Carsen Wilkerson, manager of the family-owned Rainfrost Nursery, stops by to help listeners get their hands dirty as the 2026 planting season kicks off. Having grown up among the greenhouses, Carsen shares why now is the time to ignore the “April 15th” rule and start improving your landscape today.

Key Highlights:

• Beat the Summer Heat: Why planting trees and shrubs in mid-March allows roots to establish before the dry Virginia summer arrives.
• Deer-Resistant Stars: Recommendations for beautiful, hardy plants that local deer tend to avoid, including Hellebores (Lenten Roses) and the “ideal” Boxwood.
• The “Throwing Shade” Program: How you can receive a $25 discount on native trees (like Maples, Oaks, and Sweet Bay Magnolias) through a partnership with the Department of Forestry.

A Local Landmark: Why a visit to Rainfrost is often described as a walk through a park, complete with a massive selection of trees and even a few resident chickens.