Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Holiday Closing




Just a reminder:  
We'll be closed Friday, December 23rd, 2011 - Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012.  We'll reopen Wednesday, January 4th, 2012.  Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday vacation.  See you in the New Year!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Live Christmas Trees


Thinking about decorating your landscape for this holiday season?  Live Christmas trees make an excellent addition, not only for the holidays, but as a permanent investment to your property.
Our live Christmas trees are a selection of containerized evergreen trees.  Containers can be placed anywhere in the landscape for holiday decoration, or they can be planted, then decorated.  This week, we're highlighting some of the most commonly asked questions at the nursery regarding our holiday trees.  Don't forget to check out our live inventory - all trees on our Christmas Tree List are 20% OFF!



Can I keep the tree in the container and plant in spring?
It's entirely up to you!  Any plant is ultimately going to be happier in the ground, but it will survive in a container providing it receives regular water and care.  Be sure to frequently check the soil and make sure it's thoroughly saturated.  Plants eventually outgrow their containers, and will need more room for their roots to expand, so be sure to have a spot in mind to plant in your landscape.


Can I still plant at this time of year?
As long as the ground isn't frozen, it's safe to plant your tree. Be sure to dig the planting hole 1 1/2 to 2 times the size of the existing root system or container size.  Place the backfill soil around the planting hole and incorporate some good compost into the hole and into the backfill.  Place the plant in the planting hole no deeper than it was planted in the container, and allow for soil settling.  Then, place the backfill around the plant's root ball to fill the hole.


Do I need to water even with all the rain?
Yes. Roots will grow in the direction of the water, and this determines how well your plants will develop.  A slow, deep soaking with a hose will develop a healthier plant in the long run.





Friday, November 18, 2011

Attracting Birds to your Winter Landscape

Increase biodiversity within your landscape by  creating a healthy and nourished ecosystem all within your backyard.
When planting, it's important to create layers of plantings within the landscape. Avoid pruning shrubs too tightly; birds prefer crevices for shelter and protection.  Plants with berries provide an excellent source of food as well, especially during winter when resources can be more scarce.  In spring, keep your eye out for birds' nests! A dense, stratified, landscape makes an excellent spot for birds to raise their young.

1. Bearberry  
(Arctostaphylos uva- ursi 'Massachusetts')


An outstanding, sturdy, evergreen ground cover. The light pinkish -white, urn shaped flowers in spring are followed by red berries, which can persist into winter. Leaves are small and dark green, and in the fall have a hint of red-gold. Read more......
2. Spring Bouquet Laurustinus  
(Viburnum tinus 'Spring Bouquet')


Evergreen, dense, compact shrub with small, dark green foliage. Lightly fragrant pinkish-white flowers cover the foliage in the spring, originally opening from red buds. Flowers are followed by blue-black fruit. Excellent choice for a compact hedge or screen.  Read more......
3. Baggesens Gold Box Honeysuckle 
(Lonicera nitida 'Baggesens Gold')


An evergreen, unique broad growing shrub, with dense, small leaves. Gold color will hold truer in cold climates, and when given some shade. 
  Read more......

4. Pacific Wax Myrtle 
(Myrica californica)


Evergreen, dense, bushy shrub with clean, glossy green leaves throughout the year held on mostly upright stems. Small flowers form before new leaves appear and are followed by purple nutlet fruits. Fruits are attractive to birds and wax can be rendered from them. Tolerates poor soil, damp soil, summer drought and survives high winds. This is native to the Pacific Coast and coastal valleys from Washington state to southern California, and is considered one of the most attractive natives in the landscape setting. Use as a specimen or hedging plant. Read more......

5. Magic Berry Snowberry
(Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii 'Magic Berry') 


Profusion of delicate pink flowers in late summer. Masses of vivid pinkish-purple fruit line each branch in autumn. Persistent pink fruit in fall matures to a deep wine color. Compact, gracefully arching plant with a sturdy habit. The fruiting stems can last up to two weeks in floral arrangements
Read more......

6. Salal (Gaultheria shallon) 


Evergreen, Pacific Northwest native shrub and groundcover. Leaf-stalks, flower stems, bracts, and young branches are reddish and bristly. Pinkish white, pendulous flowers are typically heather-bell shaped and appear from May to June, followed by bunches of dark purple berries. Can get taller in shady conditions.  Read more......

7. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass 
(Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster')


Herbaceous perennial grass with erect clumps of green blades that are topped with flower panicles up to 15" long starting in the early summer. Flowers are pinkish green, turning to straw colored, and maintain ornamental value until late winter. Read more...




8. Bailey Red Twig Dogwood 
(Cornus sericea 'Baileyi')


An upright, rounded shrub with red stems in the winter. White flowers in late spring are followed by bluish-white berries. Green foliage turns to reddish-purple in the fall. Read more......


9. Parney Cotoneaster  (Cotoneaster lacteus)


Evergreen shrub with white flowers in late spring that turn into lovely clusters of red berries in the fall.  Read more......






10. Kasan Scarlet Firethorn 
(Pyracantha coccinea 'Kasan')


Beautiful evergreen shrub producing an abundance of orange-red berries in the fall on dense branches. Great for fall and winter color. Read more......





For more information, check out our full list of Plants that Attract Birds.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

*Winter Business Hours*

Just a reminder-
Starting November 1st, we'll be switching over to our Winter Business Hours:

Wednesday    8:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday        8:00am - 4:30pm
Friday            8:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday        8:00am - 4:30pm
Sunday          CLOSED
Monday         CLOSED
Tuesday         CLOSED

**Don't forget - Our website is up and running 24/7!  
Submit a shopping request from our live inventory anytime of day or night! www.gardenworldonline.com

Friday, October 28, 2011

Evergreens for the Landscape

We love these new arrivals for their winter value - adding a fresh burst of evergreen foliage to any area!  Many of them are excellent groundcovers- Read on and find the best choice for your landscape:


1. Blechnum spicant  (Deer Fern)
This fern's unique lance-shaped dark fronds make it an eye-catching addition to any shaded area.  This Pacific Northwest native is also deer resistant - always a plus in a woodland garden!


2. Vinca minor (Periwinkile)
This evergreen groundcover, with shiny dark foliage displays pretty blue blooms from spring through summer. It's a fast grower - a great choice for a shaded area that needs some quick coverage.


3. Liriope muscari 'Silvery Sunproof' (Silvery Sunproof Lily Turf)
With bright striped foliage, this Liriope shines in sun - shade.  Purple flower spikes appear in summer. Also, a deer resistant winner!


4. Vinca minor 'Ralph Shugert'  (Ralph Shugert Lily Turf)
This evergreen groundcover forms mats of white-edged, dark green foliage.  It's purplish blue flowers contrast nicely with the dark foliage.  Also, a quick spreader - great for fast coverage!

5. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Wood's Compact' (Wood's Compact Kinnikinnick)
This evergreen groundcover is one of the most shade tolerant kinnikinnicks.  A great pick for areas under oaks and other trees.  Also, an excellent groundcover for coastal conditions!

6. Ophiopogon japonicus 'Silver Mist' (Variegated Mondo Grass)
This compact growing grass displays eye-catching variegated leaves.  An excellent casual groundcover in between stepping stones or borders.  Also a great groundcover for rock gardens-  even tolerates light foot traffic!

7. Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' (Big Blue Lily Turf)
Evergreen grass-like plant with nice green shiny foliage and lovely lavender hyacinthi-like spikes of flowers in summer.  Perfect in mass plantings under trees or in narrow beds and borders.  Great in containers!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Japanese Maple Q & A

Fall is not only the perfect time to plant, but it's also an amazing time to appreciate the fall color of Japanese Maples.  Today, we're going over some of the most commonly asked planting and care questions.  

"What colors will they turn in fall?"
Japanese Maples are well known for their excellent display of fall color. Most Japanese Maples display green or red foliage throughout the season, then transition to beautiful reds, yellows, oranges, purples, pinks, creams, greens, and more in the fall - the stunning palette combinations are almost endless!

From left to right: Acer shirasawanum 'Palmatifolium', Acer palmatum 'Amber Ghost',
Acer palmatum 'Alpenweiss',  Acer palmatum 'Elmwoodie'











"How tall will they get?"
The mature height and spread depends on species and variety.  They can range anywhere from 3' - 25' at maturity.  If you're looking for a smaller tree, your best bet is one of the smaller varieties.  Some of our favorites are Acer palmatum 'Cynthia's Crown Jewel' & Acer palmatum 'Shaina'. If you're looking for a larger addition to the landscape, there are many options as well! Some of the popular larger Maples include Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost' & Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Seiryu'.

"What type of soil will they need?"
Japanese Maples require a moist/ well drained soil.  If you're working with a heavy soil with poorer drainage, plant the tree on a berm.  

"How big of a hole should I dig?" 
When planting, dig a hole twice the size of the container, making sure the top of the root ball is exactly level with the soil.

"How much sun/shade do they need?"
Japanese Maples with yellow or variegated leaves require afternoon shade.  Be sure to provide them with protection from the hottest part of the day.  Avoid planting next to the south or west side of the house.  Most Japanese Maples with darker green or purple foliage do best in full sun.

For further reading, check out this book: "Timber Press Pocket Guide to Japanese Maples".  We highly recommend this book, and always keep a copy here at the nursery for reference.  It's full of excellent pictures, and useful info!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Fall Color in the Landscape

Fall color is beginning to arrive! In celebration of all the vibrant tones this season brings, we’ve put together a list of our autumn favorites.  Enjoy!





Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold’s Promise’
Deciduous, upright, vase-shaped tree with ascending branches. Large, broad leaves are green in the spring and summer, and turn yellow-orange to yellow in the fall. Strappy yellow flowers delight us from February to March.







Stewartia pseudocamellia
Deciduous tree with attractive exfoliating gray, red and orange bark for winter effect. White camellia-like flowers all summer, and fall color ranging from yellow to red and scarlet.







Itea virginiana ‘Henry’s Garnet’
Deciduous, rounded, arching shrub with a dark green glossy foliage turning brilliant scarlet in fall. Leaves hold late into the fall for a long display of color. Summer flowers are white, fragrant, and held in pendulous racemes.







Cornus sericea ‘Hedgerow’s Gold’
Upright, deciduous shrub with variegated gold and green leaves, red stems, and creamy white flowers in the spring. Foliage turns beautiful shades of pink and purple in the fall.





Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Pee Wee’
Deciduous, compact dwarf shrub.  Blooms from mid summer - fall.  White flowers transition to a red as they mature.  Green foliage also turns to a burgundy-red in fall.


Poncirus trifoliata var. montrosa ‘Flying Dragon’
This hardy Japanese orange produces white fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer. Flowers are followed by small, orange-like fruits. Interesting, twisty stems have thorns and trifoliate green leaves. Older stems can show some white striations along with the green. Foliage turns a stunning combination of orange and yellow in the fall.









Friday, September 30, 2011

Ornamental Grasses for the Fall Palette

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Hameln Fountain Grass
This dwarf cultivar of fountain grass displays
white flowers, resembling a bottle brush.
Bright green foliage transitions to a golden
brown color in fall.


The weather has brought us that crisp autumn breeze, and the gorgeous tones of the fall season are beginning to arrive. Nothing says autumn like the combination of striking warm colors with a wisp of soft texture in the garden. From feathery seedheads, to bold and vibrant color, ornamental grasses provide a versatile appeal in any landscape.

Ornamental grasses are known for their ease and low maintenance. Many grasses are also drought tolerant, as well as disease and deer resistant.  They’re also known for their year round addition of movement to the garden. Even the smallest of breezes animates their foliage, and in fall, their seedheads.  

They’re also regularly praised by landscape designers for their architectural value and four-season interest. After many plants have begun to transition into winter dormancy, grasses continue to provide a distinct texture and form in the winter landscape.  Though most ornamental grasses die back in the winter, their dormant foliage and seedheads remain as a focal point in the landscape.  They are exceptionally beautiful when covered in winter frost.  Most grasses can be cut back in late winter, then return with new growth in the spring.

Ornamental grasses can be incorporated into almost any landscape. Grasses make excellent borders, backdrops, accents, container plantings, and even mass plantings.   Don’t forget: seedheads and foliage are even excellent additions to floral arrangements!

Check out our Live Inventory - 30% OFF All Ornamental Grasses!


Grasses for Borders & Edging:

Grasses for Shade:

Grasses for Accents:



Saturday, September 24, 2011

Drying Hydrangea Blooms


Drying Hydrangea blooms is an excellent way to savor the charming color of your garden. The natural appeal of finely muted pastels makes a wonderful addition to the home.  Some of our favorite uses are vase and basket arrangements, wreath displays, and easy gifts for friends!  Follow these simple directions, and start bringing the joy of your landscape indoors.
The key to drying Hydrangeas is cutting them at the appropriate time.  If blooms are cut while they are still retaining too much moisture, they will not dry properly.  From August - October, watch for the blooms to begin drying on the plant.  You'll see the color of the blooms begin to fade, and they'll begin to transition to a more papery texture. This is the time when they're ready to be cut.
Cut blooms with about a 12" stem, and remove all leaves.  Blooms can then be placed in a vase with or without water.  Be sure to keep the vase out of direct sunlight, which could significantly diminish the saturation of the blooms.  Blooms can also be hung upside down to dry, or can be dried using silica gel.
Then, enjoy!
Don't forget to check out our Live Hydrangea Inventory - They're all 30% OFF, just in time for the drying season!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Fall is for Planting (...and Saving $$!)

"When is the best time to plant?" - It's one of the most common questions asked at the nursery.  Fall is an excellent season to tackle planting projects.  Planting in fall allows plants time to establish and extend their roots throughout the winter.  Though they may not be visually displaying their growth, it's important to recognize the processes occurring beneath the ground. Establishing a healthy root zone is essential to a plant's vitality and success within the landscape. When spring arrives and plants begin to display new growth in it's top zone, it will have a well established root structure to anchor it within the ground.
Fortunately, from an economical perspective, it's also a great time to purchase plants and take advantage of seasonal sales.  Right now, we're running our Fall Sale-
For sale pricing and availability, check out our live inventory: 
30% OFF ~ All Shade & Flowering Trees (excluding Japanese Maples), Edible Fruit Trees, Perennials, Hibiscus, Phormium, Blueberries, Vines, Bamboo (excludes Nandina), Hydrangeas, All Pottery, Statuary, & Fountains