Posts by Eshelman Mill Gardens & Landscapes Inc.
Fall Planting in Pennsylvania: What to Plant Now for Color This Fall and Next Spring
Fall might feel like the end of the gardening season, but some of the best landscape decisions happen right now. Here in Lancaster County, cooler temperatures make fall a great time to add new plants, refresh garden beds, and plan for next spring’s color. While the leaves change above ground, newly planted trees and shrubs…
Read MoreGet Planting: Why Fall Is Prime Time for Trees & Shrubs in Central PA
Spring gets all the credit for new beginnings in the garden, but any landscape professional will tell you the real head start happens in fall. Cooler air, warm soil, and a plant’s natural shift toward root development make autumn the season when new trees and shrubs settle in best, and 2026 is no exception. Here’s…
Read MoreWhy More Lancaster County Homeowners Are Adding Water Features to Their Backyards
If you’ve spent any time outside this spring, you already know that something shifts when the weather turns. We look at our backyards differently and begin to imagine the possibilities. It’s during this time that our team often hears: “I’d love a water feature.” In fact, water features are on the rise in Lancaster County…
Read MoreDry-Lay Patios & Walkways: Choosing the Right Material for Your Outdoor Space in Central Pennsylvania
Thinking about a new patio or walkway? One of the first choices you’ll make is whether to go with a dry-lay or a mortared surface. In Pennsylvania, where we deal with freeze–thaw cycles, heavy spring rains, and shifting soils, dry-lay systems are often a smart, long-lasting option for many homes. What Is a Dry-Lay Patio?…
Read MoreLandscape Design, Maintenance & Outdoor Living FAQs in Lancaster, PA
Expert answers to common questions about planning, building, and caring for outdoor spaces
Read MoreWhy Winter Is the Best Time to Start Planning Your Spring Landscape Project
A Q&A with Landscape Designer, Lauren Engle When the weather turns cold, many homeowners assume outdoor projects should wait until spring. But in the world of landscape design, winter is actually the smartest time to begin planning. From design development to securing permits, starting now sets your project up for a smoother, faster, and more…
Read MoreFrom Fall Planting to Spring Showcase: Bulb Tips for Central PA Gardens
There’s a special kind of anticipation that comes with fall planting. You tuck bulbs into the soil when the days are getting shorter and the air turns crisp, trusting that months from now, they’ll deliver the first signs of spring. And when they do, it feels like your garden is putting on a show just…
Read MoreFeature Project: The Lancaster City Gem
Learn how our outdoor design plan transformed a city backyard into a refined outdoor retreat. Our Goal: Revitalize a problematic backyard into a refined outdoor retreat Built in 1874, Paul’s historic house in Lancaster City was originally a tobacco-drying shed, later turned into a barber shop. Paul bought the property in the 1970s and made…
Read MoreUrban Landscape Ideas for Small Spaces
Transform your small city yard into a private retreat with expert design tips—featuring insights from our recent Lancaster City project. Not every dream backyard needs rolling hills or wide-open acreage. In fact, some of the most rewarding landscapes we’ve designed are tucked into compact city lots—full of charm, purpose, and smart use of space. Take…
Read MoreTop 5 Landscaping Trends for 2025: From Pollinator Gardens to Multi-Functional Spaces
One thing’s clear in 2025: homeowners want more from their outdoor spaces. Landscaping is more than curb appeal—it’s creating environments that are beautiful, functional, sustainable, and designed for everyday living. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful garden retreat or an entertainer’s paradise, here are the top landscaping trends our Eshelman Mill landscape designers are seeing…
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