Business Details
About
Garden Center
The Social Oak nursery delivers premium plants and expert landscape solutions to transform outdoor spaces throughout Tuscaloosa, AL, and the surrounding communities.
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Hours
Frequently Asked Questions About The Social Oak
What's the difference between perennial and annual plants?
Perennial plants are long-lasting, surviving multiple years and returning each season. Examples include hostas, daylilies, and most trees and shrubs. Annual plants, on the other hand, complete their life cycle within one growing season and require replanting each year. Examples of annuals include impatiens, marigolds, and petunias. While perennials offer a long-term investment, annuals provide consistent color throughout the growing season.
Should I choose deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs for my landscape?
Deciduous plants shed their leaves in autumn and winter, offering seasonal variety and allowing increased light penetration during colder months, which is beneficial for south-facing windows. Evergreen plants retain their foliage year-round, providing constant privacy, wind protection, and visual interest in winter. For optimal year-round appeal, most landscapes benefit from incorporating both deciduous and evergreen plants.
How do I know if a plant will bloom or be non-blooming?
Blooming plants produce flowers and are often selected for their colorful displays. Examples include roses, petunias, and flowering trees. Non-blooming plants are valued for their foliage, structure, or other characteristics, such as hostas, ferns, and most evergreen shrubs. Plant tags and our staff can provide information about bloom times, colors, and duration for specific plants.
What plants work best in acidic vs. alkaline soils?
Plants that thrive in acidic soil (pH below 7) include blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and most conifers. Alkaline soil (pH above 7) is suitable for plants like lavender, clematis, lilacs, and many herbs. The majority of plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Which plants work best for shady vs. sunny areas?
Full sun plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and include roses, tomatoes, most annuals, and flowering perennials. Shade plants thrive with less than 4 hours of direct sun and include hostas, ferns, astilbe, and impatiens. Partial shade plants can tolerate 4-6 hours of sun exposure. To determine light conditions in your space, observe it throughout the day.
How do I know how much water my plants need?
Newly planted vegetation requires daily watering for the first week, after which the frequency can be gradually reduced. Established plants typically need about 1 inch of water per week. To check soil moisture, insert your finger 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. For promoting deep root growth, water deeply but less frequently.
How do I encourage more blooms on flowering plants?
To promote more blooms, regularly remove spent flowers (deadheading). Use fertilizers high in phosphorus to boost blooming. Ensure plants receive adequate sunlight and proper watering. Some plants benefit from early-season pinching to create bushier, more floriferous growth.
When should I plant annuals vs. perennials?
Cool-season annuals are suitable for planting in early spring and fall. Warm-season annuals should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. Perennials are best planted in spring or fall when they can establish roots before extreme temperatures set in. Spring planting provides the longest growing season for establishment.
Which annuals can I plant for continuous blooms all season?
For heat-tolerant options that bloom throughout the season, consider marigolds, zinnias, vinca, and salvia. Cool-season choices include pansies and snapdragons. To achieve continuous color, plant cool-season annuals in spring and fall, interspersed with heat-tolerant varieties for summer blooming.
Do you provide landscape design consultation?
Our experienced team offers landscape design consultation services. We are available to assist you with your landscape design needs and provide expert guidance.