National Forest Week 2018

By jhunter
on September 28, 2018
in Blog, Plants, Weekly Plant Features

It’s National Forest Week 2018

Sept. 23-29, 2018

Join us in celebrating the importance of trees this September during National Forest Week. Here’s a couple exceptional specimens we found in the nursery this week:

Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’

Delicate arching branches that turn bright crimson red in the fall. This dwarf tree is extremely versatile because it won’t overgrow a small space.

Acer pal. diss. ‘Crimson Queen’

Morus alba ‘Pendula’

The leaves of this beautifully weeping specimen have been traditionally used in China for thousands of years to feed silk worms when making silk. Cool! It also produces tasty Mulberries.

Morus alba ‘Pendula’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about National Forest Week.

Other ways to participate:

Volunteer with a local tree planting organization like Tree Canada.

Choose a public space to clean up.

Go for a walk and look for the tallest, oldest trees you can find.

Plant a tree.

Admire a tree.

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Fairy-like flowers, black berries & a Dr. Suess-worthy dwarf tree

By jhunter
on September 7, 2017
in Blog, Plants, Weekly Plant Features

This week’s features are best viewed in real-life at the nursery or in a completed landscape. Online photos just don’t do these beauties justice.

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’

The rare foliage colour of Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ provides a show that no other plant can. Lilac-white fairy bell flowers mature to small black berries. Its spreading properties make this plant ideal for a naturalized garden. Shown here is a good companion, Pratia pedunculata (syn. Isotoma).

The photo features the fairy-like bell flowers contrasted against the dark, black blades of grass. The small black berries will come later in the season.

Specs:
Semi-evergreen, part sun to shade.
Drought tolerant once established but prefers some moisture. Bulbous root system that naturalizes well, gradually forms dense clump if space allows.
Foliage to 12” H

Combines well with: Blechnum spicant and Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, also available at Selections Nursery.

Picea orientalis ‘Aurea’

Picea orientalis ‘Aurea’

This tree is the coolest ever! Charlie Brown and Dr. Seuss would definitely approve of its cartoon-like, surreal form. In spring, its new growth glows chartreuse-green and the male cones are bright purple pink.

Picea orientalis ‘Aurea’ is an ideal specimen tree, suitable as a focal point in many gardens.

Specs:
Dwarf tree only reaching 35’ H and 25’ W max.
Evergreen, drought tolerant once established.
The occasional dropping needles will acidify soil, great for a native planting or for making Blueberries more tasty.

Combines well with: Abelia ‘Edward Goucher’ and Hemerocallis ‘Gentle Shepherd’, also available at Selections Nursery.

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