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!


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!