SPRING. ACCELERATED!

It's been another unusual spring. My daughter's soccer team played in the rain, cold and snow one week, then sunny and mid-seventies the next. We waited so long for our first spring blooms then spring accelerated at warp speed so that everything seemed to bloom at once. Grape Hyacinth, which usually are finished blooming by the time daffodil and tulips come up, are blooming right alongside. Trees are flowering and leafing out just about simultaneously. The spring woodland ephemera which usually patiently wait to take their turn are all up and blooming at once as well. Regardless, we are all glad spring finally arrived!

Spring blooming plants are balm for the winter weary soul. We await each and every one with great anticipation. And as each one blooms in its time, they make us smile. Spring bloomers are full of promise of the season to come and we welcome them gratefully.

We see many spring plants, like forsythia, pruned and tortured into unnatural shapes. We encourage you to let these plants assume their natural form. To let them grow as nature means them to. They all have beautiful natural habits if left to their own devices. They just need enough space to "be." One benefit of this is less work for you! Once you begin pruning a plant into an unnatural shape for its type, it takes regular pruning to keep it growing that way.

If you are in love with the spring eye and nose candy all about us, be sure to plant some now so you can experience it in your landscape next spring. There is nothing like the smell of a spring Magnolia, Korean Spice Viburnum or Lilac to greet you after a long day of work. Our eyes can't get enough of the bright cheerful blossoms of a Pieris, Forsythia or Azalea. Is there a spring interest plant you've been wanting to add to your garden? Both nurseries are just about fully stocked now. Once we sell through these plants we do not usually bring in more until next year, so get them while you can. And, don't forget to pick up the MYKE planting supplement as well for the 5 year warranty!

GREEN MICHIGAN

We all received a spring gift from Governor Snyder this week when he proclaimed May Plant Michigan Green Month. This proclamation is meant to "raise awareness of the positive economic and environmental impacts that the nursery and landscape industry has had and continues to have in the Great Lakes State; and encourages residents to Plant Michigan Green by visiting a local retail garden center, planting a tree, having a landscape or lawn installed, or simply taking time to enjoy the beauty of Michigan's greenery." Now that's a proclamation we can all get behind!

GREEN ELK RAPIDS  

From May 7 thru May 20, the village of Elk Rapids celebrates their fifth annual Green Elk Rapids Days, a series of events intended to stretch the thinking about environmental issues and green life styles. With activities for many ages and interests, the village is host to a number of events ranging from a recycling event, a Trashformations (you'll find Pine Hill's entry downtown!) competition and essay contest, to a film screening, a story hour, and a community hike. Residents, businesses, schools, and local organizations all join in, and everyone will certainly learn a few new ideas to practice throughout the year. The community is invited to participate in all events.For complete details, go to www.greenelkrapidsdays.com.

We spent some quality time with Matthew Bertrand of the Grand Traverse Conservation District this month learning more about invasive species, the natives that should replace them and how to promote this to our customers. Both Pine Hill locations, along with 7 other Northern Michigan Nurseries are participating in the Go Beyond Beauty project. Go to HabitatMatters.org to learn more.

Additionally, Matthew, the GTCD and Pine Hill, among others also partnered with Mill Creek Elementary 4th Grade Classes on invasive and native plants this winter and spring which will result in a native plant garden at the school, a book published by the students and watercolor note cards as well. These kids are some smart cookies, great writers, artists and gardeners. It's been a joy to work with them. If you would like to pre-order the book due out this fall, let us know and we can add you to the list. We will have a limited number of copies available for sale. It's sure to be a best seller.

WE'RE RED HOT! 

We don't know if we are first, second or third yet, but we do know we are a Traverse Magazine Red Hot Best Winner! Thanks to everyone who voted for us! What a great gift to celebrate our 35th year in business. Winners will be announced in the June issue of Traverse Magazine available on newsstands mid-May.

SO MUCH MORE THAN A GIFT SHOP 

 

I'm not sure why we call them Gift Shops. We really need to come up with a better moniker! Our Gift Shops are so much more. We have everything from furniture for indoors and out, garden gifts and art, terrariums, planters and vases, fairy garden everything, and so much more. Sandy and Jeanine work hard sourcing over the winter to bring you the newest, most stylish, most fun and on-trend items for the garden and home. To see more of our Kewadin Gift Shop photo album, click here. To see more of our Traverse City Gift Shop Photo Album, click here. Happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

SWEET ANNIE ANTIQUES  

If antiquing is more your style, Sweet Annie Antiques run by Gale McClain, is open for business at Pine Hill Nursery in Kewadin. I scored a charming French galvanized watering can happy to be her first customer! There may be a treasure waiting in the cottage for you. For some photos of Sweet Annie's, click here.

WAKE UP! YOUR GARDEN PARTY RECAP  

Our Wake Up! your Garden Party last Saturday was so much fun. We had informative sessions, beautiful plants and happy drawing winners. For more pictures of the Kewadin party, see our Facebook Album here.

Our lucky Traverse City Winners:

Debi Hebdin, Gift Certificate

Martha Dively, Lacecap Hydrangea

Our lucky Kewadin Winners:

Dulcie Alward, Gift Certificate

Lani Shooks, Lacecap Hydrangea

Bobbie Patterson and Ruth Basch, Dahlia or Calla Lily Plant

GARDEN CAFÉ NOW OPEN!  

The Garden Café is now open for the season. Thank goodness! If it weren't Sandy and I would probably starve. This time of year it's difficult to stop long enough to even eat. Julie keeps us fueled with fresh, healthful, tasty food. The Café is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 4pm and Sunday 8am to 3pm. Come in with a friend and get your second sandwich, wrap or Panini ½ off click here!

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK  

We love it when you show your love! Here is some to share:

"I just have to tell you how much I enjoyed Jeanine's article on spring in the Rear View Mirror. She describes it so well!!! Thanks for a lovely newsletter." Pat Howlett via email

"Without question, our absolute favorite nursery, thanks Sandy & Ralph for all you do. Your neighbors 'round the cove, Dave & Karen Howland" via Facebook.

EARLY SPRING HOURS & CONTACT INFORMATION