My Plant Selection

With the renovations to the yard, and needing new plants, flowers and garden supplies, I became a frequent customer to several area nurseries (Johnson's-DC, GoodEarth-Potomac, American Plant-Bethesda, Home Depot and Lowes)

Initially when I first started designing the landscape for the yard, I didn't have a clear vision of what I wanted, however, I did have a list of wants. My list included: natural privacy screen, no more than 8ft in height, perennial, colorful and fast growing.

Johnson's

When I spoke with the sales associates about my list they all gave me great advice. However, Lynn from Johnson's was exceptional, she pointed me in the direction of a smaller Crepe Myrtle for a privacy screen. The Myrtle will grow approx. 8-10ft tall and has an bark has a cool cream/beige color in the Winter. The great thing about Johnson's is they tend to discount their plants towards the end of the Summer season. This year I was able to pick up two great Crape Myrtles (Hopi and Zumi) for half the price.

GoodEarth

Since I coach around the corner from this nursery, I tend to frequent them a lot! The sales associates are extremely nice and knowledgable! When giving my list, I was 1st recommended a Japanese Camellia for a natural privacy screen. I was told they're fast growing shrubs that are wind resistent, have colorful flowers, and they have a glossy green foliage (this is a huge plus during the Winter because the green foliage can add color to a dark and gloomy space).

I was also shown several other plants that met my criteria. A pink and white Hydrangea shrub that serves as great privacy screen with an average height of 6-7ft. and a couple of Gardenia shrubs. Gardenia's are somewhat similar to Camelia's in the sense that they are evergreens that can tolerate cold temps and have glossy green leaves. The one downside to this shrub is they can be a bit finicky to maintain. The one HUGE plus, is their fragrant white flowers!

Towards the end of the Summer, I found a few more plants that were marked down. I found another Hydrangea for almost half the original price, a rhododendron and several Fern Leaf Buckthorns.

American Plant

Another nursery I go to from time to time is American Plant. I purchased several Fall Camellia shrubs from this nursery since I was they were a new variety. What makes these different from the other Camellia shrubs I previously purchased, is they bloom in the Fall and come in two heights for privacy, 4-6ft and 6-8ft. Having a Fall bloom is great since most plants and tree leaves fall off during this these months. Fall blooms are a great way to extend the color in one's yard.

Home Depot/Lowes

Last but not least, Home Depot and Lowes. I have purchased a few plants and flowers from both stores and my experience every time is always different :) Depending on which Home Depot you go to, they may or may not have a large selection of plants (for me Aspen Hill and Rhode Island Ave. have the largest selections within the DC area, Bethesda is a good runner up). I mainly shopped the clearance section at these two stores and due to that, was able to purchase a few Rose Plants, Hibiscus Plants and Holly Plants.

Thankfully I have an SUV to help carry all my junk around town! I can definitely say I've put some miles on 'ol Betsy my beloved '01 Xterra. Thankfully she still puts up with the abuse of hauling my items around town!

Stay posted on the progress of the yard and a showcase of the plants I purchased.

Plants purchased:

Japanese Camellia - April Remembered

Camellia - October Magic Dawn

Camellia - October Magic Inspiration

Crape Myrtle - Rhapsody in Pink

Crape Myrtle - Zuni

Crape Myrtle - Hopi

Fern Leaf Buckthorn

Gardenia Jasmine

Hibiscus - luna white

Holly - Blue Boy

Holly - Japanese Sky Pencil

Hydrangea - Vanilla Strawberry

Hydrangea - Limelight

Rose Plant - Burgundy Iceberg

Rhododendron - P.J.M. Elite