'INSPIRATIONS' Magazine May 2019

INSPIRATIONS Spring/Summer 2019

Four Season Solutions for Home & Garden

get

Outs ide

this summer

Transform your outdoor space into an outdoor LIVING space.

ALSO INSIDE: Plan a Tropical Staycation Keep the Bay Clean The Sky is the Limit with Container Gardening & more Crape Myrtle Fes tival July 19-22

nd

Bobo® Hydrangea: DWARF SIZE, ABUNDANT BLOOMS, LARGE FLOWERS, STURDY STEMS, ADAPTABLE AND EASY CARE

2019

Before they reach your garden, our flowering shrubs undergo years of trials and testing for color, size, quantity of blooms, stem strength, and ability to thrive with ease. Only a few prove they’re worthy of the #1 plant brand.

provenwinners-shrubs.com

INSPIRATIONS Spring/Summer 2019

to my fellow gardeners...

Happy Mother’s Day 2019! Mother's Day is a special time when families get together and celebrate all the great women in their lives. Homestead Gardens has been strongly influenced by the special women in my life and in the life of the company from the beginning. This May we celebrate all the women of Homestead Gardens.

In this issue, you will find interesting articles about how your life can be better with plants. They focus on the 2019 Garden Media Group consumer garden trends. Whether you are selecting the perfect combination of plants to transform your outdoor patio and pool area or deciding the perfect pallet of plants to do your part in managing stormwater runoff, learn from the articles and find everything you need to bring them to life in the store. Homestead Gardens is committed to providing our customers with the plants and local solutions that grow gardens while protecting wildlife and the Chesapeake Bay. Homestead Gardens has always prioritized hosting speakers and classes that provide practical tips on topics from potting to planting and beyond. In the article “Plant Parenthood” you will see that we have a very special event, July 27th with Summer Rayne Oakes for the release of her new book, How to Make a Plant Love You. It makes no difference if you are selecting a tree, searching for flowering shrubs, choosing an accent with flowers or creating oxygen with a houseplant, this year we also celebrate you as a Plant Parent.

Happy Spring, Mother Nature!

Brian Riddle

President & CEO, Homestead Gardens

In Store Davidsonville, Maryland 743 W. Central Avenue ph: 410.798.5000 Severna Park, Maryland 522 Ritchie Highway ph: 410.384.7966

Homestead Gardens was founded in 1973 by Don Riddle, Jr. Homestead Gardens landmark garden center and nursery is nestled among the rolling countryside of Davidsonville, Maryland and is the largest enclosed garden center in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Editor in Chief / Art Director: Rachel Edler Graphic Design: Joyce Boos Advertising Sales: inspirations@homesteadgardens.com

Online HomesteadGardens.com /homesteadgardens @homesteadgardens @homesteadgrdns

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 1

contents INSPIRATIONS Spring/Summer 2019

5

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners www.provenwinners.com

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5

Plan a Tropical Staycation Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to make your patio, deck or pool area a space you’ll want to be all season long.

8

Keep the Bay Clean The Chesapeake Bay is rich in history,

12

Be an Edible Garden Guru There are so many benefits to

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The Sky is the Limit with Container Gardening

20

Plant Parenthood: Where You Can Find a Community

24

Get Outside this Summer 93% of people spend all day

28

Meet Us at the Barnyard The Homestead Barnyard is a

30

Coupons & Calendar of Events Learn what’s happening

plays a vital economic role, and is an astonishing source of natural beauty. This precious resource needs help to stay clean and healthy. growing your own food, from increased flavor to taking control of what your food is exposed to.

Interest in container gardening continues to grow year after year because it is so versatile. Use containers as accent pieces all over your garden, to liven up a balcony or to frame an entryway..

Welcome to Plant Parenthood! As plant people ourselves, we are so excited you have taken the first step into the houseplant-loving world.

inside, looking at screens for work and entertainment, but our bodies and minds need the outdoors...

great place to see friendly farm animals, learn how to care for them and understand how we all play a vital role in creating a healthy ecosystem. at Homestead and take advantage of exclusive savings for Garden Rewards members. Not a member? Not a problem – join for FREE today!

20 24 2 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Homestead Gardens

your

is

garden center

Easy Solutions | Best Product Selection | Educated Staff | Central Location

garden rewards New & Improved for your Convenience

»» »» »»

Earn 2% back with every purchase.

»» »»

Get first notice of special events & sales.

»» »» »»

Earn Bonus Rewards throughout the year.

Access Garden Rewards exclusive offers... like the coupons on page 30!

When you earn a reward*, get it the next day — no more waiting!

Rewards are as good as cash in our store!

Redeem at your convenience with our extended redemption period — now 1 year!

Paperless rewards! E-mail address required.

Join in-store or online & start earning today : HomesteadGardens.com/rewards

In a revived effort to provide our customers with a reliable source for garden education and inspiration, we've launched the HG Garden Academy – an annual series of meetups and weekly workshops!

Turn to page 30 for the upcoming garden class schedule or visit: HomesteadGardens.com/garden-academy inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 3

1

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A complete feeding program that prevents crabgrass, controls weeds, prepares lawns for winter, adjusts soil pH, reduces soil compaction, and stimulates soil microbes.

Available in 5,000 & 15,000 sq. ft. Programs

4 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

l a c i p o A tr

Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start daydreaming about sunny mornings enjoying coffee or tea on the front porch, warm evenings entertaining guests on the patio and hot afternoons by the pool.

PLAN

ST

N O I T A AYC

Make your patio, deck or pool area a space you’ll want to be all summer long.

Designing a space worthy of a tropical staycation extends beyond a lounge chair and pretty umbrella. Adding some living color and textures can transform your area into a space all of your guests will be talking about.

Going to the Tropics Think tropical vacation! What would that look like? Whether it’s relaxing by the water, playing with your kids or having a quiet dinner under the moonlight, no doubt you would be surrounded by the wonderful colors of tropical plants. You can have this in your own backyard!

Incorporating plants with different colors and textures throughout your backyard – and especially by your pool – is the perfect way to create a ‘Staycation’ space you will enjoy all summer long.

Whether you want to create an entire tropical landscape or just add some flare to your poolside, knowing which tropical plants work in your zone and how much sunlight they require is important.

Homestead Gardens’ Annuals Department can offer guidance on plants that will work for you.

Natural Layered Edges You don’t need to fully transform your backyard into a tropical paradise to get a tropical feeling. Start by lining your space with towering shade trees intermixed

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 5

with native shrubs and groundcovers to give it a natural texture. Creating layers will allow you to have a garden that doesn’t need to be tended to every week. Some extra growth here and there will still look good.

Pair the unique foliage of canna lilies, hosta or coleus with a brightly colored hibiscus, mandevilla or calla lily. Add an exclamation point in your landscape with the eye-catching foliage and height of a hardy banana tree. Mixing and matching patterns and colors makes your space seem more natural. This will help you fill in the space by working from the outside in.

Tropical Containers Using containers is a great way to add dimension to your poolside landscape. Find fun, brightly colored containers and get planting.

There are many planting recipes that will help your backyard feel like a tropical paradise every day. Choose any of our flowering plants or fun foliage from Fresh from Florida and the Proven Winners line of tropical plants.

Just like your garden spaces, plant your containers in layers. The location of your containers determines how you should organize your plants. Will your container be

seen by all angles? Make the highest point in the middle, with medium plants surrounding it and smaller plants along the edge. Try a bright and cheery tropical hibiscus or tall and decorative canna for the middle. Plant cuphea around it or another heat-loving flower. Finish by planting foliage that drapes down the sides of the container such as creeping sedums, creeping jenny or sweet potato vine.

Containers that will be seen primarily on one side should be planted with the tallest flowers in the back, then stagger plants in size as you reach the front of the container.

Using containers allows you to keep your plants yearround. When the cold weather comes back around, ask our experts at Homestead Gardens about over-wintering your plants inside.

Now it’s time to entertain! Spend more time outdoors and enjoy the sunshine in your new space. Host summer guests at your poolside tropical oasis and enjoy your new backyard getaway!

Homestead Gardens’ Annuals Department can help find the best tropical plants for your space. We have experts on hand to answer any questions or provide advice – and provide a quality experience to enjoy all season long.

GAP Photos/Friedrich Strauss

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things we dig

FOR A TROPICAL STAYCATION A.

B.

A. Stay cool all summer with a Treasure Garden umbrella. Many models are equipped with 360 rotation capability for full shade coverage all day long.

B. Add a touch of the tropics to your porch, deck or patio with sun-loving mandevilla – just one of many selections delivered fresh from Florida to our stores. Drop it in a bright pot for an instant oasis!

FabHabitat Outdoor Rug > 100% Recycled Premium Plastic Cancun Candy 5x8' - $94.99 < Glazed ceramic pottery assorted sizes, styles, colors

Betsy Drake Assorted Indoor/Outdoor Pillows v $42.99 - 49.99

< Toucan® Dark Orange Canna Lily, Toucan® Rose Canna Lily and Vermillionaire® Cuphea by Proven Winners Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 7

KEEP THE BAY CLEAN

Eighteen million people call the Chesapeake Bay watershed their home. It's rich in history, plays a vital economic role, and is an astonishing source of natural beauty. This precious resource needs help to stay clean and healthy...

8 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Our region has experienced an increased amount of rainfall during the last few seasons. It has rushed from lawns, farmlands and impervious surfaces like parking lots and rooftops throughout the area, contributing to runoff into the Bay. Through smart landscaping, homeowners can help by reducing the amount of water that runs off of their properties.

Stop Stormwater Runoff at the Source Heavy rains in recent years have highlighted the necessity of stormwater management. Stormwater management simply means managing the amount of rainwater and melted snow that runs off our properties into streets and sewers. This water often carries debris, chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants, depositing them into streams, rivers, wetlands and eventually into the bay. The goal is to retain runoff water on your property so plants can naturally filter out pollutants as it’s absorbed by the soil.

Thankfully, implementing a few simple changes or additions listed below can make a big impact on improving the quality of excess water before it enters our precious Bay.

1

Reduce Runoff from Gutters A great deal of water flows off roofs and into gutters. Use drainage tiles or splash blocks to redirect and slow the stormwater runoff or create a small drain field of river rocks at the end of the spout to slow the water and let it absorb naturally into the soil. It could also be redirected to flow into a rain garden.

2

Collect and Conserve Rain barrels are terrific for capturing rainwater from downspouts or your roof, keeping that runoff out of rivers and streams. While this water may not be safe to drink, it’s perfect for watering your plants or washing your car. As an added bonus, it’s a great way to conserve water.

3

No-Mow Areas Think about creating a strip of native grasses and wildflowers and maintain it as a “no mow” area or pocket meadow. These kinds of areas work well as a transition between large trees and lawn. It will increase water absorption, filter pollutants, requires little maintenance and becomes an ideal wildlife habitat.

4

Build a Rain Garden

Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida: This native superstar can tolerate consistently moist (although not saturated soils).

Several varieties are available that offer various heights and bloom times. Black-eyed Susan is a good perennial choice for naturalizing, and rain gardens as well as a nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators.

A rain garden uses gravel, soil and deep-rooted native plants to capture, absorb, and filter stormwater. Create your own by locating an area where runoff from impervious surfaces collects. The surface is usually six- to twelve-inches lower than

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 9

F

p

We talked about roofs and gutters that are impervious to water, but oftentimes driveways, patios and paths are too. This can lead to a vast amount of water that runs right down the driveway, collecting pollutants, as it travels to the sewer and beyond. Try to keep that in mind when your asphalt or concrete driveway needs to be replaced or when you are ready to build a new patio or pathway. There is a wide and beautiful assortment of alternatives like gravel and pervious pavers.

O

N

5

Reduce Impervious Areas

di

ts AwINeG n ARD la R A R E

Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata

Some people may not be aware that runoff water containing fertilizer can be harmful to local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Fertilizer can fuel algae growth and rob the water of oxygen. If you must use it, follow package directions carefully (twice as much will not make your lawn twice as green!), be smart about when to spray, or, simply opt for organic fertilizers such as Espomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawn and Garden collection.

7

Build Borders

Summersweet Clethra alnifolia

Cardinal Flower Lobelia spp.

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum

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6

Reduce or Eliminate Chemicals

g

adjacent areas. This depression serves to store runoff for the six hours or so it takes for the runoff to soak into the ground. The plant assortment is key. Native plants that can withstand very wet soil are a must and the staff in our perennials yard is trained to help you select just the right ones. Don't forget the native grasses to add height and texture! See our top picks pictured right.

Sea Oats Chasmanthium latifolium

Perhaps the best way to prevent stormwater runoff is to plant right up to the road and along all the borders of your garden. This neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a giant project; completing it in phases will still have a remarkable impact. Border plants act as a natural barrier, slowing the moving water so it has a chance to be filtered clean as it soaks into the ground. Choose native trees and shrubs, as they will more effectively filter water.

If you are working with a smaller space, try ornamental grasses and perennials planted close together for higher impact per square foot. Go one step further by opting for ‘green mulch’. This is the concept of replacing traditional mulch with low growing perennials and shrubs. Use Espoma’s Biotone® Starter Plus to ensure good root development at the time of planting. As an added benefit, the maintenance of these new areas will become less and less, especially compared to weekly mowing and weeding. In addition to the good it will do the environment and ecosystem, going native will also add considerably to your curb appeal.

By planting defensively, we can help reduce the future amount of stormwater runoff that ends up in the Bay. But, there is some restoration from past rainfalls that needs to happen in our area.

Together We Can Make a Difference Each time we make small changes to protect and enhance our environment they add up to big wins for nature.

These changes don’t mean we have to somehow settle for less to protect the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These buffers and new plants will only enhance the beauty around us and delight us with more songbirds and butterflies. Our experts are always at hand to answer your questions and guide you through this transformation.

>> plants we

dig

Natives Are Nice

Iris versicolor is a native clump-forming obligate wetland plant, meaning it can be wet up to 80% of the time. With upright sword-like foliage and pale purple blooms this perennial will serve as both a functional and architectural element in the wetter parts of the garden. Its blooms are also frequented by hummingbirds!

Planting native trees and shrubs helps restore the balance to our ecosystem we once had when the land was forested.

Native plants offer a wide range of services like supporting pollinators and providing food and habitat for other wildlife.

Native white oak, the Maryland state tree, supports 500 species of butterflies and moths while a Bradford pear, for instance, supports no wildlife at all and is invasive. Natives are naturally coded for our ecoregion and adapted to our climate and soils, ensuring great performance. Going native is always a win.

Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' has been named Perennial of the Year 2019 by the Perennial Plant Association. Stunning in massed plantings, this late JuneJuly bloomer is as trouble-free and dependable as it is eye-catching. Our experts recommend its use as a 'green mulch' as it naturalizes well and will fill an area with tidy, compact foliage that will also attract pollinators. Although it will need good drainage, it will perform well on a berm or other similar areas.

®

Bloom® is a Class A biosolids soil conditioner from DC Water that is ideal for use on your lawn and garden. Rich in organic matter and plant nutrients, you can look forward to improved yields and drought resistance in your vegetables, flowers and grass.

Available now at all 3 Homestead Gardens locations Davidsonville & Severna Park retail stores and Homestead Horticultural Supply Learn more

bloomsoil.com

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 11

be an

EDIBLE GARDEN

guru!

There are so many benefits to growing your own food, from increased flavor to taking control of what your food is exposed to. Plus, anyone can do it! Whether you have a yard with a large garden or a small plot, or a patio or deck and some containers, all you need is good organic soil, seeds or seedlings, water and sunshine.

Here at Homestead Gardens, we know how important edible gardening is, so we have done some renovating to expand the area dedicated to herbs and veggies. Find all of the items you need to get your garden started in just one place; you just need to add the water and sunlight!

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a lot of space to grow an edible garden.

If you have a sunny spot, you can plant your edibles in a small or large garden plot or in a container. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simpler than it seems!

What do you want to grow? Choose varieties that are hard to find in the grocery store such as heirloom toma-

things we

dig.

for your veggie garden

Peacock Garden Supports Handy plant stakes for the vegetable garden make it easy to build a frame for peas or a plant spiral to encourage tomatoes to grow upwards. Made of plastic coated metal, they are a durable alternative to bamboo sticks. Use connector clips to fix the stakes together and binders to attach the stakes to plants.

Grab all the pieces you need in our Lawn & Garden department!

12 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

toes and colorful veggies. Make sure to pick some of your favorites. Chesapeake Harvest’s high-quality starter plants set you up for success. Chesapeake Harvest has over fifty varieties of vegetables and herbs that naturally thrive in this region without harming the environment. These starter plants even come in biodegradable containers, so you just plant the entire thing, water, and watch them grow!

Try Container Gardening First, choose the right container. You should pick one that is at least 14 inches wide, with drainage holes. If you’re growing multiple plants in one pot, select a bigger container. Check the seed packets or plant tags to ensure you’re giving your plants enough space.

Next, place your container somewhere with plenty of sunlight for your plants. Most fruits and vegetables need six to eight hours of sunlight per day.

Fill your container within two inches from the top with an organic potting mix, such as Espoma Organic’s Potting Mix or Homestead’s own blend Maryland Select Organic Potting Soil. Both will provide healthy nutrients your plants need. When you use organic soil and fertilizers, you will feel good about what you are feeding to your friends and family.

Depending on what you decide to grow, you may need to add stakes to help your crops grow in the right direction.

Come check it out! We are beyond excited to show off our expanded space just for edibles. Homestead Gardens’ in-house experts can help you get started today!

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 13

Sensational Spillers for Your Containers Tall thrillers and floriferous fillers are easy to pick out as you make your way through the garden center. But don’t forget to add the spillers, too! They are the key to creating abundant container recipes as they cascade over the edges of your hanging baskets and patio pots.

Choose a textural foliage plant for your spiller, a flowering plant that adds a pop of color, or a mix of both. You’ll need 2-3 spiller plants for a 14" container.

In the recipe at right, we’ve paired ColorBlaze® Torchlight™ coleus (use 2) with two spillers: Superbena® Raspberry verbena (use 2) and Lemon Coral® sedum (use 2). As the spillers mature through the summer months, their bountiful foliage and flowers will soften the lines of the container.

HOMESTEAD GARDENS’ FAVORITE SPILLERS

SUPERBELLS® LEMON SLICE® Calibrachoa

SILVER FALLS™ Dichondra

Sweet Caroline Bewitched GREEN WITH ENVY™ Ipomoea

Sweet Caroline Raven Ipomoea

Goldilocks Lysimachia

SUPERBENA SPARKLING® Amethyst Verbena

SUPERTUNIA® PICASSO IN PURPLE® Petunia

SUPERTUNIA® BORDEAUX ™ Petunia

SUPERTUNIA® HONEY ™ Petunia

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Lemon Coral â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Beautiful,Versatile & Easy ÂŽ

Lemon Coral sedum lights up the garden all season with its spiky-yet-soft textured, glowing chartreuse, succulent foliage that just begs to be touched. It pairs effortlessly with all kinds of sun and part shade loving plants in containers and landscapes. Forget to water for a few days? No one will ever know. If only everything in life was so easy!

Find this award winner at www.nationalplantoftheyear.com.

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 15

ColorBlaze® Apple Brandy Coleus

the sky is the limit with

container Interest in container gardening continues to grow year after year because it is so versatile. Use containers as accent pieces all over your garden, to liven up a balcony or to frame an entryway. Annuals in hanging baskets can add color to a drab patio and banana plants in big pots can turn a swimming pool into a tropical oasis. Containers mix your personal style and flair into every aspect of your property, including patios and can make an outdoor dining area look refined. Plus, they are ideal for small space gardening.

choosing plants There are no limits when it comes to container gardening. Plant them full of annuals for an all-season floral display or full of herbs and place them near your kitchen door for the freshest flavor enhancers. Some vegetables and fruits, like Bushel and Berry’s compact blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, also thrive in conSuperbells® Holy Moly!® Calibrachoa tainers. Create a small water garden with miniature water lilies or lotus. Succulent arrangements are perfect for tables, and don’t need to be watered every day. You can show your patriotism with red, white and blue combinations for Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

choosing a container Almost any pot will work as long as it has good drainage, except for a container water garden, of course. Keep in mind that the smaller the container, the faster the soil will dry out. Larger containers allow you to create displays with more impact. If weight is going to be an issue (think about carrying a pot upstairs to a balcony), look for lightweight pots. There are high quality plastic pots now that are hard to distinguish from terra cotta. The soil you use is very important and a specialty blend like Espoma’s Organic Potting Mix or Homestead's own Maryland Select

16 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Lemon Coral Sedum ®

Short on time?

Grab one of our Homestead Exclusive Combo Pots! They are locally grown and loaded with flowering annuals for sun AND shade!

Available in assorted colors, combos & textures.

May vary from container pictured.

gardening Potting Soil is recommended. They’re specially formulated to help plants thrive through the nutrients found in the soil. Use a liquid organic fertilizer like Espoma’s Bloom! once a month to keep your plants flourishing.

color theory This is a project you can really put your stamp on. Use terra cotta pots for a natural or classic look, try painted pots for bold statements, wooden barrels, wheelbarrows, you name it.

Try out different color combinations of plants, too, in your cart first, to get a feel for the overall look. Complementary colors, opposite colors on the color wheel, make bold combinations. Think of opposites like red and green or violet and yellow. Harmonious colors live next to each other on the color wheel.

Think of blue, violet and pink or a warm combination like yellow, red and orange. Play around and have fun. That’s what gardening is really all about.

thriller, filler, spiller One well-known rule of thumb about planting containers is the thriller, filler and spiller method. The “thriller” is generally a tall plant with big bright blooms. The “filler” is medium sized, while the “spiller” is generally a trailing plant that gracefully cascades over the edge of the pot, softening the lines.

Flip the page for some ideas for sun and shade using annuals and tender perennials. Don’t worry, perennials, tropicals and small shrubs can work well too. You can even plant summer bulbs in containers like Montbretia, Bulb.com’s Summer Bulb of the Year. When planting in shade, consider textures – your combinations may be more subtle, but they can be equally beautiful as a full color sun container.

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top

picks FOR YOUR CONTAINER GARDEN thrillers for shade

Ferns Elephants Ear Coleus Ornamental Grasses Asparagus Fern

thrillers for sun

Butterfly Bush Ornamental Millet Hibiscus Mandevilla Angel’s Trumpet

for sun

fillers

for shade

Fuchsia Begonia Double Impatiens Wishbone Flower

spillers

for shade

Creeping Jenny Wire Vine Polka Dot Plant Euphorbia Diamond Frost Ivy

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

for shade

Whatever you choose, remember, there are no hard and fast rules. A pair of containers planted simply with an evergreen in each has a subtle splendor. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

PICTURED RIGHT >> Sun Container: Lo & Behold® 'Lilac Chip' Butterfly Bush, Superbells® White Calibrachoa, red verbena Shade Container: Pegasus® Begonia, Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Jet Black™ Sweet Potato Vine, ColorBlaze® Dark Star Coleus, Catalina® Pink Wishbone Flower

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

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fillers

spillers

Angelonia Pentas Lantana Verbena Nemesia

Bacopa Calibrachoa Helichrysum Sweet Potato Vine Lobelia

for sun

for sun

plant

where

parent

Welcome to Plant Parenthood!

As plant people ourselves, we are so excited you have taken the first step into the houseplant-loving world. Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about your new plant baby – or if you are wondering what in the world a plant parent is – we will explain it all!

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you can find a community

hood Whether you already have houseplants or you are starting from scratch, the experts at Homestead Gardens can help find the right plant to fit your lifestyle. Many houseplants are easy to grow and most require minimal maintenance.

plant parents – what are they?

Once considered old fashioned, houseplants are now making a comeback in popularity. Caring for houseplants gives us all a sense of purpose, especially Millennials, who are taking care of these plants as if they were their children. The New York Times says wellness-minded Millennials are filling a void – both decorative and emotional – with houseplants.

Millennial plant parents have taken to social media, creating virtual communities including #thejungalow and #houseplantclub and starting online classes such as Homestead Brooklyn’s Plant One on Me, to help encourage each other to jump into plant care. Plus, the shared information helps keep their plant babies alive and well!

Decide where you want to display your plants and determine whether the lighting is full sun, little to no light or something in between. Now you can select the right plant to buy or where to move an existing houseplant. Plant tags will tell you how much light a plant needs. Check out Leslie Halleck’s book, Gardening Under Lights, to learn more about growing plants indoors.

water

Like light, all plants need water. And like light, which plants you have determines how much water they need. Overwatering is one of the most common ways plants are killed. Thankfully, in most cases there are warning signs and by watering a little more or less you can save your plant.

The plant tag will show how much water your plant prefers. To keep things simple, water whenever the

Our houseplant experts are always available to answer all your questions and provide tips and tricks on houseplant care.

plant care basics For those who are brand new to the houseplant game, here are the basics you need to keep in mind as you care for your first houseplant. Just remember the most important things your plant needs are light, water and food.

Let’s dive in!

light

All plants need light, but the amount varies depending on the plant. Think about the type of plant you’re growing. If they are a desert plant, like a cactus or succulent, they love full sun, while jungle natives such as a monstera or ficus like a bit of filtered light, due to the tree canopies they sit under in nature.

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 21

top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Use lukewarm water until it runs out of the drainage holes in the pot and discard the excess water so the plant is not stuck in standing water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry again before re-watering. Some plants may require watering every few days, while others may be able to go a week or two between waterings.

Humidity in the home can also change your plants’ watering needs, so keep an eye on them when the weather outside and the indoor air change.

food

Houseplants require nutrients to thrive. They have different needs based on their types like orchids, succulents, African violets, and so many others. The Espoma line of Indoor! organic liquid fertilizers has made it easy to know which one is right for any type of plant. You just mix it in your watering can according to the package, and water like normal.

And when it’s time to replant your babies into bigger pots, remember to use Espoma Organic Potting Mix to give them the nutrients they need right from the start!

social media craze Millennials are all about buying, caring for, and sharing their houseplant stories on social media. And why not!

There is such a great community of plant parents out there to bond with and online houseplant experts, called influencers, who want everyone to be successful growing plants. These influencers share information via blogs, vlogs, podcasts and courses on how to care for each specific plant. Summer Rayne, from Homestead Brooklyn and bona fide plant parent with over 750 houseplants, wrote a book about taking care of plants.

Social media has given people from all walks of life, all

over the world, with the same interests, the opportunity to teach and learn about their plant babies. Some have even taken to joining in on plant swaps or sending each other cuttings of special or unique plants. Lifelong friendships have been created over showcasing houseplants (and gardens) on social media.

Check out Laura with Garden Answer; she has a following of over 2.5 million people, because of her love for and creativity with plants, who treat her like a friend even though they’ve never met her in real life.

The gardening industry, specifically houseplants, was looking at a decline in popularity a few years back; however that has changed. According to GardenResearch. com, 30 percent of all households bought at least one houseplant in 2017. Social media has helped turn this entire industry around.

How to Get Involved Join the conversation, whether you are a new plant parent or an experienced plant expert. The influx of social media posts has created daily hashtags supporting some of the most popular plants – #MonsteraMonday and #SanseveriaSunday just to name a few. Follow communities of people using #IHaveThisThingWithPlants, #PlantLadyIsTheNewCatLady or our favorite #plantparenthood.

meet S ummer

Creator of Homestead Brooklyn

Summer Rayne Oakes, creator of Homestead Brooklyn, tells all in her new book, How to Make a Plant Love You. As a plant lady with an education in environmental science, she has over 750 live plants in her Brooklyn apartment and is teaching the world about the real reasons it is good to bring plants inside. Her book ties together the steps of taking care of plants and how plants can take care of you. Join us on this summer to pick up a copy of her book and meet the author herself!

>> How to Make a Plant Love You << Meetup with Summer Rayne Oakes July 27th 11am | Davidsonville Store Book discussion, Q&A and book signing

22 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

$30 registration includes a copy of her book.

Register online at homesteadgardens.com/events.

3-Row Subaru Ascent

The 2019 Subaru Ascent.

With a spacious interior, up to 5,000

Family-sized adventures here we come.

pounds of towing capacity,* and flexible seating for up to 8, it’s the perfect Subaru for those who like to share the adventure with friends and family.

LOVE is bigger than ever at Annapolis Subaru *Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.

149 Old Solomon’s Island Road 443-837-1400 • AnnapolisSubaru.com inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 23

get outside 93% of people spend all day inside, looking at screens for work and entertainment, but our bodies and minds need the outdoors...

this summer Stepping out into nature and enjoying a beautiful summer evening on the patio or in the garden is the perfect remedy to combat long tiresome days.

Whether you are looking to freshen up your style or completely transform an outdoor space into an outdoor living space, now is the perfect time to get started.

gain inspiration Just as you would indoors, start with the location and size of your space. Measure the area of your dream outdoor living space and sketch it out on paper. It is always easier to plan on paper first, and then fill in the space.

Next, think about everything you want to include. Do you want to build the outdoor kitchen you have always dreamed of? Or add a farm style table with long benches to fit all of your friends and family?

If you have no clue what you want, you can find inspirational photos online or in magazines. And, our outdoor

24 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

living experts here at Homestead are available to give you pointers on what would work best for your space.

find the right pieces Once you have decided the location, size and what you want to do with your space, it’s time to find the right pieces to match your lifestyle. From conversational couches to cozy fire pits, you can show off your personality. There are countless styles in a variety of materials from wicker to wrought iron. Here at Homestead, we stock lots of furniture options that are ready to go home with you. Your yard can have a completely fresh new look when your friends and family come over for Memorial Day! Our specialists can walk you through the selection process, and don’t worry if you can’t find the perfect piece.

We even build special orders, based on lifestyle, home décor, how much the pieces will be used and more, to ensure you get the perfect product.

why buy at Homestead Gardens A.

Have it Your Way.

B.

Customize your outdoor living space with special order options.

Complimentary Assembly.

Your purchase includes white glove assembly of all furniture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; free of charge.

Convenient Delivery Options.

Our patio consultants will manage your delivery and make every effort to work with your schedule.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

We stand behind our partnered manufacturers and will process warranty claims on your behalf.

Earn 2% Back.

Garden Rewards members earn 2%+ back with their purchase.

Dollar rewards are applied automatically to your account and ready to spend the next day.

Learn more about Garden Rewards: HomesteadGardens.com/rewards

C. D.

A. Erwin & Sons 'Ventura' Seating

Padded all-weather resin wicker

C. Jensen Leisure Furniture 'Cordial' Seating

Mixed media; woven outdoor fiber, 100% Ipe wood

B. Jensen Leisure Furniture 'Laguna' Dining D. CRP Products 'Bay Breeze Coastal' Deep Seating 100% Certified Ipe timber

100% recycled plastic featuring completely molded arms and legs, Sunbrella cushions

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 25

sprinkle in living décor After the big pieces have been decided upon, it’s time to add living décor! Even if you are surrounded by a beautiful landscape, it’s nice to have a few containers full of vibrant, fragrant plants to greet guests.

Add a low-growing floral centerpiece with a shallow container. Try placing three containers of different heights and sizes together in a far corner of your new space to draw the eye around. Coordinate the colors of your containers with your décor for an added statement. Fill two pots with climbing vines such as clematis or dwarf flowering trees and place on each side of your front door to create an inviting entrance to the space. Pot up a thornless, compact Bushel and Berry bush near the table for a fresh picked after-dinner dessert.

garden entertainer Once the sun goes down, the party does not have to end. Create an on-trend moon garden. Use a mixture of plants and accessories that reflect the moonlight, add fragrance, and create a relaxing space. Start with light colored plants such as Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) or Wormwood (Artemesia spp.). Add in night-blooming florals such as Moonflower vine (Ipomoea alba) or Angel’s trumpet. And finally, mix in Rosemary, Lavender and other fragrant plants that are also insect-repelling to keep the night going smoothly. Illuminate paths with lamps or string lights. If you have room within the garden, set up a comfortable couch or a set of chairs and create your own getaway spot.

Enjoy as much time as you can in your beautiful new space; you (your body AND mind) deserve it! Homestead Gardens is a one-stop resource for creating the space you’ll love.

MOON GARDEN

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

must-haves Base Layer. Add notes of light with drifts of silvery foliage. My favorites for this are Lambs Ear, Japanese Painted Fern, Wormwood, variegated Hostas, and Lungwort.

The best plants for a moon garden offer textural interest, light colors, reflective qualities, fragrance, and nocturnal habit. Add good weather, comfy seating, and good company and you are all set to revel and relax in your moonlit paradise.

- Michele McFadden, Perennials Buyer

Height. Plant Moonflower and

watch its large and fragrant white blooms unfurl every evening and put on a show that lasts 'til morning!

26 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Fragrance. Nothing beats the feeling that arises from running your hands over flowering Lavenders and breathing in its relaxing scent.

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meet Michele Perennials Buyer

We’re proud to introduce the newest member of the Homestead buying team, our Perennial Buyer, Michele McFadden. Michele came to us with many years of experience in the horticulture world in 2017 becoming a key player on our team. She transitioned into her new role in 2018. She wants everyone who visits Homestead Gardens to be inspired and encouraged as they walk through. “Whether you are a novice or expert, we want our valued customers to leave Homestead feeling confident they’ll accomplish their dreams in the garden,” Michele said.

Below, Michele shares some of her favorite plants to incorporate into an on-trend moon garden.

A. Japanese Painted Fern B. Smooth Hydrangea C. Lavenders

Drama. The massive white blooms on Smooth Hydrangea resemble moons themselves! There blooms will look lit up every night for many summer nights.

Reflection. Whether it's a large pond or a simple birdbath, nothing reflects the moon and starlight like water.

Sound. The gentle swishing of

ornamental grasses in the night breeze is a calming and relaxing sound. The sound of Northern Sea Oats is my personal favorite.

C.

A.

inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 27

B.

S U T E E M THE AT

A B

Here at Homestead Gardens we love animals just as much as we love plants. The Homestead Barnyard at our Davidsonville location is a great place to see friendly farm animals, learn how to care for them and understand how we all play a vital role in creating a healthy ecosystem.

Donald Redmiles works hard keeping our barnyard in tip-top shape. Between the potbelly pigs, goats, alpacas and chickens that live at Homestead, he has his hands full. “I love keeping the animals happy and healthy,” said Redmiles. “Especially since it is the first time some of our young visitors are seeing these animals in real life.”

hands-on living

meet

Donald

If you’re a gardener, you know one of the great things about gardening is you learn by doing. Reading how to plant isn’t the same as digging a hole and doing it yourself.

The same thing can be said about raising farm animals. “Animals can be great additions to your life and some of them can even earn their keep by helping you in the garden,” says Redmiles. “Of course bringing any animal home is a big responsibility and shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

28 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019

A Y RN

One of the best things about having an outdoor space is having animals to share it with.

Raising farm animals may sound a little out of your comfort zone but we don’t mean horses or cows. We are talking about chickens, bees and even goats. These animals, which are small enough to live in a backyard, can do some amazing things to help out your garden. Plus, some even produce harvests of their own!

Chickens can provide manure as a substitute for fertilizer and produce fresh eggs, ready to be eaten. Having a bee hive can help pollinate crops which produce delicious vegetables; plus local, homegrown honey. If you have a little bit of extra space, goats are great for helping get rid of weeds and other unwanted grasses. Your family dog can help in the garden too! Acting as natural deterrent for deer, foxes, gophers and other pests who eat your crops or sometimes, other animals.

Our experts in the Farm and Pet Department will help you select the best products to keep your animals happy and healthy.

homestead barnyard experience Of course, if having these animals at your own home isn’t right for you, our barnyard is open daily to visitors. Come walk the barnyard! You’ll meet Olivia, the potbelly pig, and Suzie Q, one of our alpacas. You can even bring lunch and enjoy a picnic with the family across from the goat pen.

Molly, Sylvia and Sallie would be happy to share!

Our animals are here for your enjoyment and education.

Come visit us at our Davidsonville location today!

A. Suzie-Q is one of our five resident alpacas. Alpacas

are classified as exotic livestock! Come see them on weekends in our barnyard.

B. Molly, Sylvia, Hailey & Sallie (pictured front to back) make

Sallie

up our group of Nubian goats. They share space with Maggie and Maisy, our Pygmy goats and can be watched from the picnic tables near our parking lot.

C. Olivia along with sisters Pearl and Mitzie are our

Hailey

resident Vietnamese Potbelly pigs. They joined the HG Barnyard as piglets and our guests have been able to see them grow into adults.

D R

Sylvia

meet

Suzie-Q

A. B.

meet Olivia

C.

meet Molly

PARTY in the BARNYARD! Party with the animals in the Homestead barnyard!

Saturdays & Sundays Apr. thru Nov. 2 hour reservations start at $275

Bring your own party, or let us take care of everything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from food and cake to paper products & balloons!

Tented Pavilion | Barnyard Friends Jumping Pillow | Parking | Picnic Tables Available Upgrades: Assigned Attendant | Pony Rides | Decor Cake, Food & Drinks & more!

HomesteadGardens.com/PARTIES inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2019 29

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Golden Spades

1

FRIDAY

2

10a Severna Park

SATURDAY 3

May Birthday?

The HG Barnyard is open & available for party rentals.

Learn more on page 32.

THIS WEEK: jumpstart your Myrtle Money earnings!

Take advantage of DOUBLE Myrtle Money below.

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Golden Spades 10a Davidsonville

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8

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Garden Class

SUNDAY

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Pollinator Club

11

9:30a Davidsonville

MOTHER'S DAY

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THIS WEEK: time to get Mom a gift!

Take advantage of $10 OFF below.

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14

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

6-9p Davidsonville

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16

17 Plan a Barnyard Visit The HG Barnyard is open daily 10a - 4p to visit with the animals.

THIS WEEK: time to prepare for outdoor entertaining!

Take advantage of $10 OFF below.

20

21

22

23

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It's Wedding Season!

MEMORIAL DAY

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THIS WEEK: time to create a pollinator oasis!

Take advantage of $10 OFF below.

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EARLY BIRD SALE 7-9a learn more online

Garden Class

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9:30a Davidsonville

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EARLY BIRD SALE 7-9a

Host your upcoming Bridal event at Homestead's beautiful venue.

THIS WEEK: time to plant summer annual color!

Take advantage of $10 OFF below.

Garden Class

9:30a Davidsonville

learn more online

M A Y 31

See the full schedule of Garden Classes & topics: HomesteadGardens.com/events | Book a group visit or party: HomsteadGardens.com/visit

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*Redeem this coupon for $10 OFF your next purchase of $50+ of patio accessories & decor. Cannot be combined. Restrictions & exclusions apply. See complete offer details at bottom of page or visit homesteadgardens.com/offers.

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Applies to regularly priced merchandise only. Limit one coupon per customer per transaction. Coupons must be surrendered at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any

offer. Not applicable SPRING/SUMMER towards previous purchases, special orders, delivery fees, Garden Coach consultation fees or taxes. Excludes gift cards, animal nutrition and farm 30 other inspirations 2019

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

J U N E 3

Golden Spades 10a Davidsonville

4

5

Golden Spades 10a Severna Park

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 3

June Birthday?

The HG Barnyard is open & available for party rentals.

Learn more on page 32.

6

7

Garden Class

SUNDAY

1

9:30a Davidsonville

Garden Class

2

Pollinator Club

9

11a Severna Park

EARLY BIRD SALE 7-9a learn more online

Pollinator Club

8

9:30a Davidsonville

11a Severna Park

EARLY BIRD SALE 7-9a learn more online

THIS WEEK: time to update your landscape!

Take advantage of $10 OFF below.

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11

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Garden Class

9:30a Davidsonville

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Plan a Barnyard Visit

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20

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11a Severna Park

The HG Barnyard is open daily 10a - 4p to visit with the animals.

THIS WEEK: time to get Dad a gift!

Take advantage of $10 OFF below.

FATHER'S DAY

Garden Class

22

Garden Class

23

Garden Class

29

Garden Class

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21

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11a Severna Park

National Pollinator Week

June 17th - 23rd: A celebration of the valuable services provided by bees, birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Join the Pollinator Club to learn how you can help: homesteadgardens.com/bee-hero

THIS WEEK: time to create a pollinator oasis!

Take advantage of $10 OFF below.

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11a Severna Park

It's Not too Late to Earn Myrtle Money!

Earn $1 Myrtle Money with every $10 you spend in store thru July 18th.

THIS WEEK: time to prepare for outdoor celebrations!

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See the full schedule of Garden Classes & topics: HomesteadGardens.com/events | Book a group visit or party: HomsteadGardens.com/visit

Not a member? Not a problem! Sign up for our FREE Rewards program to take advantage of these offers & earn 2% back with EVERY purchase! It's as easy as an e-mail address! Learn more on page 3.

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*Redeem this coupon for $10 OFF your next purchase of $50+ in the Perennials department. Cannot be combined. Restrictions & exclusions apply. See complete offer details at bottom of page or visit homesteadgardens.com/offers.

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*Redeem this coupon to earn $2 in Myrtle Money for every $10 you spend. Visit homesteadgardens.com/myrtle-money to learn more about Myrtle Money redemption, restrictions and exclusions.

feed, grills, grilling accessories, bulk materials, Lignetics fuel pellets, firewood, Spartina handbags/accessories, Les Georgettes jewelry, landscape and planting services. Coupons may not be reproduced. No cash value. These coupons are exclusive to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Garden Rewardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; members. Non-members may sign up for freeSPRING/SUMMER to take advantage of these2019 offers. inspirations

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Homestead Gardens, Inc. P.O. Box 189 Davidsonville, MD 21035