Seasonal

Beautiful Berries

As we slip into Autumn with the lean months ahead in the garden, it is good to 

remember that many plants offer colorful berries that can enhance our landscapes

 beauty and provide support for our feathered friends. There are many natives, as well

as ornamental types to choose from that have both form and function. Here are some

of our favorites.  Callicarpa or Beautyberry, is an easy and forgiving shrub that is often 

overlooked in most landscapes. Native to parts of Asia, this plant in the spring and summer

has a quiet presence in the garden, but come fall and winter it shines with its crop

of violet-purple berries that birds can't resist. Another great food source for birds is the

native or non-native mahonia. We commonly call it Oregon Grape, but there are other

 cultivars from Asia that are quite striking with their tall stature and golden flowers that

 are followed by powdery blue berries that our avian friends love like the variety 'Charity'. 

The third berry pictured is the fruit from the Arbutus unedo or Strawberry tree. These

shrubs native to Europe resemble the native Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

but on a much smaller scale. With their white bell-shaped flowers and handsome waxy

leaves that somewhat hide the green fruit that turns a bright orange in the winter often

overlapping with each other as it takes a year for it to ripen. The Compacta variety is

by far the most planted in landscapes of the Puget Sound region due to its denser

 habit compared to the species. Come on in and speak to our staff about adding 

one of these striking and versatile shrubs to your garden today. 

Colorful Camellias

Wishing for some bright blooms to enjoy through this darker season?

 Always searching for what can grow in that shadier spot in the garden?

 Winter-blooming camellias are the answer, my friends. They are a

slower-growing shrub, which can be pruned into a handsome tree as

 they mature. Or should you choose,  they can be pruned into a dense

 hedge. Camellias are a perfect choice in the Northwest landscape as they

 thrive on our naturally occurring acidic soil. Rich, glossy leaves adorn the

branches all year long, making it a foundational staple among the other

conifers and evergreens. These winter beauties are the perfect solution to

 adding vivacious color during an otherwise time of slumber in the garden.

Several varieties to choose from, including Yuletide, Kanjiro, White

Doves, and more. 

Heavenly Hellebore

Often called the Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose, Hellebores by any name

are a jewel in the winter landscape. These evergreen perennials are available

in many forms, cultivars, and colors. The leathery foliage found on these

stalwart beauties vary from a deep, rich green to marbled and variegated

patterns. While the flowers have a delicate appearance, they are in fact a

remarkably hardy perennial that blooms through winter's chill and in a blanket

of snow. With varieties that bloom in the fall, while others bloom in winter

through early spring. Their form and flower have an understated elegance that

makes them an excellent choice for shady woodland gardens, a Northwest

 theme, or a container arrangement. This lovely low-maintenance perennial

 features blossoms that are borne in nodding or outward-facing clusters. From

 fair, freckled-faced flowers to deep, rich, almost black blooms. With a range of

flower and foliage styles, there is sure to be one that will catch your eye and

 capture your heart. Currently, we have our annual collection of these garden

favorites in stock now. Varieties include the Ice N' Roses series, Wedding Party

series, Honeymoon series, and more.

Iseli Nursery Trees And Shrubs

Founded in 1975 by Jean Iseli, Iseli nursery is one of the most influential

and recognized wholesale shrub and tree growers in North America. These

unique and rare specimens provide year-round interest in the landscape and

currently, we have a big selection of these treasured trees and shrubs in 

stock. Choose from dwarf conifers, like the Pusch Norway spruce or the

Ice Breaker Korean fir that feature compact and tidy habits, perfect for smaller

garden spaces. Or, the Arakawa Japanese maple with its fiery fall color display

followed by its rough and furrowed bark that provides winter interest.

Hurry in!

Defining With Hedges

Hedging is used to mark a boundary formally and is most commonly

used to create privacy.  Whether trimmed into tidy geometric shapes

or left to grow in their natural form, hedges are useful in all types of

gardens.  While they have been used traditionally in formal gardens, they

also have a place in modern design, edible gardens, and informal suburban

landscapes.  There are hedge plant options that are evergreen or deciduous

and selections for shade to full sun exposure.  In the Pacific Northwest, we

 are fortunate to have many options, ranging from Boxwood, Yews, Laurels

Arborvitae and so much more.  Come on down and speak with our friendly

 staff about incorporating a hedge or privacy screen into your landscape.

November Garden Tasks 

Stay on top of late-season weeds that may

be sprouting in the landscape.

Fall mulching will reduce cold-weather

 stress in our gardens.

Stake trees or shrubs that are at risk of

damage during our winter storms.

Be sure to cover tender plants with a frost cloth on

extremely cold nights to protect from frost damage.

There is still time to plant garlic and spring-blooming

 bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

Clean up perennials that have gone dormant

 or have damaged foliage. 

Lightly prune your roses, particularly climbers,

 to prevent damage during windy weather.

Refresh your containers for the holidays with structural plants like conifers or

 evergreen shrubs, colorful plants with berries, or winter-blooming hellebore,

 and add texture offered by grasses or evergreen ferns that will last

through the winter.

Fall is a great time to plant or transplant as we enter the cool and

 moist months. 

Clean up falling leaves and plant debris. This can be incorporated

 into your compost, except for any diseased material,

 which should be disposed of in your trash.

Remember to turn your compost to keep it

 cooking and breaking down the added debris.

It is important to stay on top of slug and snail

 control, especially during the rainy season.