Seasonal

Healthy Soil Healthy Gardens

Healthy soil yields a healthy garden; it is grown from the ground up.

Understanding the garden soil that you grow in is essential to creating the

best conditions for your plant life. Soil is evaluated by its texture, structure,

and fertility. Knowing what is in the native soil is important so you can

determine what type of soil amendments to employ, you can make

 enhancements, or change the plants we grow in our garden spaces.

 Typically, in Western Washington, we generally have three to four soil

types: heavy clay, silty loam, sandy loam, or glacial till. The good news is

that they can all benefit by adding organic matter. For heavier clay and

silty soils, adding Garden & Bloome Soil Conditioner will help break up the

 denseness and lighten the soil, and aid drainage. For rocky soils like glacial

 till, adding a professional topsoil and removing bigger rocks in addition to

adding Garden & Bloome Purely Compost, will give the glacial till more

body and help it to retain moisture during times of drought, thus aiding

the plant life by having more moisture and nutrients available to their root

 systems. Compost and a topsoil mixture are also an excellent way to build up

and add body to sandy soils as well. Our line of Garden & Bloome soil

amendments contains all organic ingredients and beneficial microbes that

 will make your garden and landscape thrive. Come on down to the farm and

 speak to our friendly associates about the benefits

of using these truly unique soil amendments.

Rhododendrons And Azaleas

We have received a beautiful selection of rhododendrons and azaleas

to start spring off with a dazzling floral display.  These Northwest classics

come in a variety of evergreen and deciduous forms, ranging from dwarf

to varieties that can reach heights of 6 to 7 feet.  Our exceptional selection

has something for every garden and color palette.  Since they bloom at

different times, they can be planted in succession and enjoyed throughout

the spring.  These beautiful mainstays in Pacific Northwest landscapes are

 ideally suited for locations that receive morning sun or dappled to partial

afternoon sun.  With a shallow root system, they prefer a moist, well-drained

soil, and during the warmer weather, it is important to provide a layer of mulch

to conserve moisture in the plant's roots during times of drought, as we often

see in the summer months.  Come on down and speak with our friendly staff

and see our fabulous selection of these Northwest landscape favorites.

Bare Root Bonanza

 Bare-root plants are only available for a short window during this cooler

 time of year. As they are not potted up in containers with soil, they

 are lighter weight, much easier to transport, and cost less. We have a

 fantastic selection of bare-root fruit trees arriving in the middle of this

 month. Each variety has been carefully selected for its tasty fruit, and

 also for its hardiness here in the Northwest. A very cost-efficient option

 for gardeners, these fabulous trees are only available for a short time,

 so hurry in to pick out your favorite selections today! Notable additions

 to our 2026 collection of fruit trees includes walnuts, filberts, Red Haven

 peaches, Brooks plums, Sunrise magic apples, and more. Visit us and

  chat with our friendly staff about starting your own edible garden.

The Ginkgo Biloba

This ancient tree, with its distinct leaves and outstanding fall color, has survived

the test of time, dating back over 200 million years.  These unchanged living fossils

are classified as Ginkgophyta, of which they are the only member, making them

truly unique.  With leaves shaped like the Maidenhair fern, it is often referred to as

the Maidenhair tree.  These trees are exceptionally tough and are frequently seen in

parks or urban environments, but they also make a wonderful addition to the home

landscape.  After its introduction to the United States in 1784, the Ginkgo became

quite popular; by the 1800s, it was widely planted in the Midwest and along parts

of the East and West Coasts.  Back then, both males and females were planted.

Today, however, Ginkgo trees sold in nurseries are strictly male, as female trees

produce seeds that can be messy and odoriferous.  Thanks to discoveries made

during cultivation, there are many varieties to choose from.  Right now, we have a

wonderful selection of these amazing trees in stock, ranging from dwarf like

Mariken, the broad oval-shaped Saratoga, and the narrow, columnar varieties,

including Gold Spire and more.  Limited quantities. Hurry in! 

Repotting Your Indoor Friends

There comes a quiet moment in every plant’s life when it begins to ask for more

 room. The leaves may still be green and the stems still reaching for the light, but

 beneath the soil, roots are circling, searching, and pressing against the edges of

their home. Repotting isn’t just a maintenance task; it’s a renewal and a fresh

 start, and knowing when to do it helps your plants thrive for years to come. Usually,

 if you see roots peeking from the bottom or notice that water runs straight through

 the pot when irrigating, your plant has outgrown its space. Other signs include

 stalled growth during the growing season or pale-looking leaves. Repotting is best

 done in late winter or early spring, just before active growth begins, though most

 healthy plants can handle it at any time during the growing season. When repotting,

 remember that bigger is not always better, as too much soil can cause roots to rot.

 Ideally, choose containers that are 1 to 2 inches bigger and ensure there is adequate

 drainage. Choose the correct type of potting soil for the plant you are repotting—cacti

 and succulents require sandy, well-draining soil, while tropical foliage types prefer a

 moisture-retaining blend. Other indoor plants, such as orchids or carnivorous plants,

have special soil requirements, so be sure to check the labels. Remove your plant

from the old container by placing it on its side and gently easing it out. Next, inspect

 the roots, gently loosening any tightly wound ones and removing any mushy or dead

 roots with clean, sharp pruners. In your new container, pour a layer of soil into the

 bottom and place the plant in the center, leaving about a 1-inch lip to the rim. Fill

 around the sides, gently tapping down the soil around the roots. Water deeply to

eliminate any air pockets and settle the fresh soil, which helps improve root contact

 and stability. Allow all of the water to drain out completely, then place it in bright,

 indirect light to adjust to its new home, avoiding any fertilizer for the first few weeks.

 In the weeks to come, you will notice a big difference in the color and

 overall vigor of your repotted plants. Happy transplanting!

March Garden Tasks

Prune clematis, summer and fall blooming only.

Cut back deciduous grasses and perennials to prepare for the new growth.

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

Refresh containers with a spot of early-blooming color to

warm your spirits as spring approaches.

This is a great time of year to fertilize your rhododendrons and

 azaleas. These shrubs thrive on Dr. Earth Organic Acid

 Lovers Fertilizer, keeping the foliage a lush green and

 your blooms vibrant.

Prune out any damaged, diseased, or dead wood from your trees and

 shrubs. This is also a great time to prune your fruit trees and roses.

Apply All Seasons Horticulture Oil Spray while your plants

 are dormant to treat for damaging insects. 

We recommend staying on top of slug and snail control with

 pet-friendly & environmentally friendly Sluggo.

Mulch   around your plants provides a layer of insulation during the

 cold winter months and reduces moisture loss during our hot,

 dry summers. G&B Soil Conditioner will offer nutrition,

 insulation, and improve the soil texture.

Plan your vegetable garden and purchase your seeds

 to start indoors or sow directly in your garden.