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You Thought It Was Apple-Picking Season
Fall in Ohio means apple picking, pumpkin picking and, apparently, bagworm picking.
Never heard of that last one? Take a close look at your arborvitae, junipers, spruces and other landscape plants. If you see small, pinecone-like bags hanging from the branches, they may not be part of the plant. They could be bagworms.
Sep 18


Fall Is for Planting…But What Should You Plant?
Last month, we explained why fall is one of the best times to plant in Ohio. Cooler air reduces stress on new plants, while the soil remains warm enough for roots to continue growing. To read more about it you can find it on our website!
Sep 18


Can Plants Hold Back the Tide?
When we think about protecting a coastline, we usually picture concrete seawalls, rock barriers and some very serious engineering. But across the country, communities are also turning to something deceptively simple: plants.
Sep 18


October Landscape Checklist
October is a great time to set yourself up for success in the spring!
Sep 18


Winning the Summer Lawn Battle
If your lawn suddenly looks like it's growing faster than ever—but not in a good way—you may have an unwelcome guest moving in. Crabgrass is a bit like that neighbor who only shows up when there's free food. It waits for your lawn to become stressed from the summer heat, then quickly fills in any thin or bare spots. If you notice light green, coarse patches spreading across your yard, chances are crabgrass has found an opening.
Jul 28


What Even Is a Weed?
One of the funniest things about landscaping is this: There’s actually no scientific category called “weed.” A weed is really just a plant growing somewhere we don’t want it.
That dandelion popping up in your lawn? A weed.The same dandelion growing in a wildflower field? Suddenly people think it’s charming.
May 28


What We're Watching Grow This Summer
May is one of our favorite times of year at M.J. Design Associates. Our crews have been busy planting summer containers and beds all across Columbus, and while everything already looks beautiful, this is truly just the beginning. Some of these plants are going to completely transform by August, and honestly, watching that happen is one of the best parts of the season.
May 28


Why Some New Landscapes Struggle Right From the Start
If you've ever noticed plants struggling in a newly installed landscape—whether it's around a new home, along a roadway, or in a park or public space—you're not alone. In many cases, those issues don't come from a lack of maintenance. They start much earlier, during installation.
Apr 28


Why Spring Mowing Doesn’t Always Follow a Schedule
Spring in Ohio is one of the most unpredictable times of year. One week brings sunshine and growth, the next brings steady rain and saturated lawns. While everything is starting to green up quickly, it also creates one of the biggest challenges in lawn care: when (and when not) to mow.
Apr 28


What We’re Watching Right Now: Spotted Lanternfly & White Pine Weevil in Ohio
Two we’re keeping a close eye on right now in Ohio are the Spotted Lanternfly and the White Pine Weevil. Neither is a reason to panic, but both are worth understanding, especially if you want to stay ahead of potential damage.
Mar 31


Spring Pots: How to Build Your Own (and How We Build Ours)
There’s something about the first signs of spring that makes everyone ready to refresh their outdoor spaces. After a long Ohio winter (and let’s be honest… a few fake springs), adding a fresh seasonal pot by your front door or patio is one of the easiest ways to bring things back to life.
Mar 31


Winter Plant Interest in Ohio: Finding Beauty in the Quiet Season
Winter in Ohio has a reputation. Gray skies. Snow-covered beds. Bare branches. But if you know where to look, this is one of the most quietly beautiful times in the landscape. A thoughtfully designed garden doesn’t disappear in winter, it shifts. Structure, texture, bark, and early blooms take their turn in the spotlight.
Mar 2


Deer Damage in Winter: Why your evergreens are missing limbs
Winter deer damage is one of the most common landscape issues homeowners notice in February, especially on evergreen shrubs like taxus, arborvitae, and boxwood. If your shrubs look chewed, uneven, or strangely sculpted, deer are likely the culprit.
Mar 2


We Need Community and So Do Trees
We often talk about the importance of community in our own lives—family, neighbors, coworkers, and the people who help support us through hard seasons. What many people don’t realize is that trees rely on community in much the same way.
Jan 21


Mother Nature Does Not Give a “Bleep” What You Want
Plants are going to grow the way they want to grow. Period. Every plant has a genetic blueprint, and it doesn’t care what we think it should look like. The goal is simple: work with the plant, not against it because when you wrestle with nature, YOU . NEVER . WIN.
Jan 21


Holiday DIY: Crafting Your Own Wreaths
There is something special about a handmade holiday wreath—it is creative, personal, and instantly makes your home feel festive. Whether you are using fresh greens or a trusty faux wreath you have had for years, we are here to help you design something beautiful this season.
Nov 24, 2025


Anti-Desiccants: Your Landscape’s Winter Shield
As the weather cools, your evergreens and broadleaf plants need a little extra protection to make it through the winter looking their best. That’s where anti-desiccants come in (kind of like moisturizer for your plants)!
Oct 29, 2025


October Landscape Checklist: Fall Prep Made Simple
October is the perfect time to give your landscape a little TLC before winter sets in. Whether you’re preserving your curb appeal or prepping your garden for next season, here’s what should be on your fall checklist.
Sep 26, 2025


Fall is for Planting – Even in a Dry October
Many people associate spring with planting season, but October is one of the best times to plant—even if this fall has started off drier than usual.
Sep 26, 2025


Transitioning Summer Pots to Fall
The time is getting near when we start to think about transitioning from vibrant summer pots to richly textured, seasonally-inspired fall displays.
Aug 28, 2025
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