Updated: February 28, 2024 Why don’t more commercial growers grow perennial milkweed? Milkweed seeds require vernalization (a period of exposure to cold before they are planted outside, or started in a greenhouse) for 3-6 weeks to germinate properly. Milkweed seeds take a long time to germinate and are extremely slow growing, so in a commercial greenhouse, they’re less commercially viable. It usually takes several years in the ground before a perennial milkweed plants looks full and bushy, which means that a young plant in a pot often looks thin and spindly, which is less attractive in a reta ..read more

Updated:February28,2024 Here at NHG, we know you love pretty blooms that are easy to plant, easy to maintain and perform double duty — beautiful AND edible! One of our favorites is Saffron Crocus. It’s a  drought tolerant, hardy perennial that blooms in fall.  Plant the bulbs in clusters about 3″-4″ deep in sunny to partially sunny spots in your garden. The stamen of the Saffron Crocus is the spice that is used in paella and other Spanish and Indian dishes. Each bloom provides 3 saffron threads. Plant now through winter. Fertilize at planting time with NHG Organic Bulb Food. ________ ..read more

Updated: February 28, 2024 The weather may not cooperate, but colorful fall foliage helps Texans feel like the fall season has reached DFW. If you want to plant your own autumnal show stopper at home, consider one of these three favorites from NHG: Tupelo or Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica)1. Black gum or ‘Tupelo’ (Nyssa sylvatica) Called “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color” by tree expert Michael Dirr (Arbor Day Foundation) this north American native species makes a durable and reliable landscape specimen. It’s a particularly valuable shade tree, reaching up to 50 ..read more

Forcing bulbs indoors isn’t difficult, but it does require proper timing. Forced bulbs make beautiful centerpieces during the holiday season, add a touch of spring cheer during the darker winter months, and make a unique and beautiful gift. The easiest bulbs to enjoy indoors are paperwhites (Narcissus) and Amaryllis. These bulbs do not require pre-chilling and will bloom approximately 4-8 weeks after potting. Forced bulbs make a beautiful accent, centerpiece, or gift during the holidays. Amaryllis, paperwhite Narcissus, and Dutch Hyacinths are among the very easiest for forcing.General Guideli ..read more

A variety of caladiums blend together to create a lush, colorful border of foliage. The first caladium described, Caladium bicolor, was a comparatively drab green-and-white plant collected in 1773 in western Brazil. Today, 243 years later, there are over 1,000 named cultivars in colors ranging from white to claret, scarlet, pink and purple. Caladium is one of 113 genera in the family Araceae, and its relatives include well-known house plants such as Spathiphyllum, Pothos, Aglaonema and Dieffenbachia. Most species of caladiums hail from the Amazon River basin in Brazil, but they can be found th ..read more

In recent years, gardeners have discovered sedges as a tough, evergreen perennial option for many parts of the yard. Based on the appearance of the plant, sedges are often labeled as ornamental grass, but they are actually in their own plant family, Cyperaceae; many of the horticultural varieties in the retail trade are in the genus Carex. This is a large plant family, with many native to North America and some native to Texas. No matter what you call them, sedges are a versatile component in any garden and a great investment. Let’s look at the basics of selecting, growing, and caring for sedg ..read more

For any shade to part-shade garden, the ‘Myers’ foxtail fern is a great, easy-to grow choice, with a unique, eye-catching growth habit that resembles the brush-like, upright shape of a fox’s tail. Mature specimens can reach 2’-3’ tall and wide and, when used in a mass planting, make a lovely backdrop for smaller annual color plants in front or for a bold block of green in an area where other plants don’t prosper. They are also easy to trim back if a shorter fern is called for. They make great accents in containers on porches, and they can even be moved into a bright window as a houseplant in w ..read more

The Perfect Environment for Foxtail Ferns Most homeowners approach summer in Texas with decidedly mixed feelings: the thought of constant heat and blasting sun saps the energy and enthusiasm of many gardeners before summer ever sets in. However, with even a small area of shade or filtered light, good soil, and a convenient water source, it’s easy to establish a cool glade of ferns that will be a welcome oasis on the hottest of days. North Haven Gardens is here to provide the knowledge you need to turn your home into an oasis during the summer! The Appearance and Appeal of Foxtail Ferns Ferns c ..read more

  Japanese maples are magnificent small trees to help create your zen garden along with water features, Buddha statues and shaded sitting areas. Japanese maples are slow growing, have many different growth habits, a huge variety of leaf shapes, and spectacular fall color that ranges from golden yellow to fiery red. They perform best as a unique specimen plant in well-amended beds where they will receive no more than 4 hours of morning sun. Plant into existing beds or build new ones amended with expanded shale and lots of acidified compost. Dig your hole twice as wide and just as deep as t ..read more

Whether you’re an experienced water gardener or just considering starting, we have an exciting weekend coming up at NHG. We’ve completely revamped our aquatic plant assortment for 2023, expanding our offerings by over 200%. With both tropical & hardy water lilies as well as floating and tropical plants (and lotus!) you’re sure to find the perfect specimen for your aquatic Eden–be it a few acres or a small bowl on the patio. Looking for ‘marginal’ plants that are suited to the variable soils around the bank of a water garden? We currently have a wide assortment of plants adapted to thr ..read more