OCTOBER HOURS: Tuesday -Saturday noon to 5 CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY
New Hours Take Effect October 1st.
Our benches are still looking great! We're busy adding more native perennials as the fall planting season rolls on.
Along with our plants, we're still tagging and releasing the last of our Monarch butterflies this month. It’s a bit of a bittersweet moment—waving them goodbye and wishing them luck as they take off and head south.
So far, we’ve released over 50. We did face a butterfly virus this year, which caused some losses, unfortunately.
And the heat! Some plants struggled through the high temperatures and drought in August and early September, but now that the worst of the heat is behind us, we expect them to bounce back just fine.
We’re still filling benches this month, so feel free to stop by and shop during the cooler October days.
We Are Now Certified With Maryland's Best for Native Plants!
WHAT IS THE MARYLAND’S BEST PROGRAM?
Maryland’s Best Native Plants is an extension of the Maryland’s Best program. Maryland’s Best has been around for over 20 years and has established itself as a brand that communicates QUALITY and COMMITMENT to Maryland agriculture and seafood.
Our nursery will now be searchable as one of the best in the state.
OCTOBER PLANT OF THE MONTH: SNAKEROOT
White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is a late-blooming native perennial that plays an important role in supporting pollinators by providing nectar well into the fall season. This hardy plant typically grows between 2 and 5 feet tall, making it a striking addition to any garden.
Blooming from September until the first frost, White Snakeroot offers a reliable nectar source when many other plants have finished flowering. Its deer-resistant qualities make it especially valuable for gardens in areas with high deer populations, ensuring it remains a dependable part of your native plant collection.
Planting White Snakeroot not only enhances the beauty of your garden with its delicate white blooms but also contributes to local biodiversity by supporting late-season pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Consider adding this resilient native to your fall garden for extended seasonal interest and ecological benefits.
SEPTEMBER PLANT OF THE MONTH
Sedum ternatum (Native Stonecrop)
Actually a spring bloomer, this evergreen groundcover is perfect for shaded areas and rock gardens.
This woodland sedum is also a host plant for the variegated fritillary which lays its eggs during late summer and fall.
August Plant of the Month
Also known as Self Heal, Prunella is a ground hugging, semi-evergreen wildflower
JULY PLANT OF THE MONTH
Monarda, commonly known as Beebalm, is one of our most beloved perennials—and it’s easy to see why!
These vigorous growers are typically avoided by deer, making them a reliable choice for gardens prone to wildlife browsing. They are also highly attractive to pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and especially hummingbirds, which makes them a wonderful addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
Belonging to the mint family, all Monarda varieties release a refreshing minty aroma when their leaves are gently bruised, adding sensory appeal beyond their vibrant flowers.
We offer several Monarda varieties for you to choose from as your Plant of the Month, each with unique colors and growth habits to suit different garden styles.
Planting Tips for Monarda
For best results, plant your Monarda in a sunny location with consistently moist soil. This will encourage robust growth and abundant blooms. The one exception is Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata), which prefers drier soil conditions—so be sure to consider this when selecting your variety.
Enhancing Your Garden with Monarda
Monarda’s vibrant flowers not only brighten your garden but also support local ecosystems by attracting beneficial pollinators. Incorporating these plants can help create a lively, dynamic garden space that supports biodiversity and offers seasonal interest from summer through early fall.
JUNE PLANT OF THE MONTH
You can choose any of the milkweed varieties we have available on the bench as your Plant of the Month.
Once considered a weed, milkweed has recently gained popularity due to its vital role as the sole host plant for the beloved Monarch butterfly. By planting milkweed, you support the entire life cycle of Monarchs, providing a habitat for their eggs and caterpillars to thrive.
MAY PLANT OF THE MONTH
Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)
Spring to early summer bloomer
*2-5' usually 3'
*Full sun -part shade
*Host plant for Buckeye butterfly and Baltimore Checkerspot.
APRIL PLANT OF THE MONTH
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
These stunning natives thrive in partial to full shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Blooming from early spring to mid-summer, their vibrant blue flowers create a breathtaking display that will captivate any visitor.
Not only do Virginia Bluebells add a splash of color, but they are also a vital resource for pollinators. Their nectar-rich blossoms attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.
Plant Virginia Bluebells today and enjoy a garden that’s beautiful and beneficial! 🌸🦋
MARCH PLANT OF THE MONTH
Golden Groundsel (Packera aurea) is our first Perennial Plant of the Month for 2025
Packera aurea, commonly known as Golden Groundsel, is a perennial wildflower native to North America. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded areas. Typically blooming in early spring, it features clusters of vibrant yellow flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. In native flower beds, Golden Groundsel is valued for its bright blooms and lush green foliage, providing essential early-season nectar for wildlife and contributing to biodiversity in garden ecosystems.
2025 VIP Membership
VIP memberships are now available for 2025 and would make a great Christmas gift for your gardening friends.
VIP Membership includes a free Plant of the Month for the months of March through November.
New members also receive a free T-Shirt and 20% off any items in our Garden Shack. In addition, VIP members are allowed access to our pollinator conservation trail and field where they can hike or picnic.
Membership runs from March 2025 to December 2025. You must pick up your plants during the current growing season. We cannot hold plants over from one season to the next, nor can all plants be picked up before their respective months occur.
PURCHASE 2025 VIP MEMBERSHIP HERE
Plants of the Month for 2025:
March: Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)
April: Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
May: Penstemon
June: Milkweed(Asclepias sp.)
July: BeeBalm (Monarda)
August: Self Heal (Prunella)
September: Sedum t. (Sedum ternatum)Woodland Stonecrop
October: Snakeroot(Ageratina)
November: Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum posum)
Copyright 2025 Grasshopper Garden Escapes,Inc
Lets Work to Increase Butterfly Populations
🌼 Embrace the Magic of Monarchs!
Get ready for a mesmerizing experience with nature's delicate wonders? We're thrilled to announce that once again, our garden center is hosting an enchanting butterfly raising extravaganza! You will get to witness the captivating beauty of Monarch butterflies as they grace Grasshopper Perennials once again.
🦋 Raise Monarchs with Us! 🦋
Join us in our mission to protect these magnificent creatures by participating in our Monarch butterfly raising program. Discover the joy of nurturing Monarch caterpillars as they transform into breathtaking butterflies right before your eyes. Witness the incredible life cycle unfold from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally, the emergence of a fully-fledged Monarch butterfly.
If you wish to bring the magic of butterflies to your own backyard? Our garden center now offers Butterfly Habitat Kits. Each kit comes with all the essentials you need to raise healthy butterflies including a carrier, a habitat, and instructions. All you need to add is milkweed, (which we carry), and eggs or caterpillars which you can hunt for yourself or get from us if we have some to share.
🌸 Join the Butterfly Movement! 🌸
Promote biodiversity, educate your loved ones, and contribute to conservation efforts by joining our butterfly movement. Attracting butterflies to your garden helps support a diverse ecosystem, benefiting other pollinators and wildlife. Engage your family and friends with the mesmerizing transformation of caterpillars into butterflies, fostering a deeper connection to nature. Together, we can make a difference!
🌺 Visit Us and Let the Magic Begin! 🌺
Check Out Our Butterfly Shirts
We've just introduced our much anticipated Monarch Butterfly Shirts.
June is Pollinator Month!
June being pollinator month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and their role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a crucial role in pollinating plants, which in turn provide food and habitat for other animals. However, pollinators are facing numerous threats such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. By dedicating a month to celebrating and protecting pollinators, we can educate people about their importance and encourage actions to support their conservation.

FREE T-Shirt with VIP Membership; can also be purchased without VIP sleeve graphic by anyone though for $15.00
VIP MEMBERSHIP IS NOW AVAILABLE
Join the VIP and be ready for some extra perks with us. You will receive a free Plant of the month for each month starting in March and continuing through November.
You will also receive the Grasshopper VIP T-shirt to let everyone know that you belong to our elite group!
Additionally, any VIP has anytime access to Annie (me) for all plant and horticultural related questions.
Check out the VIP page to see what plants will be waiting for you and to sign up. Cost is only $50.00 per year.