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Quick Hydrangea Tips

Quick Hydrangea Tips

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Hydrangea arborescens

Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea): Native to woodlands in Eastern US. Large round flowers, usually white. Blooms on new growth. Provide afternoon shade. Prune in late winter or early spring during dormancy.

Hydrangea quercifolia

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea): Native to moist woods in Eastern US. Pyramidal shaped flowers, usually white, blooms on old wood. Large oak shaped leaves with great fall color. Provide afternoon shade. Prune as flowers start to fade.

Hydrangea paniculata

Hydrangea paniculata (Panicled Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea): Large, pyramidal shaped flowers in summer. Blooms on new growth. Tolerates full sun. Can grow large and can be trained into a single trunk, small tree. Prune in late winter or early spring during dormancy.

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea, Snowball Bush): Large round flowers range from pink, blue or purple shades based on acidity in soil. Acidity changes color to blue shades. Alkalinity changes color to pink shades. Older varieties bloom once on old wood. New varieties are reblooming and bloom on old wood and new growth. Provide afternoon shade. Prune as flowers start to fade.

    • Lacecap Hydrangea has flat clusters of small flowers surrounded by a ring of more prominent flowers.

A Message from our Friends at Downs Park

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I wanted to take the time to personally thank you and your crew for all the hard work you have done. The border on the bed looks incredible and better than I had imagined it to be. Thank you for all the time, energy and resources invested into the garden and the park as a whole. Everything you have done is appreciated beyond measure. We’ve already received some compliments about how nice it looks. And it really improves the look of the whole Garden, given its prominent location. So from all of us at Downs Park, thank you!

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Seed Starting – A Hobby that Grows!

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Seed Starting – A Hobby that Grows!

Starting plants from seed can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to be in control of the way plants are grown, the varieties that are grown, and the timing of plantings. If you are new to the process, start small, be successful and add more varieties next year!  

We like to think of gardening as a fun science experiment and encourage our neighbors to try new things, observe the changes with curiosity, and record data to compare the next time around. There is no ‘perfect ‘ way to start seeds, but there are a few basic best practices. These tips can get you started on the journey from a few small seeds to a full-time jungle of a hobby!

  • Don’t start too early. Vegetables and plants that you associate with summer need the soil temperature to be warm, not the air temperature. Check out the University of Maryland Extension’s handy chart for the perfect timing.
  • Use the right mix! Always use a potting mix or seed starting mix. These specialized blends hold moisture well and are lightweight enough for the tender roots to move through. The mixes are also weed and pest free. Never use garden soil as it is too heavy and can harbor weed seeds and insect and disease organisms. We love to use Espoma Organic Seed Starter, voted #1 by Better Homes & Gardens “because it is a fine, rich blend of natural ingredients and includes beneficial microbes to help promote root growth and encourage strong, healthy plants”.
  • Don’t dry out! Keep the soil moist, not wet, until seeds germinate. A spray bottle is a handy tool for misting delicate seedlings when the surface of the soil dries out, but the experts prefer to water from the bottom, allowing moisture to be drawn upwards to penetrate the tiny roots.
  • Light it up! A sunny window is sufficient, however, you will have more success and stronger plants if you invest in an artificial, full spectrum light source. There are lots of grow lights available on the market – pick something economical for your first experiment.
  • Use the data! Carefully read the seed packets for important details and special instructions like timing and spacing requirements. Use a gardening journal to record your own data – such as days to germination, growth over time, which varieties were more successful than others, and other variables that are important to your understanding of the process. It’s fun to review data and compare notes over years of gardening!
  • Toughen up! As seedlings grow, they may need to be transplanted from grow cells to larger peat pots to accommodate their size. Take care with delicate roots and stems when transplanting. Once your babies are big enough to be transplanted outside, they need to be toughened up to withstand wind and sun. This gradual process is called hardening off. On the first day, put your new plants outside for an hour or two, then bring them back in. Gradually leave the plants out longer every day until they are used to being outside all day and all night. This process should take about two weeks.

As always, the friendly and courteous staff at Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center are happy to answer your questions, provide guidance, and give you a little extra help with your seed starting adventure. Stop by and pick up everything you need to get started!

Contact us today at 410-255-7730 or visit our location 7 days a week.

Get Outside Spring 2023

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Our slogan at Himmel’s is Get Outside – and we live in a great place for it!

As the weather warms and schedules become crammed with sports activities, concerts, picnics and other school and social events, it’s natural to long for some quiet space to relax and unwind. That space could be in your own backyard!

Check out the latest outdoor living trends for 2023 and gather inspiration for creating the tranquil backyard oasis of your dreams.

Go Big with Hardscaping

Outstanding outdoor kitchens on statement stone patios set the standard for modern outdoor living. Tuck in a few herb containers on the patio or install an elevated stone kitchen garden for easy access to fresh ingredients to throw on the grill. Carefully designed sitting areas bring the comfort of indoor living to the outdoors, whether it’s a book and coffee nook for two, an outdoor bar for a few, or a bench and firepit combo for your whole crew! Fire and water elements add a touch of Zen-like tranquility to your quiet space. Or – if you like the idea of neighborhood festivities in your backyard – get creative and add a life size chess board, horseshoe pitch, or bocce ball court!

Formal Gardens with Classically Inspired Architectural Elements

Carefully manicured landscapes in cool shades of green and white can bring a sense of peace and elegance to your surroundings, separating your space from the hectic outside world. Crisp hedges create privacy, while a few well-placed topiaries or carefully pruned trees add a three-dimensional quality that draws the eye. Stone paths and thoughtfully selected statuary add architectural interest. Columns, pillars, and urns in marble tones are timeless elements! The whole effect is enhanced by a few touches of whimsy – either with pops of perennial color in shades of purple and pink, a small water feature, or an ornate mirror or sundial as a focal point. Even the smallest spaces can benefit from the classic elements of a formal garden.

Native Plants to Attract Pollinators

The native trend is no longer a trend… It’s here to stay! Native plants benefit the environment by creating food and habitat for beautiful birds, precious pollinators, and local wildlife. The many varieties of native trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials create 4-season interest, featuring outstanding flowers and fragrance, evergreen interest, edible berries, gorgeous fall color, and more! Even a small patio planter full of flowering native perennials can benefit bees and butterflies. Enhance your outdoor space with a few native selections and draw nature in to your oasis!

Make it Happen

Wherever your daydreams take you… let the friendly experts at Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center help you transform your yard into a uniquely beautiful habitat. Contact landscaping@himmelsgardencenter.com or call 410-255-7730 to schedule a free consultation.

Contact us today at 410-255-7730 or landscaping@himmelsgardencenter.com to schedule your free consultation.

Women’s History Month: Women in Horticulture, Beatrix Farrand

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Women’s History Month: Women in Horticulture, Beatrix Farrand

Because there were no formal schools for landscape architecture in the late 1890s, Beatrix Farrand taught herself. She was introduced to Charles Sprague Sargent who served as the director of the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University. Professor Sargent opened the facilities of the Arboretum to her and she became his apprentice. Farrand traveled abroad visiting and studying gardens to add to her self-taught education.

Farrand started a business in New York City out of her mother’s home. Over her career, she designed over 200 gardens for private estates, including those of John D. Rockefeller,  Mrs. Henry Cabot Lodge and even the White House, where she worked for Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson. Her public commissions included The New York Botanic Gardens as well as some of the country’s most prestigious private universities and colleges. Her well-known campus work began with a commission from Princeton in 1913, and led to eventual projects for Yale, Harvard, Oberlin College, and the University of Chicago. The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania recently restored and rededicated the gardens designed by Farrand.

Among the existing examples of her work are the terraced garden rooms of Dumbarton Oaks, the carriage roads of Acadia National Park, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, the old campus at Princeton University, Harkness Memorial State Park and The New York Botanic Garden. Now the headquarters of the Beatrix Farrand Society, Garland Farm is presently restoring her gardens as well as establishing an educational center with a library and archives.

In 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects was established with Farrand being the only female among its eleven original members. She was instrumental in the concept of vertical gardening and selecting plants that would provide interest during the school terms at the colleges and universities. She was famous for her advocacy of native landscapes and using plans to fit the grounds, not the other way around. Her commitment to horticulture and to her profession inspired others to follow in her footsteps.

Dumbarton Oaks

Contact us today at 410-255-7730 or landscaping@himmelsgardencenter.com to schedule your free consultation.

Bulk Garden Materials Pasadena, MD

Bulk Material – Mulch, Soil, Compost, Stone, Sand

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Finding Quality Bulk Materials in Pasadena, MD – Mulch, Soil, Compost, Stone, Sand, and More.

Whether you’re prepping raised bed vegetable gardens, building a DIY patio, or applying fresh mulch to your garden beds, at some point you will need to decide about bulk material – what to buy, how much the project requires, and where to purchase the material.  Himmel’s can help!

Know what you are paying for!

Himmel’s sells bulk items by volume. This is because we do not have a mechanism for weighing material to sell by the ton. Our machines are equipped with ½ yard and 1-yard buckets. A yard is a volume measurement.

  • Note that 1 yard is approximately equivalent to 1.5 tons
  • A half yard is approximately equivalent to ¾ tons

If you are comparing pricing for bulk material, make sure to ask if the material is sold by the yard or by the ton. Once you have your price list, you can do some simple math to break all the pricing down to ½ ton increments and make a fair comparison.

Price per ton vs. price per yard – The Math!

Divide the price per ton by 2 to arrive at the ½ ton price, then multiply by 3 to arrive at the price per yard [because remember… one yard = 1.5 tons].

Or divide the price per yard by 3 to arrive at the price per ½ ton.

This quick equation will allow you to compare ½ ton pricing among different vendors.

For example:

    • $50 per ton / 2 = $25 per half ton. $25 per half ton x 3 = $75 per yard
    • $75 per yard / 3 = $25 per half ton

Quality, convenience, and price are important factors to consider when purchasing bulk material. Make sure to compare delivery fees too!

But How Much Do I Need?

The amount of material depends on the type of project. For construction projects, safety regulations and building codes require a specific amount of aggregate or material for a base layer. The depth depends on whether the project is for pedestrian or vehicular application. For mulch beds,  2-3” is generally sufficient, although some gardeners prefer up to 4” of mulch. The amount of soil, compost, or fill dirt is related to the volume required for the area. A cubic yard measurement will most accurately meet your volume needs.

 We offer 3 options to help you determine the amount of material required for your project!

3) Calculate your volume needs using the steps listed below to arrive at cubic yards:

  • First determine square footage. Measure L x W for square footage. If your beds are oddly shaped, you can divide them into quadrants, or make a general sq. ft determination and round up to the nearest whole number.
  • Determine how deep you want the mulch/soil/stone to be.
  • Divide the square footage by the appropriate number to arrive at cubic yards:
    • 4″ deep – divide by 81
    • 3″ deep – divide by 108
    • 2″ deep – divide by 162
    • 1″ deep – divide by 324

For example, if you have 4 raised bed gardens, each one is 12’x4’, and you want to top-dress with 4” of compost:

  • 12’x4’ garden bed = 48 sq. ft.
  • 48 sq. ft. x 4 garden beds = 192 total sq. ft.
  • 192 sq. ft. / 81 = 2.37 cubic yards.

Next Steps

It’s the perfect time of year to start planning your next project! We would love to be a part of it. Call Himmel’s or visit us online and let us help you determine your material and quantity needs.

And if you decide you just don’t feel like doing it yourself, contact landscaping@himmelsgardencenter.com for a free consultation, and let our friendly and detail-oriented landscaping and hardscaping crews do it for you!

Bulk Garden Materials Pasadena, MD

Bulk Product Description

  • Topsoil –  locally produced, double screened topsoil suitable for a variety of landscape applications including backfilling, planting grass seed, and garden beds. $40 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
  • Leafgro – also called leaf compost; made up of shredded leaves and grass clippings that are completely decomposed. Leafgro is locally produced. Excellent for overseeding or installing sod. Also used to amend soil for planting. Can be mixed with topsoil. Customers sometimes order half and half; this is usually a mix of half leafgro/half topsoil. $40 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
  • Mushroom Compost – this is a blend of organic matter most suitable for vegetable and herb gardening. Can be mixed with topsoil. 1 part mushroom compost to 2 parts topsoil = 6.5 pH; perfect for gardening. $40 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
  • Fill Dirt – Screened fill dirt for backfilling and for construction projects. Not recommended for gardening. $32 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
  • Mulch – all Himmel’s high quality mulches are shredded hardwood. The dyed mulch is dyed with vegetable dye and is non-toxic. Prices range $35 – $48 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
  • Concrete Sand – Useful for many construction, hardscape, and landscape applications. Concrete sand is the final layer before pavers are installed. Cannot be used as playground sand because it gets very dusty when dry and sometimes there are large, sharp particles. $90 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
  • Crusher Run – Also called CR-6, crusher run stone is a mix of coarse and fine aggregate used in construction and hardscape applications. CR-6 is the base layer for patios and retaining walls and should be tamped down to builder specifications for safe use. Himmel’s carries blue gray CR-6 for $90 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
  • 57# Stone – This stone is about 3/4″ in size. 57# stone is multipurpose and used in construction, hardscape, landscape, and drainage applications. Himmel’s carries 57# stone in two colors: marble chip [white] for $95 per yard, and blue gray for $95 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
  • Chesapeake Blend River Rock – River rock, also called river jack and Delaware rounds, is a multi-colored stone with a smooth surface used for decorative applications. Himmel’s carries river rock in 3/4″; 1-3″; and 3-5” sizes. All sizes are $250 per yard. Delivery and pickup available.
Other aggregates and materials available for direct delivery.
Just ask!

Contact us today at 410-255-7730 or landscaping@himmelsgardencenter.com to schedule your free consultation.

Lose the Lawn and Go Wild

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Do you dread spending your free time mowing a lawn that never seems to grow as green or weed-free as you’d like it to?

Lose the Lawn

Do you dread spending your free time mowing a lawn that never seems to grow as green or weed-free as you’d like it to? Have you heard of lawn-free alternatives, but are uncertain how to make it happen in your yard? Let the experts at Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center help you lose the lawn and create a better, healthier, and more beautiful world by replacing it with a pollinator-friendly habitat!

At Himmel’s, we offer two popular lawn alternatives: a drought tolerant rock garden filled with hardy perennials and native shrubs, or a blooming wildflower meadow that provides outstanding color and interest.

Hardy Rock Garden

Add architectural interest with beautiful boulders and colorful river rock! Careful placement of native shrubs will provide food and habitat for songbirds and beneficial pollinators, while pockets of hardy perennials and succulents draw the eye and add interesting color and texture. Add a few ornamental edible plants like blueberries, kale, bronze fennel, and Swiss chard to make the best use of space. Careful selection and proper installation will ensure that the beauty grows, and the maintenance is minimized!

Go Wild with Wildflowers!

Planting a beneficial wildflower meadow, even one as small as 20 square feet, will have a tremendous impact on our native wildlife, providing food and shelter for precious pollinators including bees, birds, and butterflies. Replacing any portion of lawn with a biologically diverse wildflower meadow will help draw beneficial insects, control pests like mosquitos and white flies, and contribute to a healthier, balanced ecosystem.

Did you know that spending time outdoors observing nature contributes to improved wellness?

A new wildflower garden can positively benefit your family and neighbors! The visual appeal of colorful blooms and seedheads, the beautiful variety of pollinators and birds that will be attracted to the new habitat, the pleasing fragrances, and the delight of birdsong will surely bring added joy.

Call today to get started!

Whether you prefer a wildflower meadow or a hardy rock garden, our friendly and professional landscaping team can’t wait to help you replace the lawn with an environmentally friendly alternative. We will help with a personalized design, professional installation, and post-installation guidance and clear instruction to ensure the success of your new garden.

Contact us today at 410-255-7730 or landscaping@himmelsgardencenter.com to schedule your free consultation.

Sleeping Beauties & Winter Garden Planning

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Although the plants in your winter garden are dormant, their tiny biological clocks are ticking, which means there is a lot of action happening underground!

Sleeping Beauties

Although the plants in your winter garden are dormant, their tiny biological clocks are ticking, which means there is a lot of action happening underground! Soon leaf buds will sprout and leaves will unfurl as your landscape awakens to the warmth of spring. You may have already noticed snowdrops or other bulbs emerging and even in bloom! Will your gardens be ready for spring?

At Himmel’s, we know that for your plants to live their healthiest and best lives, regular maintenance is key. Each season provides an opportunity to observe the natural beauty of plants in the landscape, tend to the needs of the garden, and make valuable enhancements that will improve the longevity of the magnificent habitat you have worked so hard to create.

Winter Services

Hard pruning, debris cleanup, and garden bed prep with soil enhancements are a few of the services we offer during the winter months. Our professional and courteous landscaping and maintenance crews are well trained to ensure that your landscape has a healthy growing season, and that your property always looks its best.

Want to start an herb and vegetable garden this year? Let us help you put together a plan for custom raised beds that will maximize your unique space! We can even help you choose which varieties will work best and produce the greatest yield.

Winter is also a great time to start making plans for your summer patio and firepit, outdoor kitchen, or other hardscaping addition. Let our experienced and ICPI-certified design team help you plan the backyard of your dreams!

Don’t wait! Call 410-255-7730 or email landscaping@himmelsgardencenter.com to schedule your free consultation today!

Why Waterscape?

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Ponds, fountains, waterfalls, koi gardens… These types of waterscapes are living works of art that add a peaceful and Zen-like ambiance to your landscape while also helping our native wildlife.

Check out our top 3 reasons to add a waterscape to your yard in 2023!

  1. Water features serve as a rest stop for many species of birds and other pollinators, providing an opportunity to drink, bathe, and cool off in the heat of summer. The addition of a water feature may even entice some birds to stay – and nest – providing hours of visual enjoyment and functional appeal as they snack on pesky insects like flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. The most beneficial types of waterscapes for pollinators are reflecting pools, fountains, ponds with waterfall features, and water gardens. A koi garden is another great way to reduce insects from invading the backyard!
  2. Waterscapes create a relaxing and soothing place to unwind. We like to think of them as a peaceful getaway within the overall landscape. The sound of flowing water from a fountain, waterfall, or small stream can help to ease your mind after a stressful day, or provide a backdrop for enjoying a cup of tea or indulging in healing yoga and meditation practice.
  3. A water feature can help transform an outdoor space into the perfect destination for entertaining family, neighbors, and friends. Imagine enjoying a romantic brunch with your sweetheart while the soothing and refreshing sounds of a fountain splash in the background. Or – picture your grandchildren gathered around the water garden, observing goldfish, tadpoles and dragonflies together on a balmy summer day. A thoughtfully planned waterscape can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and serve as a learning tool that provides many teachable moments.

Our friends at Beaver Pond Lawn and Landscape are the area experts in waterscape design and installation! Contact them today to learn how you can improve an existing water feature or add a brand new waterscape to your backyard!

Visit www.BeaverPond.org

Cut Tree and Greenery Care

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Cut Tree and Greenery Care

Fresh cut trees and greens add a festive touch to the holidays. With proper care, you can enjoy them all season.

Here are a few tips:

Cut Trees

  • Make a fresh cut at the base of the tree and get it into water within one hour to prevent the sap from sealing, preventing the tree from taking up water.
  • Keep plenty of water in the tree stand. Your tree may use a gallon or more water a day and the stand may need to be refilled more than once.
  • Adding Prolong to the water will assist in the uptake of water and will help the tree retain its needles longer.
  • Place the tree away from heat vents and other heat sources.
  • Help prevent electric fires by inspecting all cords and unplugging your tree when you are not home.

Fresh Greens

  • Soak overnight or up to 24 hours and keep in a cool location, like the garage, until you are ready to decorate.
  • Keep away from heat vents and other heat sources. Temporarily remove greens from the mantle when the fireplace is in use.
  • Avoid placing wreaths and greenery between the main door and storm door. The heat and sun will accelerate drying out.
  • Daily misting will assist in moisture retention.
  • You may spray greens with an anti-desiccant such as Wilt-Pruf, which acts as a protective coating to prevent moisture loss. Always use outside and dry thoroughly before re-hanging them. Avoid using on junipers and berries as the product will cause them to turn black.

The team at Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center wish you a joy filled holiday.