Summer Perennials Are Bursting with Blooms

Bumblebees just love blooming salvia, as do many of the pollinators that grace our gardens this time of year. Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy our gardens after all that hard work in the spring cleaning up, pruning, and getting things in shape. Now it’s time to relax a bit more, fill in those bare spots in the garden, deadhead the flowers, and pull the occasional weed or two.

And we’ve got you covered with ideas for filling in your garden. Our greenhouses are bursting with perennials that bloom throughout the summer such as daisies, rudbeckia, yarrow, echinacea, and more. Another sun-filled favorite are the lilies. The Asiatic, oriental and day lilies are all just starting to bloom.

And don’t forget those part sun and part shady areas of your garden. These can be filled with numerous satisfying blooms and greens creating a delightful serene garden space. Here are just a few ideas:

The Art of Watering During Hot Summer Months

Did you know there is an art to watering your plants during the hot summers here in North Idaho? New Leaf plant expert Jen gives us tips on watering our plants to make sure they are fully hydrated and root growth is stimulated.

Beautiful Wrapped Designer Bouquets Make Their Barn Debut at Summer Festival

We are so excited to present the newest addition to the great products in the barn at New Leaf Nursery!  Beautifully wrapped designer bouquets of locally grown cut flowers will be available starting the morning of our Summer Festival, Saturday July 15. Carefully curated color palettes will be available. Cut flowers bring the beauty of nature inside your home. Whether you are a seasoned floral designer, or just nature lover, having flowers in vases in your house brings joy! We will continue this service through the summer. And, of course, custom orders are available. Our designer asks for a week’s notice in order to procure special requests. See us as at the front desk to put in your request.

New Leaf’s Belle of the Bulk Yard

 If you’ve ever purchased any of our bulk soils, barks and rocks, you’ve worked with our Belle of the Bulk Yard, Christianna. She’s the one who coordinates and dispatches all of our bulk material sales, loads and deliveries. In radio banter around the nursery, she is lovingly called “Dirt Girl,” while her bulk materials assistants are called “Bark Buddies.” When not on bulk materials duty, you’ll find Christianna’s smiling face and can-do work attitude all over the nursery. She is often the person answering our phones, she assists at the front desk and helps to wrap those trees for their voyage home. She’s been with us for two seasons now and we are so lucky to have her!

Coeur d’Alene Garden Tour Is Coming

The Coeur d'Alene Garden Club tour is July 9. You can purchase tickets at the nursery for this fun day of touring local gardens.

‘Honey, everything’s comin’ up roses for you & for me!’ -- Bette Midler, 1993

Are you looking for the perfect rose, and do you have the perfect place to grow it?  What kind of rose do you want? Let us help you answer a few questions of your questions with answers from Elaine Christen of New Leaf Nursery!

Elaine tells us that there are many different classes of roses. Below is a list, along with a few of Elaine’s favorites in each category.

Classes of Roses

Hybrid Tea:  This rose is most distinguishable as having a single large bloom on a long stem, which makes them easy to cut and put in a tall vase to enjoy inside the house! Beautiful deep red Mr. Lincoln and variegated pink and white Double Delight are two roses that Elaine claims as favorites!

Grandiflora:  The Grandiflora is a hearty cross between a floribunda and a hybrid tea rose; they have large blooms that are clustered on long stems which makes them a favorite for cut flowers; romantic blush Mother of Pearl and passionate Gold Medal earn the honor of favorites in this category.

Floribunda: The floribunda rose is a cross between a polyantha and a tea rose; generally smaller shrubs with lots of flowers which can be singles or doubles, with shorter stems that the two previous varieties;  Elaine loves the yellow shades of Julia Child and the nearly magenta Intrigue varieties of Floribunda roses and we can see why!

Shrub roses:  These roses generally grow as shorter bushes, bred to be continuously blooming and bug resistant, with many branded varieties.  Elaine says I love Winnipeg Parks for its slight smell of cherries. 

Polyantha: Polyantha roses are compact, dwarf shrubs with closely packed bunches of small usually semi-double or double flowers in shades of white, cream, peach, pink, and red. Sprays will flower throughout the summer and these roses grow from 30-90cm (2-3ft) high.  The recognizable pastel pink Cecile Bruner and the Fairy (ooh la la) top the faves list for Elaine.

Climbing Roses:  As you may imagine, climbing roses do just that, and if properly trained and tied, they exhibit long arching canes with the ability to climb fences, walls, and through pergolas.  Elaine is partial to the variegated Joseph’s Coat and the flaming red Blaze.

Rugosa: Rugosa is a sub class of the shrub rose. With its origins in Japan, this rose is hardy and parent to many shrub roses. They bloom in either double blooms, like the Polar Ice variety below, or single varieties.   Rugosa roses are tolerant of all kinds of conditions that fussier roses can’t handle. They are known for their large blooms, and if you leave spent flowers on the shrubs, rose hips will form, which are edible and a great source of vitamin C.

Ground Cover Roses: As you might suspect, ground cover roses won’t get very tall. Generally they top out between 2 and 2.5’.  They are most commonly used in borders. Elaine selects Red Ribbons, for it’s brilliant red flowers that blooms continuously, and  Meidiland white as her faves.  These roses are highly resistant to disease.

All Photos credit: Gardenia.net, RHS UK, Jackson & Perkins, Weeks Roses

Tips for Growing Roses in the Inland Northwest

                     From Elaine Christen

Which roses are best for our region and why? Roses grown on their own roots are best for colder areas like ours. When you are shopping for roses, look for roses that are labeled ‘on root.’ Even in our colder winters, they can regrow from the root stock and be true to form when they bloom again!

What happened to my roses this past winter?  It seems as if all of us suffered losses in our gardens this past winter, due to the sudden onset of freeze after a very warm fall. Roses particularly took a beating.  Whether they were newly planted, or old established specimens, many roses didn’t survive. If you are seeing no signs of life on your rose this late in the year, it is safe to assume it is lost.

What is the best way to fertilize and treat roses for bugs and fungus? Prevention is always best, and this is achieved by proper pruning and spacing of roses, planting them to allow for good air circulation. The more modern shrub bushes are actually bred to be more resistant to disease. Aphids are common on roses, and they can be controlled with lady bugs or insecticidal soap.

What would be considered ideal soil for roses? Roses, along with most plants and flowers, like fertile, well drained soil, with plenty of organic material added.

What is the best way to plant a rose? Start by digging a hole that is twice as wide as the pot it came in.  If it is a grafted rose, plant the rose so the graft is 1” below the soil. Create a berm surrounding the root ball of the rose, which will help with water retention.

Speaking of watering, what’s the best way to water a rose? Drip irrigation is always the best, but if you can’t use a drip system, then hand watering is second best. With the berm around the rose that you created when planting it, it will help the root zone to retain water. Be sure to water enough so that the entire root ball is fully soaked. Then, allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry before the next watering.  Avoid allowing sprinklers to hit the roses, as this can spread disease.

What does the term ‘deadheading’ mean?  The first thing I think of is the Grateful Dead. But seriously, deadheading is simply removing the faded blooms from the plant to encourage growth and reblooming.  To do this, look down the stem of the faded rose, and find the first 5-7 leaflet leaf that faces toward the outside of the bush. Prune to just above that leaf. Remember, the better cuts you make the stronger the regrowth!

How long do roses bloom in the Inland Northwest? Rose bloom time varies by season, of course, but generally, you will start to see blooms in mid June, and continuing to the first frost.

How should I prepare my roses for winter? Place a goodly amount of compost around the base of the rose. Cut the rose back to approximately 18-24” tall.  Make a ‘haystack’ of pine needles or shredded bark to cover the majority of the stems. This will insulate the canes and protect the plant during the winter season.

And once winter is finally behind us, when should I consider pruning in the Spring? Usually in early March, you can pull away the pine needles and mulch and inspect for buds. If any canes are blackened, cut them back to live wood.

What type of food is best for roses? We suggest GB Rose and Flower Food, which we carry in the barn at New Leaf Nursery. The packaging will direct you on how to use the product.

Do you have rose pruners at the nursery?  Yes, we do. 

How about deer?  Do they like roses? Deer have been known to eat them even with all those thorns! As we know, they will eat just about anything if they are hungry enough. Rugosa roses appear to be more resistant due to their extra thorniness and more rough textured leaves. We do carry a spray called Deer Out at the nursery, that our customers tell us work very well.

When is the best time of year to buy and plant roses?  We have our roses available for sale when we open in March, and this is a good time to get dibs on your favorites. Unless you have a heated greenhouse, we ask that you leave them with us to keep them warm and cared for until mid-May after danger of frost has passed. We carry roses throughout the growing season, but if you are looking for a specific variety, or certain color, don’t wait too long. Everyone is out shopping early in the season. If there is a specific rose that you want, and you don’t see it at the nursery, ask one of our friendly staff about our ‘wish list’ and they will be happy to explain the process. It’s a great way to request a plant specific to your garden, and if our buyers can locate it, you will be notified when it arrives at our nursery!

Elaine Christen, Owner of New Leaf Nursery

Memorial Day Weekend Is Here!

We love to celebrate our community any chance we can and this year, as a way to honor the military family members who have lost a loved one in service to our country, a portion of our sales will be donated to the local VFW in Coeur d’Alene for scholarships. Plus, on Saturday, we’ll have note cards at the nursery so you and your family can write notes of appreciation to those who have served, and we’ll make sure they are delivered to local VFWs in our area.

Along with remembering those who gave all, Memorial Day Weekend offers a chance to celebrate the “unofficial start to summer” with family and friends. It’s also a great weekend for planting those pretty flowery annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs to beautify the yard for summer.  

Annuals, Annuals, Annuals…

Blooms from Spring into Fall!

The nursery is alive with color this Memorial Day weekend. The threat of a late frost has passed, and every gardener in town is planting annuals, perennials, and shrubs and trees! Here’s a peek at what you’ll find at the nursery.

Ready to fill your yard with summer color? Come check out the huge variety of blooms in our annual greenhouse. You’ll find a wide array of colors to fill hanging baskets, containers and flowerbeds. You can create statements to bring life to your deck, patio or front entry way; add texture and color to an otherwise dull space in your yard, or gift a friend with a spot of color to brighten their day.

Annuals offer a great deal of flexibility where you can try different varieties out, without committing long term to your choices. Changing up your flower choices offers new opportunities — a fresh canvas if you will — for planting.  And many of the annuals attract pollinator friends like bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

How About Those Blooming Geraniums

A much-loved garden plant, geraniums — the pedestrian flowers — are officially know as pelargonium. Geraniums bloom profusely throughout the summer into autumn and thrive in window boxes, hanging baskets, containers, and make a huge statement as a garden bedding display.

The vibrant green leaves and fabulous flowers offer a feast of color for the eyes. What’s more these are low maintenance, making them a perfect flower for beginners. There are more than 250 species, from zonal geraniums that form the backbone of summer bedding, to trailing geranium(ivy-leaved types) perfect for hanging baskets, and beautiful regal geraniums, which are known for their showy, ruffled flowers.

Here are a few things you may not know about Geraniums:

  • Geraniums are a native of South Africa, arriving in Europe in the 17th Century.

  • Geraniums as we know them now, are actually mis-named. For many gardeners and botanists, geranium refers to a winter-hardy perennial shrub, while the “geraniums” we all know and love are actyually pelargoniums which is the plant brought to Europe in the 17th century.  Because they look similar, the geranium name has stuck.

  • Several European countries consider the geranium to be an integral part of their culture, and the Swiss have even elected the blooms as its national flower.

  • The leaves and flowers of scented geraniums are edible. From lemon, rose and peppermint, these add a lovely touch to drinks, desserts and more.

  • The leaves of scented geraniums can ward off mosquitoes, wasps and other insects, especially orange and lemon varieties.

  • Geraniums make great indoor plants in bright sunny spots.

  • They come in a wide variety of colors. We all know of the bright reds and oranges, but they also come in white, many shades of pink, violet, lilac apricot, yellow, and many bicolor variants.

  • These pelargoniums are one of the few summer bedding plants that are largely left untouched by slugs and snails. The stout stems and thick, fleshy leaves are unpalatable to these plant wreckers.

— Source: House Beautiful, May 2021

Have You Met Patrick?

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to another member of our awesome team here at the nursery. Patrick is the kind of guy who is unstoppable. His personality exudes his excitement about his job helping you, our customers. He’s one of the nursery’s video stars sharing our newest products and offers a word or two about each featured plant. Patrick has a background in landscape design and can guide you in your plant selections. Come meet Patrick next time you are in the nursery.

Summer Festival is Around the Corner — Save the Date

Saturday, July 15, 2023 — 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Come enjoy an afternoon and evening of live music, lots of fun for kids of all ages, food and shopping with your friends at New Leaf Nursery! Local artisans, creative crafters, food, beer, wine and sweet treats! All the while, the perennials and late season annuals will be showing off in full bloom! Nothing sounds better than strolling thru the nursery on a summer afternoon and into evening. Mark your calendars for fun!

Exciting Classes Coming in June

The nursery is always hopping with crafty and educational classes. Take a look at the Events page on our website to see what is coming up, and sign up soon, as these classes fill up fast.

April Showers Bring May Flowers -- and Do We Have Flowers!

It will soon be time to hang your flower baskets, plant your annuals and vegetable gardens, dig in fruit trees, roses, flowering trees and shrubs — and the nursery is fully stocked with all of your favorite plants curated for our unique climate here in North Idaho.    

Our hanging baskets are starting to fill in, and will sell out fast. The tomatoes, peppers, herbs and vegetable starts are all in and sell out fast too. So don’t wait to come in and pick yours out!

 A huge array of annuals are bursting with color to help you create a beautiful flower display, whether you are planting containers, window boxes or trying your hand at creating your own hanging baskets.

 Peonies, Irises, Black Eyed Susan, Cone Flowers, Daisies, and so much more are in stock and ready to give your gardens years of summer color.

 Plus, we have everything you need to create your perfect outdoor space, from soils, rocks, barks, gardening supplies, and garden and home decor.

Are You Ready for Mother’s Day?

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Come in and see our huge selection of options for all the special ladies in your life! From hanging baskets, home and garden decor, to gift certificates, we’re sure you will find that special gift that will make their hearts sing.

For a great mother’s day gardening gift, let us create the perfect arrangement. You pick the plants and we’ll create the design. Or, just tell us what flowers and plants your special lady likes, and we’ll custom make an arrangement for you. Simply speak with one of our knowledgeable sales associates in the barn, or contact us through our website.

New Outdoor Pots from Veradek

Just in time for Spring, we now have a great new product line of outdoor Veradek pots in stock! Made of a high density grade plastic, and made in Canada, it will last for years to come even in our harsh winters. In fact, one of our team members has been enjoying her Veradek pot for quite some time, and she says it still looks like new.

Clean contemporary lines define the design and the product is light weight making it easier to handle than traditional heavy ceramics. AND, these pots are made of recycled materials so at the end of their useful long lifespan, they’re recyclable too!

This product is outstanding. Come see it and see why we love it!

Employee Spotlight: Inspiring Your Gardening Creativity

Meet Linda and Lisa the creative minds who build displays of our beautiful products inside and outside the barn! But, oh they do so much more! They are also the head of our receiving department. Believe us when we tell you there is a lot of product that crosses through their department. Lisa and Linda, have known each other for years! When Lisa came to work at New Leaf two years ago, she wondered, ‘would Linda be great here, or what?’ Well, we sure think she is, and are so happy these two teamed up with us at the nursery. Come in and see all their handiwork! It is sure to inspire you too!

May Bloom Report

Don’t you just love May in the garden? So many flowers emerge this month truly making the gardens come to life. We’ll be seeing tulips, lilacs, azalea, many of our flowering shrubs and trees, bergenia, geum, sweet woodruff, pansies, columbine, bleeding heart, and more, plus all of the annuals are starting to bloom. We hope you enjoy the start to flower season.  

New Offering for Seed Rewards Members

New Leaf Nursery loves to plant seeds! We plant seeds in the ground, we plant them in our community, and now we want to plant them with our Seed Rewards Members!

On Thursday, May 11, at 11:00am, we will hold a free Zoom call Q&A for Seed Rewards Members that will allow you to ask our panel of experts your questions about gardening. This time we will focus on planting annuals and vegetables, as we are getting everything ready for planting time.

 Please register to join the zoom call, by signing up on our website. We’ll be offering a call monthly. We’ll email the Zoom link ahead of the conversation to those of you who register.

 To become a Seed Rewards member, sign up now to get involved in this great FREE opportunity!

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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:

FRIDAY: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

SATURDAY: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM