Author Archives: vlm

Tollofsons are tall evergreen trees that require little care. They need full sun to keep their color and don’t need to be trimmed. Tollofsons are related to junipers with the major difference being that it droops. Some people consider them specimens because of their unique shape and appearance. They easily draw the eye with their weeping contours.

White pines are one of the most popular trees used in this area. It is a very fast grower, often growing a foot a year until they reach about 80 ft. They are native to New Jersey and are easy to transplant. Their soft and huggable appearance is pleasing to look at. White pine are also very effective as screens. Watch out though. When planting, place them at a minimum of 6-8 feet apart trunk to trunk. Remember they will grow.

The Maple family is a diverse group of deciduous plants ranging from towering shade trees to small specimens. They are the classic shade tree that everyone knows. Many species are native to Eastern coast forests and do well in most environments. Certain species such as the ‘October Glory’ cultivar displays a brilliant array of color with their foliage in the fall time. Maples are one of the most common trees around and good for any landscape.

Portulaca are low ground covering annuals that are unsung heroes. They provide a different look compared to most annuals. Their leaves are pine needle like and the flowers are quaintly cup shaped. Portulaca come in many different colors.

These bright colored annuals have an almost ornamental look to them. Their splashy variegated leaves sport colors of pink, red, purple, bronze, or orange. They grow to be about 10-20″ high but like part shade conditions. Depending on the variety though, full sun may be ok. They are good for beds, borders, or pots. Coleus is a great annual for that striking look needed in every garden.

This Mediterranean native is a unique annual that stands out anywhere you put it. Its silver colored leaves provide a soft contrast to other plants or flowers around it, especially in pots or window boxes. Dusty Miller’s like part sun to full sun conditions. It makes an attractive edging, rock garden specimen, or container plant.

These beautiful annuals come in many different colors. The most common are white, pink, purple, and red. They can come starred or striped with contrasting colors in their flowers to add an ornamental look. Petunias like full sun and moist, well drained soil. A great annual to use anywhere in your yard

Impatiens are an easy solution to the never ending problem of trying to brighten a shady garden. Their flowers come in assorted colors from white to red shades to deep lilacs. They do best in full shade, but will take some filtered sunlight. They are ideal in beds or borders, under trees, or even pots and other containers. They are great if you have the right conditions.

These European wildflowers are very popular for their small clustered flowers. Alyssum’s bloom throughout the summer with white, rose, violet, or purple flowers. They like part sun to full sun conditions and are used in any garden setup; from containers to beds. If you prune the dead flowers off, new ones will appear much quicker, giving you more bloom time. Make sure you keep them watered, they don’t tolerate dry conditions well.

Begonias are another summertime favorite. Their waxy leaves give them a special look that will make them stand out anywhere you put them. They will bloom all summer long and like full sun to part shade conditions. Their flowers can be pink, red, rose, or white. Begonia’s are great annuals to put in beds, borders, or containers such as pots or window boxes.