Your Guide to Summer Gardening

Summer Has Arrived—Let's Garden!

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear this time of year is, "I guess I missed my chance to plant." The good news? You have not!

While spring may be the busiest planting season, summer is still a wonderful time to add beauty to your landscape. The key is choosing the right plants and giving them the care they need as they get established. With a little extra attention to watering, you'll be rewarded with months of color and enjoyment.

One of our favorite summer additions is coneflower (Echinacea). Not only are they incredibly hardy once established, but they're also loved by pollinators, tolerate summer heat, and bloom for weeks with color. Even better, many varieties continue to provide interest long after the flowers fade, as their seed heads become a favorite snack for birds in late summer and fall.

This year, we're excited to have more than 20 varieties of coneflowers in stock at the nursery! From classic purple blooms to bright oranges, sunny yellows, and rich reds, there's a coneflower to complement just about every garden style.

Coneflowers aren't the only stars of the season. Summer is also a great time to plant favorites like yarrow, salvia, coreopsis, sedum, lavender, black-eyed Susans, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and even trees. Whether you're filling in a new garden bed or simply looking to add a splash of color, there's still plenty of time to make your landscape shine.

If you're unsure what will perform best in your space, stop by and chat with us. We love helping gardeners find the right plants, answer watering questions, and troubleshoot any challenges that pop up during the warmer months. Your garden doesn't have to slow down just because summer is here. In many ways, it's just getting started.

Watering Plants During the Hot Season

As the temperatures start to rise, the art of watering plants becomes a crucial skill in nurturing a flourishing garden during this time of year. In this short video, New Leaf team member, Jen offers insights and expert tips on the subtle yet vital practice of watering with precision and care. With years of experience and a deep-rooted passion for horticulture, Jen explains how to water plants effectively to ensure optimal hydration for root development, especially during the challenging Summer months.

For even more watering tips and conservation best practices, visit North Kootenai Water District watering guide.

A Taste of The Farmstand —One Night Only!

A Taste of the Farmstand is one evening you do not want to miss! Join us this Tuesday, July 7 from 3:00-7:00 PM for the second event in our Four Summer Nights series as the Farmstand transforms into a celebration of local food, artisans, music, and community.

Shop all of your favorite weekly farmstand vendors alongside unique local makers, sip wine slushies from Rosemary Manor, and enjoy live music from Balboa Park, whose smooth jazz creates the perfect summer atmosphere.

Each of our food vendors will also be serving a complimentary sample featuring ingredients they’ve grown themselves—offering a true taste of the Farmstand in every bite.

The experience is truly one of a kind: a blend of farmers, pastry and bread makers, small-batch jam creators, fresh and dried flower growers, earth-inspired artisans, and local artists—all set in the stunning garden at New Leaf. Paired with incredible food and wine, fabulous music, and a lively summer atmosphere, it’s an evening that captures the very best of our community.

Whether you're here to shop, sip, sample, or simply soak it all in, this is more than a market night—it’s a celebration of everything local. One night only.

Employee Spotlight — Meet Maliena!

Say hello to Maliena, one of the newest members of the New Leaf plant care team! As a Certified Master Gardener with years of experience in the horticulture industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a true passion for plants. Whether she's caring for our nursery stock, sharing gardening advice, or helping keep our plants healthy and beautiful, Melina plays a big part in making New Leaf thrive. Be sure to say hello the next time you see her around the nursery!

Summer Color Has Arrived at New Leaf!

Summer Color Has Arrived at New Leaf!

Great news, plant lovers — truckloads of summer perennials and shrubs are rolling into New Leaf Nursery! Now is the perfect time to plant for lasting summer color, and the nursery is filling up fast with gorgeous new arrivals ready for your garden beds, containers and landscape.

Hydrangeas are pouring into the nursery, the greenhouses are absolutely bursting with color, and fresh shipments are arriving almost daily. From bold statement plants to pollinator-friendly favorites, we’ve carefully stocked the nursery with varieties that will keep your landscape vibrant all season long.

Whether you’re refreshing a flower bed, updating patio pots, or creating a garden full of summer blooms, there’s never been a better time to shop the nursery. Come wander the greenhouses, soak in the beauty, and discover your next garden favorite — your summer garden starts now!

Summer Garden Prep—

Getting Ready for a Season of Blooms

As the warmth of summer approaches, it's time to roll up your sleeves and prepare your garden for a season full of flowers, lush foliage, and colorful new growth. Summer garden prep is a crucial phase that sets the stage for a successful and thriving garden throughout the coming months, ensuring that your outdoor space becomes a haven of beauty and tranquility.

As you embark on your summer garden prep journey, here are some insights, tips, and inspiration to help you create a lush and thriving garden oasis that is ready to bloom in all its Summer glory!

1. Start with Soil Health: Ensure your soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and at the right pH level for optimal plant growth. Consider testing your soil and amending it as needed with organic matter like compost.

2. Choose Summer-Blooming Plants: Select a variety of flowers and plants that thrive in the summer heat and provide a spectrum of colors to create visual interest in your garden. Our plant specialists would be happy to assist you in choosing the right plants and flowers for your area!

3. Strategic Plant Placement: Place sun and shade-loving plants where they'll receive adequate amounts of required light, and consider the mature size of your plants to prevent overcrowding.

4. Mulching Matters: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature during hot summer days.

5. Proper Watering Techniques: Water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to water plants at the root zone.

6. Deadheading and Pruning: Regularly deadhead spent flowers and prune overgrown branches to promote continuous blooming and maintain plant health.

7. Attract Pollinators: Plant pollinator-friendly flowers to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that aid in pollination and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

8. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Keep an eye out for common garden pests and diseases, and address issues promptly to prevent damage to your plants.

9. Fertilization Schedule: Follow a fertilization schedule tailored to the needs of your plants, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

10. Consider Edible Plants: Integrate edible plants like herbs, vegetables, or fruiting trees into your garden space for a functional and delightful addition to your landscape.

11. Garden Maintenance Routine: Establish a regular maintenance routine that includes weeding, feeding, watering, and monitoring plant health to keep your garden thriving throughout the summer season.

It is now prime planting time! The fear of the last frost has passed, and it’s time to get outside and plant. Zinnias, Cosmos, Dahlias, Peonies, Hollyhock, Yarrow, Echinacea, Iris, and Salvia are all great choices for flowers that can now be planted in your garden. We have all of these in stock here at the nursery, ready to be purchased and taken to their forever homes!

THE FARMSTAND — Hayden’s Hub for Locally Grown & Sourced Fresh Goods, Weekly

The Farmstand at New Leaf is back for its third season! Join us THIS TUESDAY, June 2, from 2–5 PM as we kick off another season of fresh, local goodness with both returning favorites and exciting new vendors.

Our goal with The Farmstand is simple: to provide our community with locally sourced food and products that support a healthier lifestyle while supporting small farms and makers right here in our region. We hope to become your weekly “go-to” stop for fresh produce, locally raised meats, farm fresh eggs, baked goods, cold-pressed juice, fresh-cut flowers, and so much more.

Our first market of the season will feature:

The Farmstand will run throughout the growing season from June through September and is designed to be more than just a market. We want it to be a place where neighbors gather, families connect, and our community has the opportunity to meet local farmers, learn about their growing practices, shop small, and enjoy truly fresh products straight from the source.

This is the kind of small-town market experience we all love — set in the beautiful atmosphere of New Leaf Nursery.

We hope you’ll join us this season, and we look forward to connecting with you, our friends and community, at New Leaf Nursery!

Employee Spotlight

Meet Cheryl!

If you’ve been to the nursery, chances are you’ve seen Cheryl! She plays a vital role here at New Leaf, making sure everything stays well-watered and thriving. Cheryl is also incredibly knowledgeable and always happy to help customers find just the right plants and answer gardening questions. Next time you’re here, make sure to say hello!

MAY IN BLOOM

April Showers Bring May Flowers

It’s that time of year, when gardens come back to life and outdoor spaces start calling your name. From hanging baskets and colorful annuals to vegetable starts, fruit trees, roses, perennials, and flowering shrubs, New Leaf is fully stocked with everything you need, carefully selected for our unique North Idaho climates.

With all the new homes in our neighborhoods, these hanging baskets won’t last long! Seriously, they are gorgeous this year! Come by and see them soon. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and veggie starts are also here and moving quickly. If you’ve got your eye on something, now’s the time to come in and grab it before it’s gone.

A stunning selection of annuals are bursting with color, ready to help you design everything from patio containers and window boxes to custom hanging baskets of your own creations. We’re getting close to the time of the last frost…anyone excited?

Perennials are poppin’—peonies, lilies, delphinium, foxglove, daisies, and more are ready to settle in and bring your garden lasting summer beauty year after year.

And of course, we’ve got all the essentials to bring your outdoor space together—soils, bark, rock, gardening supplies, and garden and home décor to finish it off just the way you like it.

Everything you need to grow something beautiful is right here at New Leaf.

Exciting Events at New Leaf Nursery

This is the weekend of our annual TOMATO CRAZE! Did you know? Rachel, of Rachel’s Salsa will be joining us for our Annual Salsa Tasting event during the Tomato Craze weekend on Saturday, May 2, from 10 AM - 2 PM in front of the greenhouses. The nursery carries the vegetables that Rachel uses in her salsa available for you to purchase in greenhouse 1.

On Saturday, May 2nd, New Leaf plant specialists will be available in greenhouse 1 at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 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.

Celebrate Mom With Something Special From New Leaf! Stop by and explore our wide selection of thoughtful gifts for all the special women in your life. From forever blooms and dried flower bouquets to handmade jewelry and unique home and garden décor, you’re sure to find something that feels just right.

Looking for something extra meaningful this Mother’s Day?

Our in-house designers have created a one-of-a-kind flower purse arrangement—featuring a beautiful blend of fresh blooms and lush moss, each piece is artfully arranged to feel both natural and elevated. This one of a kind design is made to be long lasting, offering beauty that continues to be enjoyed well beyond Mother’s Day.

While you’re here, enjoy delicious food and drinks from local vendors throughout Mother’s Day weekend—The Walking Taco, Pascendi’s Italian Ice, Kozy Coffee Co, and Vesper Charcuterie—the perfect way to celebrate and spoil Mom!

Planting Potatoes—

Tips & Tricks from the Experts!

Join New Leaf Nursery's garden specialist, 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!

Making Magic in the Garden

MEET CASSIE!

She is our landscape designer specializing in thoughtful, functional outdoor spaces. She works closely with clients to understand their vision and lifestyle, then brings it to life through intentional plant selection, creative layout design, and a strong eye for detail. Cassie believes a great landscape should be both beautiful and livable—spaces that feel natural, inviting, and tailored to the people who use them. Whether she’s designing a full property transformation or refining an existing garden, she focuses on creating outdoor environments that thrive through every season.

Join Us for Our Spring Festival!

Party Like an Animal at the Big SPRING BASH!

Spring is finally here! Our Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt is happening this Saturday! Help support our local 4H by visiting the petting zoo, and meet the cutest barnyard buddies ever! Kids can go on an egg hunt, get their faces painted, and take photos with the Easter bunny. Mom and Dad can visit Rosemary Manor Winery—the wine slushies are back! Grab a plate of tacos, a warm bowl of chili or savory crepes, and for the kids hot dogs or mini cheeseburgers. And of course there’s plenty of sweet treats too. Easter decor will be 30% off in the barn, and come see all the beautiful plants throughout the nursery. It will be a great day for everyone to enjoy, and as always, admission is FREE!

Be sure to join in on our community art project before you leave the nursery—just follow the signs throughout the grounds to take part in this fun new activity! We’re also excited to welcome back the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Don’t forget to stop by their booth and pick up one of their magic eggs!

As we gear up for our Easter egg hunts, 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. Everyone that is participating in our egg hunt must grab a ticket in front of greenhouse 5, located in the south parking lot of the nursery. We suggest grabbing your tickets 30 minutes before the scheduled egg hunt times.

EGG HUNT DETAILS: Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is intended for kids 3-12 years old. We will have six Easter egg hunt times, all held every hour, 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 an hour apart. We will have lots of fun and activities to keep the whole family entertained!

EGG HUNT TIMES

  • 10:00 AM

  • 11:00 AM

  • 12:00 PM

  • 1:00 PM

  • 2:00 PM

  • 3:00 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!

For more information on daily activities, food/craft vendors, and to sign up for an Egg Hunt time, CLICK HERE.

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.

New Leaf Nursery Rose of the Year — ‘Red Ribbons’

Bold, classic, and incredibly reliable, ‘Red Ribbons’ is stealing the spotlight this season. Its rich crimson blooms hold their color beautifully without fading, while its strong performance and naturally deer-resistant, thorned stems make it as hardworking as it is stunning. We love it so much, you’ll spot it planted throughout the nursery—stop in and see this standout rose for yourself!

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.

Do you Bonsai?

Whether you’re just getting started or have been shaping trees for years, you’ll want to check out our newest arrivals at the nursery! We’ve brought in a fresh selection perfect for training, styling, and creating your own miniature masterpiece. Stop in, get inspired, and find your next bonsai project waiting for you—these beauties won’t stay on the shelves for long!

Employee Spotlight — Meet Kelly!

As our office manager, Kelly keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. She handles the finances, manages daily operations, answers the phones (chances are you’ve spoken with her), and keeps all the moving pieces of the nursery in sync. Her hard work and attention to detail help make everything we do possible, and we’re so lucky to have her as such an essential part of the New Leaf family!

KALE YES! We are so excited that once again, you chose us as the best garden center in North Idaho for 2026. Not only in the CDA Press, but in the Inlander as well! We are beyond grateful to all of our loyal customers for their support and trust in us. Thank you for being a part of our gardening community and for inspiring us to grow and flourish each day!

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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: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

SERVICE AREAS: