Already low bare root prices

This is the month when a profusion of white to light pink flowers blanket the landscape in a glorious display, still before leaves emerge. Here are a few great plants for March interest:  
Spiraea x vanhouttei: Vanhoutte spirea is a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub with branching that arches gracefully toward the ground. It is a hybrid cross between S. trilobata x S. cantoniensis. It typically grows 5-8' tall with a spread to 7-10' wide. It is particularly noted for its showy spring bloom. Tiny white flowers appear in late March to April in umbellate clusters that profusely cover the leafy branching. Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade, a wide range of soils and some drought. Prune as needed immediately after flowering. Fall color is usually undistinguished, but attractive purplish hues may sometimes develop. Specific epithet honors Belgian nurseryman, L. B. Van Houtte (1810-1876). Hardy to -30 degree (F).
March is still prime time to plant and prune your favorite edible trees and shrubs because they come to us bare root. Bare root plants are easy to plant, adapt well to your garden conditions and provide an abundance of fruit for your table and they cost 30% less than their counterparts sold in pots. We have many different varieties of apples, pears, cherries, frost peach, blueberries, raspberries, currents and brambles.

Narcissus 'Mount Hood': Nothing trumpets the arrival of spring like the early blooming daffodils and Narcissus'Mount Hood' positively glows in the late winter garden. A sturdy, 18 to 20-inch stem holds 4 inch white trumpet flowers. Planting 'Mount Hood' bulbs in groups provides a natural look in the landscape and Hostas and deciduous ornamental grasses are a good combination because they will cover/disguise the foliage of the Narcissus as it dies back by early June. Narcissus grows best in full sun to light or open shade. Plant the bulbs in moist to well-drained soil, although they will tolerate sand and clay. Hardy to -30 degrees (F).
Anemone nemerosa: This low growing, spreading colonizer is a delight in the early spring landscape. In late winter finely cut foliage emerges followed by brightly colored single flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink or white. Given time, impressive carpets can form, creating quite a spring display. Wood anemone adapts to a wide range of soils including sand and clay, but prefers a well-drained location. Flowering is most profuse in full sun to light or open shade. New leaves emerge in late winter and remain until mid-summer. When foliage begins to yellow and die back it can be cut to the ground. It is drought tolerant and remains dormant during the dry summer weather. Underground rhizomes can be divided from early summer to late winter. Hardy to -20 degrees (F).
Epimediumm pinnatum ssp. colchicum 'Black Sea': This iron-clad perennial is handsome and easy to grow. From late winter to early spring Epimedium 'Black Sea' produces a profusion of small, delicate-looking flowers dancing on the tips of thread-thin red stalks. New leaves soon follow the dainty blooms and mature to an attractive blue-green. The most remarkable feature of the foliage is the inky purple-black coloring that 'bleeds' into each leaf with the onset of cooler temperatures and frost. This deep coloring lasts until the new leaves emerge next spring. Plant it with pale-colored hellebores to accentuate the unusual winter foliage. Grows to just over a foot tall and is spreading. A great plant for dry shade. Hardy to -20 degrees.

 Join Laura Campbell, renowned wreath weaver, as she guides you through the making of a living chair for your home or garden. Bring your own chair (wood or metal), preferably with an open back or seat and don't forget pruners and gloves! We'll provide the vines and planting infrastructure and with expert guidance you'll weave around the chair creating the "bones" to support your plantings. A little chicken wire and moss provide the "pot." When you're done, stroll the nursery to select and purchase the plants for your new garden chair! 

Sunday, March 23     

 

In the 21st century, gardens and landscapes are called to be more than beautiful spaces filled with color and fragrance.  Today's gardens are stormwater facilities that produce renewable and basic resources, prevent erosion, benefit air quality, feed their inhabitants both critters and people and mitigate habitat for wildlife. Come and learn why and how from Certified Low Impact Development specialist Zsofia Pasztor, to transform your garden to a modern environment!

 

Saturday, March 29   

(reservations required - $8 class fee)

 

Bob Zimmermann of Chimacum Woods will explore the distinctly different world of species rhododendrons.
These plants don't look like the rhodies most of us are used to. They offer a broad range of leaf shapes, colors and patterns.  Bob, has been raising species rhodies from seed for forty years and has just returned from his fifth rhody exploration in China. He will describe and show pictures of some of the most interesting species, including many available at the nursery.

Saturday, March 29   

Join John Christianson for his first tour of the year through the lovely English style gardens of La Conner Flats located next to the nursery. Meet John in front of the schoolhouse then stride over to La Conner Flats to see what plants are showing an inspiring early spring display. Waterproof shoes and raingear are recommended depending on the weather.