Well , the inaugaration is here and so is the winter weather.  ( Global warming where are you?)  Now is the time to plan for planting.  The garden centers and greenhouses are bare so there isn’t any inspiration from those standbys, but you can go to the internet and catalogs in the warmth of your home.  

First make a list of the plants you would like to put in the garden this year.  From Ash trees to Zelkovas you can make a list of plant materials.  Good categories would be trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, etc.  If you are planning a vegetable garden get the seed order in now and plan to start them indoors.  This is also a wonderful way to get children involved and chase away the cabin fever.  Next ,scour the internet and catalogs for ideas on which hybrid is best for your area.  Check out the hardiness zone rating for the plant material.  The central Virginia area is rated from Zone 6-7 depending on which area you live in.  Go to the USDA website for a link to the Hardiness Zone map.

Finally, if you want to put the right plant in the right place, consult a landscape designer.  Watkins Nurseries has talented, experienced, landscape designers on staff.  We have been creating and installing residential landscape designs for decades in the Richmond, VA area.  Now is a great time to contact a designer to start planning the design of your dreams.  Call us at 379-8733 or go to out web site, www.watkinsnurseries.com

Stay warm and dream big!  We’re here to help.