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Be inspired by the timeless designs Laura has been creating since 2002 and begin your own paper experience with our calligraphy and color visual. Find out today how we can be of service— no matter where you are in the wedding planning process. 

DESIGN

HOUSE

Learn how Laura and Alyssa continue to foster the cornerstone of their company with calligraphy tools and teaching for beginners, hobbyists and beyond— as well as in-person services to enhance events and take the stress out of stationery.   

Discover how Laura’s beloved landscape contributes to her creativity and be inspired to make every day artful with curated calligraphy solutions, fine art influenced by Foxhill, and sought-after garden goods.

DESIGN

HOUSE

Discover how Laura’s beloved landscape contributes to her creativity and be inspired to make every day artful with curated calligraphy solutions, fine art influenced by Foxhill, and sought-after garden goods.

DESIGN

HOUSE

DESIGN

HOUSE

Meet Laura Hooper and Alyssa Law, the practiced pair behind the Design House, and discover how Laura’s beloved landscape in Foxhill Garden contributes to her creativity.

filed under: Foxhill Garden

How To Create the Perfect Garden for Your Unique Climate

Just kidding, there’s no perfect garden, but since Spring is here…(almost!), let’s talk about planting zones and how you can create your best garden!

Gardening is sometimes frustrating and sometimes very fun, but it’s always a work in progress! Mitigating frustration and maximizing fun in your garden comes down to good garden planning matched by adaptability. And the Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a great tool to help you plan your garden for maximum results.  

Here’s our FAQ on planting for your zone.

What is the Plant Hardiness Zone Map?

The Plant Hardiness Zone map allocates 11 different temperature zones throughout the United States.  These zones indicate the coldest temperatures each can reach in any given winter.  Zones’ temperatures vary by 10 degrees and are approximations for your area.  Hardiness zones can vary within states and regions in seemingly close proximity to one another, so it’s valuable to consult the map for your specific part of the country.

How do you use the map for plant planning?

Planting perennials require a good working knowledge of your hardiness zone.  Temperature can significantly impact your bulbs and perennial plants. In some cases, you may need to protect your plants from frost.  In other instances, ground frost may damage certain varieties of plants, which is why you need to select the right perennials for your specific hardiness zone.

Does the Plant Hardiness Zone Map provide data other than the temperature of regions?

No.  This resource only indicates temperature zones.  This map does not include other factors contributing to growth, including humidity, light, soil moisture, and even the duration of these colder temperatures.

For this reason, every gardener needs to pay close attention to their garden’s unique features and “peccadillos”.

How should I use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map for next year’s planting season?

When introducing a new plant into our garden, we do a little research first. 

Here are the questions we ask ourselves:

  1. What are the light and humidity requirements for this plant?
  2. What is the plant’s growth pattern?  For example, does it tend to grow vertically or expand horizontally as it matures?
  3. Do I have symbiotic plants in my garden, or can I introduce another plant that will optimize growth?
  4. What has this plant been “zoned” for?

If our garden matches the plant’s growing criteria, we try it out in a small section of our garden.  Again, each garden is very idiosyncratic, so it’s good to go “low and slow” to see what will grow and thrive in your plot.

Here’s a little pro tip:

Take photos of your garden throughout the year.  This will help you plan your garden during planting season.  You can see what plants are growing and thriving.  And you can see what varieties to cull, move or even replace. 

Here’s our general rule of thumb— if something isn’t working in our garden, it has to go. After all, that plant is usurping valuable space that could be better utilized for something else.

Finally, when looking for perennial bulbs, seeds, and seedlings, your provider should give you the proper details for the plant, including the time of year to plant and the plant or flower’s appropriate hardiness zone. If they don’t, you can always try a Google search or feel free to check in with us! To check out the latest selection of plants and bulbs from Foxhill Garden that you can add to yours, visit our Garden Store.

Detailed image of Rose-marie flowers with the backdrop of a beautiful white-painted house.
Rosé wine bottle with two wine glasses and a beautiful flower arrangement of blush and light peach flowers

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