Keep Your Garden Thriving in Dry Spells
As summer heats up in North Idaho, dry spells can put real stress on your plants—especially if they’re not equipped to handle the heat. Long days of sun, warmer nights, and lower rainfall mean your garden needs a little extra support to keep thriving. With these tips and strategies in place, you can help your garden stay lush, vibrant, and healthy all season long.
Smart Watering Tips:
Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation and give roots time to absorb moisture. Evening watering should be done on the soil only to avoid getting foliage wet—this will help prevent fungal diseases. Focus on deep, infrequent watering rather than light daily sprinkles—this encourages roots to grow deeper and become more drought-tolerant. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are especially effective, as they deliver water directly to the soil and reduce waste.Mulch is Your Garden’s Best Friend:
A 2–3 inch layer of mulch (like bark, straw, or compost) helps the soil retain moisture, keeps roots cool, and suppresses weeds. Organic mulches also improve soil structure over time. Be sure to leave a little space around the base of each plant to prevent rot.Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants:
Some plants handle dry conditions better than others. Look for options like Russian sage, sedum, lavender, yarrow, blanketflower (Gaillardia), and ornamental grasses. These hardy performers provide beauty without needing constant attention or water. Native plants are also great choices, as they’re adapted to our local climate.
Perennial Picks for Summer Color—
Low-Maintenance Blooms That Last
Want colorful blooms all summer long without having to replant every year? Perennials are the answer—and they’re easier to care for than you might think. These hardworking plants return year after year, bringing vibrant color, texture, and beauty to your garden with minimal effort on your part.
Top Picks for Summer Color in North Idaho:
Echinacea (Coneflower): These sturdy flowers come in a range of colors and thrive in full sun—they attract pollinators too!
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Bright yellow petals with dark centers light up any garden bed. They bloom from midsummer into fall.
Salvia: With tall spikes of purple or blue flowers, salvias are tough, drought-tolerant, and attract hummingbirds.
Daylilies: Each bloom lasts only a day, but there are so many buds that you’ll get continuous color for weeks. They come in countless shades and require minimal care.
Coreopsis: Cheerful, daisy-like flowers that bloom repeatedly with little effort—great for borders or mass plantings.
BONUS TIPS: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers, and divide perennials every few years to keep them thriving. Once established, many perennials require less water than annuals and are better suited for long-term success in your garden.
The Inland Northwest’s Largest Selection of Fruit Trees — Only at New Leaf Nursery!
Dreaming of harvesting your own fresh, homegrown fruit? Whether you're planting your very first tree or expanding a thriving backyard orchard, New Leaf Nursery is your go-to destination this season.
We’re proud to offer the largest selection of fruit trees in the Inland Northwest, with over 1,000 trees in stock and more than 130 unique varieties to explore. From crisp apples and juicy cherries to sweet pears, plums, and so more — there's a perfect tree for every garden, taste, and growing space.
Not only are these trees exceptional in size and health, but they’re also affordably priced, starting at just $69. It’s never been easier (or more budget-friendly) to grow your own delicious fruit at home.
Our team is always happy to help you choose the right tree for your space, share planting tips, and offer advice to ensure your new tree thrives for years to come.
Employee Spotlight—Meet Thalia!
Thalia plays a vital role here at the nursery—she’s our inventory pro! From unloading delivery trucks and verifying each item, to creating tags and entering everything into our system, Thalia keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. Her attention to detail and strong work ethic help keep the nursery organized and running smoothly behind the scenes. We’re so lucky to have her! Next time you see her, make sure to say hello!
