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Pruning is one of the most essential tasks in garden maintenance. It helps promote healthy growth, improves the appearance of plants, and can even boost flowering or fruit production.

At Earl May Garden Center, we don't just sell trees - we grow the trees that will thrive in your landscape! Our trees have deep roots in the Midwest, beginning their journey at our farm in Shenandoah, Iowa. Here, our tree experts carefully pot, train, space, and hand prune each tree as it matures, ensuring it receives the care it needs to flourish in our customers' yards. We take pride in our process, so you can take pride in your purchase.

Maintaining the garden year-round is dear to a gardener's heart, and year-end upkeep is an essential part of the cycle. When the shadows lengthen, and the air grows cooler, it's time to prepare your garden for winter.

In the Midwest, the months of September, October and November offer the perfect conditions for planting a wide variety of plants. As the temperatures cool above ground (reducing stress through the leaves) the soil remains warm, allowing the roots of plants to keep growing until the ground freezes. This is important because plants will then head into spring with a much more established root system and will have a higher survival rate as you try to get them through the first critical summer.

Low-maintenance bushes and shrubs are the unsung heroes of the gardening world, offering vibrant beauty with minimal effort. They are best utilized in beds, borders, entrances, and foundation plantings, providing structure and year-round interest. Their drought tolerance, pest resistance, and adaptability to various soil types mean they can flourish in many environments, from sunny to partially shaded areas.​

We see them. We love them. Hydrangeas. Gorgeous blooms in varying hues of white, pink, and blue. Not to mention the big leaves in a deep shade of green. But what's the difference? How do you know which one to choose? There are several different types of Hydrangeas:

A natural solution to block a view is doing so with plants. Greenery provides a soft look without the harshness of a fence or other structure.

Roses can bring you many years of beautiful blooms with a little care and maintenance.

Ornamental Grasses are HOT, as people recognize their beauty in the landscape. Most ornamental grasses are very tolerant of heat and drought and will grow in areas where other plants fail.

In our Midwest climate, mid-August to mid-October is ideal for planting a variety of plants. We love this time of year as the weather cools above ground while the soil stays warm below ground. This is especially important to promote good roots for a hardier plant next spring.

All plants need water, but how much? How often? What time during the day? Don't worry! We're here to help answer those questions.

This warm weather sure gets us in the mood to get out and get planting! Midwest winters can be tough on shrubs, plants, and trees. Things can look a little drab and colorless this time of year.

We all love that classic fall look, with bright red, orange and yellow leaves in the sunshine. And the fun memories of raking them into big piles to jump in as kids. Or even sipping some cider on the front porch or backyard deck on a calm autumn day while watching the leaves float in the breeze.

Planting trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants has a positive impact not only us, but on the environment too!

Hybrid Tea…Floribunda…Miniature… Climbing… Shrub…what does it all mean? How do you choose? Here is a simple guide and brief explanation of each rose type.

Mulch is as important to your trees, plants, and shrubs as sunlight, fertilizer and water. Think of it as a security blanket covering and protecting the plants root system.

Did you know trees and shrubs can become dehydrated just like you?

Ever stop to think what plants go through when you take them out of their pot and plant them in the ground or different container? Well, it isn’t as easy on them as you might think.