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What Exactly Are Azaleas?

Many individuals get Azalea flowers mixed up with Rhododendrons. It’s uncomplicated to know why since they are in the same plant genus. 

But, Azaleas have tubular or funnel-shaped blossoms and only a single flower per stem. A simple, yet intriguing design that several gardeners fall instantly in love with. 

They also have 5 stamens compared to the Rhododendrons 10, and thinner, more pliable leaves rather than thicker, more leathery leaves.

You’ll discover Azaleas the most in Japanese gardens as they are native to that area.

There are two

The Elderberry Shrub is a multi-purpose shrub that everyone is raving about. The three main go-to Elderberry shrubs are Black Lace, Golden, and York. Whatever your wants and needs are, this shrub will be able to do the trick for you.

The different color schemes and personalities of these plants is what makes them so special. From dark purple to a yellow-golden foliage, it meets a variety of garden needs. It doesn’t just stop at the uniquely colored foliage either. 

These Elderberry shrubs also produce the cutest flowers. Looking for petite light pink or large full white flowers? Elderberry shrubs aim to please and can offer either depending on the variety!

We haven’t even scraped the surface of this dec

Wait, we should be planning our gardens and landscapes? 

Yes, you should be! These things take time and major patience to perfect. You do want those passing by to stop and marvel at the work you’ve done right? 

Maybe you’re in a friendly warfare with that one neighbor who always out does the whole block? 

Or could you be trying to impress the new in-laws with perceived-to-be tip-top shape landscape designs? We’ve all been there. So let’s get started!

Think of the outdoor spaces as a wonderful canvas to paint. Blend together lights and darks, smoothly outline the sides, and attract eyes to wanted pivot p

Power. Crispness. Formal. Wait, are we talking about Usain Bolt’s running technique? Nope! These are just a few of the adjectives we use to describe Columnar trees. 

Although, we do believe these natural specimens could win an Olympic gold medal or two as well.

The new craze of vertical accents in the landscape is upon us, and we want you to be fast adapting for all the right reasons. So let’s jump right in!

Our Go-To’s For Tight Spaces

Evergreen

Spooky Jack-O-Lanterns, a cup of fresh hot apple cider, and a few fuzzy scarves are all signs that the fall season has officially arrived in your neighborhood. But the most admired favorites are the burnt orange, light brown, and velvet red foliages that engulf the crisp fall leaves. 

Whether it was raking up a pile of leaves just to cannon ball into them or hearing the soft crunch underneath your shoes when trick-or-treating, the fall colored trees have had your back with providing fond memories of the leaves slowly changing. 

Fully embrace the fall season by keeping the tradition of a calming, colorful landscape alive in your own backyard. Plant a tree here and there to admire the elegant hues we have

For centuries before cities and suburbs began to develop, trees and other plants had been supporting local ecosystems’ key wildlife in many different ways. Be it shelter, a meal or even just some shade on a hot day, the abundance of plants on this green Earth of ours kept the circle of life rolling.

In modern cities and towns, however, it can be difficult for modern birds to find these sources of food and shelter like they could decades prior. This usually leads to a lack of certain species of birds in an area, or even very sparse populations of these species in general.

We here at Nature Hills can help bring back the birds to your backyard! Birdwatchers a

But First, The Basics

We get it, you’re excited! We are too. However, if this is your first time testing out the gardening waters, let’s not dive straight in to breaking ground. It is important to consider sizing, location, and the soil.

Fruit and vegetable gardens can be tough to manage, so we recommend starting the size out small with a few plants here and there. Smaller areas are easier to manage and maintain compared to a large overfilling garden.

Don’t worry, you can still flex your gardening skills without feeling like it has become a chore. And once you have had a season or two of experience, feel free to broaden your gardening horizons.

Extra extra! Read all about the hottest, newest varieties of blueberries here at Nature Hills. 

Before you elect to decide that these small blue bundles of joy aren’t your forte, read below and don’t miss a beat in your fruit garden!

Wait, There Is More Than One Type Of Blueberry?

Yes! In fact, there are about 5 types that hold the status of most common in the fruit world. Those include Lowbush, Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, Rabbiteye, and Half-High!

So now your question is most likely along the lines of  “Which type do I want?” No need to fret, we’ve got it lined out simple for you. 

Lowbush

Growing fruit from home opens up a brand new world of possibilities. Pies, jams and a variety of health benefits are only seasons away! However, potential growers need to make sure their fruit producers can survive long enough to bear fruit first! 

Colder climates can be rough on many fruit trees and bushes, resulting in diminishing harvests from damage done over the winter. Fortunately, many fruit trees aren’t limited to warmer climates alone. There is a variety of fruit trees that can handle heavy cold while also producing fresh fruit before the cold kills the product. 

Growing fruit in a cold climate can be hard, but Nature Hills has you covered. Within this blog are a few examples that can handle the cold n

If you’re looking for a sign to redo your garden, to add more plants to your landscape, or anything along those lines, then this is it. We’re telling you to use native plants!

They have it all: soft beauty, environmental benefits, visual interests, even fame. Well, we are working on the fame part, but you can help! Interested in hearing how? Find out below.

What’s All The Buzz About Native Plants?

Excellent question! And the answer may be more surprising than you thought. 

Besides the fact that native plants supply dazzling visual displays within your home and garden, they also have a lot of ot