Once the north Georgia mountains consistently hit those summer highs in the 90s, most gardeners are already concerned about their beautiful plants and flowers getting enough to drink. Each summer, we have those extra-hot, extra-sticky days that make us uncomfortable, and gardeners see the affects in their gardens as well. Luckily, there are a variety of drought-tolerant plants to choose from that ensure beautiful color in your garden year-round.

What to Look For in Drought-Resistant Plants 

The key to choosing drought-resistant plants is to look for plants that can handle both the desert-like conditions as well as take in all the water once the rain returns. Therefore, trying to outsmart the weather by planting a lot of cacti or other desert-dwellers won’t work – those plants may literally drown because their roots won’t be able to suck up the water fast enough.

Look at the Leaves

The leaves of a plant are the main source of water loss. Natural elements like sun and wind causes water to evaporate, so the roots are constantly working to pull moisture out of the soil to replenish the leaves. Drought-tolerant plants have many defenses to prevent water loss in their leaves, including smaller and fewer leaves, which require less water. Additionally, plants with a coating of fuzz or a waxy layer have adapted through time to protect them against water loss.

When Should You Plant?

When it comes to protecting your garden against drought, early spring and fall are the best times to plant. By planting before those scorching temperatures hit, your plants will have a chance to get their roots established. And keep in mind, even the most resilient of perennials will need a solid year to get their roots established to a point that will allow them to withstand a drought easily.

For suggestions on which drought-resistant plants will work best in your Jasper, GA yard, contact Whispering Springs Nursery or come on by so we can help you select beautiful, yet adaptable options.

Photo via Flickr.

When it comes to getting the utmost enjoyment out of your backyard water feature, keeping it clean and in good shape is important. Changes in weather, seasons and other natural causes can cause your water feature to deteriorate, but taking the proper steps can keep it beautiful for years to come. Here are some of Whispering Springs Nursery‘s best tips on caring for your backyard water feature. 

• When you can, remove the old algae from rocks and stones with your garden hose.
• Make sure your water filtration system is top-notch. Select one that removes organic debris that attract algae in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Your water feature expert can help you determine which option is best-suited for your backyard.
• Choosing naturally filtering plants like the Anacharis, also known as the Brazilian Waterweed, will also clean water as they grow. We can also recommend other plants that will clean the clean the water naturally.
• Create shade for your pond. Algae thrive in sunny areas, so keeping your pond at least 60% shaded will help guard against algae as well as keep any fish you may have cool.
• Take the time to regularly remove harmful debris that your filtering system can’t remove. This includes trimming back and removing dead plant life, sludge that gets caught in your water pump or filter, or any bugs that might be harmful to your fishes’ diet.

The experts at Whispering Springs Nursery can help you design as well as maintain your beautiful backyard water feature. To talk to us about caring for your backyard pond or if you’re interested in building a water feature in your Jasper, GA yard, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Backyard water features have become a very popular option for yard or garden renovation shows. And why not? There are few things in a garden as comforting as the sound of trickling water. The gentle gurgle of a fountain can ease tension after a long day. Have you always wanted a water feature in your yard? Here are three top reasons to adding a water feature to your garden.

1.) Introduce a sense of calm to your yard. A fountain creates a tranquil sound, even if you live in a less-than-quiet area. The water feature allows you to recreate yourself and connect with nature. There’s no denying that the sound of trickling water is popular sound on noise machines, as the effects can calm just about anyone.

2.) Water features make your garden look bigger. Acting as nature’s mirror, water’s reflective properties can make your garden look bigger. For maximum effect, use dark materials for the feature of your fountain. For an even greater effect, you can use underwater lighting to highlight different shapes. Eco lights are available that can charge by day with the sun’s natural light and they will light up your garden at night.

3.) Cool your yard. Especially during the hot, sticky summers that can come to the hills of Jasper, GA, a water feature in your backyard will offer cooling effects at a fraction of running your A/C on high all day long. Enjoy an evening sitting by your pond, watching fish or if you’re lucky enough, catch one of the most beautiful after-effects of a summer rain, the rainbow.

For maximum enjoyability, it’s important to keep both the water and the surrounding area clean and in good shape. Stay tuned for our blog next week on maximizing your water feature with some of our best care guidelines. If you’re interested in adding a water feature to your backyard this summer, contact Whispering Springs Nursery to let us help you build the perfect relaxing space.

With the craziness of May, it’s easy to get in a gardening rut. Finding the time to tend your rosebushes, water your perennials, and mow the yard sometimes seems like more than you can manage. But during the season of graduations, weddings, and family reunions, well-tended gardens are a priority. If you’re looking for a total landscape overhaul, talk to our Jasper garden experts about installing hardscapes and softscapes for your home. If you need a quick fix for a drab landscape, try these 3 simple garden makeover tips.

1. Add color. The easiest way to update your landscape is to add a splash of color. Work with the hues in your perennial flowerbeds to add color to window boxes, sidewalks, and bare spots in your garden. If your yard is already overflowing with colorful plants, balance the bright blooms with rich, green bushes from our nursery.
2. Use dimensions. Create the illusion of an elaborate landscape by varying the dimensions of your plants. Plant low, broad bushes to balance mature trees around your home, choose flower varieties in multiple heights, and add depth by varying leaf textures.
3. Buy garden ornaments. While garden fountains and elegant arbors can transform your landscape, simple outdoor ornaments are an excellent way to update your garden. Highlight colorful plants and add elegance to rich green foliage with birdbaths, hanging lanterns, or tasteful statues. If you’re looking for a quick way to change your garden’s atmosphere, try planting perennials in an old wheelbarrow or a set of painted dresser drawers.

Visit Whispering Springs Nursery in Jasper, GA for bright summer blooms, deer-resistant plants, and helpful tips from our staff of knowledgeable landscapers.

This Sunday, May 11th is Mother’s Day, and what better way to show mom some love than by surprising her with one of these gardening or garden-inspired gifts? Whispering Springs Nursery has put together a list of surefire hits that will sprout love in Mom’s heart.

Homemade Garden markers – Garden markers can be made from all different kinds of materials, including flat stones, old dishware, wine corks, or the more traditional wood. Depending on Mom’s personality, you can have lots of fun creating markers that will help her keep vegetables, herbs or flowers in order.

Tools of the trade – Buy mom a nice pair of gardening gloves or that pruning shears that she would never purchase for herself. Look for a pair of hearty gardening gloves that provide comfort and durability and keep dirt and leaves from sneaking in. Additional options include a garden apron, or a personalized garden tote for all her essentials.

Personalized yard sign – Another option for Mom that can either be handmade (if you’re a hands-on DIY expert) or purchased. A sign with Mom’s favorite quote or a simple “Mom’s Garden” sign will let her take ownership of all her hard work in the garden.

Painted Flower Pot – A favorite that kids can help make, personalized flower pots will allow that special mom in your life to think of you every time she looks at her beautiful blooms. And don’t stop at Mom – this is a great gift for grandmas and aunts, too! If you’re stumped on ideas, a simple search for “painted flower pot” will be sure to help you sprout some artistic creativity. Be sure to bring your newly created container by Whispering Springs Nursery in Jasper, GA so that we can fill it with the perfect flowers.

These are just a few of the colorful options to add an extra pop of color or whimsy to Mom’s garden this spring. Happy Mother’s Day from Whispering Springs Nursery! May you enjoy the gifts of your garden!

Photo via Flickr.

After the especially cold winter and finicky spring temperatures, we’re ready to grow! Growing a vegetable garden can make even the most patient of people get frustrated with how long things can take to mature, so we’ve got some tips on how you can speed up the process! Even here at Whispering Springs Nursery, when we are ready to grow, we’re ready to grow!

Plant Fast Growing Varieties

Rather than planting veggies that you know take a long time to harvest, mix them in with other options that mature quickly! Arugula takes only 25 days to grow to maturity and mustard greens typically only take 30 days. Rather than waiting almost 90 days for your tomato plants to produce, cultivate the Glacier tomato which will bear fruit in a short 55 days.

Grow Your Own Seedlings

Rather than waiting until the last frost has passed to plant your seeds outdoors, start them inside. This will give you an almost 12 week head start on the growing season. To do this, you’ll need fresh seeds, small containers that are about 2.5″ deep with plenty of drainage holes, and an appropriate seed starting growing medium.

Ready to Try Gardening for Yourself?

Gardening doesn’t have to take up a whole lot of space. Many of our clients will plant on their back porches to keep their tender veggies out of harms way (read: deer). Square foot gardening is a great way to maximize space and get the most out of a raised garden bed with limited size.

Come on by Whispering Springs Nursery today and see what we have in store for you. From beautiful bushes, trees, and hardscape to the perfect spring perennials to add a splash of color to your front lawn we have it all here in Jasper, GA. 

So, we’re going to have a little talk here about the birds and the bees. Believe it or not, if you build an herb garden and it’s not doing well, it’s somewhat because of the lack of bees.Whispering Springs Nursery has tips for you on what you need to do to make your garden more inviting for bees.

The key is making sure that you planted an option that will always provide enough nectar. These top six herbs will make sure that you have something delicious to cook with, and that you are inviting bees into your herb garden to pollinate and help the plants grow!

1. Lavender – It smells great, looks great, and can be used for a wide variety of things. Plant it as a ground cover for a large area.
2. Mint – This herb will not only invite bees, but deter moths that would otherwise feast on sweet leaves of your herb plants.
3. Rosemary – Rosemary grows early, which makes a great early source for nectar for bees.
4. Thyme -Thyme’s fragrance attracts bees and butterflies.
5. Sage – A great bee attractant.
6. Myrtle – This is a great herb that is not only functional, but beautiful. Plant it near the back of your herb garden as it grows rather tall and will add a new height dimension to your garden.

What else will you have growing in your herb garden this spring? Come by Whispering Springs Nursery in Jasper, GA and we’ll help you fill a container with herbs that are not only beautiful, but fragrant and delicious!

Img via Flickr. 

One of our specialties here at Whispering Springs Nursery is helping our customers fill up whatever containers they bring us with a beautiful, growing flower arrangement. We love seeing all of the different creative containers that our customers come up with that always make unique planters. To inspire you, here are ten out of the box ideas for where you can find a container for your next flower garden. 

1. Garden Tools – Watering cans, wheel barrows, old boots, etc.
2. Vertical Gardens – Think, up! Vertical gardening is extremely popular right now.
3. Kitchen Tools – Remember that pan you just burnt beyond belief last weekend? Rather than wasting any more elbow grease trying to get it clean, give up the fight and use them as a quirky planter.
4. Reuse Old Cans – Whether you were a junk collector or if you are just of the era to have decorative cans sitting around, they make perfect little planters. Whether you are growing succulents or you are trying to force a bulb, the old time tins were absolutely beautiful.
5. Wall Planters – If you have a large bare wall somewhere outdoors, this is the perfect solution. Simply hang the wall planter on the wall and you have a beautiful piece that is not only meaningful but memorable.

Img vir Flickr.

It’s the perfect time of year to encourage your kids to get out from in front of the TV screens, iPads, iPhones, and whatever other “i-Technology” they have in their hands, and get outside! Teaching your kids to garden has many benefits. Here are 3 great reasons to take your kids outdoors with you today. 

1. Health

Not only is it obviously more healthy to be outside moving around, gardening and playing, but gardening has other benefits. Give your kids the opportunity to grow their own food and they’ll want to eat what they’ve worked so hard to grow. This is a great way to get more vegetables into their diet!

2. Environmental Awareness

Gardening gives you a unique appreciation for the earth and the beautiful landscape that surrounds us. Connecting kids to nature will make them more aware of their surroundings and how important it is to protect nature through appropriate gardening practices and other responsible lifestyle habits such as recycling.

3. Education

This is probably one of the last things that comes to mind when you are thinking about getting your kids involved in gardening, but it’s true! Gardeners need to understand science, math, nutrition, health, and more. Gardening is a great way for your kids to see principles in play that they’ve learned in school at work right in front of them in their garden.

So, this weekend, bring your kids with you to Whispering Springs Nursery and pick out the next flowers you want to plant. We look forward to hearing about how much your youngest green thumb loves gardening!

Img via Flickr. 

With spring here, it’s time for readying your garden for the spring blooms. Many of you will have damaged plants from our harsh Georgia winter, but before you get frustrated and give up on them completely, here are some tips to help you boost your spring gardening plans from Whispering Springs Nursery. 

1. Put the Clippers Away

Before you break out your clippers and try to cut off every ounce of dead branches and leaves from your shrubs, wait! If those shrubs are showing any green leaves or signs of growth, give them a few more weeks. Temperatures are still up and down here in Georgia, so those shrubs might just need a few more weeks before they are ready to come back.

2. Fertilize and Feed

Give your plants the nutrients they need to take off and grow when the time comes. Go ahead and apply an all around fertilizer to all of your bushes and shrubs.

3. Accept the Facts

Some of your shrubs, you simply aren’t going to be able to save. More delicate shrubs such as gardenias probably aren’t going to come back after the harsh winter storms. Go ahead, yank them out, and come by Whispering Springs Nursery this week to pick up replacement gardenias or another more cold hardy shrub for your Jasper, GA landscape! 

Img via Flickr.