Full sun plants need 5 to 6 hours or more of direct sunlight to perform at its best.  Most often these sites are along the south and west sides of the home or away from obstructions.  Part sun to part shade plants should receive 2 to 3 hours of sunlight.  Plants labeled part shade should avoid the hot late afternoon sun to avoid scorching.  Part sun plants thrive when they receive morning or early evening sunlight.

 

Full shade plants receive no direct sunlight to dappled light.  Plants below a high canopy of trees fall into this category.  Deep shade plants are in constant shade.  Plants located in deep woods or under evergreen trees are considered deep shade plants.

 

Observe how the sunlight dances across your yard. Buildings, trees, or structures such as fences and decks may cast shade on your site.  The amount of sun a site receives also depends on the seasonal angle of the sun and if leaves are on trees and shrubs.

There is nothing more inviting and announces spring is arriving then when spring flowering trees are in bloom.  One such flowering tree is Amelanchier x grandiflora known by its common name of apple serviceberry.

 

This hybrid cultivar is a decidious large shrub or small tree which typically grows 20-25' tall.  White flowers are in abundance in spring.  Edible purplish-black fruits develop in late summer and the clean summer foliage turns into a brilliant orange-red fall color.  Use this plant in shrub borders or as a small ornamental tree.  It is also effective in woodland or naturalized areas and along stream banks and ponds.  A dark backdrop will highlight the form, flowers, and fall color of the plant.

 

 

 

Arbor Day History

Planting Bare Root Plants