The latest National Geographic magazine had an article entitled “Why Birds Matter”. Birds do matter. But don’t trees also matter in much the same way? Like birds, trees are essential to our environment and beautiful to look at. Trees are valuable for our well-being. They absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen for us to breathe. … Read more
The showy shrub around town blooming now full of huge, round, white flowers is hyrangea. Most of the hydrangeas around here have white flowers but plant breeders have been working on new hydrangea varieties that are hardy with bigger, more colorful blossoms and a longer bloom time. Since the year 2000, 90 new hydrangeas have … Read more
Trees Red Rocket Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Red Rocket’) — Narrow, columnar shape—8’spread x 30’ height. Fiery red fall foliage. Pacific Sunset Maple (Hybrid of Acer truncatum, a maple native to northern China, and Acer platanoides or Norway maple) — Compact, relatively small hardwood tree. Good fall color. Goldspur Amur Chokecherry (Prunus maackii ‘Jefspur’) — Hardy tree for small spaces—10-15’ … Read more
by Jan Cashman 5/27/12 Ninebarks (genus Physocarpus) are easy–to-grow, woody shrubs that have increased in popularity over the last few years. One reason for ninebark’s increased popularity is their stunning leaf colors on graceful, arching branches and great new, compact varieties. Ninebark gets its name because its exfoliating bark is said to peel off in … Read more
by Jan Cashman People driving by in August ask us about the showy shrub planted on the northeast corner of our house full of huge, round, white flowers. It is an Annabelle Hydrangea. There are many species of hydrangea, all native to China, Japan, and Korea. This late-summer blooming shrub does best planted in partial … Read more
By Jan Cashman Besides expressing your individuality, there is good reason to plant different kinds of shade trees in your yard, on your block, and in your city. Even on your boulevard, it might be a good idea to plant trees different from the varieties your neighbors have planted. If one variety is overplanted, an … Read more
By Jan Cashman Why not make your landscape good to eat? If you are going to give your plants tender loving care, let them give you something in return besides beauty—fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Whether you are designing a new landscape or remodeling or adding to an existing one, the same design principles apply with … Read more
by Jan Cashman Our winter landscapes are naturally beautiful, with the snow laden branches of evergreens, long tree shadows on the snow on a sunny day, and hoarfrost glistening on branches on a frosty morning. Certain trees and shrubs are exceptional for their winter beauty and interest. Here are five of the best: Upright Evergreens … Read more
By Jan Cashman A friend and customer came in our nursery yesterday and announced, “I need some color!” This last winter was long and snowy. Spring has been cold and rainy, and slow in arriving. We’re all sick of the white, brown, and gray tones of winter and ready for color—blue sky, green grass, and … Read more
by Jan Cashman They often get a bad rap, but junipers deserve a place in our landscapes. Junipers are native to Montana, found from Ekalaka to Troy, Plentywood to Lima. From the sites where they’re found growing native, you know they tolerate drought and poor soils. Junipers’ slow rate of growth makes them a good … Read more