Phlox maculata in full bloom!A Phlox by Many Names! Phlox is a familiar and popular group of garden perennials! However, many people typically know of the common garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). Not as many folks know about the “wild sweet william” (Phlox maculata)! Other common names include meadow phlox and spotted or speckled phlox. The common name “wild sweet william” is confusing in that the garden plant typically known as a sweet william is a species of Dianthus (D. barbatus) and is native to Eurasia. It is not a closely related species to phlox. The specific epithet “maculata” is derive ..read more

Eastern redbuds growing along a creek in Indiana. istock images.  The Eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis, is a large shrub or small hardwood, deciduous tree in the Fabiaceae (pea) family. Typically, redbuds are fast growers, reaching 15 to 30 feet tall and a spread of up to 35 feet. A mature redbud often has a gnarled or twisted, short trunk and wide, spreading branches. When young, they are usually vase shaped, with vertically outward branches that gradually spread out as the tree ages, eventually having a rounded or flat canopy. There are several cultivated varieties (cultivars) of the e ..read more

Pruning or Shearing? You may have heard us mention that our Landscape Services crew will perform pruning, but not shearing.  In the nursery, when we are asked ‘Can this be pruned?’ we usually answer with words of caution against shearing.  What is the difference, you ask? Selective Pruning Selective pruning retains the naturalistic shape of the tree or shrub.  Pruning selectively removes growth to shape and reduce the size of trees and shrubs. Cuts are carefully made with the intent to reduce or rejuvenate growth.  Generally, no more than 1/3 of the tree or shrub is removed ..read more

Tuesday Garden Chat If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that we offer tours of the nursery every Tuesday morning at 10. During the off season, we miss the chance to chat about native plants with you. Now, you can join us for an online event where you can discuss native gardening questions with one of our staff as well as others that join in! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from experienced gardeners and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. From tips on plant selection to questions about our nursery, we ..read more

A beautiful, mature Sugar Maple in Grand Isle, Vermont. istock images The sugar maple, Acer saccharum, is a large, hardwood, deciduous tree in the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family. Typically, sugar maples are moderately fast growers, reaching 60 to 80 feet tall, possibly exceeding 100 feet. The National Champion sugar maple grows in Charlemont, Massachusetts. It stands 115 feet tall with a trunk diameter of over 6 feet and a circumference of over 19 feet at breast height! Mature sugar maples tend to have a broad, round canopy with low, sweeping branches if open-grown. If grown in the forest, of ..read more

An American robin (Turdus migratorius) feeding on winterberry (Ilex verticillata). istock imagesBirds rely on a diversity of native plants as winter food sources…will your garden help feed them? It’s winter; food for birds and other wildlife is scarce. Let’s talk about some native plants that can feed songbirds naturally in your garden throughout the winter! Providing food to songbirds by planting native plants is superior to putting feeders in your garden. You are encouraging natural behaviors for the birds and supporting biodiversity in your own backyard by planting native plants. Different ..read more

You can plant trees and shrubs until the ground is frozen. Be sure to water them during late winter/early spring warm-ups and dry spells if there is no snow cover.  This is a great time to plant trees and shrubs if you remember that one caution. Now in stock – Flame Azalea One gallon and three gallon pots.  This gorgeous beauty no longer occurs naturally in PA. Blooms mid-May to late June.  Seed grown so the exact shade orange will vary. Plant in light shade, with plentiful moisture, good drainage, and humus-rich acidic soil.   Avoid clay.  Read more about this a ..read more

At over 1,200 known species, bats are the second most numerous order of mammals (outnumbered only by rodents). Bats comprise nearly 25% of all mammal species, which means nearly 25% of all mammal species fly! Pennsylvania is home to nine species of bats, and an occasional home to two southern species. Why Bats? All of Pennsylvania’s bats are insect eaters and feed while flying; some hibernate, and some migrate south for winter. Pennsylvania bats are not pollinators – bats typically pollinate by feeding on nectar or fruit but the bats in PA feed in insects. Bats play a critical role in the eco ..read more

New Stock Now offering Redbuds, Eastern Red Cedar, Tulip Tree, Pitch Pine, Scrub Pine, Aromatic Sumac, Bearberry, and Carolina Rose. Species Size  Price Arctostaphylos uva-ursi #1  $30.00 Cercis canadensis #2  $25.00 Juniperus virginiana #1  $30.00 Liriodendron tulipifera #3  $55.00 Pinus rigida #2  $39.00 Pinus virginiana #2  $39.00 Rhus aromatica #1  $25.00 Rosa carolina #1  $25.00 Trees, Shrubs, and Vines on Sale Carya ovata Hickory, Shagbark 20% OFF Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust 20% OFF Juglans cinerea Butternut ..read more

The Basics Zones 3-8 Height – 2′-4′ spread 3′-5′ Full Sun Medium to wet Soil Attracts Butterflies Tolerates clay or sandy soil, deer and rabbit resistant Special value to native bees Steeplebush, Hardhack, Rosy Meadowsweet — whatever you call it, Spiraea tomentosa is a beautiful, easy-to-grow addition to your landscape.  In autumn, its bright reddish-gold fall colors brings a golden hue to the landscape. Landscape Use Plant Rosy Meadowsweet in full sun for best flowering. A moist or wet area in your landscape will be perfect, as would average garden soil.  Avoid dry areas. It spreads ..read more