Could it be that spring has sprung?!

It certainly seemed like it this week, but we'll have to wait a little longer to find out if we've been tricked by a 'false spring' or not. Our inventory is already expanding though, with much more to come over the next month. Early spring annuals, the first big batches of perennials and herbs, as well as several truckloads of shrubs have arrived this week. Take a look below for some highlights of what can be found at the nursery right now!

Pictured here: Iceland poppy, maidenhair fern, French hydrangea (hothouse grown)

CURRENT HOURS

Monday - Saturday 9 to 5

(Open until 5:30 Monday - Saturday

beginning March 17th)

*New Sunday Hours: 12 to 5*

(Open on Sundays

beginning March 16th)

What's In Store for Early Spring

What to Plant Now: While we still have a few weeks to go before all threat of cold nights has passed, March is a great time to start planting container gardens and small annual beds that can be protected if a late freeze occurs.

There are several annuals that will tolerate a light frost (down to 28 degrees), including alyssum, bacopa, African daisy, dianthus, dusty miller, euphorbia, geraniums, lobelia, marigolds, million bells, petunias, snapdragons and verbena.

It's still a great time to plant trees and shrubs and we have a nice selection of these currently. During March, our perennial and herb inventory broadens dramatically and most are fine to plant now.

What Not to Plant Now: There are some plants that can be hindered, damaged or killed if exposed to cold air or soil temperatures, so it's best (for the plant and your wallet) to wait until the threat of frost or freeze has passed to plant these: angelonia, begonias, caladiums, coleus, impatiens, lantana, pentas, sweet potato vine, vinca, basil, mint and warm-season veggies (such tomatoes, peppers and eggplant), as well as perennials like elephant's ears and hostas.

The average last frost in central Alabama is March 20th. The latest recorded frost in our area was April 23rd; however, it's usually safe to plant all annuals, herbs and veggies by April 15th.

Shamrocks

Saint Patrick's Day is this Monday, March 17th! Add a bit of green to your home or office, and give one to a friend or loved one to celebrate. This classic clover is easy to grow indoors in bright light & moist, well-drained soil.

Early Spring Annuals

The greenhouse is full of colorful blooms that won't mind a late frost or freeze. Pictured here: Bacopa, Calibrachoa (Million Bells), Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Heliotrope, Lobelia, Marigolds and Snapdragons.

Herbs

We have an excellent variety of herbs already! Many of them are frost tolerant and can be planted outside now. However, it's important to protect basil, mint and lemon grass from temperatures below 45 degrees.

Primrose

Buy 1, Get 1 Free!

Like pansies and violas, English primrose are cold hardy and will also bloom well into spring. Enjoy these in your garden over the next 2 to 3 months.

Pictured here: 'Blue Zebra'

Native Azaleas

With 29 varieties in stock, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better selection of this beautiful native. Fragrant, honeysuckle-like flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange and red make these must-haves for southern gardens. Pictured here: 'Canary Isles'

Amaryllis

Now 30% Off!

Welcome spring into your home with these large, showy flowers that will last for several weeks. After that, they can be planted outside in full or partial sun and will return each year!

Creeping Phlox

This old-fashioned favorite, also called moss pink or thrift, is native to the eastern US. It produces a stunning carpet of white, pink or lavender-blue flowers each spring in full or partial sun. Available now in several colors and sizes.

Lenten Rose

With over a dozen varieties in-store, including five from the Wedding Party series with spectacular double blooms in several colors, it's the perfect time to add this durable, long-lived, evergreen perennial to your shade garden.

Candytuft

Abundant white flowers atop evergreen foliage emerge every year from late winter into spring. This hardy perennial has a low, spreading habit ideal for borders and rock gardens. It grows best in full or partial sun with well-drained soil.