Homestead Gardens 'Inspirations' Magazine

Insp覺rat覺ons Spring/Summer

2015

Four Season Solutions for Home and Garden

Bullet proof Perennials Garden to Grill The Hydrangea (R)evolution Traveling with Pets

2015

Kick back, relax and enjoy the gorgeous fragrance of our easy growing ‘Sweet Summer Love’ Clematis. Visit us at provenwinners-shrubs.com.

Spring/Summer 2015

About Homestead Gardens Founded in 1973 by Don Riddle, Jr., our landmark nursery is nestled amidst the beautiful rolling countryside of Davidsonville, Maryland and is the largest enclosed garden center in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. From our humble beginnings as a roadside stand first selling azaleas, bedding plants, mums and poinsettias, Homestead Gardens has since expanded to become one of the country’s leading garden centers.

Homestead Gardens, Severna Park was opened in 2010 and continues to thrive. Our stores boast the area’s largest selection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, landscaping design and build service, outdoor lighting, garden accessories, casual furniture and more.

Our Locations Homestead Gardens 743 W Central Ave Davidsonville, MD 21035 410-798-5000

And our second location: 522 Ritchie Highway Severna Park, MD 21146 410-384-7966 homesteadgardens.com

Best Garden Center

How to Reach Us ADVERTISING Gil Kidd Inspirations Magazine 248-798-4243 gkidd@ecgc.com Inspirations is published for ECGC LLC by ECGC Distributors, Inc. © 2015 ECGC LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Correspondence: On matters concerning the magazine, write to Gary Jones, 2200 E. Route 66, Suite 200, Glendora, CA 91740; gjones@armstronggarden.com; 626-914-1091; fax: 626-335-0257. Opinions expressed within are not to be considered official expressions of ECGC LLC, Inspirations. ECGC LLC assumes no responsibility for errors and omissions appearing within. ECGC LLC reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial and advertising matter. ECGC LLC does not assumes any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or artwork.

What’s all the Buzz about?

A

s many of you have probably heard, there is a lot of discussion these days about pollinators and the impact horticultural practices have on these beneficial species. Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, are responsible for the majority of reproduction of plants--both flowering and edible. Over the last few years, many of us, growers, retailers and consumers alike, have been focusing on the concern over honey bees and the relationship between population decline and pesticide use. These concerns have fueled a debate between environmental activists and the agriculture, horticulture and pesticide manufacturing industries. Homestead Gardens gets asked regularly what our stance is on the matter. I would like to take this opportunity to share our understanding of and response to this hot issue.

Nursery and Greenhouse growers are continually adjusting and managing their crops according to environmental factors. Various tools are needed to maintain a healthy and successful plant. Sometimes during the growing process, plants will require the application of products that help minimize disease and protect them from infestations.

I understand that there are many concerns about pest control and health hazards associated with them. To help make certain that we are adhering to the best practices, we here at Homestead Gardens continuously discuss concerns and actively research the works of leading scientists from Universities, Research Laboratories and Industry Experts.

A notable concern as of late is the use of an insecticide known as Neonicotinoids.

This particular type of pest control has been widely used since the late 90’s with substantial benefit. There is a lot of buzz in the community calling for a ban on neonics (as they are commonly referred by) for farming, landscape and horticulture practices.

I share these concerns and have been worried about the unintended consequences especially on human health. It is my opinion that the discussion being circulated by many is driven by emotions versus science. Recent findings from a USDA–sponsored study show that honey bee populations have been growing overall since 1995 and increased by four percent alone from 2013 to 2014. However, contradictory research and statistics still continue to muddle the debate. The one thing that is clear is that more research is necessary for any result to be conclusive.

As such, I have decided that the call to abandon these important tools is premature and short sighted given the disparity in the findings. At this time, neonicotinoids are safer than the alternative solutions on the market. Our greenhouse and nursery suppliers are committed to minimizing the use of chemicals for pest control unless absolutely necessary. Homestead Gardens’ commitment to you, our customers, remains the same - to offer high-quality and healthy plants.

Brian Riddle

President and CEO, Homestead Gardens

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I N SP I RAT IO NS S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

5

Bulletproof Perennials

29 Shop for Scarves, Handbags,

Today, the best perennials are easy, low maintenance, problem free and beautiful.

10 The Benefits of Aromatherapy in Container Gardens

12 Pottery Particulars

Jewelry, Accessories and Gifts Make your life beautiful with personal accessories from Homestead Gardens.

32 Stuff We Love

16

Choosing the right container for your plants.

14 New & Improved Lawn and

Garden Department

Check out our newly expanded department.

16 The Hydrangea (R)evolution

8

Brand new and unique hydrangeas.

20 Garden to Grill

Best-for-the-grill veggies to plant now.

24 Get the Grilling Adventure Going

Grilling is an adventure you can enjoy all year long.

26 Don’t Leave Fido at Home this Summer

Traveling with pets.

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We make the remodeling process, from conception to onish a satisfying experience.

Our goal is to deliver a service that exceeds your expectations.

Imagine the possibilities

Bullet proof

Perennials

Tough

But Gorgeous.

Russian Sage (Perovskia)

Huge mists of lavender flowers hover over silver foliage. When this plant’s happy (and it’s easy to make it so) everybody’s happy.

Unbelievable show for little or no effort.

That’s what these perennials are. Today, the best perennials are easy care, low maintenance, problem free and beautiful. Some bloom over a long time, extending from one season into the next. Others put on a knockout show, afterwards providing beautiful, diseasefree foliage as a backdrop while other varieties begin to bloom.

These toughies will withstand a bit of abuse if needed—nasty heat, foul weather, even the whack of a stray soccer ball. Most of

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these bulletproof bloomers are deer-resistant (DR) too—an added advantage for those gardeners who struggle with voracious visitors.

A well-chosen selection of these perennials will create a sensational perennial border with colorful blooms all season long. Individually, any one of these can provide plenty of interest nestled among shrubs or combined with annual bloomers.

Yarrow (Achillea)

Above the low-growing ferny foliage arise beautiful, flat-topped flower clusters in chrome yellow, red, pink, or subtle shades like terracotta. Absolutely foolproof. DR

Here are our favorite, toughguy perennials for gardeners who have no time for sissies.

Anise Hyssop

(Agastache)

This is the new “it” perennial. With flowers looking a bit like lavenders (but not the mounding foliage), agastaches are newly available in lots of scrumptious colors. ‘Blue Fortune’ is a knockout. DR

Summer Phlox

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)

Butterflies love this native plant, and you will too. Bright blooms in yellow, red, orange, and pink look great with ornamental grasses and meadow flowers.

Long-lasting as cut flowers. DR

An old-fashioned favorite available in almost any color in the rainbow. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds and often richly fragrant.

New varieties are disease resistant.

Jupiter’s Beard (Centranthus ruber)

Heat and droughttolerant, this tough jewel will also re-seed nicely— showing up just where you need it. Comes in rosy-red or pure white.

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Coreopsis

If the color yellow is all that comes to mind when you think coreopsis, then you’re in for a very pleasant surprise. This tough, longblooming perennial now comes in red, orange, cream, purple and combinations thereof. DR

Salvia gregii

The problem with salvias?

Too many to choose from.

And they’re all bulletproof.

For fun, try out some of the new ones like the gorgeous ‘Wild Thing’. You really can’t make a mistake with salvias.

DR

Itoh Peony

Old-fashioned and romantic, peonies are beginning a revival. And the new Itoh hybrids are adding sensational colors. This stunning June bloomer has wonderful foliage that provides a backdrop for other perennials.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

This heat-lover is in the process of a makeover like coneflowers. New colors, new forms, big flowers—don’t miss them. DR

Catmint (Nepeta)

When catmints are in bloom, their clouds of lavender blooms are spectacular—especially as borders along sunny paths.

It will rebloom if cut back after first flowers finish. DR

Wandflower (Gaura)

With baby’s breath-like growing habit, this airy perennial has tremendous blooming power. The little butterfly-like flowers up and down the stems in pinks and whites are a must for any garden.

Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. DR

Coneflower (Echinacea)

This tough, always-inbloom cookie now comes in red, orange, cream, purple and combinations thereof. DR

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False Sunflower (Heliopsis)

This workhorse of the garden will bloom a long time with regular deadheading, which is easy, as it is a wonderful cut flower fresh or dried.

Attracts butterflies and is drought tolerant. DR

Plumbago (Ceratostigma)

Hellebore

If hellebores haven’t stolen An excellent, rapidly-growing your heart yet, watch out.

One look at the gorgeous groundcover with bright flowers (doubles, ruffled, blue flowers summer into picotees) will sell you on fall. This little guy has it this indestructible plant. Oh, all: attracts butterflies and and it blooms in late winter hummingbirds, it’s tolerant of drought and clay soil, and in shade. Evergreen. DR it grows in full sun or part shade. DR

Cranesbill (Geranium)

The new hybrid true geraniums are pretty sensational. ‘Rozanne’ for instance, was a recent selection as the “Perennial of the Year”. For good reason: a fail-proof plant and one that’s covered with vibrant, non-stop blooms.

Sedum

The upright, flowering sedums can really be valuable to late summer and fall gardens. The bold foliage, strong stalks, and large flower heads really have presence, especially if planted en masse.

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)

Yes, it’s been around for a while and used a lot. But there are new ones out in different colors and sizes. Give this trooper a second go. DR

Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa) Once in bloom, pincushion flower never stops. Mounds of finely-cut, gray-green foliage sport spindly (but strong) stems with pincushions in blue, pink or white. DR

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Rabbitproof Perennials If you live in an area where rabbits want to nibble away entire plants overnight, add these plants to your “bulletproof perennials” list.

Aconitum Geranium sanguineum Astilbe Aster novi-belgi Lamium Nepeta Bergenia Lysimachia

Iris, bearded & Siberian Helleborus Rudbeckia

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The

Benefits of

Container Gardens Aromatherapy uses scents from plants or essential oils (extracted from plants) to improve a person’s mood and well-being.

So when spring arrives and your garden needs attending, don’t forget to build an aromatherapy container garden. It will not only look beautiful, but will provide you with plenty of other benefits, too.

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Homestead Gardens’ staff recommends trying the following eight plants for your aromatherapy garden: Lavender - This plant grows

well in containers because the roots like to be tightly bound.

You shouldn’t plant another plant in the same container for this reason. Make certain the container drains well. Lavender’s scent is soothing, and the flowers can be added to salads and desserts for extra flavor.

Basil - This herb is popular in salads, pasta, pizza and other dinner menus, but the scent can also help with concentration. Basil can be planted in containers with other herbs and requires warm temperatures. Do not try to take it outdoors too early in the spring for this reason.

Lily of the valley - With

beautiful white flowers, this plant will bring a new look to your aromatherapy garden. Its leaves and flowers are good for helping your heart beat at a constant rate and its aroma helps bring a sense of happiness and gentleness.

Mint - Adding some mint to tea or other drinks can help aid digestion, and the scent is invigorating. Mint spreads easily, so keep it in a container by itself.

Lemon balm - Rubbing the

Geraniums - The beautiful

Thyme - Used for soothing

Rosemary - With a peppery scent, research has shown that rosemary can help improve your memory. It’s also an herb that works wonderfully in many dishes.

Consider planting rosemary in a container you can easily bring inside to winter over.

leaves of this plant will perfume the air and your fingers with a lovely lemony scent, which can help lift depression. Lemon balm is also an excellent herb for adding flavor to candies and drinks.

Lemon balm can be planted with other herbs in the same container.

headaches, alleviating exhaustion and providing a delicious flavor for dinners, thyme is an excellent herb to include in your container garden. It works well with other plants in containers and likes welldrained soil.

aroma of scented geraniums provides relaxation and refreshment. They can be planted in your flower garden, but also work in container gardens.

For the easiest growth of your aromatherapy garden, the staff at Homestead Gardens recommends you begin with small starter plants. Keep your containers in a well-lit area, and make certain you have well-draining soil. As temperatures increase this summer, you can take the plants outside to decorate your patio or deck.

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I Pottery

t is well known that plants enrich our lives in many ways. When buying plants for your home or outdoor living spaces, do not overlook the opportunity to showcase and improve the appearance of your plants, and add a designer’s touch to your living space.

Particulars

Indoor plants not only add beneficial carbon dioxide to your home’s atmosphere, but are also beautiful accessories which can enhance your décor. Plants come in grower’s pots which are usually plastic and very utilitarian looking. If you live in a greenhouse these would be fine. However choosing the right pottery can add color, texture and emotion to your rooms.

In outdoor settings, pottery can liven up a patio with color, create a welcoming entry, add drama to a garden bed and offer the ability to easily move plants.

Choosing the right

container for your plants Style:

When selecting a pot for a plant, consider the color, style and size of the room or living space where the plant will be placed. Glazed pottery can range in style from fun and funky to elegant. A terra cotta pot might look a little informal in the living room, but may be the perfect choice for a country kitchen. A ceramic container with a beautiful color or pattern could be the focal point or inspiration piece itself for a room’s décor.

Size: When repotting a new plant, choose a container that is approximately 2” larger than the grower’s pot. If you are repotting a plant that may be root bound, select a pot that is a little larger and will allow you to loosen the outside of the root ball before planting. Proportion is also a consideration when selecting a pot. A plant with foliage that is very full and large may not look right in a pot that is too small even if the root ball and soil fit. The pot size should be proportionate to the overall plant size to avoid looking top heavy.

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Drainage: Proper drainage is key to the survival of the plant.

Overwatering can leave roots sitting in water, which will lead to rotting. Root rot will quickly lead to plant failure. Ideally the pottery you choose should have a drainage hole. Saucers can be used to catch the excess water. You can improve the drainage in pots without drainage holes by adding an inch or two of gravel to the bottom of the pot. This will help keep the excess water away from the roots.

Weight: You may need to consider the material of your pottery if mobility or stability are a concern. Lightweight plastic and fiberglass containers are much easier to move, and offer the ability to overwinter plants indoors. Heavier pots of ceramic, concrete or iron will keep larger plants in place in windy conditions.

Rolling plant caddies can be useful for moving large and heavy pots.

Weather: Pottery of any material can be left outdoors in most regions from spring until late fall. Once temperatures drop below freezing, pottery should be brought indoors. Ceramic pottery, terra cotta and lightweight pottery will crack when water freezes and expands.

Cast concrete, iron, fiberglass and heavyweight plastic containers will fare better in freezing temperatures, but can also crack if they do not have adequate drainage.

Choosing pottery for your plants is very important to the health of your plant, but can also be a fun and easy way to decorate your home. With the variety of choices in material, colors and textures, it is easy to create a beautiful living space.

Homestead Gardens offers one of the largest selections of indoor and outdoor pottery in the area, and our helpful staff is happy to assist with your selection.

Repotting services are also available.

Homestead Gardens is committed to offering quality plants and a wide selection of pottery and accessories to help you enjoy your plants ... because life should be beautiful.

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Bobo

The

Hydrangea (R)evolution Move over, Kardashians.

There’s a new girl in town.

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H

edonistic hydrangeas are in the midst of a style revolution.

Many exciting new varieties are rebloomers, some are two-toned, new flower forms are appearing and shrubs are shrinking. This popular flowering shrub’s getting “aesthetic surgery”. Just like all the stars do.

Hydrangeas of every kind have always had a lot going for them. All make terrific cut flowers and many dry well, too. They’re easy to grow if planted in the right situations: full shade; dappled shade all day; or early morning/late afternoon or evening sun and shade for the rest of the day. They require ample, regular water and well-draining, well-amended soil.

This celebrity shrub looks great in a variety of situations.

With their big, bold leaves and blousy blooms, they’re great planted singly. Yet they look sensational massed. And they can also hold their own planted in pots, tubs—any good-sized container really—on patios, porches and decks.

The only critical thing you need to know is the correct way to prune each type. For those that bloom on new wood, prune in earliest spring while still dormant. For those blooming on old wood, you should prune right after flowering, removing up to one-third of the shrub’s branches to near the ground. The new growth that appears will bloom next year.

As mentioned, there’s a new category, however: rebloomers.

With these, you’ll need to prune as the flowers become spent, cutting the stem to the ground. New blooming growth will appear the same season as well as the following year.

See the accompanying chart for how to prune each type.

Quick Guide to Pruning

Hydrangeas Blooms on OLD wood (Prune 1/3 of branches to ground after flowering) H. macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea) H. quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) H. serrata (mountain hydrangea)

Blooms on NEW wood

Little Lime

(Prune up to 1/3 of plant late during dormancy) H. arborescens (smoothleaf hydrangea) H. aspera H. paniculata (hardy hydrangea) SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Hardy Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)

Hardy Hydrangeas do particularly well in the Chesapeake Bay area. Little Lime is a dwarf form of the popular Limelight. Both have numerous, large, lime green flower clusters held on strong stems.

Blooms transition to bronzy pink in the fall. Both make beautiful flowering hedges.

Another duo, Quick Fire and Little Quick Fire, is notable for blooming early—almost a month earlier than others. With each of these, flowers open white, and then turn to a rich deep pink. The flower heads are open and lacy.

Limelight Pinky Winky

Pinky Winky has panicles (flower heads) over a foot in length that start out pink and continue to produce white flowers at the tip. The flowers of Fire Light open white before ripening to dark, burgundy-pink in fall.

BoBo’s flowers, on the other hand, stay white—even as the panicles continue to grow and lengthen. Bobo is a compact shrub that’s literally covered in blooms.

Fire and Ice provides three seasons of color. The flower clusters open rich, creamy white, mature to pink by mid-summer, then deepen to burgundy-red in late summer or fall.

Little Quick Fire

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Pistachio

Fire and Ice

Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)

Smoothleaf hydrangeas are another good choice for our area. Incrediball and Invincibelle Spirit are two of the best. Incrediball has sturdy stems topped by massive white blooms up to a foot in diameter. The blooms of Invincibelle Spirit, though much smaller, cover the shrub with rich pink color.

The flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla make great cut flowers. Two of the most beautiful and unusual are Pistachio and Wedding Gown. Wedding Gown is a lacecap type, with large, exquisite, double white flowers that seem to dance around the central, small flowers. You won’t want to miss Pistachio, a mophead hydrangea with hot pink and pistachio green flowers. It repeats blooms on a compact plant.

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Garden to

Super-fresh veggies to get fired up about.

J

ust-picked flavor is what’s hot today.

And it doesn’t get any fresher than home-grown.

Here are easy-to-grow favorites that only get better when cooked on your backyard grill. Now’s the time to plant!

Each of these backyard vegetables take on a darker, richer flavor with the smoke and caramelizing that occurs when flame-cooked.

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Grill

Best-for-the-Grill

Veggies to Plant

Now

Eggplant – Couldn’t be simpler to grill. Brush half-inch thick rounds with olive oil directly on the grill. Season with kosher salt. Cook till grill marks form and flesh is gray.

Onion – The ultimate grilling companion for all other veggies.

Peppers – There are lots of companions for peppers and with the skins charred, they taste even better.

Yellow Squash and Zucchini – Place long slices right on the grill after brushing with olive oil and a mixture of fresh herbs.

Cabbage – Season wedges with butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Wrap in foil, place on grill until steamed and edges are caramelized. Even people who don’t like cabbage like this.

Beets – Grill beets like cabbage above, seasoning with salt and butter. If you harvest when young, you don’t even need to peel them.

Remember not to overcook any of them—you want to cook them over high heat, charring them, but allow them to retain a slight crunchiness.

Before grilling, brush or toss with olive oil to enhance flavor and to retain moisture.

Slice the long way for ease of cooking or place in a special BBQ pan designed just for grilling.

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Corn – Pull husks down and remove the silk.

Place husks back up, soak in salted water for 10 minutes, then grill for 15 minutes with the lid closed, turning often. Simple. Perfect.

Tomatoes – Cut tomatoes in half and season with kosher salt, fresh-ground pepper and brush with olive oil. Cook cut side down in a vegetable basket until slightly charred. Before serving, brush again with oil, give a splash of balsamic vinegar and top with chopped fresh basil.

The Edible Patio Recently, smaller-growing vegetable plants have been appearing from hybridizers. These space-savers are ideal for container gardens. Gardeners are also learning to grow vertically—all vining cucurbits (cucumbers, squash) and melons can be trained on trellises, obelisks or simple tripods. Here are some small space choices available at Homestead Gardens: Cucumber Patio Snacker* Eggplant Early Midnight* Pepper Cajun Belle* Pepper Cute Stuff Red*

Pepper La Bomba* Squash Buckingham* Tomato Bush Champion II* Tomato Bush Early Girl*

Grow fresh grilling seasonings, too Since your vegetable ingredients will be straight-from-the-backyard, why not use just as fresh seasonings, too? Here are chef’s favorites for summer grilling. With fresh herbs, flavor is always livelier and prettier to look at, too.

Rosemary – Rich, piney scent; earthy flavor. Sprigs are beautiful charred.

Thyme – Musty and savory—especially good on vegetables.

Tarragon – Sweet and savory at the same time, with just a hint of perfume.

Oregano – Combine with lemon and olive oil to accompany tomatoes and meats. Fresh oregano is milder than dried.

Chives – Charred or not, chives add beautiful texture to the appearance of foods and wonderful, soft, oniony flavor.

Dill – Another beautiful herb when grilled. Lay smoked or charred veggies on a bed of grilled dill for a subtle infusion of flavor.

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Tomato Homeslice* Tomato Little Sun Yellow* Tomato Mega Bite* Tomato Patio*

Get the

Grilling Adventure

Going for a Long Season Of Family Meals

G

rilling is an adventure you can experience all year long, and your

family will love the results! Making the grill a part of your family’s weekly menu not only puts delicious meals on the table, but it also encourages members of the family to gather around the grill to enjoy the smell of food being cooked.

If you haven’t thought about it before, you can grill almost anything that requires cooking. From fruits and vegetables to marinated meats, the grill works like a combination of the oven and stove together. In short, it produces amazing results.

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Some of the more popular grilling techniques include the following:

• Hot and fast - Direct heat at a high temperature is best used for thin slices of meat, or foods that shouldn’t be overcooked. Think of the foods you’d cook in a fry pan - they’re the best for hot and fast. Before placing your foods on the grill, make certain you have all the equipment needed for turning items quickly and removing them from the grill. Extra hands are a bonus, so you can make certain your foods are cooked perfectly!

• Medium temps

• Indirect heat - Smokers are

frequently used for this long, slowcooking process. A smoker box is set up on the side of the grill. The heat from the charcoal filters through to the main grill chamber, cooking the meat like an oven.

This process is best used for larger cuts of meat like whole chickens and roasts. Gas grills also can be used for indirect heat, but they won’t provide the smoke effect, which changes the flavor of the meat being cooked.

- Thicker cuts of meat like pork chops, chicken and thicker steaks cook best over a medium temp.

This is also best for vegetables and fruits.

Carefully monitor your grill and rotate the foods to keep them exposed to even heat.

Enjoy Your Summer

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Traveling with Pets The experts at Homestead Gardens Farm & Pet offer these great tips

Summer is a time for adventure, with all members of the family able to enjoy some time spent together camping, on a road trip, or exploring a new city. You don’t want to leave the pet dog behind on these great journeys, so be sure to include in your plans all the essentials you’ll need for Fido to enjoy the trip as well. The staff at Homestead Gardens offers the following suggestions:

Fido

Don’t Leave

at Home this Summer

1

Lodging - Many hotels are petfriendly, and AAA has published “Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook,” listing AAA-rated lodging that accepts dogs and cats. When making reservations in hotels or campgrounds, double check that your pet will be welcome.

2

Know the area - If you’re going a long distance, research the weather as well as poisonous plants and animals that exist where you’re traveling. Dogs love to explore and can easily put themselves in danger if they run into a snake or eat a toxic plant.

3

Make a list of emergency vet clinics/hospitals along your route - Keep the phone numbers and addresses on a document that you’ll carry with you at all times. If you are traveling to an area with venomous snakes, contact the clinics ahead of time to ensure they have anti-venom medication available.

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4

Car safety - Like humans, it’s safest for your pet to be buckled up. There are many pet harness options available at Homestead Gardens that connect to car-safety systems so your dog is better protected in case of a crash. Also remember that the summer heat can increase the temperature inside the car to dangerous levels. It’s always best not to leave a pet inside a vehicle for any amount of time during the summer months if you don’t have the AC running.

5

Keep a schedule - Don’t try to change your dog’s regular schedule too much. He might suffer from uncomfortable health conditions if you feed him new foods, provide him with water from a different water source, change his walk times or miss a bathroom stop. Pack everything he uses and take it with you, and keep an eye on the clock so you can give him the care he needs at his regular times.

With these tips, you can take Fido along wherever you go this summer, and take plenty of family pictures with everyone happily smiling!

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935 West Street AnnapolisHyundai.com

An escape route from the ordinary

149 Old Solomon’s Island Rd. Annapolis, MD AnnapolisSubaru.com

Shop

for scarves, handbags, jewelry, accessories and gifts at a garden center??

Absolutely!

The Homestead Gardens motto -Because life should be beautiful - now means more than enhancing

your surroundings with plants and flowers. With the launch of Evelyn’s Boutique at both our garden centers, making life beautiful now extends beyond the outdoors and into your home and even your closet! Whether looking for a gift or treating yourself, the boutique at Homestead offers a variety of choices.

Find the latest trends and colors in home accents, beachwear, handbags, jewelry, and accessories!

• Purses, tote bags and beach bags in a pallet of

beautiful colors and patterns are available to complement and complete casual summer wardrobes. You can even find flip flops and a bright cover up for that getaway weekend at the beach.

• Unique jewelry pieces

ranging from sparkly and elegant to fun and colorful can be found for any occasion.

• We have expanded our collection of Americanmade Spartina handbags and accessories.

Known for their beautiful colors, fabrics and patterns, browse their selection of purses, tote bags, wallets and even a new line of fashion jewelry.

• Wonderful fragrances and lotions by Thymes*,

beautiful soaps and candles by Michel Designs* and locally made candles by Annapolis Candle Co.* offer endless options for gift giving.

• The boutique is rich with inspiration to

beautify your life including home accents and lamps. As you wander through the boutique into the Homestead Market you’ll find our ever popular McCutcheons jellies, jams and condiments along with table top décor and serving pieces, placemats, tea towels and unique items to compliment any country kitchen or elegant dining room.

• A kitchen is not complete without cookbooks, and we proudly

continue to sell the Semper Fi Family cookbook that supports the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook go to the Semper Fi Fund which provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post 9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their families, ensuring that they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back to their communities.

A trip to Homestead Gardens for all your gardening needs should include a stroll through Evelyn’s Boutique ….

Because life should be beautiful.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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When our community succeeds, we all succeed.

At M&T Bank, we know how important it is to support those organizations that make our communities better places to live and work. That’s why we offer both our time and resources and encourage others to do the same.

mtb.com Š2015 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.

Professional Personalized Projects

410-224-0700

302 Harry S. Truman Pkwy, Suite F Annapolis, MD 21401

Haven’t you always wanted your own water garden?

Beautiful aquatic plants and even fish create a soothing, tranquil atmosphere. Now, thanks to the creative team at Pond-in-a-Pot, your dream of a tropical oasis at home can become a reality! Their 3 step process makes assembling a healthy, balanced mix of natural elements easy!

The Pond-in-a-Pot program uses color-coded plant tags and an easy-to-understand brochure to show you the way to something truly new and beautiful for your yard. Just set your Pond-in-a-Pot in a sunny spot on your deck or patio and enjoy the show!

Pond-in-a-Pot is now available at Homestead Gardens!

Down Low and Fun to Grow ™ Durable, tough, tolerant, yet beautiful plants chosen to look great and prosper in your most difficult landscape spots! Whether it’s hot and dry areas, shady and moist areas, or slopes that defy plants to survive, Jeepers Creepers® plants not only survive, they’ll thrive!

Homestead Gardens recommends Jeepers Creepers® for: • Groundcovers • Lawn Substitute • Planting between pathway stones • Patio container gardens

What’s stopping you from starting your home garden?

What’s stopping you from starting your home garden?

Small space?

Undiggable ground?

Lack of time?

It can be quite intimidating, but home gardening doesn’t have to be a headache.

Big Bag Beds make home gardening easy to set up and enjoyable to do!

Turn any space into a garden - terrace, patio, deck, or undiggable ground Just unfold & fill. No wood or nails needed. The Big Bag Bed is sturdy enough to move around and is easily relocated where & when you want. This product withstands the elements and is reusable for years. It even folds for easy storage!

For instant garden gratification, Homestead Gardens Lawn & Garden experts recommend Big Bag Bed.

Saber Grills - a new line of value-priced, premiumquality, stainless-steel barbecues is now sold at Homestead Gardens stores!

Exclusively available at specialty retailers like Homestead, these grills do not sacrifice quality in order to hit that consumer friendly price point. Technological innovations combined with quality workmanship make Saber Grills a superb option when shopping for grills.

Every Saber grill features a patented, infrared burner system that provides temperature ranges between 250 and 700 degrees. Each burner is designed as a separate zone, allowing burners to be set at different temperatures simultaneously for cooking various types of foods with ease! In addition, Saber’s burners consume onethird less energy than traditional barbecues! Choose from cart-based or drop-in models with 2, 3 or 4 burners.

TradeWinds Hibiscus Hibiscus TradeWinds varieties are the epitome of bringing a little paradise and color into your home. These plants were bred to bloom and bloom when given proper care and have unbelievable unique twotoned flowers. They are ideal for patio and deck areas and since light is the primary factor in their ever blooming character, the more natural light they receive, the more frequent they will flower. Make sure to keep them watered and never let them dry out or wilt.

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For show-stopping color all season, plant Sun Parasol® mandevillas in your landscape, container gardens or window boxes.

• Sun-loving varieties thrive in heat and humidity.

• Vigorous plants make gardening easy and produce flowers from spring until fall.

• Enjoy award-winning garden performance!

Plant your tropical paradise today!

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Easy Gardening Tips

The #1 Selling Mandevilla Series sunparasol.net/gardeners