From the Ground Up: Monthly News from Landscaping Nerds

Azaleas Behaving Badly (and we’re here for it)

If you’ve been soaking in the spring weather and strolling through the neighborhood, you might’ve noticed something a little… off about the azaleas.

You’re looking at a George Tabor azalea, soft and lovely with its lavender-pink blooms, when suddenly—bam!—a few hot pink flowers show up like they own the place. You might’ve done a double take and thought, “Wait a second…”

You’re not seeing things. What you’re likely witnessing is a surprise cameo from the Pride of Mobile azalea.

So how does that happen? Science, baby. It all comes down to plant genetics.

Azaleas—like that one cousin who always shakes up the family reunion—have a wild side. Even though a plant like George Tabor is cloned for consistency, it still carries all sorts of genetic history from its hybrid parentage. Every now and then, those deeper pink blooms show up as a “sport” (a spontaneous mutation) or a reversion—basically the plant remembering its roots and deciding to show them off.

Think of it like nature’s way of saying, “Remember where you came from!”

Plants are wild. Literally. And we love it when a landscape throws us a little plot twist.

Middle Ground: Supporting Nature Without Going Full Wild

Let’s be real — when it comes to landscaping and the environment, it can feel like there are only two camps:

Camp A: “Rip out the lawn, rewild the suburbs, and let nature reclaim your patio.”
Camp B: “If it buzzes, bites, or flutters — spray it and forget it.”

But in real life? There’s a middle ground — where beauty, comfort, and ecosystem support all live happily together (and no one has to turn their backyard into a biology experiment).

Each month, we’ll share one small, science-backed tip to help you support the environment right in your own yard — without giving up on the polished, functional space you love.

This Month’s Tip: Bugs Are the Backbone (No, Really)

We know — insects aren’t exactly crowd favorites. But here’s the truth: they’re more helpful than you think.

Over 45% of insect populations have disappeared in the last 50 years, and we’ve lost nearly 3 billion birds in North America since 1970. That’s not just trivia — it affects your own backyard. Bugs feed birds, pollinate flowers, build soil, and help keep plant-harming pests in check.

So while it might be tempting to spray first and ask questions later, a little bug tolerance can go a long way.

Beneficial Bugs = Free Landscape Help

There are dozens of helpful insects quietly working behind the scenes in your yard. Some eat the bad guys like aphids and mites. Others pollinate your flowers and keep your garden growing strong. And many are feeding the birds, frogs, and fireflies that make your outdoor space come alive.

That said — we’re not against sprays. Sometimes they’re necessary, especially for things like fire ants, bagworms, or chinch bugs that really do some damage. The key is to use them wisely, not constantly.

So What Can You Actually Do?

Here are two quick wins:

If you have a chemical spray service, ask them not to spray anything that’s blooming. That one small request helps protect the pollinators that are working hard in your yard.
Spray at the right time of day. Early morning or late evening is best — when pollinators like bees and butterflies are less active. It’s an easy adjustment that reduces unintended harm.

And if you’re open to it — consider leaving one corner of your yard a little less tidy. A few leaves, a patch of bare ground, or a native plant or two can quietly support the good bugs doing the heavy lifting.

Bottom Line:

Bugs aren’t all bad — most are actually helpful.
Using spray responsibly means better long-term results.
What you spray, when you spray, and where you spray it all matter.
A few simple choices can make your yard more alive, balanced, and beautiful.

We’re not saying you need to name every beetle in your yard — just give the good ones a fighting chance. That’s the middle ground.

Need help finding that balance? We’re here for it.

Traditional Landscaping, with a Twist

This Auburn home is a stunner, with ample space for entertaining and play surrounded by the classics: hydrangeas, boxwoods and ferns, plus a crushed slate patio and stacked stone. It’s a timeless property that we were honored to be a part of.