Seasonal

What garden would be complete without the romantic charm of a hydrangea? 

These garden staples of the Pacific Northwest come in a wide variety of styles, sizes,

and colors, making them suitable for any situation, whether it is to be enjoyed on a deck

or an acre of land. In addition to the traditional large shrub forms, there are petite

 cultivars that can be grown in containers, and climbing hydrangeas that can be grown

 on a trellis support in a pot or directly in your garden soil. And while most prefer

morning sun with afternoon partial sun to a shadier location, there are some varieties

 that can be grown in full sun if they are kept well-watered. Highly sought after for their

 beautiful blooms; from the delicate lacecap with flat crowns rimmed with florets, 

the ever-popular mopheads with their full and rounded blossom clusters and panicles

with their white, showy cone cone-shaped bloom clusters aging with a blush of pink.

  Hydrangeas bloom from spring through fall with some regional differences. Here, in the

Pacific Northwest, we commonly see their blooms in late spring to late summer. 

Their elegance is revealed through the changing seasons as their blossom colors 

age and develop a richness, and their antique shades can be enjoyed through

 autumn's chill. In addition to their beautiful blooms, hydrangea foliage also

 offers fall color and many, while branches are bare, reveal handsome cinnamon

 exfoliating bark to add to the winter landscape. Come on down to the nursery

and speak with one of our associates, and see our extensive collection of these

Pacific Northwest classics.

The Queen Of The Shade Garden

The Hosta or Plantain Lilly is a hardy and bold perennial that offers superb form,

bright colors in both solid and variegated patterns and textures, with fragrant lavender

 to white flowers rise above the foliage in early summer. These garden staples thrive in

the shade to partial sun, but surprisingly, there are a few that can tolerate sun with

adequate watering. This herbaceous and easy-to-grow perennial is quite hardy and

not prone to many health or pest concerns, although care must be taken to protect them

 from slugs or snails using the pet and environmentally friendly product, Sluggo, which is

 readily available at the nursery. These stunners are often paired with other shade lovers

such as ferns, Heuchera or grasses. Right now, we have a wonderful selection of these

beautiful perennials in stock now.

Tropical Flair

Be transported to exotic locations in your garden by adding flowers and

foliage with a tropical flair.  When pairing plants, consider combinations of bold

of bold foliage with grassy, strap-like blades or finely cut fronds to create harmony

through contrast in the landscape. Some fine examples of  these exotic and exciting

to add include Begonias, Canna Lilies, and Spider Web Fatsia.   Whether adding drama

 to your containers or spicing up your borders, these plants are sure to increase the

vibrancy of the garden and put on a summer-long show.

Made In The Shade

As we enter into Summer and the weather warms, we often find ourselves stepping

 out into our landscapes to enjoy the beauty of it all.  As we do, we notice areas of

  the garden and landscape that could use a little shade to beat the heat.  Here at the

 nursery, we currently have a large selection of trees that are ideally suited to provide shade

and keep our yards cooler during the peak of summer.  These trees also offer outstanding

fall color as well, and allow us an opportunity to add shade-loving treasures that give us a

 more diverse landscape.  Some fine selections in stock now include the Katsura, Crimson

 King maple, Bloodgood Japanese maple, and the Pacific Sunset maple, to name a few.

 Hummingbirds In the Garden

In the Pacific Northwest, we delight in the company of our resident

 Anna's Hummingbirds, as well as migrating visitors from faraway lands.

These gregarious and enthusiastic birds are jewels, flashing and buzzing

 from blossom to blossom, feeding on the nectar found in our gardens.

These dazzling birds make a home in our gardens, creating a tightly woven tea

 cup-sized nests comprised of moss, dried flowers, cat tail fluff, dried grass, and

 whatever light and pliable material is available, all held together by delicate

 but strong and sticky spider webs, which allow the hummingbirds to adjust

  and repair their nests when needed. These petite nests are found high in the

 limbs of trees, securely bound in the contours of tree limbs. Hummingbirds are

 territorial, and this extends to their nesting locations. They reuse and revisit

 their nests year after year, patching and repairing their homes, and making

 them a safe harbor for their young. These busy birds really work up

an appetite, and currently, we have a wonderful supply of plants that they 

love to feed on. Choose from Bee Balm, Red Hot Poker, Penstemon, Salvia,

and many more. Come on in and speak with our friendly staff about adding

these hummingbird favorites for your garden.

July Garden Tasks 

Fertilize your hanging baskets and flowering containers

 with. Tiger Bloom Liquid fertilizer. Just mix with water and go.

Stake and support your fruit trees, tomatoes, and

beans as well as taller perennials like crocosmia.

Deadhead your perennials and annuals to encourage

continued flowering and growth.

Start another crop of cilantro or lettuce if

yours have bolted in the heat.

Continue to feed your vegetable garden. We recommend a slow release

 fertilizer such as Dr Earth Life or Dr Earth All Purpose Gold.

Stay on top of the weeds!  Get to them before they produce seeds.

Turn your compost bins as you introduce new trimmings to the pile.

Fertilize your roses and other flowering shrubs and perennials

with Dr Earth Rose & Flower Care, it is uniquely formulated

to encourage lush foliage and big blooms.