CELEBRATING SUMMER'S RETURN

Sunny Days Ahead—Celebrating Summer’s Return!

As Summer makes its entrance, it brings with it a mix of surprises and anticipation. The whims of the weather have kept us on our toes, offering a medley of sunshine, clouds, and even the occasional unexpected shower. With the weekend fast approaching, could this be the moment we've all been waiting for? Is it finally time for the weather to shine upon us with warmth that call us to the outdoors?

This past weekend, our friends and neighbors joined us for a Summer afternoon of fun at the nursery for our Annual Summer Festival. From playing corn hole to listening to LakeTown Sound, to sipping margaritas with friends, a good time was had by all!

Thank you to everyone who chose to spend their Saturday with us. As always, we enjoy spending time with our friends and community any chance we get!


Summer Delights Await!

The nursery is buzzing this time of year. The scent of fresh blooms fills the air as deliveries continue to arrive. We still have a great selection in stock here at the nursery, and the weather is shaping up for you to get outside again and plant! Here are a few of our favorites you can add to your Summer gardens for a pop of color.


Watering Plants During the Hot Season

As the temperatures start to rise with the Summer season, the art of watering plants becomes a crucial skill in nurturing a flourishing garden during this time of year. In this short video, seasoned plant expert, Jen, offers invaluable 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.


Explore THE FARMSTAND at New Leaf

A heartfelt thank you to all who have joined us in supporting local artisans, farmers and growers at The Farmstand. This is a new endeavor for us and we love seeing our community come out and connect with these small businesses.

This past week we had fresh meat and eggs, homemade baked goods and a variety of locally grown produce. As the season continues, our goal is to provide a great selection of fresh goods for everyone, highlighting various vendors.

THE FARMSTAND runs every Tuesday from 2-6 PM at the nursery in greenhouse 7. We aim to provide an opportunity for our community to not only shop local, but also meet our local farmers, learn about their growing practices, get fresh products, and support small farms. This is truly the “small-town” market experience we all enjoy, set in the wonderful atmosphere of our beautiful nursery!


Garden Wonders Unveiled—The Coeur d’Alene Garden Tour is Coming!

The Coeur d'Alene Garden Club tour is July 7th this year. If you love strolling through beautiful gardens on a Summer afternoon, this is the event for you! Come see what your neighbors have done with their yards, and get inspiration for your own home garden as they highlight some of the most unique and treasured gardens in our community! You'll tour six beautiful gardens, shop from artisan vendors, and enjoy live music.

This year, one of the featured gardens belongs to one of our New Leaf teachers and friend, Holly Vesterby with Wylde Bloems!

For more detailed information on the CDA Garden Tour, you can visit their website: www.cdagardenclub.com.


Behind the Greenery—Meet Rich!

With two decades of experience in the industry, Rich's expertise shines through here at the nursery. His journey began at the age of 15, and his deep-rooted passion for gardens and plants has only grown stronger with time. Rich's extensive knowledge and dedication make him a valuable asset to the New Leaf team, bringing a wealth of experience and a lifelong love for all things green to every project he undertakes. Next time you’re here, make sure to say hello!


GET READY FOR A SEASON OF BLOOMS!

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 of abundant blooms, lush foliage, and vibrant colors. 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, Asters, 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!


Pave it Forward—

Creating Your Own Paradise

We’ve got exciting news! We now offer premium pavers, steps and retaining wall systems. In partnership with Castohn and Western Interlock, we now bring you a selection of top-of-the-line products designed to elevate your home and landscape projects. Whether you're looking to create stunning outdoor living spaces or enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your yard, our new range of products promises durability, quality, and style.

This is just a small sample of what is available. For a full list of available products, please visit the Castohn and Western Interlock websites. If you would like to know more about pricing, sizing and color, and you’re interested in ordering any of these products, please send us an email and we’ll be happy to help!


THE FARMSTAND—

Hayden’s Hub for Locally Grown & Sourced Fresh Goods, Weekly.

We are thrilled to announce The Farmstand at New Leaf—a new endeavor for the nursery. Our objective is to provide locally sourced food options for our neighbors to provide a healthier lifestyle. We want to be your ‘go to’ weekly source for fresh produce, locally grown meats, fresh eggs, bakery goods, and cold pressed juice, along with fresh cut flowers, and, as we grow, local honey, spices and jams.

Many factors can influence the growing of produce, and most of us, as gardeners, know that 2024 has been an unusually cold spring. Due to this, local produce growers have experienced the same challenges as flower growers and have limited crops at this time.  

Our first market will feature varieties of available fresh produce, but will also feature baked goods from Amber Waves Bakery, fresh pressed juices from PNW Juice Junkie, cut flowers from Sowing Joy Flower Farm, and local, non-gmo beef and chicken from Triple Five Farm. Along with those products, Koryn with PNW Juice Junkie, who is a regular food vendor at the nursery, will have fresh salad bowls of various vegetables and choices of her home made dressings, available to take with you for a quick and healthy dinner!  

The Farmstand will run during the growing season from June to September. We aim to provide an opportunity for our community to not only shop local, but also meet our local farmers, learn about their growing practices, get fresh products, and support small farms. This is truly the “small-town” market experience we all enjoy, set in the wonderful atmosphere of our beautiful nursery!

The Farmstand will start Tuesday, June 4, from 2:00 PM-6:00 PM in front of Greenhouse 5, and every following Tuesday through September (dates are fluid, based on weather). We hope you will join us, and look forward to connecting with you, our friends and community at New Leaf Nursery!

Vendor Sneak Peek!


SAVE THE DATE—

Our Summer Festival is Almost Here!

Our Annual Summer Festival is around the corner! June 22, from 12:00-6:00PM, New Leaf’s Summer Festival comes roaring back into town. This year, we have assembled great vendors with beautiful jewelry, honey products, sweets and goodies, along with great home products.

We’ll have activities for the kids and of course, door prizes throughout the day. You’ll see some of our favorites like Uncorked with Friends, who will be serving up beer and wine, and returning vendors Carpe Diem Crepes, Gonzo Panini, and Hey Bear Dogs and Pretzels will be here, along with 7b Bistro, PNW Juice Junkie, and Good N’ Baked. And of course, you can indulge in the high-energy music from LakeTown Sound—they have a new set list that will blow your mind! Plan to come enjoy a delightful afternoon and early evening of fun, food, music, shopping and community at the Nursery.

Please keep an eye on our website, more detailed information will be added soon!


Employee Spotlight—Meet Makaylah!

If you’ve visited the nursery lately, then you’re aware of how busy we’ve been! You might have even seen a delivery truck or two…or three. Within the racks of items being unloaded you will find Makaylah, meticulously counting the new items, making sure everything is accounted for and signed. Makaylah's dedication and efforts reflect her commitment to the finer details, and we are so lucky to have her as part of our New Leaf team!


BLOOMING INTO MAY!

Elevate Your Outdoors—

Hanging Flower Baskets Now Available!

Elevate your outdoor space this Spring with a hanging flower basket! Did you know that many of our annuals in our baskets are planted and grown in our greenhouse? The plants and flowers cascading from our hanging baskets is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team—you can see the difference in our custom designed baskets, with various color palettes to enhance your own style!


Bloomin’ Beauties!

As our gardens return to beauty, it’s the perfect time to enhance your space with resilient perennials—from Lavender and Coneflower, to the vibrant blooms of Lupines, to the graceful elegance of Bleeding Hearts. We also have a great selection of new varieties that are available now. With their ability to withstand the rugged conditions of North Idaho, these perennials promise to flourish and bloom, bringing long-lasting beauty to your outdoor space!

LUPINE

Known for their vibrant spikes of colorful blooms, Lupines thrive in the diverse landscapes of North Idaho. With their characteristic palmate leaves and tall flower spikes in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, Lupines create a stunning visual display against any backdrop. These hardy wildflower cousins are well-suited to the cool nights of North Idaho, offering nectar for bees and other pollinators. Whether dotting the roadside or accentuating garden borders, Lupines are a beloved sight for both residents and visitors alike.

CONEFLOWER

Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are a beloved perennial that thrives in our area. With their striking, daisy-like blooms and prominent cone-shaped centers, coneflowers add a burst of color and texture to garden beds and borders. These hardy perennials are well-suited to the region's changing seasons, offering a reliable and long-lasting display of blooms throughout the summer months. Their resilience, vibrant hues, and pollinator-friendly nature make them a popular choice for North Idaho gardens!

LAVENDER

Lavender, with its fragrant blooms and silvery-green foliage, adds a touch of aromatic elegance to gardens and landscapes. Known for its calming scent and versatile uses, lavender is a popular herb that delights the senses and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. With proper care and well-drained soil, lavender can thrive in the region's conditions, making it a beloved choice for gardeners seeking beauty, fragrance, and practicality in their outdoor spaces.

BLEEDING HEARTS

Bleeding Hearts, known for their captivating heart-shaped flowers dangling gracefully from arching stems, are a charming addition to any garden. These elegant perennials, with their unique and romantic blooms in shades of pink and white, bring a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to the landscape. Bleeding Hearts prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them a perfect choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders.


Exciting Events at New Leaf Nursery

Join us for our annual TOMATO CRAZE weekend where we will dive into all things TOMATOES! On Saturday, May 4th, New Leaf plant expert, Brianna, will be available from 11:30 AM-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.

But the tomato celebration doesn't end there! Join us on Sunday, May 5th, for a salsa tasting experience with our salsa queen, Christianna, where you can try her salsa made with fresh, homegrown tomatoes. Treat your taste buds to a burst of flavors as you sample delicious salsa creations crafted from the very tomatoes you can grow in your garden!

Make this Mother's Day one to remember by giving the gift of a personalized garden basket that Mom, Grandma, your best friend, or neighbor has always dreamt of. Come in during the week of Mother’s Day (5/8-5/11) for our annual Garden Basket Planting and select a basket, container, or pot (or bring your own), fill it with plants from our nursery, and we’ll supply the garden soil!

On Saturday, May 11th, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, New Leaf plant expert, Brianna, will be on hand to offer her guidance and expertise in selecting the ideal plants for your container garden.

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mom? Stop by the garden center barn while you’re here—it’s fully stocked with gardening gifts that Mom would love! How about gifting your Mom a gift card for a great shopping experience at New Leaf? What better place to spend your Mother’s Day weekend than at the beautiful nursery grounds of New Leaf!

Whether it's a potted plant, a gardening accessory, or a unique décor piece, we’re positive you'll find the perfect gift to show your love and appreciation!


Planting Potatoes—

Tips & Tricks from the Experts!

Join New Leaf Nursery's garden expert, 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!


Employee Spotlight—Meet Elsa!

Elsa is a familiar face around the nursery, whose dedication and hard work play a key role in our operations. From tagging trees to assisting landscape contractors, loading deliveries, and providing great customer service, Elsa is someone that you've likely encountered during your visits. Her versatility, work ethic, and commitment to hard work ensure that every task is handled with precision and care. Next time you’re here, make sure to give her a friendly hello!


A Celebration of Spring

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!