Live Christmas Tree Do’s And Don’ts

One of the most classic holiday traditions is picking out a live Christmas tree! It may only come around once per year, but these are memories you’ll have with your family for your lifetime! It’s important to pick a tree that is perfect for your home and family, no matter how big or small it is. If you need help picking the live Christmas tree that is best for your family, we have some tips to help!

Choose the right species

Each species of tree is a little bit different. To find the best types of live Christmas trees for your family, you need to match it to your household’s needs. If you have young children, you should purchase a pine or fir with soft needles instead of a spruce that has sharp needles.

Pick the correct height

When it comes to picking the correct height of a tree, there’s a bit of math involved. If you’re wanting to use a tree topper, you’ll want to allow at least a foot of room for it. However if you are not using a tree topper, you’ll still want to leave at least six inches.

Make sure it’s fresh

You’ll want to check the trunk. It should have a slight slickness to it if it’s fresh. Then bend a needle in half with your fingers. Fresh firs should snap, while fresh pines should bend and not break.

After the Christmas season is over, be sure to recycle your tree for a sustainable and earth-friendly holiday! We hope this helps you find the perfect live Christmas tree for your home. 

Whispering Springs Nursery wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Fresh Fall Recipes From Your Own Garden

The beautiful fall weather is here. That may make you want to get out of the house and make some improvements to your yard. If growing a garden is on your mind, believe it or not fall is one of the best times to get started! Many people put off until the summer, but you certainly don’t have to. 

There are so many fruits, vegetables, and herbs that thrive in the cooler weather. Plus, there’s so many benefits to growing your own food, why would you put it off any longer? Keep reading to learn some of the benefits of growing your own food and the best vegetables to grow in your backyard during the fall!

Benefits Of Growing Your Own Food

Having a garden is more than just a hobby for those with a green thumb, there’s a ton of benefits. If you’re contemplating starting your own garden, there are so many benefits of growing your own food! 

Some of the benefits of growing your own food in a garden include:

  1. Knowing what’s being used to grow the food
  2. There’s a freshness like no other
  3. It saves money

Best Vegetables To Grow In Your Backyard In The Fall

Everything has the best season for it to grow! While you may think of the spring and summer as the best time to get things growing, some things actually thrive in fall.

Some of our favorite vegetables that thrive and grow in the fall are:

  1. Pumpkins
  2. Carrots
  3. Brussel sprouts
  4. Broccoli
  5. Potatoes
  6. Arugula
  7. Yellow squash
  8. Zucchini
  9. Spinach
  10. Cauliflower

We hope this convinces you to break out your green thumb and get a garden growing in your backyard this fall! We’d love to help you pick out some fruits and veggies for your garden at Whispering Springs. Give us a call today at 770-893-1254 for more information on our garden center and any of our services!

Help Your Houseplants Thrive

Cooler weather is a great time to test out your green thumb and become a plant parent. If your green thumb isn’t so green, you may realize it can be a bit tricky to keep your houseplants happy and thriving. Keep reading for some tips on how to choose the best houseplants for you and how to keep your plants thriving!

Choose plants that work with your schedule

If you tend to stay busy, you will want more of a low-maintenance plant. Some ideas of plants that are far from high maintenance are succulents, snake plants, and ZZ plants. If you have extra time on your hands to handle more of a high-maintenance plant, we recommend ferns, orchids, and air plants.

Choose your plants based on light available

You’ll want to choose your plants based on the amount of natural light your home receives. Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. However, many can tolerate lower light levels. Some succulents and cacti are some of the few plants that can handle bright, direct sunlight.

Water your plants mindfully

All plants have different watering needs, so it’s important to be mindful of their individual needs.

Fertilize your plants periodically

Much like watering, each different type of plant has their own fertilizing needs. It’s important to know how much you need to fertilize them and when.

Don’t forget to prune your houseplants too

Like outdoor plants, houseplants need to be pruned too. Usually the fall is the best time to prune most houseplants.

Repot your plants when needed

If the roots of the plant are circling the pot, it may be time to repot the plant. Or if the plant has outgrown the pot, it’s best to repot it in a slightly larger pot for space purposes. Be sure to read up on tips for the particular plant you’re attempting to repot.

Get your plants from a reliable source

To set yourself up for houseplant success, you’ll want to get them from a reliable source where you can ensure they were taken care of. In addition, their experts can help you pick out the best plant(s) for you and answer any questions you may have.

We hope these tips help you find the right houseplants for you and your lifestyle, as well as how to keep those houseplants thriving! We’d love to help you pick out some plants for your home at Whispering Springs. Give us a call today at 770-893-1254 for more information on our garden center and any of our services!

Is Your Yard Ready For Autumn?

When summer nights turn cool, it means it’s time to start preparing your yard for the new season. Is your yard ready for autumn?

Here’s what you can do now to ensure that when spring comes your grass is green and flowers are blooming:

Remove any dead annuals.

Clean up your yard by removing any dead annuals to keep everything looking fresh.

Prune any plants.

It’s also to cut back any dead or wilted stems on your other plants.

Inspect your fence.

In order to prevent any issues in your fence from getting worse during the colder seasons, it’s important to inspect it and fix any holes, chipped board, or broken pieces.

Clean your gutters.

Before more leaves start falling, it’s important to clear your gutter of any debris in the meantime. Then add cleaning your gutters regularly to your maintenance schedule throughout the fall season.

Drain any pools or ponds.

Leaves that fall into pools and fountains can clog pumps, create dirty water, and introduce algae. It’s best to drain them for the season and then refill them once winter comes.

Refill your bird feeders.

As the weather gets colder, it is more difficult for birds to find food! Bring some beauty to your yard with some bird feeders with lots of bird seeds.

Plant bulbs and hardy vegetables.

Planting bulbs and vegetables is an important part of preparing your garden for the next growing season!

Check your driveway.

Ice can majorly damage your driveway, so you’ll want to check for any cracks or potential issues in the fall. It’s important to prevent these issues that can happen in the winter.

Ensure your outdoor lights are working.

In the fall and winter, days are shorter and nights are longer, so you’ll want to be sure any outdoor lights are working to help keep you safe.

Clean outdoor furniture.

Properly cleaning your outdoor furniture regularly helps ensure that it lasts longer against the natural elements.

This list may seem like a lot to do on your own, but we’re here to help! If you need assistance getting your yard in tip top shape this fall, we offer yard maintenance at Whispering Springs. Give us a call today at 770-893-1254 for more information on our yard maintenance services!

Build A Summer Oasis (Right In Your Own Backyard)

Summer creates a need to enjoy the outdoors and beautiful weather while we can, but you shouldn’t have to leave home to do so. There are ways you can build your own summer oasis right in your own backyard! We’ve come up with our top 7 ways you can create your own personal oasis:

Incorporate Colors and Patterns

Personalize your deck or patio with water-resistant decor that adds your style.

Lots Of Lounging

Every summer oasis needs a space or few to lounge! It’s a place where you can take a nap, read a book, or just sit outside and meditate.

Keep It Green

Surrounding your oasis with lush greenery makes it feel as if you are no longer in your backyard. It also doubles as privacy!

Incorporate Outdoor Lighting

All summer oases must include outdoor lighting. Not only for safety, but so you can fully use them after the sun goes down.

Stay Shady

Shady spots in the summer are absolutely necessary! The shade can be made in multiple ways including large trees, arbors, pergolas, patio umbrellas, and more.

Add An Outdoor Kitchen

If you love grilling & being outdoors, an outdoor kitchen would be a great add-on to your oasis. Imagine spending all spring, summer, & fall being able to watch your favorite team while grilling.

Ensure Privacy

If your outdoor area has a sense of enclosure, it will make it feel more like an oasis. There are several ways to create the enclosure such as fences, garden walls, pergolas, landscaping, and more.

We hope these tips help you create your own summer oasis right in your backyard. If you need help, we’d love to create the oasis of your dreams. Contact us to see how we can help you transform your backyard.

Prep Your Yard Now For A Greener Spring

The greenest of yards in the spring were truly made in the winter. If you haven’t started already, now is a great time to start prepping your yard for spring time. There’s still plenty of time before spring to prepare your lawn to make sure it looks great all spring long. 

Here are some things you can do now to prepare your yard for spring:

  • Clear out debris and plant matters
  • Cover all of your shrubs and plants with a frost covering, and be sure to remove the frost covering once chance for frosting has passed
  • Apply a generous layer of compost over any garden soil to increase fertility levels and improve water retention
  • Cover the ground with an inch or two of mulch to protect any plants from freezing
  • Right now and early spring is a perfect time to get any weeds under control before they take over
  • Plant any winter-hardy vegetables so they’re ready to harvest in the spring
  • Get your soil tested to be sure you know how to improve the soil structure as much as possible
  • Prune all your shrubs and trees
  • Clean your gutters of any fallen leaves
  • Add some new plants so they’re ready for spring
  • Aerate your lawn closer to the end of winter after chance of frost is completely gone, this will help increase airflow and improve drainage
  • Be sure your irrigation system is in top shape

This list may seem a tad overwhelming, but we’re here to help. If you need assistance getting your yard in tip top shape for spring, we offer yard maintenance at Whispering Springs. Give us a call today at 770-893-1254 for more information on our yard maintenance services!

8 Steps for Georgia Lawn Maintenance in the Winter

Lawn maintenance through the seasons and different weather is tough to manage. Lawn care is especially tricky during the unpredictable Georgia winters! We’ve gathered 8 steps you need to take to ensure your lawn is ready for the winter.

Here are 8 steps for Georgia lawn care and maintenance in the winter:

  • Fertilize Your Lawn – Be sure to apply fertilizer with a spreader. You’ll want to be sure you’re following the instructions on the fertilizer package and applying only the recommended amount as too much can burn your grass.
  • Aerate Your Lawn – Aerating your lawn provides some extra air to the grassroots. To do this, use a spade to take out spikes of soil across your lawn to make holes for planting seeds.
  • Spread Cool Weather Grass Seeds – You’ll want to purchase grass seeds that specifically say “cool season” or “cool weather.” Most fescues can be considered cool weather seeds. You can spread the seed over your lawn with the same spreader you used for the fertilizer. Be sure to spread the seeds evenly so you won’t be left with clumps of grass once it grows.
  • Rake and Water Your Lawn – Rake over the lawn to break up any soil clumps and cover the seeds, and then water the lawn. Be sure to always keep the soil moist and not to let it dry out.
  • Clean up Your Lawn – It’s very imperative to not leave debris, leaves, or toys out on your lawn. They can smother the grass, create disease conditions, and invite damaging pests.

  • Lower the Height of Your Mower – Be sure to lower the height of your mower by a notch or two. You’ll want to be sure that your grass isn’t too long but also not too short, as either extreme can cause damage.
  • Be Aware of Traffic – Dormant grass will tolerate a moderate amount of traffic, but a heavily worn path will be slower to turn green in the spring.
  • Monitor Weather Conditions – Certain conditions can be very harmful to your lawn in the long term. If you know a winter storm or deep freeze is approaching, it may be worth the effort to chip away at the exposed ice in a low spot.

If you need help making sure your lawn is up to par all winter long, give us a call at Whispering Springs today!

Oh Christmas Tree: Which One Is Right For You?

Is there anything that gets you more into the holiday spirit than the sight of a beautiful Christmas tree, covered in twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments, surrounded by piles of gifts just waiting to be unwrapped? The centerpiece of your Christmas festivities shouldn’t be an afterthought – and there are so many great options to choose from! We’ve gathered up our favorite types of Christmas trees to help you decide which one should be the star of your holiday season. 

Types of Christmas Trees

Did you know that more than 35 types of evergreen trees are grown in the United States for Christmas decor? The availability of each type varies depending on where you live, and each one has its own unique features. These are a few of our favorites:

  • Douglas Fir –  Compact branches give the Douglas fir a full, lush look that makes it an instant classic. It is long lasting (which means less cleanup of those pesky pine needles) and is widely available in most regions of the U.S.
  • Noble Fir – Another Christmas classic! The Noble fir has less prickly needles than some of its evergreen cousins, while still being sturdy enough to support you precious ornaments.
  • Scotch Pine – If you’re looking for a low-maintenance tree that won’t drop all it’s needles if you forget to water it once or twice, a Scotch pine is perfect for you! This is the perfect tree for the busy family who doesn’t want to spend their holiday season circling their tree with a vacuum.
  • Fraser Fir – For dramatic decorators that believe that more is more, the Fraser fir’s strong and sturdy branches are the perfect fit! Deck the halls to your heart’s desire – this hearty tree can handle all the lights and baubles you throw at it.
  • Grand Fir – If your favorite part of Christmas is the fresh, piney smell of an evergreen tree, choose a Grand fir to bring home! It’s an elegant option that will give your space an immediate touch of holiday cheer.


No matter which tree you choose, don’t forget to keep safety in mind when it comes to displaying, decorating, and discarding your tree. Happy Holidays from the Whispering Springs family!

Relaxing Water Features for the North Georgia Mountains

We provide a range of landscape design services in North Georgia, but one of our favorites will always be designing and installing water features. Waterfalls, ponds, fountains, and creeks are not only beautiful but can also provide benefits like these.

Benefits of Water Features in Residential Landscape Design

Fighting Stress

It’s no secret that spending time in nature is good for you. Researchers continue to publish studies about the psychological and physiological benefits of having regular contact with nature, ranging from increased happiness to improved cognitive function. While there’s not as much research specifically focusing on the role of water, it’s safe to say that a bubbling brook or cascading waterfall can supercharge your outdoor relaxation, helping you relax and reduce stress. There’s a reason why people gravitate to water, and you can bring it into your own yard or garden with a beautiful water feature.

Reducing Noise Pollution

Including a water feature in your North Georgia landscape design can also reduce noise pollution. The background sound of running water from a waterfall or fountain is a pleasant alternative to traffic, music, and other disruptions that can find you even in the mountains. Once your water feature is up and running, you’ll want to hear it 24/7… Which is good considering that the more you run a fountain or water feature, the better it will perform! Constantly moving water keeps the pump in good shape, prevents debris from accumulating, and ensures that pests like mosquitoes don’t decide to lay eggs there.

Helping Birds

Moving water discourages mosquitoes from invading a water feature, but it does the opposite for birds! If you love bird watching, replacing your birdbath with a water feature is a no-brainer.

There are 21 highly vulnerable bird species in Georgia, as well as 27 moderately vulnerable species. If you want to do your part to protect native birds, adding a water feature is a great option. The birds will appreciate having a place to drink, bathe, and cool off from the hot Georgia summers. Plus, you can enjoy some prime bird watching from your patio, porch, or even inside your home!

Purifying the Air

On the list of reasons to build a water feature, air purification is often overlooked. But not today! People these days are becoming far more educated about air quality and how it affects health, so we think this benefit is worth talking about.

Fountains and other moving water features produce negative ions as the circulating water evaporates. Those negative ions attract free-floating particles like dust from the air, cleaning it. This natural air purification removes dust, dirt, allergens, and other pollutants from the air, so you can breathe deeply and enjoy the North Georgia mountain air.

Ready to add a water feature to your landscaping? The great thing about our custom water features is that we can design one to fit just about any location. Want to add a large pond/waterfall combo to your woodland garden? We’ve got you covered. Looking for ways to add personality to a small courtyard or patio? We can create a compact water feature to fit your space. Give us a call at 770-893-1254 to get started, and check out the other services we offer here at Whispering Springs Nursery.

Get Ready for Fall with These Landscape Design Ideas and Tips

Table and benches with wine bottle and glasses in landscaped patioWhile midsummer temperatures in Georgia can be brutal, by the time late summer and fall roll around, the climate is perfect for outdoor relaxation. But is your yard living up to its potential as an extension of your home? Whether you want an outdoor space to lounge, entertain, cook, play, or some combination of those activities, we can help you bring your perfect yard to life with our landscape design services

That’s right; if you didn’t know, Whispering Springs is not only a plant nursery and garden center, but also provides a variety of landscaping services to homeowners in Jasper and throughout North Georgia. Keep reading for some fall landscaping inspiration, and give us a call at 770-893-1254 to learn more about our North Georgia landscaping services

Top Fall Landscape Design Ideas for North Georgia

Start with a Clean Slate. 

Plants love the hot, humid summer weather here, which is why the North Georgia mountains are so lush and green in the summer. (That goes for plants you want to thrive, as well as weeds!) However, all of that growth can get overwhelming by the end of the summer, so it’s important to tidy up your landscaping. Late summer is a great time to schedule our yard maintenance services, like pruning shrubs and trees, cleaning up planting beds, performing weed control, and performing other seasonal plant maintenance and cleaning, like dead-heading perennials and removing plant debris. We can get your yard whipped into shape so you can enjoy it during the beautiful fall weather to come. 

Create Spaces for Outdoor Living

Your landscaping doesn’t have to be merely ornamental; it can be an extension of your house, with outdoor “rooms” for everything from cooking to lounging. Some of the most popular landscape design additions are not only useful, but also provide great ROI if you decide to put your home on the market later. These are a few outdoor living upgrades that are sure to increase your enjoyment of your landscaping during the fall: 

  • Installing an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Food just tastes better when it’s cooked and eaten outdoors! From full-service outdoor kitchens with a refrigerator, stove, and grill, to simple upgrades like a patio and grilling area with attractive hardscaping, you’ll love being able to dine en plein air. 
  • Adding entertainment amenities. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are wildly popular for a reason. They can not only add a focal point to your yard, but also offer the perfect place to entertain friends and family outdoors. And best of all, they have the potential for nearly year-round use!
  • Creating lounge spaces. Having a covered area with comfortable seating is a great way to turn your yard into a true outdoor living space. However, you can also create beautiful opportunities for relaxation with features like garden alcoves and benches placed throughout your landscaping. 

Optimize Your Landscaping for Year-Round Natural Beauty

It’s easy to make your yard look appealing during the spring and summer, when so many flowers, bushes, and trees are blooming. However, with clever planning and expert knowledge of North Georgia’s native plants, we can help you create a beautifully naturalistic landscape that will bring you joy all year round. 

  • Hardscaping (elements like paths, steps, walls, patios, etc.) gives structure to landscaping, helping lead the eye and create visual interest even during the winter. 
  • Softscaping adds the living element to your landscaping using perennial and seasonal color planting beds, foundation plantings like trees and shrubs, and selecting deer-resistant plants that will thrive in the North Georgia environment. 

Don’t wait to get your yard ready for fall; contact us today!