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!
