Local Experts Share Tips for a Thriving Garden
By Jessica L. Knouse • Photography by Melissa Ring
Hartzell Home & Garden Service and Hartzell Supply Yard
We encourage our clients to focus on a few key points to guarantee success from beginning to end. Our passion is helping the client find the answers to these questions at the very beginning. It’s important to be as prepared as possible when starting a project— knowing your wants, needs, types of products you like, as well as how much you are looking to spend, can make the entire process more enjoyable and successful for all. We also encourage clients to provide photos of finished projects you love.
Darren Hartzell
Partner, President of Sales and Business Development
Taylor’s Greenhouse
One of the easiest ways to keep your garden healthy and beautiful is by applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature, reducing the need for frequent watering and maintenance. Plus, using organic mulch like shredded bark, compost or wood chips improves soil health as it breaks down over time. We recommend refreshing your mulch each spring to keep your landscape looking fresh and your plants thriving all season long!
Kurt Taylor, Owner
Boyer Nurseries & Orchards, Inc.
Get ahead of the growing season and create a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy this summer or fall. We always recommend planning early to tackle seasonal challenges and keep your property functional year-round. A well-thought-out design also helps you budget wisely and prioritize projects. Plus, boosting curb appeal can increase your home’s value. Start planning today for a landscape that thrives!
Kimberly Mayers, Landscape Designer
Gettysburg Plant & Garden Shoppe
Ecological landscaping is a growing gardening practice that emphasizes the use of native plants to support wildlife in home landscapes. This approach is gaining popularity—and for good reason! Helping bees, birds, butterflies and other wildlife is something we can all take part in. Join the movement in 2025 by following these three key principles when adding plants to your garden:
Plant a diverse mix of flowering Mid-Atlantic natives to provide nectar sources from spring to fall.
Include native woody shrubs and trees to offer shelter year-round
Incorporate natives that produce fruits and seeds to sustain wildlife, especially in fall and winter.
John Maciolek, Owner
www.tinyurl.com/gburgplantgarden
Hollabaugh Bros.
Starting seeds indoors to transplant outside when the weather is right is a fun and rewarding experience—especially for kids! We love using biodegradable egg cartons as seed starters. When it’s time to plant, simply cut them apart and transplant the seedlings directly into your garden. Keep your trays in a warm spot with plenty of direct light, and cover them with a transparent lid or plastic wrap until the seeds germinate. Mist daily with water, and once they sprout, continue watering once a day as you watch them grow!
Ellie Hollabaugh Vranich
Third Generation, Business and Market Manager
