The first weekend of Summer 2022 is finally here! The weather has been cool and chilly, damp and rainy…but is the weatherman finally going to be our friend this upcoming weekend? Everyone in North Idaho is crossing their fingers that THIS is the weekend that kicks off a warming trend!
The nursery is buzzing this time of year. The annuals are still rolling in and our greenhouses are vibrant with color: pansies, petunias, gerbera, marigolds. Have you seen the French Marigolds? They boast huge blooms and are the most vibrant golden yellow and bright orange you’ve ever seen! Ironic that they are called ‘French Marigolds’ as they are native to Mexico and Guatemala (Apparently the conquistadors couldn’t help but steal themselves some seeds). The humble marigold is held in high esteem around the world.
The Ancient Aztecs considered the marigold a sacred flower and bred larger blooms for decorative and medicinal uses. At the Empire’s height, they used marigolds during a festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecaohuatl, who guarded the bones of the dead. This tradition continues today as Dia de los Muertos, a Latin-American festival where families decorate altars with marigolds and honor their dead loved ones.
Marigold flowers are very popular in Hindu weddings and festivals thanks to their association with the goddess Lakshmi. She is the goddess of fortune, luxury, wealth, power, and beauty. Hindu mythology portrays her as a whimsical maternal figure, whose fickleness reflects the nature of luck itself. Perhaps your marigolds will help our own Lady Luck smile on your garden!
In Theravedic Buddism (practiced mainly in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand), marigold garlands and arrangements are offered to Buddha statues.
Hanging Baskets
For us who love color in our gardens, these are always a winner!
Our supply of gorgeous hanging baskets has caused so many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’…they are breathtaking, and if you’d like to try your hand at planting one on your own, come on down! We have baskets, liners, soil and flowers!
Here’s a list of some of our favorites for planting in a hanging basket!
Remember, your hanging baskets need a consistent watering program. We suggest a drip system. Another great way to water hanging baskets is to take them down and soak them from the bottom up. That ensures that the entire plant takes on water evenly! Because of this constant watering, hanging baskets need to be on a consistent feeding schedule. Liquid fertilizer or granular time release are both good options.
Tomato-mania has begun!
Tomatoes are in stock and fun to grow! We have frames, or you might decide to grown them on a trellis and a string. Whatever option you choose, come by and let our friendly staff direct you to the shelves we have in stock!
Just how many varieties of tomatoes are in stock in the nursery? At least fifteen according to Elaine! Have you ever grown an heirloom tomato? They are the gorgeous green, and yellow and orange varieties that you see frequently at specialty grocers. The flavor can’t be beat! Use them in cooking, or slice them up and enjoy them on a warm afternoon!
We love the look of tomatoes, or lots of other veg, growing on an arbor! A beautiful visual, and when it comes time to harvest, reach up, rather than bend over!
What’s new at the Nursery?
Garden Tools Galore
We'ge got pruners, clippers, saws, and everything in between! We even have Victornox floral knifes and scissos. Ask for them at the sales counter in the garden center!
TIP: Did you know that florists world wide love these knives? When you bring your blooms in from the garden, cut them with a slant cut, using a knife like this! The diagonal cut on the stem allows for more water to absorb into the stem, keeping your flowers fresher longer!
Kew Garden Hand Soaps and Lotions
A trip to London is not complete without visiting the amazing Kew Gardens. Located north of London, visiting Kew is a certainly a memorable experience. From the largest glass house in the world that features one of every species of plant on the globe, to the various gardens on the grounds, it inspires the inner gardener in all of us!
Their lotions and soaps are divine! And we have them, right here in our garden center. They make wonderful gifts for all your gardening friends, and you’ll love them too!
The Temperate House, Kew Gardens
Pots, Pots, Pots!
Undoubtedly the widest selection of pots in the area, New Leaf has giant pots and small pots, medium pots, yellow pots, blue pots, turquoise pots, grey pots, black pots, brown pots, white pots, terra cotta pots, stone pots, heart shaped pots, funny pots, tall pots, short pots…well, let’s just say we have lots of pots! All the pots we carry at the nursery are frost proof, so they will be around for many years to come!
Save the Date!
New Leaf second annual Summer Festival
Saturday, June 9th, 4:30 PM- 8:20 PM
Live music from Lake Town Sound (check out their Facebook page here!)
Food, food, food…lots of good things from the garden, as well as pure sugar!
Lone Mountain Farms Brewery
Bounce houses
Face painters
Balloon hats and balloon art
Keep up with our website and social media for updates!
Garden Tour
We are honored to be a premier platinum sponsor to the CDA Garden Club’s 24th Annual Garden Tour. It’s the highlight of the gardening year…visit several local gardens and enjoy a summer afternoon of colors and fragrances! Sunday, July 10 is the date and we have tickets for sale on the Garden Center's sales counter.
Visit the Garden Club web site here for more information.
Spotlight Employee
Have you had a load of rocks, or mulch, or garden soil delivered to your house? Most likely it was Dan who brought it to you! Dan has been with New Leaf for several years, and if anyone can get that load in exactly the right place, it’s Dan! That’s one big dump truck, Dan! But you make it look easy.
Keep your eye out for Dan at the nursery…right behind him is his best buddy with four legs! Thanks Dan for doing a great job every day!
New Crafting Classes
How would you like a couple of these on your porch! Too cute! Click here to check out our events page and sign up for a crafting class.
And most of all…
Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy the time with family and friends…and if you would like to come visit the nursery we would love to see you!
