye to Spent Bulbs: Now is the time to cut back any yellowing daffodil foliage. Remember, leaving it intact for as long as possible is crucial, as the plant uses this time to photosynthesize and store energy in its bulb for next spring's display.
Shaping Perennials: Give asters, chrysanthemums, and other late-summer perennials their final pinch in early July to encourage branching and a fuller form. If some perennials look a bit congested, don't hesitate to thin stems to improve air circulation.
Hard Cuts for Fresh Growth: After their spring flowering, give a hard cut to catmint (Nepeta), lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis), and perennial geraniums. They'll thank you with a fresh flush of growth!
Nepeta
Nepeta
Container Plants
Container plants are heavy drinkers and eaters, especially in the summer.
Feed Regularly: Opt for compost tea, fish emulsion, or seaweed extract every 7-10 days. These organic liquid feeds provide essential nutrients.
Water Wisely: On sunny, hot days, your containers might need daily watering. We recommend a deep watering once per day, letting the plants "hold" between waterings encouraging them to develop stronger, tougher roots. Only water when plants show signs of wilting.
Weeds & Mulch
Nip Weeds in the Bud: The golden rule of weeding? Catch them before they go to seed! This prevents countless new weeds from sprouting.
Mulch! Add organic mulch to any bare spots or plant another "season extender." Shredded leaves saved from fall cleanup are a fantastic, natural, free, and local mulch for annuals, perennials, and even vegetable gardens. They break down over the season, enriching your soil.
Biennials: Plan for Next Year's Blooms
Get a head start on next year's garden by sowing seeds of biennials now. Plants like foxgloves, Angelica, Salvia sclarea, Lunaria, and Dianthus will produce leaves this year, overwinter, burst into glorious flower next year and set seed their second season.
Foxglove
Lunaria
Verbascum thapsis
Vegetable Gardens
Succession Sowing: Keep the harvest coming by direct sowing succession crops like radish, lettuce, carrots, chard, and beets for your next harvest.
Feed the long season crops: Fertilize heavy-feeding crops such as corn, tomatoes, squash, peppers, potatoes, onions, and eggplant now to support their continued growth.
Smart Watering: Efficiency is Key
Irrigate borders and lawns infrequently but deeply. Generally, gardens and lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, or a deep watering that penetrates 6 inches into the soil.
Monitor Rainfall: Use a rain gauge to keep track of natural rainfall and only supplement with irrigation when truly needed.
Consider Alternatives: Thinking long-term? Consider converting parts of your lawn to lower-maintenance groundcovers, shrub or perennial borders, or even meadow plantings. This reduces water needs and boosts biodiversity!
Echinacea ‘White Swan’
Lobelia Starship Scarlet
Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm
JUNE GARDEN TIPS
Achillea (Yarrow) & Purple Prairie Clover
JUNE
GARDEN TIPS
June is here, and gardening season is in full swing! With longer days, warmer temperatures, and flowers in full bloom, it's a wonderful time to be outside. Now is when you truly get to enjoy the fruits of your labor: gathering fresh-cut flowers, nibbling on garden veggies and berries, watching pollinators hard at work, and soaking in the rich, fragrant scents of summer.
VEGETABLE GARDENS
We’re still in the thick of planting season and it’s a great time to get your warm season crops in the ground! Now’s the moment for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, corn, and squash. You can also sow a second round of cool-weather favorites like lettuce, arugula, carrots, and beets.
Be sure to stake your vining plants to keep them tidy and productive. And don’t forget to mulch or top-dress around your veggies to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Our current favorite is Leaf Mold, an amazing natural mulch that improves soil structure and retains water. Ask about it at the nursery!
PRUNING TIPS
Pinch back rhododendron buds now to encourage even more blooms next year.
Prune spring-flowering shrubs (like lilacs) right after they finish blooming.
Give boxwoods a light shaping once they flush out with new growth, just enough to keep that tidy form.
STAY AHEAD OF WEEDS
Weeds love June sunshine too, so stay on top of them early. A great trick? Fill in gaps with more plants! Dense plantings help crowd out weeds naturally and keep your garden looking lush.
TIME TO MULCH
If you haven’t freshened up your mulch yet, now’s the time. Leaf Mold makes an excellent natural mulch, or choose from our bagged Coast of Maine mulches, available at our nursery.
FEED YOUR PLANTS
Everything that’s in the ground can benefit from a mid-season meal. Use an organic, time-release fertilizer to feed gently and consistently over the coming months. We recommend Espoma fertilizers, they’re packed with micronutrients and break down slowly to nourish your plants sustainably. For a quicker boost, water in a liquid organic fertilizer, perfect for fast-acting support. Ask us about our favorite blends when you visit!
ANNUALS & CONTAINERS
It’s a perfect time to plant out annuals in your containers, window boxes, and garden beds. For the best blooms, deadhead regularly and keep them fed! Add a slow-release organic fertilizer when planting, then follow up with a weekly treat of quarter-strength liquid fertilizer to keep them thriving.
Need help picking the right products or plants?
Stop by the Garden Center, we’re happy to help you choose the best options for your space and soil.
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Oenothers Siskiyou Pink
Phlox divaricata (woodland phlox) with Euphorbia polychromatic
Water
Water constantly! All newly planted or transplanted plants need deep watering 1 to 2 times a week, depending on rainfall and sun exposure.
For trees and woody shrubs, a good rule of thumb is:
Once a day during the first week to saturate the root zone
Once a week for the first year, unless we’ve had a soaking rain
July and August are especially critical months to stay on top of watering.
What’s a “deep water”? It depends on your watering method:
Holding a hose at full flow on a shrub may only take a few minutes
A sprinkler covering a large area should run for about an hour, as long as there’s no runoff
Morning is the best time to water. There is less evaporation, and plants can absorb the moisture before the heat of the day.
It’s a myth that watering during the heat of the day will cause leaf burn. If that were true, every rain shower followed by sun would scorch your plants!
A 1 to 3-inch layer of mulch slows evaporation, protects roots, and gradually breaks down to improve soil structure and moisture retention.
Need help with watering?
Vineyard Gardens offers everything from basic watering services to full irrigation installations. We even hand-water, especially for newly planted beds, trees, or shrubs. Let us know if you'd like an evaluation or quote, we’re happy to help.
Delphinium, Foxglove with Yarrow and Oenothers Siskiyou Pink
[PLANT PROFILE] MANDEVILLAS
Mandevillas [illustration karen blackerby logan]
MANDEVILLAS
Bring the Tropics to your Backyard
Looking to add vibrant, long-lasting color to your garden, patio, or porch this summer? Mandevillas are a beautiful and reliable choice. With their lush foliage and stunning trumpet-shaped blooms, these tropical vines thrive in warm weather and full sun, making them perfect for brightening up containers, trellises, hanging baskets, and more.
How to Care for Mandevillas:
Mandevillas bloom non-stop all summer, adding months of color with minimal effort. Their growth habit makes them ideal for vertical accents, while bushier types are great for spilling from pots or hanging baskets. Best of all, they’re heat-tolerant and easy to care for.
Sunlight: Provide full sun, 6+ hours a day for the best bloom production.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry.
Feeding: Fertilize every 2–4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to keep flowers coming.
Support: Use a trellis for vining varieties to climb and spread
Stunning Color Options:
This season’s selection includes a gorgeous range of colors:
Classic White – elegant and clean
Carmine Red – rich and bold
Soft Pink – gentle and romantic
Deep Red – dramatic and eye-catching
Apricot – a warm, tropical tone
Giant Peach Sunrise – a sun-kissed glow
Double Pink Blush – full, layered bloom
Available in a variety of colors and sizes, from quarts to 5-gallon pots. We have a Mandevilla to suit every space and style!
Whether you're creating a lush entryway, framing a sunny window, or building a vertical garden wall, Mandevillas bring beauty, color, and a touch of the tropics all summer long.
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Sweet Peas
[PLANT PROFILE] GARDENIAS
Gardenias [photo credit keith kurman]
GARDENIAS
for MOTHER’S DAY!
Gardenia jasminoides
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Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Gardenias are a timeless choice: beautiful, fragrant, and versatile. Their lush white blooms and rich scent add elegance to any garden, patio, or porch.
We carry Gardenia jasminoides ‘August Beauty’, a standout variety known for its large, velvety white flowers, glossy evergreen foliage, and sweet, lingering fragrance.
GARDENIA HIGHLIGHTS
Sizes Available: 1-gallon, 2-gallon, and 5-gallon. Ideal for gifts or landscape projects
Growth & Care: Grows up to 5 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Bloom Time: Late spring into early summer. Right in time for Mother’s Day!
Deer Resistant: A reliable option for deer-prone areas.
Year-Round Appeal: Shiny, deep green foliage looks great all year.
Great for Events: Popular in floral arrangements and wedding bouquets
VERSATILE USES
As a hedge or privacy screen
In containers on patios or porches
Trained as a patio tree
Cut blooms for flower arrangements or events
Gardenias offer both beauty and fragrance, a lasting gift for Mother’s Day or a charming addition to your own landscape.
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MAY GARDENING TIPS
Fothergilla photo by karen blackerby logan
MAY
GARDENING TIPS
May brings warmer sunnier days, cooler nights and springtime rains, the perfect combo to get your newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials established! Here are some timely tips to make the most of your May garden.
Malus Crabapple photo by keith kurman
Viburnum burkwoodii photo by Keith Kurman
Bleeding Hearts photo by Keith Kurman
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SOIL CARE: Feed the Foundation
Nourish your soil! Healthy soil = happy plants. Now is the time to enrich your soil with nutrients that support strong roots and vibrant growth. Whether you’re using bagged compost like Coast of Maine or Fafard, or creating your own from kitchen and yard waste, your plants will thank you.
Pro Tip: Test your soil! We’ve got easy-to-use soil testing kits in stock, so you can give your plants exactly what they need from the ground up.
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FERTILIZE: Give Last Year’s Plantings a Boost
Time to fertilize last years new plantings. Sprinkle organic fertilizer around the drip line (not too close to the base), where roots are actively growing. Organic fertilizers are best for slow, steady feeding and include secondary nutrients like calcium and magnesium, along with the essentials: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
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MULCH: Nature’s Blanket
Leaf compost is a great island resource to use in your garden beds! This imitates the annual forest leaf fall and provides established plants with all the nutrients they need. Use leaves from your own yard and and/or leaf compost (shredded leaf mulch) that we carry to return local island nutrients to your gardens. We carry shredded leaf compost (island grown) as well as bagged Coast of Main mulches.
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Front Garden, Camisitas
Lupine
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ANNUALS: Cool-Weather Favorites Are Ready
Get planting! These hardy varieties love the cooler weather, so take advantage while spring is in full swing. Ready to brighten your beds and containers.
Pansies, Violas, Alyssum, Calendulas, Bachelor Buttons, Argyranthemum Daisies, Osteospermum, Lobelia
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PERENNIALS: Time to Plant and Divide!
It’s prime time to start planting your perennials. Already have some in the ground? If they bloom in summer or fall and are starting to emerge, now is a great time to divide them and spread the beauty.
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VEGETABLE GARDENS: Plant Now, Harvest Later
Prep and plant those garden beds! May is the season for cool-weather veggies, small fruits, and fruit trees. These are available at the nursery now! And a heads-up, mid to late May we will be bringing our basil and tomatoes out from our production facility to the nursery, but hold off planting them until nighttime temps warm up a bit more.
Cool Weather Greens
Blueberry flowers
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TREES & SHRUBS: Perfect Planting Weather
Now is a great time to add trees or shrubs to your property. Early May brings sunny day, cool nights and springtime rain which are all great ingredients to get your trees and shrubs established! It’s the sweet spot to help them settle in and thrive through summer and beyond.
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PRUNE: Out With the Old
Now’s the time to prune away dead or diseased wood from trees and deciduous shrubs. Focus on plants that bloom on new growth.
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LAWN CARE: Out With the Old
Want a lush lawn all summer? May lawn tips:
Water less often, but deeply, to encourage deeper roots.
Mow a bit higher to prevent browning in the heat of summer.
Apply fertilizer if you skipped April.
Lime your lawn if you missed it in the fall, this helps balance soil pH over time. Lime now to ensure a healthy fall lawn.
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Always think ahead when gardening. Timing is everything!
Black Chokecherry
[PLANT PROFILE] CORNFLOWER
Cornflower & Poppies [illustration by karen blackerby logan]
CORNFLOWER
Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor Buttons)
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Late Spring Blues
There’s something magical about walking through the garden in late spring and catching flashes of brilliant cobalt blue dancing in the breeze. That’s the unmistakable charm of Cornflower, also known as Bachelor Buttons, a beloved classic that never goes out of style. Here at Vineyard Gardens, we celebrate this beauty in all its hues: the traditional electric blue, soft pinks and deep purples. As part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, Cornflower was sown in December to encourage strong root development, and are now ready to be transplanted into your garden.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is a true multitasker. It’s stunning in the garden, a joy in a vase, and secretly useful in more ways than one—from herbal tea to bath salts to everlasting bouquets.
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Why You'll Love
Growing Cornflower
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and bloom abundantly in late spring and early summer.
Easy to grow – Even beginning gardeners will find these flowers rewarding.
Pollinator-friendly – Bees and butterflies love them.
Versatile beauty – Ideal for wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, borders, and containers.
Reseed readily – A delightful thing about cornflowers is they reseed themselves in your garden year after year. Plants that reseed are a gardener’s dream—they pop up at just the right time, fill in bare spots, and help tie the garden together beautifully. Cornflowers, along with larkspur and foxgloves, are excellent reseeders that bring a touch of spontaneity and charm to any garden space.
The blooms grow thigh-high on slender stems and create a whimsical, meadow-like effect when planted in mass.
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Varieties Available
at Vineyard Gardens
We carry a colorful selection of Centaurea cyanus to brighten up your garden beds and bouquets:
Blue Boy – The classic brilliant blue that never disappoints
Select Ultraviolet – A moody, rich purple variety
Lady Mauve – Soft and romantic in pink tones
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Harvesting for
Cut Flowers
Cornflowers make wonderful cut flowers, especially for rustic, natural-style arrangements.
Cut early in the morning, just as the flower is starting to open.
Strip the lower leaves before placing in water.
Change the water every other day to extend vase life.
Cornflowers last around 5–7 days in a vase and pair beautifully with other cottage garden favorites like yarrow, snapdragons, and larkspur.
Centaurea cyanus Boy Blue
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Ready to
Grow Your Own?
Whether you're filling a wildflower border or planting for pollinators, cornflowers are the perfect addition to your late spring palette.
Don’t forget to tag us in your cornflower creations. We’d love to see your gardens, bouquets, and dried flower projects!
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[PLANT PROFILE] AMMI
Ammi and Cosmos ‘Double Click Cranberries”
A Touch of Whimsy
If you've ever wanted your garden to feel like illustrations from a romantic storybook, Ammi is your flower.
Ammi brings a soft, graceful texture to garden beds and bouquets with its lacy, delicate blooms and feathery foliage. It’s like nature’s lace—light, elegant, and full of charm.
At Vineyard Gardens, we’re proud to be part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, and that means we’ve got strong, healthy Ammi plants just waiting to bring their magic to your garden. These were sown in December, a technique that allows their roots to develop deeply and ensures robust, resilient plants that bloom beautifully in the months ahead
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Ammi Varieties
at Vineyard Gardens
✧ Ammi majus ‘Select White’: Pure white, delicate blooms that resemble Queen Anne’s Lace. They bring a lightness and airiness to garden beds and are breathtaking in wedding bouquets or wildflower-style arrangements.
✧ Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’: Soft green-tinted white blooms with a fuller, denser flower head. The perfect filler flower, Green Mist adds a gentle, misty quality to both borders and floral work. Known for its vigorous growth, it can spread easily in the right conditions—great for some gardens, but it might be a bit too assertive in more managed spaces.
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Why Grow Ammi?
Ethereal beauty – Soft, lace-like blooms
Cut Flowers – A must-have for garden-style floral arrangements
Pollinator-friendly – Bees and butterflies adore them
Cold-hardy annuals – Early sowing leads to early blooming!
Ammi bridges the gap between structure and softness—perfect for cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings, and cutting gardens.
Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Ammi Majus
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How to Grow
Ammi in Your Garden
Now is the perfect time to plant our winter-sown Ammi —strong and rooted thanks to winter sowing.
Location: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-drained, average garden soil
Spacing: 9–12 inches apart to allow for their airy shape
Watering: Keep moist during establishment, then water during dry spells
Once established these low maintenance beauties will reward you with tall, graceful stems topped with dreamy blooms from late spring into summer.
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Cut Flower Magic
Ammi’s doily lace form adds movement and softness to any bouquet.
Harvest when about 80% of the tiny flowers in the head have opened.
Cut early in the morning for longest vase life.
Strip lower leaves before placing in water.
Pair with peonies, snapdragons, cosmos, or roses for a garden-gathered look.
Digitalis purpurea, Antirrhinum Potomac Dark Pink with Ammi majus and Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’
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What You
Can Do Now
Stop by our nursery to pick up Vineyard Gardens winter sown Ammi
Prep your garden beds for easy transplanting
Tag us in your bouquet and garden photos—we love seeing your Ammi in action!
Fill your garden with the soft lace of Ammi. You'll be amazed how much beauty can come from something so delicate.
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SPRING COLOR AND POLLINATORS
Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)
Spring Magic
Color & Pollinators in Harmony
(March through Early May)
Are you envisioning bursts of color in your garden this spring, or are you planning with pollinators in mind? The good news is—you don’t have to choose. Early spring is a crucial time for pollinators, and your garden can be both a vibrant visual experience and a vital food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. With the right mix of native and non-native perennials, you can bring beauty to your space and provide essential early-season nectar and pollen.
Why Early Blooms Matter
Even if your clients (or you!) don’t step into the garden until June, early bloomers are doing essential behind the scenes work long before then. These plants—ephemerals, bulbs, and early perennials—are more than just fleeting spring accents. They are the backbone of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. From the delicate flicker of hoverflies to the gentle hum of bumblebees, many pollinators rely on early nectar and pollen sources to fuel their life cycles. Without these plants, we lose more than just spring color—we lose critical support for wildlife. When designing a garden, striking a balance between beauty and biodiversity is not optional—it’s essential.
Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)
Helleborus (Hellebores)
Epimedium (Barrenwort)
Design Tip:
Layer in the Life
Think beyond just blooms. Consider foliage texture, seasonal transitions, and habitat value. Want a shade-loving beauty with staying power? Try Pulmonaria—its silver-spotted leaves and early blooms check both the beauty and biodiversity boxes. Need structure and evergreen interest? Hellebores deliver year-round presence and are among the first to feed waking pollinators.
Dodecatheon meadia (Shooting Star)
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit)
Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)
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Spring Pollinator
Favorites
Tried-and-true choices from March to early May
Whether you're designing woodland nooks or sunny borders, these native and non-native favorites offer the perfect mix of early-season color and pollinator appeal:
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) – mysterious woodland intrigue
Bergenia (Pigsqueak) – bold leaves and bright blooms in early spring
Crocus – one of the earliest nectar sources
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) – romantic blooms with pollinator appeal
Epimedium (Barrenwort) – dainty blooms and drought-tolerant leaves
Galanthus (Snowdrops) – delicate, essential, and deer-resistant
Helleborus (Hellebores) – evergreen, long-lived, early blooming elegance
Phlox stolonifera (Woodland Creeping Phlox) – low-growing and fragrant
Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox) – sun-loving groundcover with vivid blooms
Polygonatum (Solomon’s Seal) – native shade lover with graceful arches for woodland charm
Pulmonaria (Lungwort) – speckled foliage, nectar-rich flowers
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) – native woodland wildflower that brings ephemeral beauty to early spring gardens
Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) – native shade lover with soft texture
Trillium – iconic native wildflower for shady spaces
Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander) – native powerhouse for native bees
Whether you're designing for pollinators, planting for beauty, or (ideally) both—early spring is a season full of potential. These plants bring life and color when we need it most, and they quietly support the ecosystems that sustain our gardens all year long.
Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox)
Crocus
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
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Spring Steps
Take Action in Your Garden This Spring
Want to make the most of early spring? Here are a few simple steps to support pollinators and boost your garden’s beauty:
Plant in layers – Combine bulbs, perennials, and groundcovers to extend bloom time and visual interest.
Mix natives with non-natives – Many ornamental plants are valuable, but native species are often essential for local pollinators.
Leave the leaves – Delaying cleanup in early spring gives overwintering insects a chance to emerge safely.
Start small, plant thoughtfully – Even a few additions can make a big difference for early-season pollinators.
Observe and adjust – Watch which plants attract the most activity and build on those magnets next season.
Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox)
Helleborus (Hellebores)
Early spring might feel like a quiet season, but beneath the surface, your garden can be buzzing with life. With just a few intentional choices, you can turn your garden into a seasonal sanctuary—bursting with color, alive with movement, and full of purpose.
What will you
plant this spring?
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[PLANT PROFILE] LARKSPUR
Larkspur [illustration by karen blackerby logan]
LARKSPUR
Delphinium consolida
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A Late Spring Spark
Why Hardy Annual Larkspur Deserves a Spot in Your Garden
There’s a certain kind of magic in plants that rely on the cold to gift us beauty just as the world is warming again. Hardy annual larkspur (Delphinium consolida) is one of those graceful gifts. With its feathery foliage, towering spires, and an almost ethereal range of blues, pinks, purples, and whites, larkspur is a must-have for anyone who loves cut flowers or wants to bring a touch of cottage garden charm to their late spring landscape.
Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Ammi Majus
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An Annual That
Can Handle A Chill
Unlike many annuals that must wait until after the last frost, larkspur thrives in the early season—it actually needs a cold period to break seed dormancy. As part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, larkspur was sown in December to encourage strong root development, and those plants are now ready to be transplanted into your garden.
Once established, larkspur sends up strong, straight stems topped with layered blooms that almost look too delicate to be real. But don’t be fooled—these plants are workhorses. Hardy to around 20°, they’ll shrug off chilly spring nights while other flowers are still in their seed trays.
Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Papaver ‘Amazing Grey’
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Elegance
in the Garden
Hardy annual larkspur is one of those old-soul flowers that rewards a little planning with a lot of beauty. They’re a graceful, low-fuss way to add vertical interest and early color. It thrives in garden beds, wildflower meadows and acts as a natural pollinator magnet. In a world that sometimes feels rushed, there’s something satisfying about planting a flower that asks you to think ahead and to trust the process.
And did we mention color? While larkspur’s deep indigo blues are the most iconic, they also come in pastels.
Antirrhinum Potomac Deep Orange and Larkspur QIS Dark Blue
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A Cut Flower Favorite
For cut flower lovers, larkspur is ideal. The blooms are long-lasting in the vase, and the more you cut, the more the plant gives. Harvest when just a few blossoms at the base of the stem have opened and the rest are still in bud—this way, you get the full bloom show indoors. Some growers swear by a quick dip in boiling water to extend vase life even further.
If you’re dreaming of armfuls of early summer blooms, larkspur might just be your next garden obsession.
They pair beautifully with peonies, sweet peas, bachelor’s buttons, and early roses.
Larkspur
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Growing Tips
🌿 Cool-Season Lovers: Larkspur thrives in cool weather. Plant in early spring best results.
🌿 Support Matters: Provide stakes or netting to keep tall stems upright, especially in breezy spots.
🌿 Harvest at the Right Time: For the longest vase life, cut stems when only the lower third of the blooms have opened—they’ll continue to open from bottom to top.
🌿 Winter-Sown for Summer Beauty: At Vineyard Gardens, our December-sown larkspur are ready to plant now. Early winter sowing helps develop strong roots, setting the stage for full, vibrant summer blooms
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Larkspur
Varieties Available
A member of the Delphinium family, larkspur offers tall, elegant spires of blooms that not only bring drama to any bouquet but will also readily reseed in a sunny garden.
Deep Blue
Fancy Blue Purple
Fancy Rose Striped
Fancy Smokey Eyes
Frosted Skies
Misty Lavender
QIS 'Lilac
QIS 'Pure White'
QIS 'White'
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[PLANT PROFILE] SNAPDRAGONS
SNAPDRAGON
Antirrhinum majus
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A Hardy Annual
and an Outstanding
Cut Flower
As a kid, I loved snapdragons. My grandmother taught me how to pinch them just right so their "mouths" would open and close. It felt like a little bit of garden magic, and to this day, snapdragons hold a special place in my heart. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are classic garden favorites, loved for their tall, spiky blooms, vibrant colors and their long blooming season.
Snapdragons bring a touch of childhood magic to the garden!
Digitalis purpurea, Antirrhinum Potomac Dark Pink with Ammi majus and Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’
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Hardy and Resilient
One of the standout features of Snapdragons are their ability to perform exceptionally well in different growing conditions. As a hardy annual, it can tolerate light frosts, making it a great early-season or late-season bloomer. If planted in an area with sun before the warm weather arrives, deadheaded or cut for flowers, they can bloom all summer long. Their adaptability makes them a valuable addition to any garden, where season extension is key.
A hardy annual that thrives in cool weather and extends your flower season.
Antirrhinum Potomac Red
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Ideal for
Cut Flowers
The 'Potomac Series' takes snapdragons to a whole new level, making them an excellent choice for both long blooming gardens and cut flowers. With strong stems, a long vase life, and the ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, these hardy annuals are a must-grow for anyone who loves cut flowers. Their tall, sturdy stems make them easy to arrange in bouquets and can last 7-10 days in a vase. The Rocket series is another good variety for cuts.
Antirrhinum Potomac Deep Orange and Larkspur QIS Dark Blue
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Growing Tips
Cool-Season Lovers: Plant out in early spring or fall. They thrive in cool weather and may struggle in extreme summer heat.
Support is Key: Provide staking or netting to keep stems upright, especially in windy locations.
Pinch for More Blooms: Pinching young plants encourages bushier growth and more flower-producing stems.
Harvest at the Right Stage: For the longest vase life, cut stems when only the lower third of the flowers have opened. Their blooms open sequentially from bottom to top.
Vineyard Gardens December sown Snapdragons are ready to be planted out. By sowing them in the early winter it ensures a strong root system allowing them to bloom all summer long!
Snapdragons Potomac Series
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Snapdragon
Varieties Available
This Season
The Potomac Series (Andrew’s Hardy Annual Project): We have a beautiful selection of Potomac Series snapdragons ready to plant now! Andrew seeded four varieties in December—‘Cherry Rose,’ ‘Dark Orange,’ ‘Potomac White,’ and ‘Royal’—which are in larger pots, with strong root systems and a long blooming season. In addition, we have early-arriving Potomac Snapdragons in 3” black pots in Royal, Pink, Orange, and Cherry Rose. These are the best cut-flower snapdragons we will have this season, and they’re hardened off outside and ready to go.
The Rocket series: These are another good variety for cut flowers. Available in White.
Snaptini series: We are growing this dwarf series that are too short for cut flowers but extremely beautiful and very hardy. 4 packs are available in Red, White and Yellow.
Twinny Peach and the Candy Showers series in Pink and White.
The ‘Potomac Series' is a rewarding flower to grow with their stunning color range, excellent vase life, and ability to withstand cool temperatures. Add these beauties to your garden, and you’ll enjoy their blooms from spring through fall!
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HARDY ANNUAL CUT FLOWERS
Ammi visnaga 'Green Mist' a cousin to Queens Anne Lace
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HARDY ANNUAL
CUT FLOWERS
The Delight of Late Spring Bouquets
Have you ever longed for a garden that bursts into bloom early in the season, filled with flowers ready to be cut and arranged, lifting your spirits from the greys of winter? Hardy annuals might just be your new best friend. These resilient flowers thrive in cooler temperatures, one of the first to awaken your landscape as winter fades.
Ammi (Ammi majus)
Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Ammi Majus
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What are
Hardy Annuals?
Hardy annuals are flowers that complete their entire lifecycle—from seed to bloom to seed again—in one growing season. But unlike tender annuals, they can tolerate (and even prefer) the cooler temperatures of early spring and fall. Vineyard Gardens sows theirs in early winter to establish strong roots, rewarding you with a head start on blooms as soon as the temperatures rises.
Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Papaver ‘Amazing Grey’
Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy' - ready to plant!
Ladybird Poppies (Papaver commutatum)
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Favorite Hardy
Annual Cut Flowers
Ready to Plant Today!
Salvia Blue Monday
Antirrhinum Potomac Red
Want to get started? Here are some tried-and-true hardy annuals, sown in December at Vineyard Gardens, that are beautiful in your garden and on your table.
Agrostemma : Brings a delicate yet striking presence to garden borders and meadow plantings. Attracts pollinators. Adds ethereal quality to cut flower arrangements.
Ocean Pearl
Purple Queen
Ammi Majus ‘Select White’ : Delicate, lacy flowers that resemble Queen Anne’s Lace, adding a whimsical touch.
Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’ : Lacy, green-tinted white flower, that resembles Queen Anne’s lace, adding a soft, ethereal touch to garden borders and floral arrangements.
Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragons) Vibrant, long-lasting, and available in a variety of colors. Potomac Series is the best cut-flower snapdragons we will have this season. Hardened off outside and ready to go.
Cherry Rose
Dark Orange
Potomac White
Royal
Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor’s Buttons): Easy to grow. Frilled blooms atop slender, upright stems. Versatile addition to wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and floral arrangements..
Blue Boy
Select Ultraviolet
Lady Mauve
Larkspur: In the Delphiniums family, gorgeous flowers that will reseed in your sunny garden. Tall, elegant spires that add drama to any bouquet.
Deep Blue
Fancy Blue Purple
Fancy Rose Striped
Fancy Smokey Eyes
Frosted Skies
Misty Lavender
QIS 'Lilac
QIS 'Pure White'
QIS 'White'
Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Peas): Delicate tendrils, a sweet fragrance, and endless color options make these an old-fashioned favorite.
Orlaya 'White Lace' : Delicate, lacy white blooms resembling Queen Anne’s Lace. Soft airy appearance. Ready to be planted! A great cut flower.
Papaver commutatum (Lady Bird) : Bright red blooms with striking black spots, these poppies add a bold splash of color to bouquets. While their vase life is short, sealing the cut stem with a quick flame can help prolong their beauty.
Papaver:
Bridal Silk
Imperial Pink
Papaver rhoeas
Salvia horminium : Vibrant, long blooming colorful, papery bracts in shades of pink, purple, and white. Bold color and unique texture add contrast in a cut flower arrangement.
Pink Sunday
Blue Monday
Scabiosa : Adds a bold contrast to garden borders and cut flower arrangements while attracting bees and butterflies.
Black Knight
Fata Morgana
Merlot Red
Oxford Blue
Cutting flowers encourages more blooms, so don’t be shy about filling your vases!
Want to dig deeper? Explore a couple of our favorite varieties below and tips for planting success!
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A Garden
That Gives Back
There’s something magical about stepping into the garden in late spring early summer, scissors in hand, and gathering a bouquet of homegrown blooms. Hardy annuals make this possible, bridging the gap between winter’s dormancy and the abundance of summer.
So why not carve out a little space in your garden for these cold-tolerant beauties?
Ladybird Poppies, Cornflower, Larkspur [illustration by karen blackerby logan]
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APRIL GARDENING TIPS
Dogwood illustration by karen blackerby logan
APRIL
GARDENING TIPS
Kickstart Your Garden for the Season!
Spring has arrived, and with it comes the excitement of a new gardening season! April is the perfect time to prep your yard, nourish your soil, and start planting for a lush and vibrant summer. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, here are some essential tips to get your garden in top shape!
Viburnum burkwoodii photo by keith kurman
In the greenhouse photo by andrew wiley
Chiondoxa photo by karen blackerby logan
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Garden Clean-Up
Before diving into planting, clear away the remnants of fall and winter—dead leaves, broken branches, and debris that can harbor pests and diseases. We have a variety of gardening tools at the nursery to make clean-up easier!
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Soil Care
Healthy soil = healthy plants! Give your soil a boost by adding nutrient-rich compost and manure. We carry Coast of Maine compost and manure as well as Fafard products. Not sure what your soil needs? Use a soil testing kit (available at our nursery) to check its composition and adjust accordingly.
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Spring Annuals
Brighten up your garden beds and containers with spring annuals! Pansies are now available, and Sweet Alyssum will be ready soon. Plus, we’re excited to introduce a new selection of fall-sown Hardy Annuals, grown from seed by Andrew Wiley. Look for poppies, bachelor buttons (Centaurea cyanus), Queen Anne’s Lace (Ammi majus Select White), and more! Want to learn how to extend your blooms? Check out our blog post on Hardy Annuals.
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Edibles: Time to Plant!
April is the season to plant cool-weather vegetables, small fruits, and fruit trees. Whether you’re dreaming of homegrown lettuce, berries, or apples, we have everything you need to get started. Learn more about Cool Weather Veggies.
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Trees & Shrubs
Now is an ideal time to plant trees and shrubs! Adding them to your landscape provides beauty, shade, and long-term benefits for the ecosystem.
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Pruning
Spring is the time to prune any diseased or dead wood from your trees and deciduous shrubs. This keeps them healthy and encourages strong new growth.
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Lawn Edging
A crisp lawn edge isn’t just for looks—it also keeps mulch, rocks, and soil neatly separated from your grass. We carry heavy-duty black plastic edging in 10-foot sections to help define your garden beds.
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Winter and early spring are great times to clean and sharpen tools.
Tool Maintenance: Sharpen & Clean
Before tackling your garden projects, take a moment to clean, sharpen, and oil your tools. This makes your work easier and extends the life of your equipment.
Tool Care Essentials:
A good pair of gloves, bypass pruner, lopper, disinfectant spray, and anti-bacterial wipes will make a big difference.
Need help sharpening your pruners, loppers, hedge shears, or pruning saws? Bring them to Vineyard Gardens, and Jeremiah Brown will sharpen them for you! (Fee applies.)
Don’t forget your spades and shovels—keeping them sharp ensures smoother digging.
Pro Tip: Store your tools in a 5-gallon bucket filled with sand and old motor oil to clean and prevent rust.
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Lawn Care: April is Prime Time!
April is the best month to fertilize and reseed your lawn. Grass thrives in cool weather, making spring the perfect time for new growth.
Fertilization Basics:
Grass needs a balance of macronutrients (N-P-K: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and micronutrients.
We carry organic fertilizers that release nutrients slowly and inorganic options with higher N-P-K concentrations.
If you skipped liming your lawn in the fall, now is the time! Lime lowers soil acidity, but it takes months to take effect.
Weed Control & Seeding:
Apply pre-emergent weed control before Forsythia blooms.
Looking for an organic option? Try Corn Gluten, which prevents weed seeds from sprouting while adding nutrients.
For best results when seeding, add a layer of rich soil under the seed and keep it moist.
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**Important Fertilization Law on Martha’s Vineyard**
🚨 Reminder: Fertilizers cannot be applied until April 15. This law helps protect local water sources by ensuring nutrients go into the growing grass instead of leaching into the groundwater.
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April is a month full of gardening possibilities—clean up, plant, and prep for a beautiful season ahead. Stop by the nursery for all your gardening needs, and let’s grow something amazing together!
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EARLY SPRING COLOR
Azaleas [illustration karen blackerby logan]
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EARLY
SPRING BLOOMS
A Splash of Color for Your Landscape
Spring is here! The air is crisp, birds are filling the trees with song, and our garden center on State Road is open. Our greenhouse teams have been hard at work, waking up bulbs and sowing seeds, while landscape crews tackle spring clean-ups. With nature waking up, now is the perfect time to add vibrant color to your landscape! Here are some top early bloomers to consider:
Viburnum plicatum
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VIBURNUM
A Spring Favorite
Viburnums are a must-have for spring gardens, blooming from early spring through June. Their attractive fruit and beautiful fall foliage make them a year-round winner. The early spring blooming viburnum flowers are extremely fragrant. Viburnums will do well in full sun to part shade. They are used as specimens in shrub borders, foundation plantings, as hedges or screens. They are attractive to butterflies and birds and tolerate a broad range of soil conditions, including poor or compacted soils. Prune right after flowering. We carry several varieties, including the native Viburnum dentatum and the compact ‘Blue Muffin’ Viburnum for smaller spaces.
Viburnum burkwoodii
Viburnum burkwoodii
Viburnum pragense
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MAGNOLIA
Magnolia ‘Royal Star’ : A Fragrant Beauty
One of the first trees to bloom in spring, Magnolia ‘Royal Star’ dazzles with large, fragrant white flowers that appear before the foliage. With excellent cold and heat tolerance, this small specimen tree or large shrub is a standout in any garden.
Magnolia Royal Stars
Magnolia Royal Stars
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FORSYTHIA
‘Lynwood Gold’: A Golden Welcome
For a burst of sunshine in early spring, Forsythia ‘Lynwood Gold’ is unbeatable. Its brilliant yellow flowers cover branches before lush green foliage emerges, with a hint of purple in the fall. A perfect way to brighten your landscape!
Forsythia 'Lynwood Gold'
Forsythia 'Lynwood Gold'
Forsythia 'Lynwood Gold'
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PIERIS JAPONICA
Year-Round Interest
Pieris japonica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that provides multiseason interest. In early spring, their cascading, delicate, bell shaped flowers bloom for about two weeks. The blooms range in color from white to pink. Simultaneously, bright pink, red, or bronze new foliage emerges, gradually transforming into glossy, oblong evergreen leaves. Beadlike flower buds form in late summer and hold steadfast through winter against their evergreen backdrop.
Deer resistant, slow growing and shade tolerant, Pieris japonica are ideal for adding year round color to mixed borders.
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AZALEAS &
RHODODENDRONS
Bold Spring Color
These beloved spring bloomers provide vibrant color and lush greenery. Rhododendrons and Azaleas abundant blooms are welcomed first thing in spring. Rhododendrons dark green leaves, mature height and width make great screening! Azaleas are in the rhododendron family. There are both evergreen and deciduous varieties available. ‘Most’ deciduous azaleas bloom after the evergreen azaleas. They will bloom on old wood before the plant has leafed out for the year. For smaller gardens, Weston hybrid Azaleas offer a compact alternative.
To see these deciduous azaleas in their full splendor they will be blooming in a few weeks at the Polly Hill Arboretum!
Azalea ‘Landmark’
Deciduous Azalea
Rhododendron
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MORE SPRING
BLOOMING SHRUBS
ORNAMENTAL CHERRIES, RED BUD, AND SAND CHERRIES
Dwarf Cherry
Cercis canadensis Pendula
Sand Cherry
Spring is short—make the most of it! Visit us on State Road to find the perfect shrubs for your garden and bring your landscape to life.
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[PLANT PROFILE] WITCH HAZEL
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WITCH HAZEL
Hamamelis × intermedia
A Four-Season
Marvel
Witch hazels are a captivating addition to any garden, offering year-round interest with their fragrant winter blooms, stunning fall color, and unique branching structure. At our nursery, we carry some of the finest cultivars of Hamamelis × intermedia: ‘Primavera,’ ‘Jelena,’ ‘Diane,’ and ‘Arnold’s Promise.’ For a beautiful display, a visit to the Polly Hill Arboretum is highly recommended, where their well-established collection showcases these plants in full bloom.
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Ostergold’ in it’s full spring glory at Poll Hill Arboretum [photo by Sofia Wiley]
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Seasonal Interest
WINTER BLOOMS : One of the most enchanting qualities of Hamamelis × intermedia is its ability to bloom in mid- to late winter, long before other plants awaken from dormancy. Its delicate, ribbon-like flowers emerge in shades of yellow, copper, orange, and red, depending on the cultivar, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.
SPRING & SUMMER APPEAL : As spring arrives, witch hazels leaf out with fresh green foliage, blending seamlessly into a woodland setting. They serve as a lovely backdrop for later-blooming perennials and shrubs.
FALL COLOR : Come autumn, witch hazel foliage transforms into a vibrant display of gold, orange, and red. This seasonal transition adds another dimension to their beauty, making them a true multi-season performer.
YEAR-ROUND STRUCTURE : Even in winter, their distinctive branching pattern provides architectural interest in the landscape, making them a valuable addition for structure and texture.
Hamamelis mollis 'Princeton Gold' [photo by Sofia Wiley]
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Aphrodite' [photo by Sofia Wiley]
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Angelly' [photo by Sofia Wiley]
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Growing & Care
Sunlight: Best flowering occurs in full sun, but witch hazels can also tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Prefers moist, acidic, and organically rich soils for optimal growth.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed—just remove dead or crossing branches to maintain shape.
Spacing: These shrubs can spread 10-15 feet wide, so allow ample room for growth.
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Low Maintenance
While Hamamelis × intermedia is not native, it does not self-seed or become invasive, making it a responsible choice for gardens that prioritize ecological harmony. It thrives in woodland settings, blending beautifully with native trees and shrubs while providing a much-needed splash of color during the bleakest months of the year.
Hamamelis mollis 'Princeton Gold' [photo by Sofia Wiley]
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Ostergold [photo by Sofia Wiley]
Hamamelis ‘Arnold’s Promise’ available at Vineyard Gardens [photo by Sofia Wiley]
Stop by Vineyard Gardens to explore our selection and then take a trip to the Polly Hill Arboretum to witness these stunning plants in full bloom!
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