Our native Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a plant we've all seen, but may not know that it's available in the trade. It's a small tree/large shrub found over an extensive range in the northeast. In April they create a haze of small, lime-yellow flowers in moist woods, followed by bright green leaves. It's common name comes from the spicy fragrance of the crushed stems and leaves. Female plants will produce bright red berries (as seen in Peter's hand) in September. Fall color is a nice golden-yellow. Both the spring flowers and fall color help in identifying their presence scattered throughout the understory.

Peter started collecting the seed from plants on our farms in 2011. Two and a half years later, we have a respectable 1 gallon plant available, soon to be transferred into larger containers. 

So, what if you don't have a moist wooded lot? Try them in the shrub border or any moist-wet site in sun or shade. It will also do quite well under drier conditions. Mature Spicebush have an open, rounded habit with interesting branching structure that will eventually reach 6-12' high and wide.  Once they grow into larger sized shrubs they make great plants to underplant with other natives like May Apple, Woodland Phlox, Foamflower etc.   

So try some now and watch them grow - they are definitely a cool plant to know about.   

We don't want to make the summer go by too quickly, but it is a good idea to start thinking about your fall planting jobs that include spring bulbs. Pick up some color brochures in either office so you have to show your customers. Let us know your wish lists soon while we have a good availability list to choose from.  

If you need bulbs that are not seen in this brochure, let us know asap (by July 15th) so we can place the order before they ship across the pond!

 

Just in time, too, because they're out there nibbling, crunching, and munching on all those tasty looking perennials and shrubs. Spray now and keep the hostas and other goodies off their menu!

Try the Bobbex-R to repel small animals like rabbits, woodchuck and squirrels and help prevent them from eating ornamental plants. It can even be sprayed around their burrows to help prevent re-entry.      

*Sale doesn't include 2.5 or 5 gallon concentrate 

Continued Specials:

Magnolia 1 - 10% off, 2 or more - 20% off  Give them something to look forward to!

Stop by either yard, mention this email and receive 10% OFF  

Valid: June 23 - June 29     

*Price is net. No further discount applies. 

Here's a list of great looking perennials - in stock and in good supply - ready for your next job! 

Dendranthemum 'Clara Curtis'

Achillea 'Oertell's Rose' Budded up and blooming

Astilbe 'Fanal' deep red buds, full in the pot - as are all the astilbe!

Dendranthemum 'Clara Curtis' budded and coming into bloom

Heuchera 'Stormy Seas' full plants are looking great!

Ligularia 'The Rocket' big, full and blooming! 

Thanks Heather!

"What can I do to avoid fungus/mildew on foliage?"

Answer: First, it's important to address the cause. Foliar leaf spots and mildew ussualy occure under humid conditions. Yes, some plants are more susceptible than others but its a good idea to implement good cultural practices across the board to help keep the foliage looking clean. Here are a few tips: 

• Choose varieties that are less prone to foliar diseases - look for improved varieties that have better resistance
• Avoid planting too close together as good airflow is imperative to promote dry foliage
• Avoid overhead watering - try to water at the base of the plant
• Site them according to their light requirements -  sunnier locations will help diminish fungal issues as long as the plant can take those conditions
• Good sanitation practices are essential - clean up any clippings and debris that can harbor disease

Here's another interesting article from Purdue Extension that will give you more detailed information. Check it out!

Submit your landscaping question via email to sbarbier@planterschoice.com and you'll be entered in a monthly drawing to receive 10% off your next purchase (pick up only, does not apply to deliveries). Please use "Question of the Week" in the subject line and let me know if you want your name and business mentioned. 

L-r. 'Crystal Halo', 'Caprician Symphony', Royal Robes', 'Eden's Charm'

We can all easily recognize the German and Siberian Iris but many people are not familiar with the Japanese Iris. Iris ensata makes a lasting impression with their large, interesting flat flowers in beautiful, clear colors and light green, narrow foliage. They are great for moist areas in full sun to part shade. Easy to grow with little problems they really make a striking statement in any garden - from formal to cottage. Consider Filipendula, Monarda, Astilbe, Heuchera and Hosta as planting companions. See than while they are blooming!  

Incoming this week- Fresh supply of interesting specimen conifers AND Corona tool restock! 

Deciduous Trees
Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) 'Bloodgood', 'Sharp's Pygmy' 

Roses, roses roses

 Deciduous Shrubs

Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue', 'Twist N Shout'
Kalmia latifolia 'Elf'
Rosa Knockout Family

Broadleaf and Specimen Evergreens 

Red Cone Norway Spruce

Abies alba (Silver Fir) 'Green Spiral'

A. pinsapo (Spanish Fir) 'Aurea'
Buxus (Boxwood) 'Green Mountain', 'Suffruiticosa',  'Vardar Valley', 'Variegata'
Cedrus atlantica (Blue Atlas Cedar) 'Fastigiata', 'Glauca Pendula', 'Glauca'
Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki Cypress) 'Nana Lutea'
C. pisifera (Threadleaf Cypress) 'Golden Mop'
Picea abies 'Acrocona' (Red Cone Norway Spruce)
P. glauca 'Conica' (Dwarf Alberta Spruce)
P. pungens 'Gail's Skyline' (Colorado Spruce) very blue needles and similar to 'Hoopsi'
Pinus thunbergii (Japanese Black Pine) Thunderhead'
Taxus baccata (English Yew) 'Fastigiata'
Tsuga canadensis 'Pendula' (Weeping Hemlock)

Groundcover

Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge) 

Liriope 'Big Blue, 'Spicata', 'Variegata'

'Moonshine' Yarrow

Perennials

We're loaded with budded and blooming perennials! It's a good time to get your summer borders beefed up or come and design a new perennial bed. A rainbow of colors, different textures and choices for full sun to deep shade.  

Hardgoods
Corona tools are in!  Fully stocked with hedge shears, loppers, pitch and manure forks and more. Also, some new items like floral shears, 26" loppers and level-headed rakes.

Annuals
Fresh 1/2 flats of pink impatiens are in.
All other annuals are 50% off!

Stop by Newtown and check them out!


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