by Gardens of Babylon | Jan 1, 2025
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Well, you might be thinking, “Winter? Planting trees? That doesn’t sound like a garden party!” But hold on, green-thumb enthusiast. There’s more to this season than meets the eye. Picture it as a cozy slumber party for your trees – a time when they quietly focus on growing strong roots, nestled snugly in their forever homes before the grand awakening of spring. Now, let’s delve into six compelling reasons that make January and February the prime months for winter tree planting.

Dormancy and Root Development: Winter is when deciduous trees take a well-deserved nap. During this period, they shift their energy from growing upward to strengthening their roots. By planting in January and February, you provide them with the ideal conditions to establish robust root systems, setting the stage for healthier, sturdier trees in the long run.
Reduced Stress During Transplantation: Transplanting can be a bit of a shock to trees, potentially causing setbacks. However, during winter’s dormancy, this stress is minimized. Trees can settle into their new surroundings without the added pressure of sprouting leaves. This gentle transition fosters better long-term health.
Adequate Moisture: Winter often brings more rain and snow to many areas. Planting trees during these months allows them to benefit from natural moisture, reducing the need for excessive watering. This moisture is crucial for the initial growth of trees, and winter provides a natural advantage.

Cooler Temperatures: Planting trees in cooler weather mitigates the risk of heat stress, especially for young trees. Without the scorching summer sun, they can adjust to their new environment without the added challenge of extreme heat, resulting in a healthier start.
Early Establishment for Spring Growth: January and February planting sets the stage for early spring growth. With well-established roots, trees are ready to sprout new shoots and leaves as temperatures rise. This early start leads to vigorous growth throughout the entire growing season, giving your landscape a jumpstart on lush greenery.
Landscape Planning: Winter provides an excellent opportunity for landscape planning. With deciduous trees shedding their leaves, it’s easier to assess your property’s layout and decide where new trees will have the most significant impact on your landscape design.

While winter may seem like a time for hibernation in the gardening world, it’s actually a golden opportunity for tree planting. The benefits of dormancy, reduced stress during transplantation, ample moisture, cooler temperatures, early spring growth, and time for planning make January and February the ideal months to kickstart your arboreal projects. Embrace the winter chill and watch your landscape thrive with healthy, vibrant trees in the seasons to come.
Here at Gardens of Babylon, our team of plant experts is ready to assist with all your tree-planting needs. Want to avoid cold hands? Let us do the the work for you — book a consultation here. Our skilled team can upgrade your landscaping this Winter and you can reap the rewards come Spring!
by Gardens of Babylon | Apr 16, 2024
It’s that time of year when we look at our uninteresting and bare landscaping and wonder, “what can I do to bring life and color?” Annuals have their place to shine, but if you want to have continuous color each year, then keep reading. Going native means less work for us – WIN. And, it also gives a boost to our local critters by providing what they need – double WIN! So, if adding native perennials to your garden is in your not-so-distant-future, we have seven to check out!
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This striking wildflower is a favorite among pollinators and gardeners alike. With its vibrant purple petals and prominent cone-shaped center, it adds a pop of color to any garden. Purple Coneflower thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It blooms from late spring to early summer and is known for its medicinal properties, including immune-boosting benefits. Plant it in spring for best results.


Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
A classic wildflower with sunny yellow petals and a dark brown center, Black-Eyed Susan brings cheer to gardens and meadows. It’s drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. This perennial blooms from mid-summer to fall, attracting butterflies and bees. Plant it in spring or early summer for a burst of color later in the year.


Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
With its delicate blue star-shaped flowers and feathery green foliage, Eastern Bluestar adds a touch of elegance to gardens and borders. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It blooms in late spring to early summer and turns a brilliant golden-yellow in fall, providing multi-season interest. Plant it in spring for optimal growth and flowering.

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
This plant is like the life of the party from summer through fall, showing off its pink and purple blooms. Crush a leaf and you’ll catch a whiff of vanilla—how cool is that? It’s perfect for attracting butterflies and bees. Best time to plant: Spring.

Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata) & Creeping Phlox (phlox stolonifera)
These low-growers are real showstoppers in the spring with beautiful blue, pink, purple, or white flowers. Spreading slowly, you’ll see them form lovely colonies over time. I personally love how they crowd out weeds! Expect them to be a hit with both hummingbirds and butterflies. Native to woodland areas and rocky slopes, where they form dense mats of foliage. Best time to plant: Early spring.


Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
If you want some sunshine in your garden, this plant has got you covered with its bright yellow blooms in the summer. And it’s low-maintenance too, spreading out nicely without much fuss. Best time to plant: Early spring.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Don’t let the name fool you—this plant is a gem in any garden although may often be found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and along stream banks. It’s well-adapted to moist soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. A cool fact is that Swamp Milkweed is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies. Monarch caterpillars exclusively feed on the leaves of milkweed plants, including Swamp Milkweed, making it essential for their survival. So by planting this perennial in your garden, you are helping support monarch butterfly populations! Best time to plant: Spring.

Now go on, get planting and let nature’s colors shine! And, remember our expert team is here to help with designing and planting your dream perennial garden, so just reach out!
by Gardens of Babylon | Apr 9, 2024
Spring is all around us, from the blooming redbuds and chocolate chip ajuga (my personal favorite) alongside the cheerful melodies of nesting birds. Let’s bid farewell to winter’s starkness and bring some charm and color to that porch! Stepping into the lively season of spring is easier than you think with the right combination of plants, pots, and process of crafting it. Let’s explore the essentials to help you create a botanical wonder, that elevates your outdoor space and inspires your neighbors!
Plants: Blooms with Color
To create a captivating container garden that flourishes in the Middle Tennessee climate, it’s essential to select plants that not only tolerate but thrive in our conditions. Here are some delightful spring-flowering plant options:
Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana)
Bloom Time: Pansies typically bloom from early spring until the heat of summer.
Colors: Pansies come in a wide array of colors, including purple, yellow, orange, and blue.
Cool Fact: Pansies are not just pretty faces – they’re edible too! These charming blooms are often used to garnish salads or desserts, adding a pop of color and a subtle floral flavor.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Bloom Time: Snapdragons bloom from late spring to early summer.
Colors: Snapdragons are available in an assortment of hues, including pink, red, yellow, white, and purple.
Unusual Fact: The name “snapdragon” comes from the flower’s unique appearance. When you gently squeeze the sides of the bloom, it opens its “mouth” like a dragon’s, revealing a tongue-like structure inside.

Petunias (Petunia × hybrida)
Bloom Time: Petunias bloom profusely from spring until the first frost in fall.
Colors: Petunias showcase a vibrant spectrum of colors, from bold reds and pinks to soft pastels and striking purples.
Fun Fact: Petunias are popular for their ability to attract hummingbirds with their brightly colored blooms and sweet nectar. These delightful visitors add an extra touch of magic to your garden.
Chocolate Chip Ajuga (Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’)
Bloom Time: Chocolate Chip Ajuga blesses us with its blooms from late spring to early summer, gracing the garden with its charming presence.
Colors: Its flowers display a range of hues from delicate lavender to deep purple, complementing the rich chocolate tones of its foliage.
Interesting Fact: Beyond its visual appeal, Chocolate Chip Ajuga offers more than meets the eye. Its leaves emit a subtle fragrance when brushed, adding a delightful sensory dimension to the garden. Moreover, like lavender, it holds potential for herbal remedies, contributing both beauty and practicality to your outdoor space.

Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Bloom Time: Dianthus blooms from late spring to midsummer.
Colors: Dianthus blooms come in an array of colors, including pink, red, white, purple, and bicolor combinations.
Fabulous Fact: The name “dianthus” is derived from the Greek words “dios,” meaning divine, and “anthos,” meaning flower. These charming flowers have been cherished for centuries for their delicate beauty and delightful fragrance.
Pots: Elevating Your Style
When it comes to selecting pots for your container garden, form doesn’t always follow function. For instance, French country pots often feature rustic charm with distressed finishes and intricate detailing, perfect for adding a touch of vintage elegance to your porch. A great example would be this lovely Bergs pot. On the other hand, modern pots boast clean lines and minimalist designs, ideal for creating a sleek contemporary look. At our garden center, we offer a wide selection of pots in store and online here in various styles to suit your taste and elevate your outdoor decor.


Process: Crafting Your Botanical Ensemble
Creating a successful container garden is all about balance and composition, and the “thriller, filler, spiller” technique offers a foolproof formula for achieving stunning results. The “thriller” plant serves as the focal point, adding height and drama to your arrangement. This could be a tall grass like Miscanthus or a striking spike plant such as Dracaena. The “filler” plants, positioned around the thriller, add volume and color, filling in the space between the taller centerpiece and the trailing spillers. Choose plants with contrasting textures and complementary hues to create visual interest. Finally, the “spiller” plants cascade over the edges of the container, softening its edges and adding a sense of movement. Trailing petunias, ivy, and sweet potato vine are excellent choices for spillers.
But don’t forget about soil in our containers. That’s something that most people overlook – they get caught up with the beauty of the flowers. But, actually, the soil is the most important component, because that’s what’s going to feed our beautiful plants and give them nutrients. You want to get the best quality potting soil that you can for your containers with lots of micronutrients. We have great quality soil and different brands to choose from at Gardens of Babylon!
Pro tip: If you have pots that dry out throughout the day, buy some play sand to place in bottom of your containers and this will hold more moisture for you throughout the season!

Ready to bring a splash of color to your porch? Visit the Garden Center to find the right soil, plants, and pots for your project. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you every step of the way. And if you’re short on time or expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out to our botanical design team – we’ll handle all the work for you, from plant selection to arrangement. Let us help you turn your container garden dreams into reality!
by Gardens of Babylon | Mar 26, 2024
Spring is officially here (or at least it is if you’re reading this as it’s published), and you’re likely itching to get in the dirt and make your outdoor spaces greener.
But, you likely also run into the same problems that most of us do. What do I actually plant? And, how do I know if it can be planted this time of year?
The Nashville area is in the 7b zone of the USDA’s plant hardiness zone map. Hardiness zones are based on an area’s average lowest extreme temperature. So, in the case of the Nashville area, that would be 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check the labels on plants, as they normally indicate the zone for which they are best adapted.
Now that you know more about hardiness levels, it’s time to look for some inspiration! Here are 10 shrubs and trees that will add interest to your yard in any season:
Hydrangea


This shrub is a favorite, especially in the south, because of the beautiful, large blooms it produces. There are several varieties of hydrangeas, but the oak leaf hydrangea is native to Tennessee. It has cone-shaped blooms, as well as large leaves shaped similarly to those of an oak tree (hence the name). Hydrangeas can be prone to root rot, so make sure you’re checking soil moisture levels before watering.
Looking for more information on the beloved hydrangea? Check out our post for the full guide to caring for these southern beauties!
Boxwood

When you think of bushes in landscaping, the boxwood is probably what first comes to mind. While this classic shrub isn’t native to North America, it’s a classic in landscaping worldwide. That’s thanks to the boxwood’s many varieties being easy to grow, adaptable to different conditions, and its overall hardiness.
Holly


Holly comes in both shrub and tree forms with their glossy green leaves. They also have blooms that pollinators love, and then there’s the classic holly berry that’s reminiscent of Christmas time. They also come in both evergreen and deciduous varieties. So, if you’re looking for something to keep your outdoor spaces green year round, make sure you’re planting an evergreen variety. (Inkberry holly can be a great native alternative to boxwoods.)
American Beautyberry

As the name suggests, this shrub is native to America, and is also native to Tennessee. It does produce small flowers in the spring, but the crown jewel of this shrub is the bright purple berry clusters it yields in the fall. If you’re looking to welcome more wildlife, like birds and deer, the fruits of this shrub should do the trick. The American beautyberry tends to grow wide, so it can also be a great option if you’re looking to fill more space with fewer plants.
Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtles come in shrub and tree varieties, but you’re likely most familiar with the trees. These are popular plants in the southeast, and you’ve likely seen them in neighboring yards or even along well-kempt highways and interstates. While the varieties that grow best in this area aren’t evergreen, crape myrtles do provide interest to outdoor spaces year round. They produce leaves in the spring, and they have beautiful exfoliating bark – much like a birch tree – that is exposed in the late fall and winter months. They flower in the summer with blooms that can be white, pink, red or even deep purple.
Rhododendron

If you’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains, then you’ll probably recognize this plant. It comes in shrub and tree varieties, most of which are evergreen. They do best away from direct afternoon sun and thrive in partly shaded areas. These shrubs and trees have green leaves and normally flower in the spring or early summer. (Even if you’re unfamiliar with rhododendron in general, you’re likely familiar with another popular shrub in the same genus – azaleas!)
Eastern Redbud

This one is a personal favorite of mine, especially since it’s one of the first signs of spring. While the eastern redbud is a tree, it is a smaller one that can pass for a large shrub depending on how you shape it. This plant is known and loved for its deep pink, springtime flowers, as well as its irregular and wide branch patterns. This eastern North American native provides nectar to insects in the spring, and is often used by birds for nesting and shelter once leaves take over the branches. It’s a wonderful option to fill wide spaces and provide a bright pop of color in the spring.
Cherry Laurel

photo from North Carolina State Extension
This shrub is one of the fastest growing, and it’s also likely another shrub you’ve seen around. This evergreen bush produces fragrant, white flowers in the spring and has large leaves year round. The cherry laurel also yields fruit that resembles a cherry. It is important to note that ingesting any part of this plant is poisonous to both humans and animals. If you have small children or curious pets, this shrub is likely not a good choice for your landscaping.
Juniper

Whether or not you know it, you probably see junipers anytime you leave your house. These evergreen shrubs and trees grow in most of the United States. The juniper tends to be low maintenance and provides color and privacy to your yard all year long. They fit well in tight spaces, help prevent soil erosion, and even provide for wildlife with their small berries.
Abelia

photo from North Carolina State Extension
If you’re searching for another flowering shrub, abelia might be the right choice for you. Part of the honeysuckle family, this shrub produces small but plentiful blooms with a sweet smell. While not native to North America, these flowering shrubs are still a favorite among southern gardeners. The abelia is often dense and can sometimes be used as hedging or screening, unlike many flowering shrubs. They also tend to need a little more care when it comes to watering and pruning to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
Now that you’ve made it to the bottom of this list, you have plenty of options for shrubs (and some trees) to enhance your outdoor spaces this year. Happy planting!
Need more inspiration, or even some design help? We’re all about making outdoor spaces usable, beautiful and enjoyable. Come see us at the garden center to get your questions answered, or schedule an appointment with one of our designers!
by Gloria Ballard | Oct 9, 2023
You know it’s really fall when you see swaths of brightly colored flowers drifting across a garden center’s tables and shelves. Here’s where you can pick up a pot – or two, or three or more – of mums to take your landscape through the season. But what to do with them once you get them home?
You have options: you can plant them in the ground as temporary accent plants; use them in container gardens with other fall-theme plants and flowers; you can display big, solo mounds of mums in containers.
Most gardeners tend to treat mums as annuals, and toss them on the compost once their time seems to be up. But you can also plant these hardy mums in your landscape where they will return year after year to brighten your garden beds in the fall.

Accent with Mums
Potted chrysanthemums that you purchase in fall do well outdoors when they get enough sunlight and water, and the flowers last until they succumb to a hard frost. You may want to transplant them from their nursery pots into something more decorative with potting mix, but it’s easy enough to set the plastic pot of blooming mums into a decorative container and call it done.
Smaller pots of mums can become great accent plants in a fall-theme container garden, paired with other fall annual and perennial favorites such as ornamental kale and cabbage, heuchera, juniper, sedges, pansies and other plants that don’t wilt in cold weather.
If you plant your just-bought blooming mums in the ground, be sure to cover the soil with plenty of mulch. While the first big frost will turn the flowers brown, the foliage will likely stay green for a while longer, and the mulch will help protect the roots, making it more likely that the plants will sprout from the ground again in the spring, if that’s your goal.

From the Ground Up
Yes, if it’s a mild enough winter and they’re in a suitable location – full sun and well-drained soil — those mums in the ground likely will come back in the spring, and this is when the care and training begin.
In my own garden beds here in Middle Tennessee, tender new foliage begins to appear as early as March, or earlier if the winter has been mild. As spring approaches, cut back the dead stems, and apply a balanced fertilizer.
Mums’ foliage begins to grow steadily when the weather warms up, so for the best display in the fall, take time to pinch back the growing tips two or three times during the spring and summer, even if you notice buds beginning to form. This allows the plants to grow fuller and bushier, and delays blooming until fall, when you really need those flowers to open. Stop pinching them back about mid-July to allow buds to begin to form. Feed mums once again in early August. They will bloom in late summer and throughout the fall. After freeze has turned everything brown, allow the dried stems to remain; this increases the plants’ chances of survival in the ground. A light layer of straw or loose mulch provides additional protection.
A clump of mums tends to get woody as the plants get older so they should be divided every two years, preferably in spring. Dig them up, split the root clumps apart, then replant in your garden beds (and share the leftovers with gardening friends). This assures that your patch of mums remains full and attractive year after year.

Bring Mums inside
Although I find the scent of chrysanthemums to be a little too strong for indoor enjoyment, it is possible to enjoy those blooms inside. Give them a place with bright, indirect light. Check the soil frequently, and water the mums when the top inch of the soil is dry. Cut off the flowers as they begin to droop to encourage the mums to continue to bloom as long as possible.
Visit the Gardens of Babylon Garden Center for a variety of fall-hardy plants and decorative containers for your home and garden.