BLOOMING INTO MAY!

Elevate Your Outdoors—

Hanging Flower Baskets Now Available!

Elevate your outdoor space this Spring with a hanging flower basket! Did you know that many of our annuals in our baskets are planted and grown in our greenhouse? The plants and flowers cascading from our hanging baskets is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team—you can see the difference in our custom designed baskets, with various color palettes to enhance your own style!

Bloomin’ Beauties!

As our gardens return to beauty, it’s the perfect time to enhance your space with resilient perennials—from Lavender and Coneflower, to the vibrant blooms of Lupines, to the graceful elegance of Bleeding Hearts. We also have a great selection of new varieties that are available now. With their ability to withstand the rugged conditions of North Idaho, these perennials promise to flourish and bloom, bringing long-lasting beauty to your outdoor space!

LUPINE

Known for their vibrant spikes of colorful blooms, Lupines thrive in the diverse landscapes of North Idaho. With their characteristic palmate leaves and tall flower spikes in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, Lupines create a stunning visual display against any backdrop. These hardy wildflower cousins are well-suited to the cool nights of North Idaho, offering nectar for bees and other pollinators. Whether dotting the roadside or accentuating garden borders, Lupines are a beloved sight for both residents and visitors alike.

CONEFLOWER

Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are a beloved perennial that thrives in our area. With their striking, daisy-like blooms and prominent cone-shaped centers, coneflowers add a burst of color and texture to garden beds and borders. These hardy perennials are well-suited to the region's changing seasons, offering a reliable and long-lasting display of blooms throughout the summer months. Their resilience, vibrant hues, and pollinator-friendly nature make them a popular choice for North Idaho gardens!

LAVENDER

Lavender, with its fragrant blooms and silvery-green foliage, adds a touch of aromatic elegance to gardens and landscapes. Known for its calming scent and versatile uses, lavender is a popular herb that delights the senses and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. With proper care and well-drained soil, lavender can thrive in the region's conditions, making it a beloved choice for gardeners seeking beauty, fragrance, and practicality in their outdoor spaces.

BLEEDING HEARTS

Bleeding Hearts, known for their captivating heart-shaped flowers dangling gracefully from arching stems, are a charming addition to any garden. These elegant perennials, with their unique and romantic blooms in shades of pink and white, bring a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to the landscape. Bleeding Hearts prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them a perfect choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

Exciting Events at New Leaf Nursery

Join us for our annual TOMATO CRAZE weekend where we will dive into all things TOMATOES! On Saturday, May 4th, New Leaf plant expert, Brianna, will be available from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM to answer your questions about growing tomatoes, and offer assistance in selecting the correct varieties for your garden! Get all your tomato-growing questions answered and gain valuable insights into nurturing these vibrant fruits to perfection.

But the tomato celebration doesn't end there! Join us on Sunday, May 5th, for a salsa tasting experience with our salsa queen, Christianna, where you can try her salsa made with fresh, homegrown tomatoes. Treat your taste buds to a burst of flavors as you sample delicious salsa creations crafted from the very tomatoes you can grow in your garden!

Make this Mother's Day one to remember by giving the gift of a personalized garden basket that Mom, Grandma, your best friend, or neighbor has always dreamt of. Come in during the week of Mother’s Day (5/8-5/11) for our annual Garden Basket Planting and select a basket, container, or pot (or bring your own), fill it with plants from our nursery, and we’ll supply the garden soil!

On Saturday, May 11th, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, New Leaf plant expert, Brianna, will be on hand to offer her guidance and expertise in selecting the ideal plants for your container garden.

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mom? Stop by the garden center barn while you’re here—it’s fully stocked with gardening gifts that Mom would love! How about gifting your Mom a gift card for a great shopping experience at New Leaf? What better place to spend your Mother’s Day weekend than at the beautiful nursery grounds of New Leaf!

Whether it's a potted plant, a gardening accessory, or a unique décor piece, we’re positive you'll find the perfect gift to show your love and appreciation!

Planting Potatoes—

Tips & Tricks from the Experts!

Join New Leaf Nursery's garden expert, Jen, as she shares her knowledge on cultivating a bountiful potato harvest this summer. From selecting the right seed potatoes to the intricacies of planting techniques, Jen provides insight to ensure a successful growing season. Discover the art of seeding, spacing, and caring for your potatoes as Jen unravels the secrets to a thriving potato crop. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, Jen's guidance will equip you with the skills and confidence needed to cultivate your own homegrown potatoes and enjoy a fruitful harvest when summer arrives!

Employee Spotlight—Meet Elsa!

Elsa is a familiar face around the nursery, whose dedication and hard work play a key role in our operations. From tagging trees to assisting landscape contractors, loading deliveries, and providing great customer service, Elsa is someone that you've likely encountered during your visits. Her versatility, work ethic, and commitment to hard work ensure that every task is handled with precision and care. Next time you’re here, make sure to give her a friendly hello!

A Celebration of Spring

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The countdown has officially begun as we gear up to host our spectacular Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt happening this very Saturday! We can’t think of a better way to get the kids outside for some fun, where they can enjoy bouncing in the bouncy houses, go on an egg hunt with the Easter bunny himself, and even get their faces painted. The kids can also ride a pony while giving Mom and Dad a chance to relax. Don't forget to grab a delicious hot dog, poutine, cinnamon roll, waffle, or savory crepes along with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. With Easter decor at 30% off in the barn and beautiful plants throughout the nursery, it will be a great day for everyone to enjoy!

So dust off your baskets, put on your bunny ears, and join us in welcoming the arrival of Spring in the most joyful way possible here at New Leaf Nursery!

Eggventure Awaits!

As we gear up for our Easter egg hunt, we ask that you take a few minutes and read our egg hunt details below to ensure everyone has a crackin' good time this weekend. Be sure to grab a ticket, available for pick-up at Greenhouse 5 located in front of our main walk up entry.

EGG HUNT DETAILS: Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is intended for kids 3-12 years old. A special area for little kids 5 years and under will be designated, along with an area for 6-12 years old. We will have five Easter egg hunt times, all held every 45 minutes, and there will be a time limit; a maximum of 10 eggs is allowed per child. At the end of the egg hunt, kids will be able to turn in their eggs and receive a bag of treats! We will allow 100 kids at a time per egg hunt. If there’s a specific hunt time you want, we encourage you to arrive early. There is no guarantee that you will get that time, but the hunts are scheduled 45 minutes apart.

EGG HUNT TIMES

  • 10:00 AM

  • 10:45 AM

  • 11:30 AM

  • 12:15 PM

  • 1:00 PM

You will need to bring your own basket to participate in the egg hunt. Parents are encouraged to spend time with their kids during the hunting!

Crafting Colorful Containers for Spring

Container gardening offers a world of creative possibilities to adorn your outdoor living spaces with bursts of vibrant color and lush greenery. With the arrival of Spring, we anxiously long for the days where the canvas for container gardens can come alive with a kaleidoscope of blossoms and foliage once again. Imagine a balcony brimming with cascading petunias, a window box overflowing with fragrant herbs, or a patio adorned with potted tulips and daffodils. From vibrant annuals to delicate perennials, the options for creating stunning container gardens are endless.

Not sure where to start? This Comprehensive Container Guide by Proven Winners will show you just how easy it is to create beautiful garden containers, no matter your level of experience!

If you’re eager to get started, we invite you to join us this Thursday-Saturday for our annual Spring Basket Planting at the Nursery! Come create a beautiful garden basket that you can create for yourself or as a gift for a special friend or family member. Our potting station will be set up in greenhouse 2, along with a great selection of colorful spring flowers that you can choose from, and we will have baskets, containers and pots available. Or you can bring one of your own! On Saturday between the hours of 12:00-1:30 PM, New Leaf Plant Specialist, Brianna will be on hand to discuss the best way to maintain the baskets, and keep them blooming long past Easter!

Prune for Perfection—

Expert Tips for Spring Growth

Before the buds begin to burst and new growth emerges, it's crucial to give your plants the attention they need through proper pruning practices. When pruning, it is important to have the right tools and know what techniques to use in order to make clean cuts that promote healthy growth and prevent disease. In our step-by-step guide, we will take you through the process of assessing your plants' needs, identifying dead or damaged branches, and sculpting your plants to encourage proper structure and abundant blooms. With expert tips on timing, methods, and aftercare, you'll be equipped to tackle spring pruning with confidence and precision!

Step-by-Step Guide for Spring Pruning

  • Assess Your Plants: Begin by evaluating your trees, shrubs, and roses to identify any dead, damaged, or diseased branches that need to be pruned. Look for crossing branches that may rub against each other and weak growth that needs to be removed.

  • Gather the Right Tools: Make sure you have sharp, clean pruning tools such as hand pruners, loppers, or a pruning saw. Disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases between plants.

  • Timing: For most plants, early spring before the new growth emerges is an ideal time for pruning. Avoid pruning too late in the season as it can impact the plant's ability to flower or fruit.

  • Start with Deadwood: Begin by cutting out any dead, broken, or diseased branches. These branches can be pruned back to healthy wood, following the branch back to where it connects to a larger stem.

  • Shape and Structure: Next, focus on shaping the plant by removing any crossing or rubbing branches. Prune to improve the plant's structure and allow for better air circulation and light penetration.

  • Thinning: Thin out crowded branches to allow for increased air circulation and sunlight penetration. When thinning, cut back to a lateral branch or bud to encourage new growth in the desired direction.

  • Prune Flowering Shrubs: For shrubs that bloom in Spring, such as forsythia, viburnum and lilac, wait until the flowers have faded, then prune for shape. Then they have all summer to form next year’s flowers! 

  • Clean Up: As you prune, collect and remove all pruned branches and debris from around the plants to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

  • Aftercare: After pruning, consider applying a light fertilizer to support new growth. Water the plants well to help them recover from the pruning process.

  • Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye on your plants in the following weeks to ensure they are responding well to the pruning. Continue to monitor for any signs of disease, pests, or additional pruning needs as the season progresses.

Seeds of Knowledge—

Understanding Seed Packets

Navigating the world of seed starting can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code – but fear not, our seasoned gardening expert, Jen, is here to shed some light on the topic! When it comes to planting your seed starts, timing is key, and understanding the information on seed packets is crucial for a successful garden. In this short video, Jen breaks down the information found on seed packets, from sowing dates to planting depth, to help you make informed decisions about when and where to plant your seeds.

Employee Spotlight

We’d like to introduce two new additions to the New Leaf decor team. Meet Nicole and Michelle, who help with aesthetic enhancements throughout the nursery and the garden center barn. From enchanting garden displays to captivating barn decor, they both help create an inviting atmosphere that delights and inspires all who visit. Next time you’re at New Leaf, make sure to give them a welcoming hello!

Opening Day 2024!

Welcome to Opening Day at New Leaf Nursery!

Join us as we kick off the 2024 Gardening Season at New Leaf Nursery, tomorrow March 1st! Rain, snow, grey skies, or blue, our gates are open for bulk material purchases, seeds and seed starting kits, grow lamps, and all you need to get that beautiful garden going! Come see the inspiring new displays in our garden center, loaded with spring and everyday décor—baskets, plant hangers, macrame wall art, beautiful artisan jewelry, hand crafted wood pieces, one of a kind stained glass art, and so much more!

Seed Reward Members will earn DOUBLE POINTS on all purchases made on March 1st and 2nd. If you aren’t already a member of our Seeds Rewards Program, sign up in our garden center. It’s fun and easy, and the rewards keep growing!

We have been hard at work preparing for a Spring that every year takes her time to arrive. The behind the scenes is more than just the plants themselves—from smoothing out the nursery grounds to refreshing our pottery, to topping off bulk material and unloading trucks full of new product.

Our dedicated crew has been preparing for opening day, working non stop to create a welcoming space for everyone! With the arrival of daily deliveries, everything has been unloaded into its rightful place, bringing a breath of new life into the nursery, once again!

With a blend of passion, expertise, and elbow grease, we are transforming the nursery grounds, ready to welcome a new season of growth and beauty!

This year, we plan to introduce more native plants to our inventory, along with the much coveted, David Austin Roses. They have been pruned with care, and are tucked into the rose greenhouse, where they will burst into leaf and blossom.

We are so excited to spend another amazing season with all of you! 2024 will be a time of connection, inspiration, and growth. With open arms and grateful hearts, we welcome you to Opening Day at New Leaf Nursery!

LEAFY LINEUP—

Exciting Happenings This Month!

Hold onto your gardening gloves because we have a jam-packed month ahead filled with an array of thrilling events to start the Spring season! From lectures and workshops, to hands-on planting sessions at our first ever Houseplant Hoopla!, to the annual Home & Garden Show and our much anticipated Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt, our calendar is overflowing with experiences that promise to ignite your love for all things community, green, and growing!

Home & Garden Show

Once again, New Leaf Nursery will be front and center at the NIBCA Home & Garden Show at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, and we’d love to have you drop by and say hello! The show starts on Friday, March 1 at noon. Stroll the show and then head down Government Way to come see us on our opening weekend! Pick up a hand out at the show for a great discount coupon for your first purchase of the season at the nursery!

The show continues through the weekend so come on in out of the cold and get some great ideas for not only your gardens, but lots of other great vendors in the home improvement market!

Friday, March 1: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 2: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 3: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Houseplant Hoopla!

THIS FIRST ANNUAL EVENT WILL HOLD A SPOT ON YOUR CALENDAR FOR EVERY YEAR TO COME!

Step into a world of leafy luxury at our Houseplant Hoopla event! Bring in your root-bound houseplants and watch as our plant experts work their magic, repotting them with care for FREE! Your beloved green babies will thrive once more, their roots set free to spread and grow in fresh, spacious pots. Bring your own pot or purchase one from our unique selection. While you wait, explore the beauty of our lush green houseplants in our garden center solarium. It's a day where houseplants take center stage and we celebrate the joy of indoor gardening. Don't miss this chance to pamper your plants and nourish your passion for all things leafy!

You bring the plants, we provide the soil and know how!

PLEASE NOTE: A limit of 6 plants per person is allowed and the maximum pot size available is 16”.

Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt

Delight in a day filled with fun, laughter, and the spirit of renewal as we kick off the season with an array of festive activities for the whole family. From blooming flower displays and charming garden art, to FREE photos with the Easter Bunny and the thrill of our Easter Egg Hunt, where little ones can embark on an adventure to find colorful treasures hidden throughout the nursery grounds

Discover one of a kind, hand crafted items from local artisans, and indulge in delectable treats and delicious eats from local food vendors—from irresistible waffles and delicate crepes to comforting cinnamon rolls, and that perfectly brewed cup of coffee, there will be an array of breakfast options to kick start your day, and an exciting lineup of lunch options for you to indulge in. But that’s not all!  We will have children's crafts and bounce houses, face painting, and $5 pony rides, plus a fresh variety of spring plants and gorgeous spring and early summer home and garden decorations—offerings to keep the entire family entertained!

Please visit our website for more details on the festival and egg hunt!

Spring Basket Planting at the Nursery!

Spring is here! What better way to welcome the Easter holiday than with a beautiful garden basket that you can create for yourself or as a gift for a special friend or family member. Our potting station will be set up in greenhouse 2, with a selection of baskets, containers or pots available to you. Or you can bring one of your own! A potting station will be available, along with a great selection of colorful spring flowers that you can choose from! On Saturday between the hours of 12:00-1:30 PM, New Leaf plant expert, Brianna, will be on hand to discuss the best way to maintain the baskets, and keep them blooming long past Easter!

Thursday, March 28: 10:30 AM-5:00 PM

Friday, March 29: 10:30 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday, March 30: 10:30 AM-5:00 PM

From Seed to Bloom-

Meet One of Our Growers!

Every month, we like to shine the spot light on one of our amazing team members—we truly are a family, and everyone has a huge roll to play in the success of the nursery! Brianna is a standout! She’s leading the team this year in our endeavors to grow our own beautiful annuals. Look at this shot of our greenhouse filled with new life! Brianna, we thank you for countless hours spent with us. You make us look great and your dedication is truly appreciated!

Next time you’re in the nursery, keep an eye out for Brianna and make sure to say hello!

Spring Time State of Mind

A SPRINGTIME SPECTACULAR!

SAVE THE DATE! Our Spring Festival and Annual Easter Egg Hunt is happening March 30!

It's almost that magical time of year when the world awakens from its winter slumber, and we celebrate the arrival of spring, embracing the beauty, renewal, and joy it brings. What better way to ring in spring than a day filled with laughter, adventure, and the warm spirit of community!

Our Spring Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all ages. From colorful blooms and fresh fragrances, to an array of exciting activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the enchantment of one of a kind, hand crafted items from local artisans, and indulge in delectable treats and delicious eats from local food vendors. From kid’s crafts to bounce houses, to spring plants and beautiful spring and early summer home and garden décor, we’ve got something to keep the entire family entertained!

But wait, there's more! The highlight of our Spring Festival is a thrilling Easter Egg Hunt. Watch as children's eyes light up with excitement as they search high and low for hidden treasures throughout the nursery grounds.

Our Easter egg hunt is intended for kids 3-12 years old. A special area for little kids 3-5 years old will be designated, along with an area for 6-12 years old. The hunts are held every hour on the hour and have a time limit; a maximum of 10 eggs is allowed per child. Parents are encouraged to spend time with their kids during the hunting!

Mark your calendars! We can't wait to see you at our Spring Festival and Easter Egg Hunt. Prepare yourselves for a day of pure delight, and start the new season in the most joyful way possible here at New Leaf Nursery!

Bloom Like a Pro!

Monthly To-Do Tips for Gardening Glory

As gardening enthusiasts, we understand the challenges and joys that can come with maintaining a beautiful and thriving garden year round in the Inland Northwest. That's why we recognize the importance of monthly gardening tasks, even during the winter months. As every gardener knows, there is never a lack of projects to do in the garden!

If you’re needing tips and suggestions on what you can do now to prepare your garden for spring, Almanac.com has provided Gardening “To Do” tips for every month of the year based on where you live!

These tips serve as a helpful guide to keep your garden on track throughout the year, ensuring that you never miss a crucial task. From planting and pruning to fertilizing and pest control, these monthly gardening to-do tips offer valuable insights and reminders that can make a significant difference in your gardening success. By following these expert recommendations, you can stay organized, optimize your gardening efforts, and achieve the lush, flourishing garden you've always dreamed of!

A Flyer’s Feast

Irresistible Treats for Your Feathered Friends!

During the winter months, when resources for birds may be scarce, putting out treats for our feathered friends becomes particularly important. As temperatures drop and natural food sources dwindle, providing supplemental nourishment can greatly aid the survival and well-being of birds. These treats serve as a lifeline, helping birds maintain their energy levels, stay warm, and thrive during the challenging winter season. By offering them food and a helping hand, we can contribute to the conservation of these beautiful creatures and create a cozy haven in our own backyards. Putting out treats for birds during the winter is not only a kind gesture, but a vital one as well.

Here are two simple recipes from Holly of Wylde Bloems, that you can use for your feathered visitors to nourish their bodies during these colder months.

Ingredients:

  • Cupcake liners

  • 500g bird seed

  • 500g of fat in solid form (coconut oil, lard, peanut butter)

  • String cut in 25 cm lengths, 12 pieces

Directions: Melt fat on stove top until liquified. While melting, cut a hole in each muffin liner and thread your string through, tie a knot on end so it can’t come out, place this inside the muffin tin. You can also wind up extra twine at bottom of muffin liner before adding seed or melted fat. Add your seed in each muffin liner, divided equally among the 12. Pour the hot fat carefully in each liner until seeds are covered. Let stand until cooled. Remove from muffin tray. Once they are hung, you can remove the muffin liner. You can store excess Suet muffins in the fridge.

Consider growing berries that birds can forage in the winter. Other items that can also be clipped and attached to your wreath in winter: holly, currants, crabapples, mountain ash, juniper, viburnum, popped popcorn, dried fruit, seed, and black oil sunflower seed.

Orange Halves Seed Feeder

Ingredients:

  • Half an orange

  • Peanut butter

  • Bird seed

  • Twine

Directions: Halve an orange and hollow out the flesh. Make three holes part way down from edge of the orange to enable you to attach string, jute or twine to allow for hanging. Mix the peanut butter with bird seed until blended. Spoon in your mix into your hollowed out orange peel and press firmly. If you’d like to add a perch for your visiting birds, you can use skewers. Puncture the skin of the orange and push the skewer through to the other side, creating a perch for the birds to rest on.

FASCINATING TIDBIT: Consider adding Nigella damascena (also known as Love-in-a-Mist) to your seed mix! Once in your yard, they self sow freely. The birds eat heartily from the seed pods when left on the plant to dry from fall through the winter, so make sure not to cut all the flowers. When Nigella flower, make sure to leave the seeds for the birds, or to self sow in your garden.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Eric!

Eric Christen had a dream to build a nursery for the North Idaho communities some 40 years ago along with wife Elaine, and they grew their dream into the New Leaf Nursery it is today! You can always find Eric around the nursery (unless he’s driving a load of product to a customer, or helping out the landscape team, or gathering up product in his semi truck he named Big Pearl) talking with customers and helping them solve soil or planting issues. He truly is the heart and soul of New Leaf Nursery. Never stop dreaming Eric!

Make Your Vote Count!

We have some exciting news! Thanks to the kind support of our community, we have advanced to the final round of voting for The Best of North Idaho for 2024. We would appreciate it if you would vote for us, and help us achieve this accolade for another year! As a new season approaches, we look forward to fostering a thriving community of plant lovers, along with making New Leaf Nursery the absolute best it can be for our growing community!

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the fantastic response we've received regarding our January classes. Our New Leaf community has helped us kick start our first classes of the year with a bang! Education and community involvement are two values we hold dear. As we enter into a new month, we look forward to a successful February filled with even more educational and hands-on classes!

Here at New Leaf, we believe that great experiences are meant to be shared! So, don't keep it to yourself—spread the fun by sharing your awesome class experiences with us and let's create a community of amazing stories together!

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SEED REWARDS MEMBER

Become a Seeds Rewards Member and start earning points towards exclusive discounts with every purchase at New Leaf Nursery! For more information on our rewards program, please visit the front desk in our garden center.

Nursery HOURS

Monday-Saturday: 9:00AM-5:00PM

SUNDAY: 11:00AM-4:00PM