Tag Archive for: gift

Calla Lily, Houseplant

Valentines from the Greenhouse

Shirley Hennessy, Merrifield Plant Specialist

This Valentine’s Day we’re giving blooming gifts from the greenhouse. Here are our gardener’s picks for romantic, exotic and contemporary options for your valentine.

Romantic

Calla lily

From the Greek word for beauty, the calla lily is an elegant selection for any friend or loved one. The calla lily can be enjoyed indoors throughout the winter and then transplanted into the garden once the risk of frost has passed. Select a location with sun and good drainage and these striking bulbs will bring blooms throughout the spring and summer.

African violets

With beautiful blooms perched above fuzzy, dark green foliage, this tropical flowering houseplant can provide color to any home or office. African violets come in many shades of purple, blue, pink, white and variegated and will flower almost constantly. Place them in a north-facing window, keep the soil consistently moist with room temperature water, and feed regularly to maximize blooms.

Exotic

Orchids

With delicate flowers that appear to float in the air, orchids are one of the largest plant families. Commonly mistaken as difficult to grow, there are many varieties that will thrive in the light conditions of an average bright windowsill. Orchids have adapted to survive for long periods of time without water and prefer a pot and potting medium with good air circulation to dry out slightly between waterings.

Anthurium

Its heart-shaped flowers and glossy color make anthurium a beautiful selection for your valentine. This tropical houseplant is low maintenance, requires bright light and will live for years to come as long as it’s not overwatered.

Contemporary

Sweetheart hoya

Thick, heart-shaped leaves make this succulent an adorable valentine. The single, heart-shaped leaf will grow into a cluster of hearts if transitioned into a hanging basket and given a spot with very bright light. During the summer the sweetheart hoya will provide an added layer of interest with bright white blooms with burgundy centers.

Other succulents

These adorable, no muss, no fuss plants are perfect for a sunny windowsill, bright bedroom or office. The key to a happy succulent is to give it bright light and let it dry out. Succulents store water in their thick leaves and release it to the plant as needed.

Herb Garden

Gardening Gifts for Dad

This Father’s Day, share the gift of gardening with your father by taking on a new project together, or by enjoying time outdoors. We have just the plants and supplies you need to make the day great whether your father is a master gardener, a novice or just someone who enjoys a plant or two in his home. Read on for suggestions and inspiration to get Dad the perfect gift this year.

For the Indoor-Only Gardener: Bonsai Tree

Bonsai

Bonsai trees make a unique gift for dads who may not garden very much, but enjoy having something growing in their home.  With a wide variety of bonsai to choose from, you are sure to find one your father will love.

For the Landscaping Pro: Black Diamond Crape Myrtle

Black Diamond Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtles are a favorite for their summer blooms, and the Black Diamond series is one of our newest and most popular varieties. Unlike other crape myrtle trees, the foliage on these is black. This series features blooms in a variety of colors, but we particularly love the red.

For the Chef: Fresh Herbs

Herb Garden

Fresh herbs are the perfect gift for any home chef, as they can be grown quickly and harvested as needed for cooking from a container or windowsill garden. Create a small herb garden with Dad this Father’s day with rosemary, oregano, chives or other easy to grow herbs.

For the Gardener Who Has Everything: Handy Gadgets and Accessories

Garden Shovel, Garden Tool

If dad is a master gardener and already seems to have everything, why not get him something extra to make his work easier? Popular gardening accessories and tools include kneeler pads, long arm hose extenders, soaker hoses, sun hats and gardening gloves.

Pro Tip: Our own Merrifield dads are more than happy to provide ideas. For example, Michael Fahey, one of our instructors and arborists, recommends the King of Spades Shovel as, “the one gardening tool you can’t live without.” If you are looking for more ideas, our team would be happy to talk with you about their own favorite tools and plants!

We hope you have a great Father’s Day! Have fun planting!

Bleeding Heart, Perennial

Blooming Gifts for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and beautiful spring blooms are the perfect gifts to show her you appreciate her hard work and care for the family! If you need some inspiration or fresh ideas for a gift, check out our list of vibrant, colorful flowers and arrangements that your mom will love.

Calibrachoa Spring Hanging Basket

Hanging Baskets

A display-ready addition to any patio, hanging baskets come in a multitude of colors and varieties that grow well in both sun and shade. Our plant specialists are happy to create a basket for you, or you can select one of our ready-made containers of vibrant seasonal blooms from our annuals department.

Dianthus

Dianthus

This cheerful perennial with its bright colors and delicate blooms is a favorite of many gardeners. This bright flower is wonderful in containers and attracts butterflies.

Bleeding Heart, Perennial

Bleeding Heart

This unique flower bears striking, heart-shaped blooms on long stems which grow beautifully in part to full shade. Moms will love this delicate flower, which has been a garden favorite for many years.

Container Gardens

These beautiful pieces can be custom designed to suit your mom’s taste and style. We are happy to put them together with a container from our store, or with one you already have at home! You can select one already made at our store, or work with us (or your family!) to create one mom will love.

Check out our step-by-step blog to create a container garden of your own.

Lavender

The soothing scent of lavender makes this an excellent choice to pamper mom with aromatherapy.  This is a wonderful gift for moms who enjoy cooking or for those who just enjoy the fragrance.

Peony

This popular plant compliments all styles of gardens. These stunning flowers feature dramatic blooms in a variety of colors ranging from white, to pink, to red. We consider this plant a “must have” for it’s stunning blooms and classic appeal.

Traditional Favorites

Still aren’t sure what to get mom? Some of our most popular and traditional gifts include azaleas and rhododendron, roses, and hydrangea. There are many beautiful plants to choose from – if you need advice, just let us know!