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As the crisp chill of December settles in, we're reminded that even in the quiet of winter, nature's roots run deep, preparing for spring's vibrant renewal just ahead. At Forrest Keeling Nursery, this season is our cue to celebrate the resilient power of natives: plants that not only endure but thrive, turning challenges into opportunities for growth, restoration, and profitability. Whether you're a farmer eyeing 2026 margins, a landscape architect designing for tomorrow's climate, or a conservationist safeguarding habitats, our December newsletter is packed with insights, picks, and events to root your projects in success. | | | | |
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Vernal Witchhazel:
A Native Powerhouse
| For landscape architects and conservationists seeking early-season drama with ecological punch, Hamamelis vernalis delivers. This Ozark-native shrub—hardy in zones 4-8—unveils spidery, fragrant blooms in yellow, orange, or red from January to April, often on leafless stems, signaling renewal in restoration projects. Its foliage emerges in coppery hues, shifts to glossy green, and crowns fall with golden fireworks, providing textural depth across seasons. | | Not only is this hardy tree low-maintenance and deer-resistant, it fuels wetland remediation. Early nectar sustains bees and butterflies amid scarcity, while fall seed pods—exploding to disperse—nourish birds like grouse and thrushes, plus mammals, enhancing habitat connectivity and biodiversity. Prioritize it in your next projects to forge landscapes that heal and inspire. Order RPM-produced vernal witchhazel now for spring in #3 containers. | | | | |
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Landscape Shifts: Natives Leading the Charge in Sustainable Design | | As 2026 unfolds, landscape architects are leaning hard into resilient natives to tackle escalating climate pressures and urban expansion—projected to claim 1.2 million U.S. acres annually. Mirroring Vectorworks 2026's breakthroughs—like AI-driven site mapping and the new Sustainability Dashboard for live embodied carbon tracking—designers are retrofitting urban sites with laser-focused precision. | | | Picture bioengineered sites blending deep-rooted perennials like little bluestem with Forrest Keeling's hybrid hazelnuts: These "plug-and-play" powerhouses cool urban heat islands by up to 10°F through evaporative shading while cutting stormwater runoff 30-50% via superior infiltration, per EPA-backed native planting models. Bonus: Sustainable native landscapes supercharge biodiversity, delivering 3x more nectar for pollinators and essential berries and cover for songbirds than non-natives. | | | | |
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December's deep freezes—projected to grip the Midwest with 10-15 more freeze-thaw cycles in 2026—don't have to devastate your native stock. Arm them as winter warriors with site-smart tactics, backed by Land Institute perennial root research showing native plants’ deep roots boost soil water retention by up to 30%, slashing runoff and fortifying against drought rebound.
BUILD RESILIENCE:
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Mulch native grasses with 3-4 inches of shredded bark: Curbs erosion by 85-90% and insulates crowns against frost heaving, stabilizing soil temps by 5-10°F.
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Wrap pawpaws and young trees in breathable tree guards: Thwarts deer browse (which spikes 40% in harsh winters), safeguarding buds from 20-30% stronger spring yields.
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Layer leaf litter over oak root zones: Fuels microbial activity 2-3x, recycling nutrients while enhancing drought tolerance through better moisture hold.
QUICK CHECKLIST:
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Urban Installs: Erect wind barriers; opt for salt-free mulches to block de-icing runoff (reduces salt damage by 70%).
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Rural Sites: Add rodent guards and 4-6 inch insulation for frost pockets—vital where voles surge post-thaw.
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Preorder your copy today—just in time for Christmas! | | | | |
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Grandpa Wayne's Tales and Trails—Forrest Keeling Nursery's enchanting book for kids and young-at-heart explorers, shipping mid-December for perfect Christmas gifting! Ignite wonder in bugs, birds, native plants, and RPM roots, echoing Grandpa Wayne's conservation legacy while sparking lifelong ecosystem stewardship.
Secure your copy with a donation to the Jillian Young Memorial Scholarship Fund, honoring a legacy of growth and educating future leaders in agriculture and science.
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Mark Your Calendars for Fall Field Day
September 17, 2026
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Join us for the 2026 Forrest Keeling Fall Field Day: "Rooted in Natives." Connect with professionals dedicated to clean air, pure water, and renewed earth as we celebrate how native plants, resilient cultivars, and specialty crops like chestnut and hazelnut harmonize to create profitable, functional landscapes that nourish ecosystems and communities.
Through engaging discussions and hands-on insights, explore strategies for integrating these elements to build enduring, sustainable designs. Save the date! Registration information to come in January.
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Kick Off 2026 with Green Innovation:
Join Us at Key Trade Shows! | | |
As we wrap up 2025, the green industry is buzzing with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow— literally! Whether you're a landscaper, nursery pro, or conservation expert, the upcoming trade shows in early 2026 are your chance to discover cutting-edge trends in sustainable planting, native species, and eco-friendly solutions. Forrest Keeling Nursery will be there, showcasing our premium selections of the hundreds of native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grass species we grow. Natives that thrive in tough conditions while supporting biodiversity.
Don't miss us—stop by our booths to learn more about our patented RPM® (Root Production Method®) technology, StreetSmart™ selections for urban landscapes, and resilient natives ideal for wildlife habitat specialists and native restoration strategies. Networking at these trade shows spark ideas that grow all year!
Here's where to find us:
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MANTS (Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show):
January 7-9, Baltimore, MD | Booth 758
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Great Lakes Trade Expo:
January 20-22, Novi, MI | Booth 906
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Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference:
January 25-28, Fort Wayne, IN | Booth TBA
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InVigorateU:
January 27-28, Bloomington, IL | Booth 21
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Indiana Green Industry Conference:
February 8-11, Indianapolis, IN | Booth 339
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iLandscape:
February 24-27, Schaumburg, IL | Booth 819
Mark your calendars and register today—these events sell out fast! Questions? Reach out at sales@fknursery.com or visit fknursery.com – trade show page for more.
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Forrest Keeling Nursery (FKNursery.com) is the leading producer of native plants in North America. With over seventy-five years dedicated to environmental stewardship, Forrest Keeling’s innovative technology and meticulous attention to superior plant provenance make it exceptionally equipped to provide premium native plant materials for any project. |
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WHOLESALE HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday-Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
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