Archive for the ‘Trees’ Category

     One of the best early springtime performers for our cold climate area has got to be the super hardy, rough, and tough flowering crabapples. Offered up in several named varieties I don’t think this tree will ever let you down when it comes to early season excitement. From dramatic whites to pink and red the colors are not only long lasting but usually fragrant as well. Easy to prune and maintain this species of trees are perfect for larger containers as well as planting directly into the landscape.

      Offering year around specter the gardener will get color in the spring, draping green leaved branches in the summer, possible small berries and good leaf color in the fall, as well as dramatic branch structure and possible intriguing fruit still clinging to the branches.

     The trees once established are very drought tolerant and should give many many years of carefree maintenance. If you have deer in your area you will probably have to do a little protection such as “Deer Off” or other repellents. As the tree matures many a gardener will slip out and remove a few branches for super early indoor forcing.

     The planting hole should be at least three feet across and two feet deep. Amend the removed soil with ample organic compost and a good organic fertilizer such as our “Cold Climate” blend with microbes and mychorizae. Water in well and all should be good to go. Redmond Greenhouse has several varieties in stock that have overwintered and are just looking for the perfect backyard to call home! Plant them early and they will bloom in your backyard not in our nursery display bed.

      Well that about wraps it up for now….. It has been a pretty mild winter so far. We could use a little more moisture if wishes could be granted. Happy February and we shall chat again in the early month of March……………. Doug

I have got quite a few calls of late asking what can I do to stop the sap run after I pruned my maple tree. I would recommend no pruning on leafy trees at this time of the year until they start to leaf or flower out. If pruned at this time of the (dormant) year you will possibly have to deal with pulsing sap from the wounds.

In regards to your rose bushes the same advice should be heeded. DON”T. On roses I would suggest wait until at least May…(at the earliest). If it turns very cold after you prune your roses in our cold zone area the remaining canes can turn ‘dead” black and the rose will probably be lost…………

The first time I saw this tree, I must say I was highly intrigued. This tough and very hardy mid-sized tree is just loaded with “extras”. Unique little blooms that cover the tree after it fills it’s barren dormant  branches with small elongated green leaves leaves. Easy to transplant and equaly easy to grow, this sometimes hard to find tree is worth the search. Great for small areas of interest or possibly even a larger container I don’t think you will be disapointed with it’s ever changing nature. Late season brings on the greatest excitement as the seed pods continue to develope. Their vibrant reddish orange pod will soon explode, revealing an inner core of intense lemon orange. My oh my…….. As shown in the picture they will be a standout and I am sure just about everyone who sees them will ask the typical ???????? WHAT IS THAT TREE!!! But wait…………… the show is not over……… the leaves will soon turn  a screaming bright red and orange so make sure you have your sunglasses close by. the pods will slowly loose their color but will retain the shell throughout the winter adding yet additional landscape excitement.

What else could I say. We do try to keep this hidden secret in inventory at Redmond Greenhouse. Prices usualy range from $50 to over $100.

I can think of no better time to plant trees than in the Early Spring season. Garden centers should still have a great stock of trees left from the previous season and in my opinion there is no better tree. Wintered over and aclamated to the local climate these are the best of the best. The only exception would be if the variety you desired was out of stock….. DON”T COMPROMISE !!! New selections will be arriving as March wanders down the garden trail. Your first selections should include Fruit and flowering trees as these are the first to rattle their leaf and flower buds. Manure free compost and blended organic fertilizer should be all you need to prepare your planting site. Water in and wait for the ground to shake…………….. What a wonderful investment in your life and in your yard. Celebrate….