WINTER IS ON THE WAY

One Season Ends and Another Begins!

Another amazing growing season comes to a close in North Idaho, and with anticipation, we planted our bulbs, and we are working on winterizing the last shrubs and perennials in all our gardens, knowing that spring will come again soon, and our gardens will erupt with color once again!

Don’t be fooled by our minimalist aesthetic! While we are performing our annual cleanup here at the nursery in preparation for Christmas trees, please know that we are still open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. We are accepting bulk orders and offering bulk deliveries, and you can still find some awesome trees and shrubs on sale. All the houseplants are on sale in the barn too, where you can BUY TWO & GET ONE FREE! This is just a small sampling of what we have. Come find the one that has your name on it!


What Causes a Tree to Enter Dormancy?

Have you ever stopped to wonder what makes a tree lose its leaves in the fall and flower in the spring? Here in the Inland Northwest, a lot of trees and shrubs experience a process called dormancy. When a tree goes dormant, it’s the time in which the tree is alive, but not actively growing. It is during this time that the inner workings of a tree slow down and pause until conditions change to allow for productive growth.

Unlike evergreen tree species which can retain their foliage on account of adaptations, deciduous trees enter into dormancy to prevent the loss of water and nutrients, and to avoid the damage cold temperatures can produce. It’s important to note that dormancy helps trees—it ultimately keeps the tree alive, both in the short- and long-term. The lifespan of a tree or plant is dramatically decreased if the tree isn't allowed to go dormant for a few months. Just as bears use hibernation to survive without their usual resources in warmer months, trees use dormancy to protect themselves so they can grow again in the warmer months.

If you’re curious about the science behind the beginning stages of dormancy, you can watch this video from New Leaf Nursery Plant Specialist Jen, where she explains why leaves change color in the fall—a common side effect of the tree entering dormancy.


CALLING ALL SEED REWARDS MEMBERS!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 23rd from 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM as we celebrate you, our most loyal customers, and invite you to attend a “sneak peek” event on our First Winter Night Celebration at the nursery! Come say hello, enjoy some delicious eats and holiday cheer, and shop our exclusive holiday collection! Earn DOUBLE POINTS ON ALL YOUR PURCHASES, including live trees, cut trees, ornaments, wreaths, garlands and poinsettias. Our garden center barn will be fully decorated for Christmas, and Seed Rewards Members will get 25% off one Christmas décor item.

This is an opportunity for you and a friend to come visit the garden center that has been transformed into a Winter dream! Dazzling trees laden with beautiful holiday ornaments, enticing fragrances of the season and unique home decor elements curated by our team of in house designers and nursery owners.

This exclusive event is for Seed Reward Members only. Sign up today and watch those rewards grow from holiday gifts into free merchandise from New Leaf Nursery in the Spring of 2025! Special door prizes, gifts and rewards to members will be given at the Sneak Peek Event.

If you would like to be a part of this intimate event and you are not yet a Seed Rewards Member, you can sign up to be one in our Garden Center Barn or on the bottom of our homepage. It’s free and easy, and the benefits keep coming!


Get Spruced Up —

Christmas Trees Are Coming!

What's Christmas without a Christmas tree? Our tree lot at the Nursery will be open for the season Thanksgiving week. We will offer fresh cut trees from the Pacific Northwest in various heights and shapes on our tree lot at the Nursery. Flocking services will again be available on any fresh cut tree, along with living trees that can later become part of your landscape! It’s never too early to dream of Christmas! And yes, we really do have spinning Christmas trees on display! Come see for yourself! As with everything else, fresh cut trees are in great demand, so be sure you come in early to get that perfect family tree!

THE PERFECT TREE FOR

THE

PERFECT HOLIDAY

Are you wanting a tree between 10-20 feet tall? We can help! You can pre-order one by filling out a custom order form on our website, or you can come into the Nursery to pick the perfect one! Make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media outlets for more information on our fresh cut trees!

CUE THE TWINKLY LIGHTS!

Once again, we are providing all the live holiday trees to the Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane. If you’re looking for an afternoon of fun this holiday season, plan a trip to the hotel where you can see our 17’ tree in their lobby!


Employee Spotlight—A Touch of Holly!

Meet Holly, our furry goodwill ambassador and dedicated mouse controller. She’s got a keen eye for critters and a soft spot for visitors. Holly has a knack for cozy naps in silly spots, and she’s always ready for snuggles from our employees. Whether you’re here for plants, a class, or a chat, Holly’s bound to make your day a little brighter!


Did Someone Say Fall Festival?

New Fall Arrivals—

GOURD-GEOUS Pumpkins and Mums!

The fall forecast says 100% chance of… NEW ARRIVALS. That’s right! Our newest arrivals are what fall dreams are made of, and we are FALLing hard for it all!

Pumpkins have arrived at the nursery—there will be a lot of unique pumpkins to choose from this year, offering you a fun and exciting fall decorating experience

We all know that late summer gardens are filled with color, but we're here to tell you that the show doesn't have to end when the warm weather fades! Your gardens and yards can have plenty to offer this fall season, including gorgeous fall flowers that continue to bloom until the first frost. Take our newest arrival of our most colorful mums and asters, for example. They are a low-maintenance garden annual that work well as container plants. Adding them to your landscape, or using them to decorate patios, porches, and decks will add an array of color you can enjoy all season. While you’re at it, accent them with pumpkins for that perfect hint of fall!

The weekend is upon us. Now is the perfect time to come to the Nursery for all your fall needs!


Mastering The Art of Pruning—

Expert Tips to Prune Fruit Trees & Roses

Pruning plays an essential role in maintaining the health and appearance of your plants, encouraging new growth, and preventing disease. When you prune, you remove dead, damaged, or overgrown branches, allowing the plant to direct its energy toward producing fresh, healthy foliage. This process not only keeps the plant looking tidy and well-shaped, but also promotes better air circulation, reducing the chances of fungal infections.

If you know your trees and roses need a trim, but you’re not sure where or how to start, stop by our garden center barn and pick up our newest pruning guide: “How to Prune Fruit Trees & Roses”.

Keep in mind that while pruning is commonly done in fall in warmer climates, in our area it is best to wait until late winter or very early spring before the sap rises. When this happens, the pruning cuts get sealed over and healed naturally.

Pruning fruit trees and roses is a vital practice for any gardener, whether large or small. It not only shapes the tree, but enhances its health and productivity, resulting in higher-quality yields year after year.

Some Quick Tips on Rose Pruning:

  • Don’t forget your thick, sturdy gloves to protect yourself from thorns!

  • Elaine’s pruning may seem extreme, but roses respond very well to aggressive pruning. With fewer canes and stems, they can focus more energy into growing new canes and beautiful flowers.

  • If you stumble across a frog while clearing away leaves, all it needs is another damp pile of leaves to call home.


Fall Festival is Returning to New Leaf!

SAVE THE DATES! OUR ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL IS ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY!

Every year our event planner at the nursery says, “This Fall Festival has to be better than last year.” And every year the event gets better and better! This year, we welcome back your favorites, and introduce you to some new folks who will soon be your favorites too. We will have magic shows, plus reptiles and raptors to add a little diversity to our full lineup of activities for the entire family.

As a family owned business, our community and family is everything to us here at New Leaf Nursery! We love bringing the community together every year to celebrate the change of the season at our fall festival.

Over 70 local artisans and creators will have their wares on display all three days—jewelry makers, handmade soap artisans, wood workers, macrame artists, metal workers, hand crafted pies, a pumpkin patch, and so much more! Kids will have a blast with free bouncy houses and face painting, while parents can relax knowing that the little ones can explore the free petting zoo and kids crafts.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, we will have live music to entertain you throughout the three-day event! Enjoy performances from RCA Music sponsored by North West Rock School on Friday, the talented LakeTown Sound on Saturday, and Kathy Colton & The Reluctants on Sunday. And for those looking for more adventure, don't miss the exhilarating pony rides through the trees! A special appearance will be made on Saturday by the Blazen Divaz.

Don’t forget to stock up on all your seasonal favorites, including pumpkins, hay bales, cornstalks, mums, kale, and an array of fall plants for your garden! Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and join us at New Leaf Nursery for a weekend filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. We can’t wait to celebrate the beauty of fall with the community!

For more details on our Fall Festival, schedule of events, and a full list of vendors, please visit the EVENTS tab on our website.


Employee Spotlight— Meet Jessi!

If you've been to New Leaf, chances are you’ve met Jessi—a true jack-of-all-trades! Whether she's working diligently in our landscape and small plantings department, assisting contractors with project needs, or stepping in to support the sales team, Jessi's expertise shines in every aspect of her work. Her ability to seamlessly switch between tasks, from hands-on labor to customer service, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Next time you’re at the nursery, make sure to give her a high five!


September News

What’s New at the Nursery?

Our 2025 seed collection is now in stock! Whether you're already planning for next spring or looking to experiment with new varieties, we have a diverse selection of seeds ready for you to plant and grow.

Cole crops—such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, are arriving just in time for your fall and winter gardens. Plus, don’t miss the arrival of our fall bulbs, perfect for adding a pop of color next spring! And for all you garlic lovers, mark your calendars! Fresh garlic stock should be available by mid-September, just in time for planting!

Looking for outdoor fall décor? We’ve got you covered with cornstalks and straw bales galore, and our vibrant Asters and colorful Mums are perfect for brightening up your spaces as we head into the fall season. From beautifully crafted seasonal planters to decorative accents, we have what you need to refresh your containers for fall.

We’re excited to showcase our newest arrival of fountains, now on display throughout the nursery! Whether you're looking for a tranquil addition to your garden or a statement piece for your outdoor space, there’s a fountain to complement every style and setting.

Come on by and see what’s new at the nursery—we can’t wait to help you get your fall garden growing!


Let’s Talk Fertilizer

Choosing the right fertilizer, along with knowing when and how much to apply, can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your lawn and plants. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients that promote growth, improve color, and enhance resilience against pests and diseases. In this video, New Leaf plant specialist, Jen, will guide you through the basics of fertilizer selection and application so you can make the best choices for your garden.

If you have questions about which fertilizer is best for your lawn and plants, when to apply it, or how much to use, please message or call us, or drop by the nursery. Our plant experts are here to assist you, ensuring you have all the information you need to achieve thriving, lush gardens and lawns!


The Big Weekend is Almost Here!

Join us for the 2024 NIBCA Parade of Homes, an exciting event that showcases the latest in home design and construction by local builders in North Idaho. Organized by the North Idaho Building Contractors Association (NIBCA), this annual parade offers an exclusive look at 23 stunning homes over three weekends in September. This year, the Parade of Homes is happening in Coeur d’Alene Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15, and returns the following weekend, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 20, 21, & 22.

New Leaf Nursery in Hayden is a proud supporting member of the NIBCA.

Our work is showcased at two homes in Coeur d’Alene. We are honored to create the planters showcased on the outdoor terraces at the show homes by Sinclair Homes and Atlas Building Group! Our design team combined colors and textures to create garden plantings in large pots and vessels, creating the perfect ambience for the outdoor terraces.

Get your tickets to tour all of the homes in the NIBCA Parade of Homes!

After you tour the home, and walk out onto the terraces, you will find a QR code on our signage. Scan it with your smartphone, and it will take you directly to our website, where you will find images of the plantings you are viewing in person, with a full identification of all the plants that were used in the various containers. While you’re there on the site, sign up to win a custom planter for YOUR home, created by our talented designers in your custom color palette!

If you can’t visit the show homes, visit our website to view the plantings and get details on the combinations we used.


SAVE THE DATE—

Fall Festival is Returning to New Leaf!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at our Annual New Leaf Fall Festival. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever! Celebrating its 9th year, this annual community favorite is back to deliver a fantastic lineup of family-friendly fun that you won’t want to miss. Admission is always FREE, making it accessible for everyone to join in on the festivities!

This year, we’re thrilled to feature over 70 vendors showcasing delicious food and artistic creations, ensuring that there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. Kids will have a blast with free bouncy houses and face painting, while parents can relax knowing that the little ones can explore the free petting zoo and kids crafts.

As you wander through the festival, make sure to stop by the beer and wine garden, where you’ll find Uncorked with Friends—stay a while and unwind with friends amid the beautiful backdrop of fall. Food lovers will delight in the variety of culinary offerings, including Birdie’s Pies, Cascadia Pizza Co, Cultura CDA, Big Rod’s BBQ, Unlawful Waffle, Sierra Ranch, Gonzo Panini, Hey Bear! Hotdogs, Ono Cones Ice Cream, Carpe Diem Crepes, PNW Juice Junkie and Good N'Baked—just to name a few of the incredible food vendors.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, we will have live music to entertain you throughout the three-day event! Enjoy performances from our friends at North Idaho Rock School on Friday, the talented LakeTown Sound on Saturday, and Kathy Colton & The Reluctants on Sunday. And for those looking for more adventure, don't miss the exhilarating pony rides through the trees! A special appearance will be made on Saturday by the Blazen Divaz.

Don’t forget to stock up on all your seasonal favorites, including pumpkins, hay bales, cornstalks, mums, kale, and an array of fall plants for your garden! Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and join us at New Leaf Nursery for a weekend filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. We can’t wait to celebrate the beauty of fall with the community!

For more details on our Fall Festival and a full list of vendors, please visit the EVENTS tab on our website.


Employee Spotlight—Meet Gwen!

If you’ve been to the nursery before, you have more than likely met Gwen. Whether you’re browsing for plants, seeking advice, or just want to chat about gardening, Gwen is always willing to help. Her enthusiasm and friendly demeanor make her a delight among customers. The next time you visit the nursery, be sure to say hi to Gwen! We’re sure her warm smile and welcoming attitude will make your experience even more enjoyable.


CREATING A VIBRANT GARDEN IN AUGUST

How to Keep Your Garden Happy in August!

As the summer heat persists and your garden continues to grow, it's essential to adjust your care routine to ensure your plants thrive through the heat and prepare for the transition into fall. Here are some tips for late summer garden care:

  1. Watering Wisely: With the scorching temperatures of August, it's crucial to monitor your garden's water needs closely. Deep watering in the early morning or late evening helps plants absorb moisture more effectively and reduces evaporation. Be mindful of drought-stressed plants and provide them with adequate hydration to keep them healthy.

  2. Mulching Matters: Applying a layer of mulch around your plants helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches such as shredded bark or compost not only help retain moisture, but also enrich the soil as they break down.

  3. Deadheading and Pruning: Remove spent blooms from flowering plants through deadheading to encourage continued blooming. Additionally, prune any unruly growth or damaged branches to maintain the health and shape of your plants.

  4. Fertilizing Thoughtfully: Begin to taper your fertilizer and stop fertilizing woody plants altogether, otherwise they will have growth that will be too soft to withstand the first frost.

  5. Harvesting and Preserving: August is the time for rich harvests from your garden. Regularly pick ripe fruits and vegetables to encourage more production. Consider preserving your harvest through canning, freezing, or drying to enjoy your garden's bounty throughout the year.

  6. Managing Pests and Diseases: Keep a close eye on your plants for signs of pests and diseases, which can proliferate in the warm, humid conditions of late summer. Implement integrated pest management strategies and natural remedies to address any issues that arise. We have a great selection of products for managing pests and diseases in our garden center barn. Any of our New Leaf plant specialist can assist you in finding the right product for your needs.

By following these tailored care tips for August, you can ensure that your garden remains healthy, vibrant, and productive as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of late summer gardening.


Chill Out with Shade Trees

Shade trees play a crucial role in enhancing the environment and promoting well-being in numerous ways. From temperature regulation to energy efficiency, to improved air quality and creating a habitat for wildlife, these are just a few of the many benefits shade trees provide. Not to mention, they offer shelter from the sun's intense rays while creating a sustainable solution for cooling and shading your home and garden.

From maple trees to the expansive canopy of an oak tree, to sycamores, elms and birch trees, shade trees come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and foliage types to suit your aesthetic preferences and landscape needs.

ELM TREE

Known for their graceful arching branches and a broad spreading canopy, Elm trees are ideal for cooling outdoor spaces. Their dense foliage helps to block out sunlight, creating a cooler environment underneath.

OAK TREE

Oak trees have large, spreading canopies that provide a generous amount of shade, creating cool and comfortable areas underneath for relaxation. With sturdy branches and a robust structure, they’re known as long-lasting and durable shade providers.

BIRCH TREE

Himalayan Birch, River Birch or Paper Birch are great choices for providing shade. The feathery leaves of these varieties create a light and airy canopy that gently filters sunlight, casting a dappled shade below, and adds an airy and elegant touch to gardens.

MAPLE TREE

With their attractive appearance, broad canopies, and the ability to thrive in a variety of climates, these fast growing trees are valued for their shade. Their dense, full canopies provide ample shade, making them an ideal choice to relax under during the hotter months.

SYCAMORE TREE

Sycamores are known for their fast growth rate, which means they can quickly establish themselves as reliable shade providers in a landscape. Their large, spreading canopy and robust and hardy nature make this low-maintenance tree a great choice for shade.

The bark of a sycamore tree naturally exfoliates in irregular patches, revealing different colored layers underneath. This shedding of bark creates a jigsaw puzzle-like pattern that is visually appealing and adds texture and interest to the tree's trunk.

We have a wide range of shade trees in stock to suit your landscaping needs. Our selection includes trees of various sizes, shapes, and foliage types to accommodate different garden styles. From fast-growing species to those known for their colorful characteristics, we have options that offer both ample shade and aesthetic appeal. If you need guidance on choosing the right tree, our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you in finding the perfect shade tree for your specific requirements.

If you’re wanting to plant trees. but don't feel like wrestling with them yourself, we’ve got you covered! We offer full service plant delivery and installation, and with these services you can sit back, relax and watch it all come together!


Fall Festival is Returning to New Leaf!

You heard right! Friday, October 11th through Sunday, October 13th, you all are invited to our Annual Fall Festival. Every year the nursery welcomes the community to come together to celebrate fall at New Leaf Nursery! This much loved local event is celebrating it’s 8th anniversary this year, and promises lots of fun for kids of all ages.

Our three day event encompasses the entire Nursery grounds and admission to the event is always FREE! From pony rides, to face painting, to waffles and ice cream, to pumpkins and bright colorful mums, so grab the family, pack up your car and head on over!

This is one event you do not want to miss—people talk about it all year when they come in to see us at the nursery. Plus all Seed Rewards Members EARN DOUBLE REWARDS POINTS throughout the three day event!

EVENT HOURS:

  • Friday, October 11th: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

  • Saturday, October 12th:  9:00 AM-5:00 PM

  • Sunday, October 13th: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

For more detailed information on our Fall Festival, please click here.


Employee Spotlight—

From Farmstand Finds to Wishlist Dreams

If you've attended The Farmstand this year at New Leaf, then you’ve seen Ashley greeting everyone with her happy smile and her sweet disposition. Not only does she help out with The Farmstand, she is in charge of finding local farmers and growers to participate weekly, supporting small businesses in their endeavors.

But that’s not all she does!

If you’ve ever put your name on our wish list for a plant when it is next in stock, you’ve probably worked with Ashley. She keeps track of the wish list for customers who want to be notified when a desired plant becomes in stock at the nursery. This is sometimes a long process, such as waiting for next season’s fruit trees after our stock sells out, or possibly even longer for items that may take a couple of seasons to source. Once plants are available, she calls you to let you know they are ready for you to view.

Next time you’re at the nursery, make sure to say hello!