I know, I'm a day late, but it's not too late to wish you a Merry Christmas! As we celebrate the Savior's birth this Christmas season, we have so much for which to give thanks. At Vander Giessen Nursery, we're thankful for you, our customers. As I said at Thanksgiving, whether you buy a few geraniums each spring or stop in on a weekly basis for whole trunkloads of plants, we appreciate you all. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you in the past year and we look foward to serving you again in the year to come.
That said, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year as well! For many of us, the past year was a trying one--the downturn in the economy impacted most if not all of us. We hope that the year to come may bring renewed economic growth and prosperity, and we wish you all the best.
From our family to yours, we hope that you had a blessed Christmas and that you have all God's blessings in the year to come. Thank you for your business and we look forward to serving you soon!
December 26, 2009
December 18, 2009
Christmas Clearance Sale!
A week from today is Christmas--can you believe it?! It seems like we just celebrated Thanksgiving, but we're already three quarters of the way through the Christmas season.At Vander Giessen Nursery, it's time for a clearance sale! Starting today, all of our Christmas trees, wreaths and poinsettias are 10-50% off. Maybe you still need to put up your Christmas tree. Or maybe you've got a Christmas party to go to this weekend and need a gift for the hostess. We still have a good selection of beautiful poinsettias that make great gifts!
Whatever your need this Christmas, stop in to see how we can help. We're open Monday-Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM until December 23.
December 12, 2009
Great gardener gift ideas!
Fountains! Pictured here is one of our beautiful new fountains just arrived. These fountains are great for indoors or out and will be sure to add ambiance to any setting with the gentle sound of falling water and the dancing reflections from their built-in lights.
Stop in this Christmas season to see what gifts ideas we have that would suit the green thumb in your family. Who knows, maybe you'll end up getting something for yourself, too! And don't forget, we still have a great selection of cut and live Christmas trees, poinsettias and wreaths!
November 28, 2009
It's Christmas at Vander Giessen Nursery!
For months now, you've probably been watching as Christmas trees go up in stores and gift items start appearing on shelves. It seems like Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year.
This morning, I saw a news report saying that Nordstrom is one of the few stores left to hold off on its Christmas decorating until the day after Thanksgiving. Well, they're not alone! Just yesterday we kicked off the Christmas season at Vander Giessen Nursery--after all, now it's the Christmas season!
We're open with a full supply of fresh-cut and live Christmas trees, poinsettias in various sizes and colors, as well as gift ideas for any gardener (our hand-made wreaths are scheduled to start arriving early next week!). Check out the Christmas photo gallery for pictures of Christmas at Vander Giessen Nursery and more information on our hours and what we carry.
This morning, I saw a news report saying that Nordstrom is one of the few stores left to hold off on its Christmas decorating until the day after Thanksgiving. Well, they're not alone! Just yesterday we kicked off the Christmas season at Vander Giessen Nursery--after all, now it's the Christmas season!
As we begin this Christmas season, start your celebrations with a trip to Vander Giessen Nursery. This year, we're offering apple cider, coffee, hot chocolate and donuts on Saturdays, so bring the family down to enjoy a snack while you shop! As always, we look forward to serving you!
Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving!
With all the busyness around here in the last couple of weeks, I didn't even get a chance to post a note about Thanksgiving. Yes, the holiday is past, but I still want to take a moment to write a few words.
To you who are our customers: Thank You! This year, despite the downturn in the economy, you've been such a blessing to us. I wish I could thank you each by name--whether you stop in once a year to pick up half a dozen geraniums or swing by once a week and fill up your pickup, we appreciate you all.
Vander Giessen Nursery has been in business for over 70 years, and that would never be possible were it not for our faithful customers. It's always a pleasure to serve you, and we look forward to doing so in the years to come. Thank you again for your business. In this holiday season of thanksgiving and celebration, we're proud to give thanks for you!
To you who are our customers: Thank You! This year, despite the downturn in the economy, you've been such a blessing to us. I wish I could thank you each by name--whether you stop in once a year to pick up half a dozen geraniums or swing by once a week and fill up your pickup, we appreciate you all.
Vander Giessen Nursery has been in business for over 70 years, and that would never be possible were it not for our faithful customers. It's always a pleasure to serve you, and we look forward to doing so in the years to come. Thank you again for your business. In this holiday season of thanksgiving and celebration, we're proud to give thanks for you!
November 20, 2009
A Note to our Customers
On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, my grandfather John Vos, long-time owner of Vander Giessen Nursery, passed away suddenly. For many years, John, along with his wife Ada and brother-in-law Lawrence, operated Vander Giessen Nursery. In the Lynden community and beyond, John was well-known for his commercial spraying, barn whitewashing and other services.
After retiring from the nursery in 2003 at age 82, John--and Ada--continued to frequent the nursery, where they enjoyed visiting with customers, reminiscing about decades past and checking on the overall well-being of the nursery. To read John's full obituary and sign an online guestbook, please click here.
In order for our family to celebrate my grandfather's life and take part in his funeral, Vander Giessen Nursery will be closed Friday afternoon, November 20 and all day Saturday, November 21. Thank you for your prayers and kindness during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
David Vos
Manager, Vander Giessen Nursery
After retiring from the nursery in 2003 at age 82, John--and Ada--continued to frequent the nursery, where they enjoyed visiting with customers, reminiscing about decades past and checking on the overall well-being of the nursery. To read John's full obituary and sign an online guestbook, please click here.
In order for our family to celebrate my grandfather's life and take part in his funeral, Vander Giessen Nursery will be closed Friday afternoon, November 20 and all day Saturday, November 21. Thank you for your prayers and kindness during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
David Vos
Manager, Vander Giessen Nursery
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
-- II Corinthians 1:3-4
November 5, 2009
Take a guess...
Have a look at this picture. When do you suppose it was taken? July? August? September?
Have your final answer? Okay, try this--I took this picture this morning. That's right, November 5. This basket has been in bloom for almost 6 months!
Now, here's why I bring this up today: many people buy their hanging baskets from the hardware or grocery store, and while they may look nice at first, by the end of August (or earlier!) they're finished and need to be dumped. Vander Giessen Lynden Baskets, however, will give you months more color! We carefully select the plants, potting mix, fertilizer--even the basket itself--to give the most blooms and the longest life to each and every hanging basket.
If you're tired of throwing your money away on hanging baskets that only last a couple months, make a note to choose Vander Giessen Lynden Baskets next season! Available in a variety of colors and plant combinations, we can advise you on the best baskets for your location, as well as the care you'll want to give them to keep them looking great all season long. Choose the best. Choose Vander Giessen.
Now, here's why I bring this up today: many people buy their hanging baskets from the hardware or grocery store, and while they may look nice at first, by the end of August (or earlier!) they're finished and need to be dumped. Vander Giessen Lynden Baskets, however, will give you months more color! We carefully select the plants, potting mix, fertilizer--even the basket itself--to give the most blooms and the longest life to each and every hanging basket.
If you're tired of throwing your money away on hanging baskets that only last a couple months, make a note to choose Vander Giessen Lynden Baskets next season! Available in a variety of colors and plant combinations, we can advise you on the best baskets for your location, as well as the care you'll want to give them to keep them looking great all season long. Choose the best. Choose Vander Giessen.
November 3, 2009
Fall Checklist
Yesterday I had the task of raking the leaves that had begun to pile up in my yard. I have a feeling I'm not the only one doing that this time of year! After last week's wind storm, I imagine many people have piles of leaves on their lawn and in their flower beds.
As we prepare for winter, now is the time to start working on your fall checklist. Here are a few things you should be doing in your yard:
As we prepare for winter, now is the time to start working on your fall checklist. Here are a few things you should be doing in your yard:
- Prune your roses. I know, it's early--I still have buds and blooms on my roses at home. But plan on doing some fall pruning in the next couple of weeks.
- Mulch your roses. Many roses are grafted at the base of the plant, and last winter, many gardeners lost roses because they didn't cover the graft with mulch. Adding a little bit of mulch to insulate the graft will protect your roses from hard freezes.
- Rake your leaves! They won't go away on their own, and left on your lawn all winter, they can choke out your grass.
- Apply Lilly Miller Super Sweet to your lawn.
- Fertilize with Scotts Super Turf Builder with Winterguard.
October 27, 2009
Unbeatable prices--and the final sale week!
50% off all plants!
That's right, our entire stock of plants--shrubs, trees, perennials and all specialty plants--is half price! Now that East Grover Street is open and finished (for the year) we decided that it would be a great time to have a super sale. This kind of sale doesn't happen every year (in fact, I can't remember the last time we did half off on everything!) and isn't likely to happen again, but for this week only, our prices are cut in half.
We still have a good selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and topiaries (yes, even the topiaries are on sale!), and after this week, our fall clearance sale will be over, so now is a great time to stop in and pick out what you'd like for your yard.
Remember, now is still a great time to plant--the cool temperatures dramatically lower the risk of transplant shock and we're getting enough rain now to take that worry off your mind--so make this autumn a great one for your yard and your wallet. We look forward to helping you with your plant needs! Sale ends October 31, 2009.
October 23, 2009
The Road is Open!
Basically, the title says it all--East Grover Street is now open! That's right, it's not just open for the day or for the weekend--it's finished! Work crews still have to finish up some smaller projects and the final lift of asphalt will have to wait until next spring's warmer weather, but as far as your travel goes, the road is finished.
For months, you've had to drive in narrow lanes on either the north or south half of East Grover Street while heavy construction equipment worked close by. Now, with the road open, you can enjoy smooth, full-width new lanes and no detours or delays.
Take advantage of the new road to swing by Vander Giessen Nursery today! Our fall clearance sale ends next Saturday--October 31--so stop in to take advantage of our unbelievably low prices while they last. We look forward to serving you, and we're proud to welcome you in from the new street.
For months, you've had to drive in narrow lanes on either the north or south half of East Grover Street while heavy construction equipment worked close by. Now, with the road open, you can enjoy smooth, full-width new lanes and no detours or delays.
Take advantage of the new road to swing by Vander Giessen Nursery today! Our fall clearance sale ends next Saturday--October 31--so stop in to take advantage of our unbelievably low prices while they last. We look forward to serving you, and we're proud to welcome you in from the new street.
October 16, 2009
Japanese Maple fall color
This image has not been doctored in any way--this is the true fall color of this Japanese Maple!
Acer palmatum "Viridis"
It's a Super Sweet Sale!
Okay, so the title of this post is a pun...but it's true! Super Sweet, a fast-acting granular lime is on sale for a limited time starting today!
So, you ask, what good is Super Sweet and what should you use it on? Here in the Pacific Northwest, our soils are highly acidic (in case you haven't noticed, Rhododendrons--acid-loving shrubs--do quite well here!), meaning that you won't get the full benefit of the nitrogen in your lawn fertilizer without doing something about it. Thus, Super Sweet. Lime helps to neutralize the acidity of your soil, making it able to break down and absorb the nitrogen in fertilizer much more effectively.
Many types of lime are very slow to break down and "sweeten" soil; Super Sweet, however, has been ground into a powder and then granulated into small pellets that dissolve easily, meaning that the lime makes it into the soil in just a week or two rather than a year or more.
Apply Super Sweet now so that when you apply your winterizing fertilizer (we recommend mid-November), your lawn can take full advantage of the nitrogen content. And as I said, Super Sweet is on sale! Stop in to learn more about where and how to use it, how much to apply, and to take advantage of the sale price!
So, you ask, what good is Super Sweet and what should you use it on? Here in the Pacific Northwest, our soils are highly acidic (in case you haven't noticed, Rhododendrons--acid-loving shrubs--do quite well here!), meaning that you won't get the full benefit of the nitrogen in your lawn fertilizer without doing something about it. Thus, Super Sweet. Lime helps to neutralize the acidity of your soil, making it able to break down and absorb the nitrogen in fertilizer much more effectively.
Many types of lime are very slow to break down and "sweeten" soil; Super Sweet, however, has been ground into a powder and then granulated into small pellets that dissolve easily, meaning that the lime makes it into the soil in just a week or two rather than a year or more.
Apply Super Sweet now so that when you apply your winterizing fertilizer (we recommend mid-November), your lawn can take full advantage of the nitrogen content. And as I said, Super Sweet is on sale! Stop in to learn more about where and how to use it, how much to apply, and to take advantage of the sale price!
October 14, 2009
Have you noticed?
In case you didn't know it yet, autumn is here! The wind, rain and colder temperatures may make you want to stay inside with your hands wrapped around a cup of coffee. Sounds good to me.But wait!
Now--right now--is a great time to plant. Think about it--get your plants in the ground now and you won't have to worry about watering them or fertilizing them. Better yet, next spring when your neighbors are busy planting and fighting to keep up with watering, your plants will be established, need less water and will be growing strong and healthy. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?
So, grab your rain coat, stop by Vander Giessen's (where we're still having our fall clearance sale!) to pick up the plants you need, and get out there and plant those shrubs, trees and perennials you know you need. Then, when it's all done, grab a steaming cup of coffee and warm up--and pat yourself on the back for saving money and getting the work done!
October 10, 2009
Fall Color at the Nursery
Autumn is a beautiful season at Vander Giessen Nursery. Visit us today to browse our selection of perennials, shrubs, trees and fall flowers to add an additional season of color to your garden!
Sugar Maple and Japanese Maple
Lime Glow Barberry
Fall flowers
Dwarf Burning Bush
Cotoneaster Dammeri
October 7, 2009
Beautiful autumn weather!
It looks like we've been blessed with continued nice weather for at least the rest of this week. Take advantage of the sunny days to shop our fall clearance sale! I can't say it enough--fall really is the best season to plant, so make the transition easier on your plants by doing your landscaping this autumn. Our fall clearance sale runs through the end of this month, with all in-stock plants at least 30% off! Stop by today to browse and enjoy the beautiful fall color on the maples, burning bushes and many other plants.
September 30, 2009
Road Construction Update
Smooth sailing ahead!
That's right--East Grover Street is once again open in front of Vander Giessen's and traffic is flowing smoothly. While we expect there will be some minor work done before the project is totally completed, for the time being the north half of the street is paved and open to traffic. Stop by to take advantage of our fall clearance sale today!
That's right--East Grover Street is once again open in front of Vander Giessen's and traffic is flowing smoothly. While we expect there will be some minor work done before the project is totally completed, for the time being the north half of the street is paved and open to traffic. Stop by to take advantage of our fall clearance sale today!
Is it too late to plant?
This time of year, I often hear customers say, "Is it too late to plant?" Time and again, I have to explain that fall is really the best time of year to plant almost anything! Shrubs, trees, perennials, fall annuals--this is a great time of year to plant. Yes, the conventional wisdom says that spring is the best time of year to plant--that's when everything is starting to grow, so it must be a good time to plant--but when you think about it, autumn is really easier on your new plantings.
In early autumn, many plants begin to go dormant, redirecting energy from foliage to roots. Transplanting during this period allows your plants to focus on spreading their roots before winter without having to also direct energy to new leaves, branches or flowers.
This time of year we also get more regular rains, which will help you in the event you forget to water your new plantings. Furthermore, temperatures are cooler, which is helpful in preserving moisture in the soil and lowering stress on plants.
As we begin the transition to autumn, take a walk through your yard to see what plants you could use in your garden. Remember, fall is a great season to plant, and with our fall clearance sale in full swing, you won't find a better reason to start planting today!
September 19, 2009
Road Construction Update
This morning, the intersection of East Grover and Hawley Streets (in front of the nursery) was closed to prepare for paving of the north half of the street, scheduled to begin on Monday, September 21. The intersection will remain closed to all traffic through Tuesday, September 22 and should open on Wednesday. Please visit the construction information page on our website for a detour route.
Remember, Vander Giessen Nursery is open during road construction, and with our great selection of plants at clearance prices, now is the time to stop by and pick up the plants you need for your garden!
Remember, Vander Giessen Nursery is open during road construction, and with our great selection of plants at clearance prices, now is the time to stop by and pick up the plants you need for your garden!
September 17, 2009
Fall Clearance Sale!
It's that time of year again--we've begun our fall clearance sale! The weather is still great, the plant selection is wonderful, and the prices are simply amazing! Stop by our website for more information on our fall clearance or visit us at 401 East Grover Street in Lynden!(Click here for detour route.)
Enjoy the Beauty of Autumn Color
I have a confession: when it comes to picking a favorite season, I’m as indecisive as they come. Winter, spring, summer—I love them all. Autumn, though, has a special beauty of its own.
Although we can’t boast of having the kaleidoscope of color that New England has this time of year, autumn in western Washington can be beautiful as well. As a gardener, you can take advantage of the season; with a little planning, you can make autumn the most colorful time of year in your garden.
With summer vacations over and kids back in school, now is the time to start working in your yard again. After a glorious summer, we can only hope that the beautiful weather continues well into autumn. As you start to work in your garden again, you’ll likely see some areas that could use fresh color.
Spring and summer are great seasons for those of us who enjoy bright annuals; however, if you need to add some autumn color to your landscape, you have a full menu of options to choose from as well.
One of my favorite fall plants is truly a showstopper. A nondescript woody shrub through spring and summer, the Burning Bush will be sure to turn heads in October as its leaves turn fiery red. Due to the unremarkable foliage it carries in spring and summer, you may wish to plant a Burning Bush toward the back of a sunny bed and plant smaller ornamental plants in front. Or, if you need a low hedge across part of your yard and don’t mind bare branches in winter, Burning Bush is an easy-to-prune alternative to evergreen hedges. Either way, the addition of the Burning Bush to your landscape will certainly provide striking fall color.
Another of my fall favorites is the maple. The northeast part of the United States can certainly attest to the beauty that maple trees display in autumn. Maybe you don’t have the room in your yard, though, to grow a full-size maple. That’s okay—you have plenty of options to choose from with smaller Japanese Maples. My favorite is “Sango Kaku,” the Coral Bark Japanese Maple. With fall color in shades of red, orange and yellow, this variety of Japanese Maple will also give you beauty long after it drops its leaves; with winter comes striking coral red color to the branches of the tree. And that’s just one variety of Japanese Maple; many other red- and green-leaf varieties--like "Bloodgood," "Seiryu," and "Suminagashi" also exhibit beautiful autumn color.
If you like perennials and wish to add some color for fall to your garden, you have plenty of options as well. Many varieties of perennial grasses have their best display in early autumn, exhibiting feathery plumes and colorful foliage. Several varieties of sedum such as “Autumn Joy” are just beginning to open their buds and will bloom well into fall.
As you begin to work in your garden again, remember a couple of things. First, if you plan right, autumn can be the best time of year to plant. Watering is easier to keep up on, cooler temperatures mean less transplant stress, and with a dose of slow-release fertilizer, plants will get well established before winter.
Secondly, autumn can be a great time to shop for plants! At Vander Giessen Nursery, we have our fall clearance sale this time of year (see website for details), and you can make your gardening budget stretch much further while getting great plants. This fall, visit us at your local independent garden center for help with choosing from the wide variety of plants you can add to your landscape for an additional season of color.
Happy planting!
August 6, 2009
Perennials on sale!
With unseasonably cooler weather here for the next week--or longer--now is a great time to get out in your garden and do some planting! To help you save money, we've decided to put our entire stock of perennials on sale. Stop in today to buy 2, get 1 free! This sale is only on for a limited time, so stop in while the selection is good and save some money today!
July 31, 2009
Beautiful Black-Eyed Susans!
Looking for some fresh color after a week of scorching temperatures? Try a heat-hardy Black-Eyed Susan! These beautiful perennial flowers are just coming into bloom and are loaded with buds. Stop in today to browse our selection and pick out the perennials you need to freshen up your flowerbeds or patio planters.
July 27, 2009
Road Construction Detour Route
It's officially here--road construction! Vander Giessen Nursery is open, but while the new water line is installed, Grover Street is not. Here's the detour route:
When approaching Vander Giessen Nursery from the west on Grover Street, turn left at the First Street traffic light. At Drayton Street, turn right and follow to Hawley Street. Turn right (proceed past "Road Closed" sign) and follow Hawley Street to Vander Giessen's.
When coming to Vander Giessen Nursery from the north or east, take Bender Road to Drayton Street. Turn right on Drayton and follow to Hawley. Turn left on Hawley Street and follow to Vander Giessen's.
If you wish to avoid the construction altogether, try our online ordering system! We look forward to serving you however we can!
July 14, 2009
Getting closer...
The road construction is inching closer, but don't be deterred--Vander Giessen Nursery will remain open for the duration of the East Grover Street reconstruction! Take advantage of the cooler weather to plant a few shrubs, trees or some of the beautiful perennials we have in stock! And don't forget to fertilize your flowers--annuals need regular fertilizing to continue blooming, and with a little investment in Peters or Miracle-Gro water-soluble fertilizer, you'll enjoy your hanging baskets and flower beds well into autumn!
July 8, 2009
Time to Enjoy Your Garden
Welcome to summer! You’ve been planning for it, and now it’s here—time to sit back and enjoy the beauty of your garden. With gas prices inching higher and budgets tightened, you might be taking advantage of the new concept that came around this time last year—the “staycation,” a vacation spent at home. So, what are some plants you can enjoy planting this time of year? Let’s try perennials!
First, many people confuse the terms “annual” and “perennial,” and rightly so; the words seem strangely mixed up when you initially think about it. All confusion aside, annuals die at the end of summer or sometime in autumn—you need to plant them annually. Perennials, however, come back year after year, and though most of them die back to the ground in autumn, they will be some of the first life you see in the spring as they poke up through the soil.
In recent years, perennials have become increasingly popular. Many varieties have beautiful foliage or striking flowers and if you don’t feel like planting as many annuals each year, mixing some perennials into your flowerbeds is a great option.
For starters, one perennial that most gardeners are familiar with is the hosta. You’ve seen them in shade gardens or along the north side of a neighbor’s house. With their large leaves in shades of blue, green, white or yellow, hostas can brighten up a dull or dark place or add a new texture to a garden.
Astilbe is another shade-loving perennial and a great compliment to hostas. Generally, hostas have wide leaves with a flower that’s little to look at. Astilbe, on the other hand, has fine, lacy leaves and beautiful, showy plumes of flowers in early summer. Most commonly found in shades of pink, purple, red and white, astilbe blossoms are sure to catch the eye.
While hostas and astilbe are both shade-loving, you’ll often find them used in sunny locations as well. At our latitude, the sun is never direct enough to do more than cause a minor burn to the foliage. Keep the plants well-watered and you’ll find that you can use them just about anywhere! If you have questions, ask a nursery professional for advice.
For sunny locations, one perennial that many gardeners love is lavender. Available in shades of purple and white, lavender adds color, texture and a terrific fragrance to the garden. Another popular and colorful perennial is coreopsis; its bright red, orange, yellow or pink flowers are sure to brighten up a flowerbed. And of course, don’t forget daylilies—with hundreds of varieties to choose from, there’s surely one to suit your taste!
To be fair to perennial lovers, I’ve barely touched the surface of the world of perennial plants. Quite literally, there are thousands of varieties of perennials. Check your local independent nursery for other varieties of perennials not discussed here or to find out more information on the types I’ve mentioned.
Now, maybe you don’t feel like planting anything during your “staycation” this summer. That’s fine. However, please do one thing: take some pictures! If you like the way a particular hanging basket looks, snap a photo so you know what to pick out next year. Maybe you have a hole to fill in your garden—print a picture and bring it to your local nursery when you decide to start planting this fall or next spring. Digital pictures are free to take, cheap to print, and invaluable when it comes time to remember what you loved about your yard. Now, pour a glass of lemonade and go enjoy your garden!
First, many people confuse the terms “annual” and “perennial,” and rightly so; the words seem strangely mixed up when you initially think about it. All confusion aside, annuals die at the end of summer or sometime in autumn—you need to plant them annually. Perennials, however, come back year after year, and though most of them die back to the ground in autumn, they will be some of the first life you see in the spring as they poke up through the soil.
In recent years, perennials have become increasingly popular. Many varieties have beautiful foliage or striking flowers and if you don’t feel like planting as many annuals each year, mixing some perennials into your flowerbeds is a great option.
For starters, one perennial that most gardeners are familiar with is the hosta. You’ve seen them in shade gardens or along the north side of a neighbor’s house. With their large leaves in shades of blue, green, white or yellow, hostas can brighten up a dull or dark place or add a new texture to a garden.
Astilbe is another shade-loving perennial and a great compliment to hostas. Generally, hostas have wide leaves with a flower that’s little to look at. Astilbe, on the other hand, has fine, lacy leaves and beautiful, showy plumes of flowers in early summer. Most commonly found in shades of pink, purple, red and white, astilbe blossoms are sure to catch the eye.
While hostas and astilbe are both shade-loving, you’ll often find them used in sunny locations as well. At our latitude, the sun is never direct enough to do more than cause a minor burn to the foliage. Keep the plants well-watered and you’ll find that you can use them just about anywhere! If you have questions, ask a nursery professional for advice.
For sunny locations, one perennial that many gardeners love is lavender. Available in shades of purple and white, lavender adds color, texture and a terrific fragrance to the garden. Another popular and colorful perennial is coreopsis; its bright red, orange, yellow or pink flowers are sure to brighten up a flowerbed. And of course, don’t forget daylilies—with hundreds of varieties to choose from, there’s surely one to suit your taste!
To be fair to perennial lovers, I’ve barely touched the surface of the world of perennial plants. Quite literally, there are thousands of varieties of perennials. Check your local independent nursery for other varieties of perennials not discussed here or to find out more information on the types I’ve mentioned.
Now, maybe you don’t feel like planting anything during your “staycation” this summer. That’s fine. However, please do one thing: take some pictures! If you like the way a particular hanging basket looks, snap a photo so you know what to pick out next year. Maybe you have a hole to fill in your garden—print a picture and bring it to your local nursery when you decide to start planting this fall or next spring. Digital pictures are free to take, cheap to print, and invaluable when it comes time to remember what you loved about your yard. Now, pour a glass of lemonade and go enjoy your garden!
June 30, 2009
Construction Bargains!
So far, the road construction hasn't really impacted us--the only work that's been done here is the removal of our sidewalk along Grover Street.
But just because we aren't seeing much work out front yet doesn't mean we can't have a sale! Currently, we're offering 20% off all topiaries and Emerald Green Arborvitae. Sound like a good deal? It is! Check us out today, especaily before the real construction starts!
But just because we aren't seeing much work out front yet doesn't mean we can't have a sale! Currently, we're offering 20% off all topiaries and Emerald Green Arborvitae. Sound like a good deal? It is! Check us out today, especaily before the real construction starts!
June 22, 2009
Road construction--here we go!
If you looked at the calendar yesterday, you probably saw that we've officially begun the summer season. The change of season means warmer temperatures, vacations at the beach, and of course, the prospect of road construction somewhere along the roads you frequently drive.
At Vander Giessen Nursery, we get to "enjoy" having road construction along East Grover Street all summer long and into autumn. Beginning today, crews are starting work on a complete rebuild of East Grover Street from Lawrence Street to the railroad tracks.
For information on how to avoid the headache of navigating a construction zone, check back here regularly for construction updates and visit our road construction information page on our website for detour options.
At Vander Giessen Nursery, we get to "enjoy" having road construction along East Grover Street all summer long and into autumn. Beginning today, crews are starting work on a complete rebuild of East Grover Street from Lawrence Street to the railroad tracks.
For information on how to avoid the headache of navigating a construction zone, check back here regularly for construction updates and visit our road construction information page on our website for detour options.
June 20, 2009
Half off!
It's that time of year again--time to clear out our greenhouses! As long as supplies last, almost all of our annuals are half off. Buy one plant, buy a full flat, or buy it all--you'll save 50% off regular prices! Hurry in while we still have a good selection to pick the annuals you need to finish off your flowerbeds or planters, and you'll have color to enjoy all summer long.
June 16, 2009
Still need something?
Still looking for a few more flowers to fill in an empty space in your flowerbeds? Maybe you need to give a gift and would like a hanging basket or planter to give. Whatever you need, Vander Giessen Nursery probably has a solution to your plant problem! Stop in to see what we still have in our greenhouses, and of course, take a walk through our garden-like shrub and tree yard to pick out the plants you need for your yard!
June 11, 2009
Too much work? Think again!
Assisting customers at our nursery, I often hear comments like, “Oh, I love roses, but I hear they’re a lot of work,” or “Wow, that’s a pretty rose, but aren’t they hard to care for?” This time of year roses are just coming into bloom, prompting many people to stop and take note of the beautiful colors and delicious fragrances. Maybe you’re one of those people, fascinated by the striking beauty of roses, yet reluctant to try growing them—you’ve heard they’re just too much work.
While growing gorgeous roses does require some discipline, recent advances in science and breeding have greatly reduced the amount of work needed to maintain the plants. If you’re thinking about starting a rose garden—or, for that matter, you’re curious how to cut down on the time you dedicate to caring for your existing roses—consider the following pointers to help give you success.
When starting a rose garden, choose healthy, well-branched plants with strong canes (i.e. stems). Ask a nursery professional for advice if you don’t know what to look for. Be sure to select high-grade roses—generally, the roses you’ll find at the box stores are lower grades than you’ll find at independent garden centers. The motto rings true—you get what you pay for—so choose premium grade roses from reputable growers for the best results.
As you decide where to plant your garden, find a sunny location for the plants to grow. Roses must have a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If you can give them sun all day long, they will perform even better.
Though roses love sun and heat, they’re not particularly drought-friendly plants. Roses like plenty of water, but they will also need to be well-drained. If you’re planning a rose garden in heavy soil, plan to amend it or replace some of the soil to offer better drainage. Once the roses are planted, keep the soil moist while the plants get established. If possible, avoid getting the leaves wet when watering; wet leaves can harbor black spot and powdery mildew. When roses are established, it’s much better to water deeply with less frequency rather than in small amounts each day to promote better root systems and healthier plants. Consider building a small berm 12-18 inches in diameter around the base of each plant—creating a shallow basin a couple inches deep will help direct water down to the roots instead of away from the plant.
Once your roses are planted, apply mulch to the flower bed around the plants. Bark mulch will help to keep weeds down and retain moisture; a compost-based mulch will have the added benefit of providing nutrients. Ask your local nursery for the best mulches for rose gardens.
Now that you have your rose garden planted, it all comes down to maintenance. This is where the fun—and I genuinely mean that—starts. Up until recently, maintaining roses required regular fertilizing, spraying for insects and treating for diseases. Sound like work? It was. But today, you can use one product that takes care of everything—fertilizer, insect and disease control—all in one application, and you don’t even have to spray! Simply mix in water, pour at the base of the plant and reapply every six weeks during the growing season.
Ultimately, growing beautiful roses depends on how you begin. If you choose the right location, select healthy, strong plants and give them the nutrients and water they need, you’ll be sure to have a beautiful rose garden for years to come. Have fun!
While growing gorgeous roses does require some discipline, recent advances in science and breeding have greatly reduced the amount of work needed to maintain the plants. If you’re thinking about starting a rose garden—or, for that matter, you’re curious how to cut down on the time you dedicate to caring for your existing roses—consider the following pointers to help give you success.
When starting a rose garden, choose healthy, well-branched plants with strong canes (i.e. stems). Ask a nursery professional for advice if you don’t know what to look for. Be sure to select high-grade roses—generally, the roses you’ll find at the box stores are lower grades than you’ll find at independent garden centers. The motto rings true—you get what you pay for—so choose premium grade roses from reputable growers for the best results.
As you decide where to plant your garden, find a sunny location for the plants to grow. Roses must have a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If you can give them sun all day long, they will perform even better.
Though roses love sun and heat, they’re not particularly drought-friendly plants. Roses like plenty of water, but they will also need to be well-drained. If you’re planning a rose garden in heavy soil, plan to amend it or replace some of the soil to offer better drainage. Once the roses are planted, keep the soil moist while the plants get established. If possible, avoid getting the leaves wet when watering; wet leaves can harbor black spot and powdery mildew. When roses are established, it’s much better to water deeply with less frequency rather than in small amounts each day to promote better root systems and healthier plants. Consider building a small berm 12-18 inches in diameter around the base of each plant—creating a shallow basin a couple inches deep will help direct water down to the roots instead of away from the plant.
Once your roses are planted, apply mulch to the flower bed around the plants. Bark mulch will help to keep weeds down and retain moisture; a compost-based mulch will have the added benefit of providing nutrients. Ask your local nursery for the best mulches for rose gardens.
Now that you have your rose garden planted, it all comes down to maintenance. This is where the fun—and I genuinely mean that—starts. Up until recently, maintaining roses required regular fertilizing, spraying for insects and treating for diseases. Sound like work? It was. But today, you can use one product that takes care of everything—fertilizer, insect and disease control—all in one application, and you don’t even have to spray! Simply mix in water, pour at the base of the plant and reapply every six weeks during the growing season.
Ultimately, growing beautiful roses depends on how you begin. If you choose the right location, select healthy, strong plants and give them the nutrients and water they need, you’ll be sure to have a beautiful rose garden for years to come. Have fun!
New Guinea Impatiens!
If you haven't tried New Guinea Impatiens yet, you really should! Now, I'm obviously partial, but I think that right now we have some of the most beautiful New Guineas you'll find--and you won't find them everywhere.
Are you an orange person? I guess I should rephrase that...do you like orange flowers? Many people stay in the "safe" realm of reds and pinks, but this year, take a risk and try something new. Orange New Guinea Impatiens are about as bright a flower as you'll find, and with their versatility in sun or shade, they're great for just about anywhere. Better yet, they're on sale! So stop in to see what catches your eye today.
Are you an orange person? I guess I should rephrase that...do you like orange flowers? Many people stay in the "safe" realm of reds and pinks, but this year, take a risk and try something new. Orange New Guinea Impatiens are about as bright a flower as you'll find, and with their versatility in sun or shade, they're great for just about anywhere. Better yet, they're on sale! So stop in to see what catches your eye today.
May 27, 2009
Have you signed up?
We know you're busy. These days, who isn't? With end-of-year school and sports activities for the kids and long days of work on your part, you simply don't have time to think about something like flowers. At least not until school's out and summer vacations have begun.
If you're a busy person, then maybe you should consider signing up to be on our mailing list! Think about it--we'll let you know when we're starting a sale or promotion before we advertise it elsewhere so you can be ahead of the curve instead of always trying to catch up. We won't clutter your inbox or sell your e-mail to anyone, so your privacy is safe. And best of all, if you know what's on sale, you can better plan your shopping trip to save the most money!
Visit our website today to sign up for our mailing list and receive a free coupon for doing so!
If you're a busy person, then maybe you should consider signing up to be on our mailing list! Think about it--we'll let you know when we're starting a sale or promotion before we advertise it elsewhere so you can be ahead of the curve instead of always trying to catch up. We won't clutter your inbox or sell your e-mail to anyone, so your privacy is safe. And best of all, if you know what's on sale, you can better plan your shopping trip to save the most money!
Visit our website today to sign up for our mailing list and receive a free coupon for doing so!
May 18, 2009
The Envy of Your Neighborhood
Every neighborhood has one—that one neighbor who consistently outshines the rest. This time of year is particularly vexing for some, as people begin to fill their flower beds with beautiful bedding plants and hang colorful baskets by the front porch. Maybe you’ve wondered how someone can make their flowers grow so well, and perhaps you’ve thought it would be too hard and time-consuming to attempt it yourself.
Think again.
Growing a beautiful flower garden—big or small—is actually not that hard; with the proper selection of plants and a few care instructions you can have your patio, deck or yard bursting with color in no time. When starting a flower garden, you’ll need to begin by choosing plants that will thrive in your lighting conditions. At our latitude, you can often get by with placing shade-loving plants in partial sun locations—even in the heat of summer, the sun’s rays aren’t direct enough to burn many shade-lovers. Consult your local nursery if you’re unsure what to plant where.
That said, let’s review some plants that will give you maximum color with minimal maintenance. For sunny areas, you have a wealth of choices to make your flower beds burst with color. Geraniums are a great option for gardeners wanting a solid block or row of color. Though you will need to deadhead the flowers to keep them blooming, no pruning or further maintenance is required. In fact, since geraniums are able to withstand a light frost, you may be able to enjoy them well into autumn.
For more shaded areas, one plant in particular has grabbed the attention of gardeners nationwide. New Guinea Impatiens, though introduced domestically in the 1970s, have only recently gained popularity. With oversized blooms set on glossy, serrated leaves, they steal the spotlight from the more common varieties of impatiens frequently seen in shade gardens.
As homeowners trend toward smaller yards, gardeners need to make the most impact with small spaces; therefore, many people are choosing to plant or buy hanging baskets to decorate their front porch or deck. Often referred to as “Lynden baskets,” these mixed baskets contain various trailing annuals that need little or no maintenance (other than water and fertilizer, of course!). One frequently-used plant is calibrachoa, commonly called “million bells.” Available in many different colors, calibrachoa is a prolific bloomer that needs no deadheading and is well-suited for sun or shade; moreover, it can take both heat and light frost with no problem. With these characteristics, many gardeners enjoy it in their hanging baskets, either in mixtures of various colors of the plant or complemented with other trailing plants.
In the past, having a beautiful flower garden meant spending countless hours fertilizing, deadheading, and pruning; today, gardeners have many more options for vibrant color with minimal care. In order to make your garden beautiful, you will, however, need to do two things: water and fertilize. Hanging baskets and planters—anything in a container—will require close monitoring and daily watering through summer to keep foliage and flowers looking fresh and to avoid burning. Flowers planted directly in the ground will also require regular watering, though they won’t dry out as quickly. A water-soluble fertilizer such as Peters or Miracle-Gro will promote plant growth and blooming and is necessary for high-quality results.
Consult your local independent nursery for more suggestions on what would do best in your garden and what other care tips they can provide. With a little help, quality plants, and a desire for success, you too can have a garden that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
Think again.
Growing a beautiful flower garden—big or small—is actually not that hard; with the proper selection of plants and a few care instructions you can have your patio, deck or yard bursting with color in no time. When starting a flower garden, you’ll need to begin by choosing plants that will thrive in your lighting conditions. At our latitude, you can often get by with placing shade-loving plants in partial sun locations—even in the heat of summer, the sun’s rays aren’t direct enough to burn many shade-lovers. Consult your local nursery if you’re unsure what to plant where.
That said, let’s review some plants that will give you maximum color with minimal maintenance. For sunny areas, you have a wealth of choices to make your flower beds burst with color. Geraniums are a great option for gardeners wanting a solid block or row of color. Though you will need to deadhead the flowers to keep them blooming, no pruning or further maintenance is required. In fact, since geraniums are able to withstand a light frost, you may be able to enjoy them well into autumn.
For more shaded areas, one plant in particular has grabbed the attention of gardeners nationwide. New Guinea Impatiens, though introduced domestically in the 1970s, have only recently gained popularity. With oversized blooms set on glossy, serrated leaves, they steal the spotlight from the more common varieties of impatiens frequently seen in shade gardens.
As homeowners trend toward smaller yards, gardeners need to make the most impact with small spaces; therefore, many people are choosing to plant or buy hanging baskets to decorate their front porch or deck. Often referred to as “Lynden baskets,” these mixed baskets contain various trailing annuals that need little or no maintenance (other than water and fertilizer, of course!). One frequently-used plant is calibrachoa, commonly called “million bells.” Available in many different colors, calibrachoa is a prolific bloomer that needs no deadheading and is well-suited for sun or shade; moreover, it can take both heat and light frost with no problem. With these characteristics, many gardeners enjoy it in their hanging baskets, either in mixtures of various colors of the plant or complemented with other trailing plants.
In the past, having a beautiful flower garden meant spending countless hours fertilizing, deadheading, and pruning; today, gardeners have many more options for vibrant color with minimal care. In order to make your garden beautiful, you will, however, need to do two things: water and fertilize. Hanging baskets and planters—anything in a container—will require close monitoring and daily watering through summer to keep foliage and flowers looking fresh and to avoid burning. Flowers planted directly in the ground will also require regular watering, though they won’t dry out as quickly. A water-soluble fertilizer such as Peters or Miracle-Gro will promote plant growth and blooming and is necessary for high-quality results.
Consult your local independent nursery for more suggestions on what would do best in your garden and what other care tips they can provide. With a little help, quality plants, and a desire for success, you too can have a garden that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
May 13, 2009
Time to get planting
In case you haven't been following the calendar, it's time to get planting! Mother's Day weekend is traditionally the point at which it's safe to start putting your annuals out and planting your garden.
Vander Giessen Nursery continues to carry a full stock of annuals, bedding plants and basket stuffers in our greenhouses, as well as the vegetable starts and seeds you need to plant a lush, nutritious vegetable garden! So stop by to pick up the highest quality plants you can find with the knowledgeable and friendly service you deserve.
Vander Giessen Nursery continues to carry a full stock of annuals, bedding plants and basket stuffers in our greenhouses, as well as the vegetable starts and seeds you need to plant a lush, nutritious vegetable garden! So stop by to pick up the highest quality plants you can find with the knowledgeable and friendly service you deserve.
April 28, 2009
Mother's Day is Coming!
In less than two weeks it will be Mother's Day. Have you thought about what you want to get your mom this year? Maybe a bouquet is your usual gift. This year, make your gift dollars go farther--buy her a growing gift! We have plenty of gift ideas at the nursery, and for over 70 years, we've been warming the hearts of mothers just like yours! Here are a few ideas:
-Lynden baskets (which we'll hold for you until Mother's Day weekend--free!)
-Jackson & Perkins roses
-Flowering shrubs
-Gift certificates
-Garden tools
We have many more ideas in-store, and we'll be happy to help you pick out the perfect gift for your mom. Mother's Day is almost here--make mom feel loved with a gift from Vander Giessen Nursery!
-Lynden baskets (which we'll hold for you until Mother's Day weekend--free!)
-Jackson & Perkins roses
-Flowering shrubs
-Gift certificates
-Garden tools
We have many more ideas in-store, and we'll be happy to help you pick out the perfect gift for your mom. Mother's Day is almost here--make mom feel loved with a gift from Vander Giessen Nursery!
April 24, 2009
Primetime
It doesn't get a lot better than this! This time of year, Vander Giessen Nursery is bursting with color, from our fully-stocked greenhouses packed with color to the many flowering shrubs and trees coming into bloom in the nursery display yard. This truly is a magical time of year.
Spring is here--yes, we're still getting some cool evening temperatures, so we recommend that you wait another week to put your annuals out--but now is a great time to browse the nursery and pick out some shrubs to bring color to your garden.
Speaking of color for your garden, if you haven't had a chance, take a few minutes to read the "Early spring color for your garden" post (below). Tired of having a blah landscape? Give it a dose of spring with some of the suggestions listed.
So stop by the nursery--even if you only have time to quickly walk through. You'll love what you see!
Spring is here--yes, we're still getting some cool evening temperatures, so we recommend that you wait another week to put your annuals out--but now is a great time to browse the nursery and pick out some shrubs to bring color to your garden.
Speaking of color for your garden, if you haven't had a chance, take a few minutes to read the "Early spring color for your garden" post (below). Tired of having a blah landscape? Give it a dose of spring with some of the suggestions listed.
So stop by the nursery--even if you only have time to quickly walk through. You'll love what you see!
April 17, 2009
Early spring color for your garden
(Originally published in the April 8 Lynden Tribune.)
Spring is a magical time of year for gardeners. The cold, dark days of winter fade and warmer weather gradually returns. With the warmth comes a profusion of color, and the breathtaking transformation to spring begins in the Pacific Northwest.
As I write, the calendar shows that we officially began spring nearly two weeks ago; this year, however, spring is coming much later than in recent years. Though we had a very pleasant—and even warm—start to the year, the last month brought many days of cold, wet weather. That said, the early-blooming shrubs and trees that often flower in mid-March are just beginning to show their color.
So, as a gardener, what can you look for to brighten up your garden at this time of year? First, let’s go over a few flowering trees. Around Whatcom County this time of year, you’ll see many flowering cherry and plum trees. One garden favorite for many is the ‘Thundercloud’ flowering plum. This small- to mid-sized tree is a great garden accent or focal point with its beautiful pink flowers in early spring. Later, when it leafs out, it has deep purple foliage that lasts all summer long.
Dogwood, another popular flowering tree, blooms later in spring and comes in various shades of pink and white. For small gardens, kousa dogwoods—available in pink or white—provide abundant color in a compact form.
For people who want a wider array of color in their flowerbeds, flowering shrubs come in just about every color of the rainbow. Late in winter, many varieties of heather begin to bloom, heralding the coming arrival of spring. ‘Mediterranean Pink’ heather blooms in a carpet of soft pink flowers and is a seasonal favorite for many gardeners. Another harbinger of spring is forsythia; this deciduous shrub catches the eye with a profusion of golden yellow blooms that cover the stems. Still another early-blooming shrub is pieris, which comes in various pinks and white. While pieris certainly offers color with spring flowers, most varieties provide colorful foliage throughout late spring and well into summer as the new growth comes on in shades of bright red and bronze.
For visitors to the Pacific Northwest from warmer, drier climates, rhododendrons are a showstopper. While many of us yawn at the mention of another “rhody,” there are many beautiful varieties available for today’s gardeners. A few personal favorites are ‘Hotei,’ with yellow blooms, ‘Aloha,’ a rhododendron that blooms with mottled pink and white flowers and stays compact, and ‘Vulcan,’ with its deep crimson red clusters of flowers.
The smaller cousins of rhododendrons, azaleas provide an equally beautiful and diverse array of color in spring. ‘Hino Crimson’ has striking red flowers set above glossy green leaves and scarlet-tinged stems. ‘Mothers Day’ traditionally blooms on and around its namesake holiday and has purple-tinged foliage to provide interest year-round. For gardeners who wish to have orange or yellow azaleas, deciduous exbury azaleas have bloom clusters similar to rhododendrons and flower with eye-catching vividness.
Soon, temperatures will warm, and with the chance of frost behind us, it will be safe to plant your annuals and put hanging baskets outside—then you’ll be able to enjoy the full array of colors in your garden. In the meantime, stop at your local nursery to browse the fresh selection of spring-flowering shrubs and trees, and take a walk through the greenhouses to begin planning your flower garden. And remember, spring is coming—plant now to make it colorful and a season to enjoy for years to come!
Spring is a magical time of year for gardeners. The cold, dark days of winter fade and warmer weather gradually returns. With the warmth comes a profusion of color, and the breathtaking transformation to spring begins in the Pacific Northwest.
As I write, the calendar shows that we officially began spring nearly two weeks ago; this year, however, spring is coming much later than in recent years. Though we had a very pleasant—and even warm—start to the year, the last month brought many days of cold, wet weather. That said, the early-blooming shrubs and trees that often flower in mid-March are just beginning to show their color.
So, as a gardener, what can you look for to brighten up your garden at this time of year? First, let’s go over a few flowering trees. Around Whatcom County this time of year, you’ll see many flowering cherry and plum trees. One garden favorite for many is the ‘Thundercloud’ flowering plum. This small- to mid-sized tree is a great garden accent or focal point with its beautiful pink flowers in early spring. Later, when it leafs out, it has deep purple foliage that lasts all summer long.
Dogwood, another popular flowering tree, blooms later in spring and comes in various shades of pink and white. For small gardens, kousa dogwoods—available in pink or white—provide abundant color in a compact form.
For people who want a wider array of color in their flowerbeds, flowering shrubs come in just about every color of the rainbow. Late in winter, many varieties of heather begin to bloom, heralding the coming arrival of spring. ‘Mediterranean Pink’ heather blooms in a carpet of soft pink flowers and is a seasonal favorite for many gardeners. Another harbinger of spring is forsythia; this deciduous shrub catches the eye with a profusion of golden yellow blooms that cover the stems. Still another early-blooming shrub is pieris, which comes in various pinks and white. While pieris certainly offers color with spring flowers, most varieties provide colorful foliage throughout late spring and well into summer as the new growth comes on in shades of bright red and bronze.
For visitors to the Pacific Northwest from warmer, drier climates, rhododendrons are a showstopper. While many of us yawn at the mention of another “rhody,” there are many beautiful varieties available for today’s gardeners. A few personal favorites are ‘Hotei,’ with yellow blooms, ‘Aloha,’ a rhododendron that blooms with mottled pink and white flowers and stays compact, and ‘Vulcan,’ with its deep crimson red clusters of flowers.
The smaller cousins of rhododendrons, azaleas provide an equally beautiful and diverse array of color in spring. ‘Hino Crimson’ has striking red flowers set above glossy green leaves and scarlet-tinged stems. ‘Mothers Day’ traditionally blooms on and around its namesake holiday and has purple-tinged foliage to provide interest year-round. For gardeners who wish to have orange or yellow azaleas, deciduous exbury azaleas have bloom clusters similar to rhododendrons and flower with eye-catching vividness.
Soon, temperatures will warm, and with the chance of frost behind us, it will be safe to plant your annuals and put hanging baskets outside—then you’ll be able to enjoy the full array of colors in your garden. In the meantime, stop at your local nursery to browse the fresh selection of spring-flowering shrubs and trees, and take a walk through the greenhouses to begin planning your flower garden. And remember, spring is coming—plant now to make it colorful and a season to enjoy for years to come!
April 2, 2009
Listen to the corn grow!
In the Midwest, where I went to college, they say you can actually hear the corn growing in the summer. I believe it--the growing season they have there is shorter and more intense than here in the Pacific Northwest, so the corn has to grow at breakneck speed in order to be mature by harvest.
In our greenhouses right now, the hanging baskets, bedding plants and basket stuffers are growing just as fast as the Iowa cornfields in July. Now, you may not be able to hear the plants growing--although I haven't tried (so maybe you can!)--but you can certainly see the difference from day to day. It's really an exciting time of year, seeing the fresh green foliage and the first blooms of the season.
It's still too early to put any annuals outside, but if the dreary, cold rain is getting to you, stop by the nursery. You're more than welcome to walk through our greenhouses and enjoy a taste of spring! And don't be surprised if you can hear the plants growing--it's just that time of year.
In our greenhouses right now, the hanging baskets, bedding plants and basket stuffers are growing just as fast as the Iowa cornfields in July. Now, you may not be able to hear the plants growing--although I haven't tried (so maybe you can!)--but you can certainly see the difference from day to day. It's really an exciting time of year, seeing the fresh green foliage and the first blooms of the season.
It's still too early to put any annuals outside, but if the dreary, cold rain is getting to you, stop by the nursery. You're more than welcome to walk through our greenhouses and enjoy a taste of spring! And don't be surprised if you can hear the plants growing--it's just that time of year.
March 26, 2009
March 17, 2009
Tell Us What You Think
If you follow our blog with any regularity, you'll notice that we've recently updated the appearance of the blog; we haven't really changed any of the actual content--we simply gave the blog a fresh look.
That said, we're always looking to improve how we can serve you better, and our blog is no exception. So, tell us what you think! Please feel free to e-mail us at info@vandergiessennursery.com to let us know what you'd like to see more of (or less!) on our blog. Maybe it's plant suggestions for the northwest Washington region, maybe lawn or garden care tips...whatever it is, we'd like to be able to serve you better!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
David
That said, we're always looking to improve how we can serve you better, and our blog is no exception. So, tell us what you think! Please feel free to e-mail us at info@vandergiessennursery.com to let us know what you'd like to see more of (or less!) on our blog. Maybe it's plant suggestions for the northwest Washington region, maybe lawn or garden care tips...whatever it is, we'd like to be able to serve you better!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
David
March 14, 2009
Making a List, Checking it Twice
The last time I wrote, I noted the beautiful weather we'd been having, saying that you wouldn't know it's still winter. Well, since that time, we've had our fair share of crazy winter weather, with a couple dustings of snow and several nights of sub-freezing temperatures. With that kind of weather, you'd think Santa was on his way again!
But, fortunately, it looks like we're beyond the cold temperatures and snow--our typical spring rain appears to be here to stay (at least for awhile!). So, while you wait for temperatures to warm up a little bit more before you head out to your garden, now is the time to start making some lists.
When you have a moment, take some time to walk around your house and examine your shrubs and trees. This winter was particularly hard on many plants. Why? It's not uncommon for us to have cold temperatures or wind storms, but this year, we were hit with both--at the same time. The combination of cold and wind left many plants essentially freeze-dried. As you look around your house, you may notice several plants--especially those with a northeast exposure--damaged or dead. Those plants which are evergreen may look wilted or have crispy leaves; deciduous plants may have blackened stems or fail to produce new buds in the next couple weeks.
So, what should be on your "To Do" list this time of year? Here are a few items to plan for as you gear up for spring:
But, fortunately, it looks like we're beyond the cold temperatures and snow--our typical spring rain appears to be here to stay (at least for awhile!). So, while you wait for temperatures to warm up a little bit more before you head out to your garden, now is the time to start making some lists.
When you have a moment, take some time to walk around your house and examine your shrubs and trees. This winter was particularly hard on many plants. Why? It's not uncommon for us to have cold temperatures or wind storms, but this year, we were hit with both--at the same time. The combination of cold and wind left many plants essentially freeze-dried. As you look around your house, you may notice several plants--especially those with a northeast exposure--damaged or dead. Those plants which are evergreen may look wilted or have crispy leaves; deciduous plants may have blackened stems or fail to produce new buds in the next couple weeks.
So, what should be on your "To Do" list this time of year? Here are a few items to plan for as you gear up for spring:
- Prune your roses. For shrub roses (Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, etc.), prune back to 12-18 inches, assuming you already pruned them halfway back last fall. If you don't normally prune your roses back that far, use your best judgement for how much to prune, remembering to leave an open center. Roses don't like to have crowded canes (i.e. stems).
- Apply a systemic insecticide with fertilizer to any Spruce or other evergreens that may be susceptible to insects or disease. Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub is an excellent, easy to use product that only requires application once a year.
- Watch your deciduous shrubs and trees closely to see if they bud. Spring is coming a couple weeks later than usual this year, but you may need to replace some of your plants after the hard winter. Make notes of which plants you will need to consider replacing.
- Prune any damaged-but-salvageable plants. Pruning before they put on their spring growth will allow them to rebuild the lost plant structure sooner than later.
- Prepare to prune your topiaries! The best time of year to prune topiary form shrubs and trees is early spring, before they put out their new growth. If you're daunted by the prospect, give us a call--we can recommend a landscaper to trim them for you or schedule it ourselves.
February 17, 2009
Here we Grow Again!
Looking outside today, you wouldn't know it's still winter. The fact is, we have a month of winter left to go before we can ring in a new season. But who cares what the calendar tells us--spring is on the way! Hopefully--and we've got our fingers crossed--the beautiful weather we've been enjoying as of late is a harbinger of things to come!
That said, we at Vander Giessen Nursery are proud to have opened our doors for our 72nd season at 9:00 yesterday morning. We currently have primroses, pansies, Jackson and Perkins roses and deciduous trees in stock. Now is a great time to browse our rose selection and pick out the latest and best varieties! Check out the rose page on our website (www.vandergiessennursery.com) under "Plants" to see what we have to offer this season.
Now is also the time to visit our nursery and place your order for custom-planted hanging baskets. If you know what you want, why take the chance that we might not have it available when you come to shop later in the spring? We're happy to let you browse our selection of basket stuffers and pick out the custom mix you want!
So stop by, browse our newly-arriving selection of plants, and start to plan for what you'll do in your garden this year. Spring is in the air!
That said, we at Vander Giessen Nursery are proud to have opened our doors for our 72nd season at 9:00 yesterday morning. We currently have primroses, pansies, Jackson and Perkins roses and deciduous trees in stock. Now is a great time to browse our rose selection and pick out the latest and best varieties! Check out the rose page on our website (www.vandergiessennursery.com) under "Plants" to see what we have to offer this season.
Now is also the time to visit our nursery and place your order for custom-planted hanging baskets. If you know what you want, why take the chance that we might not have it available when you come to shop later in the spring? We're happy to let you browse our selection of basket stuffers and pick out the custom mix you want!
So stop by, browse our newly-arriving selection of plants, and start to plan for what you'll do in your garden this year. Spring is in the air!
January 12, 2009
It's coming!
Valued Customer, Thank you for your patronage of Vander Giessen Nursery in 2008. With your encouragement and requests, we expanded our product selection last season to include a wider and better selection of annuals and hanging baskets, as well as having more perennials and new varieties of shrubs and trees outdoors.
Spring 2009 is just around the corner, and we're busy working in our greenhouses, growing the high-quality bedding plants and hanging baskets you've come to expect; moreover, we're developing new color blends of Lynden Baskets and will be introducing other varieties of hanging baskets and basket stuffers never before seen in our greenhouses.
While we get started in our greenhouses, we will be closed to the public. If you have any questions or wish to speak with us about buying shrubs or trees, or if you would like to place a custom order for hanging baskets, please call the phone number below or e-mail us--we'll be happy to answer your questions or set up an appointment for you to visit the nursery!
Thanks again for your business in 2008 and we look forward to serving you once again in 2009--we'll be opening for business once again on February 16!
Phone: (360) 354-3097
E-mail: info@vandergiessennursery.com
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