Blog - Himmel's Landscape & Garden Center

Dec 05

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Popular Holiday Home Decor Ideas in 2024

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Gardening Blog No Comments

What themes (for overall decor or trees in particular) do you see being popular this holiday season?

This season, nature themes abound. Cottage Core, which is an aesthetic that embraces natural materials, homemade crafts, heirloom gardening, and other traditional pastimes, is surging in popularity. Cottage Core decor includes floral prints and botanical elements, vintage and antique touches, soft warm lighting, and whimsical woodland scenes, and can easily be translated into a holiday theme. Another popular theme this season, which we are incorporating into Himmel’s Holiday Village, is a fresh and frosty white palette of sparkling snowflakes, cool icicles, and glittering garland.

What color combinations do you love? Traditional? Unexpected?

For landscape design, I tend toward cool shades of white, silver, mint green, and lavender, accented with dark shiny evergreens and soft feathery grasses that glow in the sunlight. Holiday design mimics that aesthetic. I love a snowy backdrop accented with silver stars, or for fun- a mid-century modern minty green flocked tree with vintage ornaments.

What pieces do you have from local artists?

Himmel’s Mission is helping our neighbors build a better, healthier, and more beautiful world, and one way we demonstrate that is by supporting our local economy and uplifting other small businesses. We will showcase over 70 local artisans and vendors at Himmel’s Holiday Village this season, which is very exciting! Personally, I collect pieces by local artist Jeff Hughes (Washed Up Art), and photography prints by Vicki Paulas. I also love the works showcased at Art Farm Annapolis, including some of the gorgeous metallic prints by Alison Harbaugh. Local art is a great gift!!

Dec 05

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Things to Know About Himmel’s Holiday Village

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Gardening Blog No Comments

Tell us what the Himmel’s Holiday Village is, exactly. What can attendees expect?

Himmel’s Holiday Village is a five week attraction featuring family-friendly holiday activities and artisanal shopping. We are showcasing over 70 local vendors, visits with Santa Claus, a magical unicorn, face painting, book readings by local author Nate Whiting, great food, free cocoa and crafts, and festive music in a beautiful winter wonderland atmosphere.

What types of attractions will there be? Will attractions/entertainment vary by date?

Attractions will vary according to the audience. The main attraction for shoppers is the opportunity to source unique and meaningful holiday gifts from an outstanding selection of over 70 vendors! We encourage multiple visits to catch the new vendors on site each date of the event. Attractions for families and children include Free photos with Santa, Free visits with his magical unicorn, Free face painting, Free hot cocoa, Free crafts for kids, and more, in a festively decorated wonderland filled with lights and holiday decor. Attractions vary by date.

What are the wooden structures (that are currently being built in the front) meant for?

The beautifully handcrafted sheds are for our anchor vendors, the ones who will be on site the duration of the event, to set up shop. Those vendors include Twin Valley Distillers; Goldfinch Home, Heart, and Garden; E.L. & Company; Washed Up Art; and Diplicious.

What types of activities/attractions will there be for children?

In addition to the daily crafts, cocoa, book readings, and visits with Santa, we are partnering with Dun-Pikin Farm, Swede-Art Professional Face Painting, Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Historic London Town and Gardens, and other local businesses to provide an unforgettable holiday experience for local children and families.

Will there be food available for sale?

Rumor Has It! that Rumor Reel’s NEW food truck, “Rumor Wheel 1” will be serving up the grub each day at Himmel’s Holiday Village, with great selections available to please the whole family, at a great value.

Is there a cost to attend?

Attendance is free!

Where will parking be available?

We have plenty of free parking in the back lot, and parking attendants on site daily to manage the flow of traffic.

When does the Holiday Village officially open?

We officially opened November 21st. We will be closed Thanksgiving and reopen 3-9PM on Friday, November 29th.

What will the days and hours of operation be?

Hours are Thursday 3-9PM, Friday 3-9PM, Saturday 2-9PM, and Sunday 2-8PM. We may shift the hours to accommodate earlier visits, and will keep our sites updated with information as quickly as possible.

What sets this Holiday attraction apart from others? Why – in your opinion – should the community check it out?

This is an event focused on building community and providing an atmosphere for families and friends to connect, have an enjoyable experience, and make memories, without spending a fortune on entry fees. We also believe that this fun event will support the local economy by introducing newcomers to our great local businesses, vendors, artisans, and restaurants.

Anything else the Pasadena community should know about the Holiday Village?

Himmel’s Holiday Village would not be possible without the support of our Partners: Jaw Drop Productions, and The Rumor Reel; Sponsors: Renewal by Andersen, The J.F. Johnson Lumber Company, Dun-Pikin Farm, 89.7 WTMD, Bay Area Mosquito & Tick Service, Hammock Island Marina, Nicole Watts Studio, Arundel Federal Savings Bank, Swede-Art Professional Face Painting, Scott Laumann Plumbing, Laumann Enterprises; Laumann and Company, Fruitful Farmers; and the tireless work of Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center staff who went above and beyond.

Dec 01

Love0

Outdoor Kitchen Design & Installation by Himmel’s

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Gardening Blog No Comments

Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center recently completed a custom outdoor kosher kitchen, including custom-fabricated Kashmir White granite countertops, a pizza oven, two cooktops, two sinks, and a kamado charcoal grill. The structure, including the island and dining table, was constructed out of cinder block and finished with Ocean Blue Ledgestone veneer by Natural Facing, which tied in seamlessly with the existing garden walls. A gorgeous patio crafted out of Blu 60 MM Patio Slabs in Shale Grey with an Onyx Black border by Techo-Bloc completed the design. Contact Himmel’s today to make your outdoor living dreams a reality.

Jun 03

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2024 Faces of Annapolis | Annapolis Home Magazine

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Gardening Blog No Comments

Full text from Annapolis Home Magazine’s 2024 Faces of Annapolis:

Elizabeth Elliott’s dream of owning Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center started 20 years ago as an employee at the Center. During those years, her gardening and landscaping knowledge grew, along with an interest in the ways native plants benefit local environments and support pollinators. In 2018, she bought Himmel’s from her former boss.

Today, Himmel’s is blossoming. It’s mission is clear: to help neighbors build a better, healthier, and more beautiful world. Himmel’s offers an extensive and affordable plant and flower selection, bulk mulch, stone, and soils available for pick-up or delivery, a beautiful and diverse selection of pottery and statuary, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to provide unparalleled customer service.

Himmel’s detail-oriented team is equipped with design skills to bring your landscape dreams to reality, whether it’s a simple cleanup or brand-new outdoor living space. What’s more, their inviting retail garden center is a community hub, oftering interactive classes, fun events, and peaceful corners to enjoy nature.

Himmel’s also engages in Bay-friendly practices and is committed to educating the community about maintaining the health of the Bay. Landscape projects include shoreline restoration, reforestation, rain gardens, and custom pollinator gardens. Stop in to learn about volunteer activities that positively impact our neighborhoods.

May 13

Love0

Elizabeth, I can tell you how much I love my yard. It turned out even better than I thought it would be! Your staff has been wonderful. Lisa started with ideas for me and she understood what I wanted and which plants would work. I also appreciated that she didn’t hesitate to say if an idea of mine wouldn’t execute in the way that I thought. Josue was great and he also had ideas when he came out to do the proposal and oversaw the install. I met William today, and I appreciated his desire to execute the plan perfectly. I didn’t get the name of the other member helping William, but they worked together like a well-oiled team. I’m not quite sure how many times I called Candice with a question or change (as late as Sunday) but she was so patient and helpful. I feel like I’ve made a new friend!! Julio dropped by to check on the progress and answered all the questions that I had. Thanks so much, and I wanted you to know you have an amazing staff.

Tracy

Apr 30

Love0

Plant of the Week: Dianthus

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Plant of the Week No Comments

Common name:

Cheddar Pinks, Cottage Pinks, Sweet William, Carnations

Botanical name:

Dianthus spp

Dianthus is the quintessential cottage garden plant. They are loved for their blue-green grass like foliage and loads of starry flowers that are often clove scented. The dianthus genus includes over 27,000 registered cultivar varieties.

Removing the spent flowers encourages a second round of blooming. Dianthus attract butterflies and pollinators. They are resistant to damage from deer but will be eaten by rabbits.

Light Requirements: Part to full sun.
Water Requirements: Dianthus won’t tolerate overly wet soil and needs a well draining location.
Characteristics: Growing 4 inches to 3 feet, Dianthus can be annual, biennial or perennial. Flower color ranges from white, yellow, pink, coral, red and purple.
Uses: Depending on the variety you choose, they can be used as a border plant, in rock gardens, grouped in garden beds. They make great additions to cottage gardens, cutting gardens and in containers.
Interesting Facts: The common name pink comes from the fringed edges of the petals that look like they were trimmed with pinking shears.
Varieties:
- ‘Yellow Bling Bling’ has beautiful double yellow, scented blooms and grows 10 to 12 inches tall.
- Perennial ‘Coral Reef’ is an evergreen perennial with deep coral double flowers that have white edges and a spicy fragrance. 8 to 10 inches.
- ‘Sweetie Pie’ produces loads of semi double pink flowers with a darker eye. Mounding foliage, 12 to 14 inches.

Dianthus are also known “Carnations” or “Sweet Williams”

There are around 300-species of Dianthus, and most of them are native to Asia and Eastern Europe

Dianthus flowers consist of five petals, with a zigzag or frilled edge

The Dianthus name comes from the combination of Dios (god) and anthos (flower), from the Greek language, which translates into the “flower of the gods.”

Download Care Sheet PDF

Apr 22

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Introducing the Brandywine Cottage™ Collection by Cavano’s Perennials

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Gardening Blog No Comments

“You can make a garden. Everyone can... you can make a garden and play a part in helping the earth heal. Every plant we grow is a vote for the future, whether it’s in a single pot or a two acre garden.”
– A Year at Brandywine Cottage by David Culp

David Culp, the visionary behind the gardens at Brandywine Cottage in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and author of ‘A Year at Brandywine Cottage: Six Seasons of Beauty, Bounty, and Blooms’, has been sharing his garden wisdom for over 25 years. Now, his passion and expertise, expressed in the new Brandywine Cottage™ Collection of plants, is available to you!

The Brandywine Cottage™ Collection showcases a range of classic plants alongside new and innovative varieties. These exquisite selections, grown exclusively by Cavano’s Perennials, focus around six seasons of interest and correspond to the themes and experiences expressed in ‘A Year at Brandywine Cottage’.

Brandywine Cottage™ Collection by Cavano’s Perennials

Visit Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center to explore the collection, perfect for all gardening preferences and skill levels.

Learn more and discover the entire collection.

Brandywine Cottage™ Collection

Apr 22

Love0

Plant of the Week: Creeping Phlox

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Plant of the Week No Comments

Common name:

Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox

Botanical name:

Phlox subulata

Creeping phlox is an evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial that is popular for its vibrant blanket of flowers in spring. It is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States. The lightly fragrant flowers are attractive to pollinators.

Light Requirements: It blooms best in full sun but will tolerate light shade.
Water Requirements: Creeping phlox needs well draining soil and has low water requirements. Once established, it has a good drought tolerance.
Characteristics: It is mat forming with soft needle like foliage. It forms a dense carpet that is 2 to 6 inches tall and can spread about 2 feet. Star shaped flowers in spring are white, pink, purple or blue. Plants will tolerate sandy or gravelly soils and hot drier exposures. It is seldom browsed by rabbits or deer.
Uses: Because of its ground covering nature, it makes a great plant for the front of a border, rock gardens or erosion control on a hillside. It has a high tolerance for air pollution, making it a good choice between the sidewalk and roadway.
Interesting Facts: Creeping phlox is used as a component on green roofs.
Varieties:
- ‘Snowflake’ becomes a mound of snowy white flowers for several weeks with a height of 2 to 4 inches.
- ‘Emerald Blue’ forms a pretty carpet of lavender blue flowers and reaches 4 to 6 inches tall.
- ‘Purple Beauty’ is similar to ‘Emerald Blue’ but has a darker purple hue.

The genus name, Phlox, is from the Greek word phlox and means “flame.”

Creeping phlox is excellent at preventing erosion on slopes and hillsides because their spreading roots hold soil in their place.

Creeping phlox is native to the central and eastern portions of Canada and the United States. It is native mainly to the Appalachian Mountains.

Phlox is found in dry rocky, or sandy areas, savannas, rocky ledges, slopes, clearings, and open woodlands.

Download Care Sheet PDF

Mar 20

Love0

Plant of the Week: Pansy

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Plant of the Week No Comments

Common name:

Pansy

Botanical name:

Viola x wittrockiana

Pansies are hybrid plants derived from several species within the Viola genus and are part of the Violaceae family. Pansies are a welcome sight after a long, cold winter. Pansies are often the first flower we see arrive in garden centers due to their ability to withstand colder temperatures.

With multiple color variations, the pansy is a versatile flower to add color to your garden and help usher in spring. As we move into the heat of the summer season, we will see pansies begin to fade away due to their inability to tolerate high temperatures. However, in fall, pansies arrive again in garden centers to add more color to fall plantings. Depending on winter temperatures, pansies can last into winter time.

Pansies can be a hungry plant. It is best to add a slow release fertilizer to ground plantings roughly once per month. Container plantings will benefit from a liquid fertilizer about every two weeks during their growing season. You can deadhead, or prune, faded flowers and bare stems regularly to promote new buds and new growth.

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Aim for partial shade in warmer climates.
Water Requirements: Pansies prefer evenly moist soil. Be sure to have drain holes if your pansies are planted in a container, or well draining soil if they are planted in the ground.
Characteristics: Pansies are characterized by their five petal formation. Some varieties are characterized by a darker blotch, or “face”, at the center of the flower. Pansies can range in shades of red, blue, purple, yellow, and white.
Uses: Pansies are a great addition to containers and flower beds in early spring and early fall. Their variety of colors allows them to be versatile to compliment any additional plants in the landscape.
Interesting Facts: The name pansy comes from the French pensée and reflects the meaning of ‘remembrance’ or ‘thought’ in the 19th century language of flowers.
Varieties:
- Matrix Series: This series features flowers that are 3” – 3.5” on a short, strong stem to support the flower.
- Cool Wave: has a prostrate habit that fills in landscapes and containers. It has superior overwintering capabilities and is one of earliest to re-emerge in spring.
- Frizzle Sizzle: offers a frilly flower form with unique and bold colors

Both the blooms and the leaves of pansies are edible and high in vitamins A and C.

Pansies taste like a slightly floral version of lettuce, and the flowers can be used to make syrup, flavored honey, and natural dyes.

February’s birth flower is the pansy

In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the juice of a pansy was used in a love potion, referencing the Ancient Greeks’ use of the flower in herbal remedies and love potions.

Download Care Sheet PDF

Mar 13

Love0

Plant of the Week: Columbine

By Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center Plant of the Week No Comments

Common name:

Columbine

Botanical name:

Aquilegia spp.

Columbine is known for its uniquely shaped flowers and bright colors. They are native to meadows and woodlands across the northern hemisphere, including North America. Columbine will tolerate a variety of soil conditions but do best in rich, well draining soils.

Light Requirements: They prefer light to moderate shade, especially in the afternoon.
Water Requirements: They prefer moist but not water logged soil, especially the first growing season. Mature plants are somewhat drought tolerant but will benefit from watering during prolonged periods without rain.
Characteristics: Columbine have delicate, airy foliage and graceful, nodding flowers. The flower colors include blue, yellow, red, pink and white, many having bicolored or multicolored blooms. They are a clump forming perennial that reach 1 to 3 feet in height. While they are mostly deer and rabbit resistant, they are attractive to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
Uses: Columbine are so versatile that they can be incorporated into cottage gardens, woodland gardens, pollinator gardens, mixed borders and containers.
Interesting Facts: Columbines are distinctive for their five petaled flowers that have long backward extending spurs that contain little pockets of nectar. The genus name derives from the Latin aquila (eagle) and lego (together), suggesting that the curved nectaries or spurs resemble the closing talons of an eagle.
Varieties:
- Aquilegia canadensis: (Eastern Red Columbine) is native to North America. This species has red and yellow tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. It is more tolerant of heat and humidity than other varieties.
- Aquilegia canadensis: ‘Little Lanterns’ is a dwarf version of the native species, reaching only 8 to 10 inches tall.
- Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Winky’ Series: The Winky Series produces loads of more upward facing blooms. The series features a wide range of bicolored combinations.
- Aquilegia x. Hybrida ‘Earlybird’ Series: This mixture was bred for vibrant colors and unusual color combinations. They feature a neat, rounded habit growing 10 to 12 inches.

Columbine was named for the Latin word columba, which means dove.

Native Americans used the seeds to make an infusion to treat headaches.

The long spurs on the flowers produce nectar, which makes them a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

Download Care Sheet PDF

What themes (for overall decor or trees in particular) do you see being popular this holiday season?

What color combinations do you love? Traditional? Unexpected?

What pieces do you have from local artists?

Tell us what the Himmel’s Holiday Village is, exactly. What can attendees expect?

What types of attractions will there be? Will attractions/entertainment vary by date?

What are the wooden structures (that are currently being built in the front) meant for?

What types of activities/attractions will there be for children?

Will there be food available for sale?

Is there a cost to attend?

Where will parking be available?

When does the Holiday Village officially open?

What will the days and hours of operation be?

What sets this Holiday attraction apart from others? Why – in your opinion – should the community check it out?

Anything else the Pasadena community should know about the Holiday Village?

Common name:

Cheddar Pinks, Cottage Pinks, Sweet William, Carnations

Botanical name:

Dianthus spp

Dianthus is the quintessential cottage garden plant. They are loved for their blue-green grass like foliage and loads of starry flowers that are often clove scented. The dianthus genus includes over 27,000 registered cultivar varieties.

Removing the spent flowers encourages a second round of blooming. Dianthus attract butterflies and pollinators. They are resistant to damage from deer but will be eaten by rabbits.

Visit Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center to explore the collection, perfect for all gardening preferences and skill levels.

Common name:

Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox

Botanical name:

Phlox subulata

Creeping phlox is an evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial that is popular for its vibrant blanket of flowers in spring. It is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States. The lightly fragrant flowers are attractive to pollinators.

Common name:

Pansy

Botanical name:

Viola x wittrockiana

Pansies are hybrid plants derived from several species within the Viola genus and are part of the Violaceae family. Pansies are a welcome sight after a long, cold winter. Pansies are often the first flower we see arrive in garden centers due to their ability to withstand colder temperatures.

Common name:

Columbine

Botanical name:

Aquilegia spp.

Columbine is known for its uniquely shaped flowers and bright colors. They are native to meadows and woodlands across the northern hemisphere, including North America. Columbine will tolerate a variety of soil conditions but do best in rich, well draining soils.

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