BLOGS & TIPS — New Leaf Nursery

ALL THE BEAUTY OF SPRING

All the Beauty of Spring!

Spring is here and New Leaf is thriving! The nursery grounds and greenhouses are filling up fast with an abundance of fruit trees, berries and fragrant herbs. You'll also find colorful bedding and perennial flowers, ornamental grasses, succulents, and a stunning variety of trees and shrubs to suit every landscape. Everywhere you turn, there's something beautiful to delight the senses and lift the spirit!

In greenhouse one you will find a beautiful display of spring’s finest blooms, with ranunculus, anemones, and hyacinths creating a sea of color and fragrance. Whether you're looking for inspiration or the perfect addition to your garden, they are a must-see—and smell!


Preparing Your Garden for Spring

As we look ahead to April, every gardener in the Inland Northwest is ready to plant. Winter fades…spring is here…your garden is waking up! Preparation now will set the stage for a beautiful, productive growing season. Here’s how to get started:

1. Clean Up Garden Beds

Winter leaves behind lots of debris. Once day temperatures reach 50 degrees consistently, it’s time to clean up your garden beds. Cleaning up your garden beds early helps prevent pests and diseases while giving new growth a strong start.

  • Remove Debris – Clear away fallen leaves, dead plants, and branches to prevent mold and pest infestations.

  • Cut Back Perennials – Trim back any of last season’s dead growth that remains to encourage healthy regrowth. Be sure to leave any plants that serve as pollinator habitats.

  • Weed Early – Pull weeds now before they take over. Moist soil makes it easier to remove roots completely.

Pro Tip: Leave some natural debris like leaves and hollow stems in a designated area for beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees!

2. Prune for Health and Growth

Early spring is a great time for pruning many trees and shrubs before they put out new growth.

  • Fruit Trees & Shrubs – Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and encourage fruit production.

  • Ornamental Shrubs – Prune shrubs that bloom on new wood, such as paniculata hydrangea before they leaf out. Wait to prune spring bloomers like lilacs until after they flower.

  • Roses – Cut back deadwood and shape the plant for vigorous spring growth. Don’t be shy, roses like a hard haircut.

Pro Tip: Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid spreading disease. Rubbing alcohol is a great choice for cleaning your tools, and WD40 serves as a great lubricant for your tools.

3. Amend the Soil for a Strong Start

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. After a long winter, refreshing the soil ensures your plants get the nutrients they need.

  • Test Your Soil – A soil test can help you determine what amendments are needed.

  • Add Compost – A layer of rich compost improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient levels.

  • Topdress with Mulch – Mulch helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Use bark, straw, or leaf mulch around perennials and shrubs.

  • Turn the Soil (But Not Too Much!) – Lightly aerating compacted areas allows oxygen and water to reach plant roots. Avoid excessive tilling, which can disrupt beneficial microbes.

Pro Tip: If you plan to plant early crops like peas or greens, add an organic slow-release fertilizer to give them a nutrient boost. If you’re looking to fill raised beds or small containers, we recommend our Raised Bed & Potting Mix. If you’re wanting soil for a larger area, we suggest our Garden Blend with Manure. We have soil specialists here at the nursery ready and available to answer any of your questions.

Taking the time to clean up, prune, and amend your soil now will reward you with healthier plants and a thriving garden all season long. Stop by the nursery for compost, mulch, and expert advice to help you get growing!


Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt

If you attended the nursery’s Spring Festival in 2024, you and your children had a great time. This year’s event is on Saturday, April 19 from 10:00 AM-4:30 PM. The nursery is alive with color and the perfect backdrop to celebrate Easter weekend with your family.

From your favorites to new local finds, filling your Easter basket has never been easier! Inside our barn are the cutest bunnies, eggs and kid’s gardening supplies—from seed ball kits to gardening tools scaled for the youngest gardeners.

Enjoy delectable treats and delicious eats from new and returning local food vendors. We welcome Sweet Mama’s to the lineup, and can’t wait to try their Dubai chocolate strawberry cups. From waffles and organic cotton candy, to crepes and cinnamon rolls, and that perfectly brewed cup of coffee, there will be an array of breakfast and lunch options for you and the family. The Beer Garden is back by popular demand—Uncorked with Friends will be serving mimosas to kick start your morning, along with refreshments throughout the day.

You asked and we listened—the Highland cows are back! We will also have children's crafts, bounce houses, and $5 face painting. The nursery will be fully stocked with a fresh variety of spring plants and gorgeous spring and early summer home and garden decorations—offerings to keep the entire family entertained!

For more information on daily activities, food/craft vendors, and to sign up for an Egg Hunt time, CLICK HERE.


Asparagus Days are Here!

This FREE EVENT is happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4/4-4/6. Come on over to the nursery and hear a free presentation about how to plant and grow asparagus at 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM each day. This year, we have four varieties of asparagus available—Purple Passion, Jersey Knight, Mary Washington and Atlas.

ASPARAGUS VARIETIES

  • Purple Passion: Tender spears are a beautiful deep burgundy color. More tender, mild and sweet than standard varieties. Vigorous and productive, spears are produced a year earlier than most varieties.

  • Jersey Knight: This vigorously growing strain of asparagus is noted for its production of a high percentage of large, tender spears. This heavy producer is excellent for cooking and canning. Suitable for freezing.

  • Mary Washington:  A strong grower with large spears produced in spring. A favorite of gardeners that are looking for excellent taste. Good for cooking and canning.

  • Atlas: Known for its high yields of medium to large, green spears with a slight purple tint at the tips and butts.

KEEP AN EYE OUT ON OUR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MORE DETAILS!


Employee Spotlight—Meet Meaghan!

If you’ve ever stepped foot in our barn, chances are you’ve met Meaghan! With her warm smile and wealth of plant knowledge, she’s always ready to help customers find the perfect addition to their garden. Whether she’s organizing displays, ordering supplies, sharing gardening advice, or lending a hand with DIY projects, Meaghan’s friendly personality makes her an essential part of the New Leaf Nursery team. Be sure to say hello next time you visit!


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A NEW SEASON AT NEW LEAF

A NEW SEASON, A NEW BEGINNING

As we embrace the excitement of a new season, we’re delighted to welcome the arrival of our bare root fruit trees! Our team is carefully tending to each one—potting them and settling them into our greenhouses, where they’ll receive the perfect balance of temperature and humidity to help them acclimate and develop strong, healthy roots.

If you’d like to handpick your fruit trees, we recommend visiting us on opening day, March 1, 2025, for the best selection! Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you find the perfect fit for your space. With a little planning and care, you’ll soon enjoy stunning blossoms and a bountiful harvest for seasons to come.

Hard to believe, but opening day is this Saturday, March 1! Our New Leaf team is buzzing away, preparing outdoor décor just for you. From stunning yard art to a brand-new line of fountains and fresh garden containers, New Leaf has the perfect pops of color to brighten your yards.

Come rain or shine, snow or clear skies, we’re hard at work welcoming new deliveries of fresh trees and shrubs. Our greenhouses are bustling with activity as each start, tree, and shrub is carefully placed in its new home.

Hellebores are the first of many deliveries that have arrived at the nursery! These resilient yet graceful blooms are true winter champions, thriving even in the frostiest months. Not only are they long-lived and low-maintenance, but they also boast excellent deer resistance and remarkable shade tolerance!

As New Leaf Nursery continues to be a destination for gardening enthusiasts across the Inland Northwest, our dedication to quality, exceptional customer service, and a sense of community has stayed strong. With an ever-expanding selection of plants, engaging workshops, and expert gardening advice, we’ve built a community that continues to grow alongside us. This continued growth has allowed us to expand our facilities, introduce new plant varieties, and enhance the experience for everyone who visits. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and remain committed to cultivating a welcoming, inspiring space for all plant lovers.


Come See us at the Home & Garden Show!

We invite you to join us for a memorable experience at the 2025 NIBCA Home and Garden Show held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds during the third weekend of March. Every year we feature our newest products, along with stunning houseplants to enhance your home, and the latest in home design, landscaping, and gardening. This is a great opportunity for our New Leaf community to come and connect with us, explore the latest trends, and discover new ideas for their homes and gardens through engaging displays, interactive exhibits, informative seminars, and expert advice.

Friday, March 14, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 16, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The show continues through the weekend so come on in and get some great ideas for not only your gardens, but from lots of other great vendors in the home improvement market!


Join us for a Houseplant Hoopla!

Step into a world of leafy luxury at our second annual Houseplant Hoopla event! Bring in your root-bound houseplants and watch as our plant experts work their magic, repotting them with care for free! Your beloved green babies will thrive once more, their roots set free to spread and grow in fresh, spacious pots. While you wait, explore the beauty of our lush green houseplants in our garden center solarium. It's a day where houseplants take center stage and we celebrate the joy of indoor gardening. Don't miss this chance to pamper your plants and nourish your passion for all things leafy!

You bring the plants, we provide the soil and know how!

Our Houseplant Hoopla will start on Monday, March 17th, and run through Friday, March 21st. Should you wish to purchase a new pot at the time we are replanting, we have an ample supply of pots in a range of size, style and colors to coordinate with your homes’ interiors.

PLEASE NOTE: A limit of 6 plants per person is allowed and the maximum pot size available is 16”.


SAVE THE DATE!

Get ready to embrace the joy of the season at New Leaf Nursery's much-anticipated Spring Festival and Easter Egg Hunt! As the days get longer and the flowers begin to bloom, we invite you to join us for a celebration of all things spring! This fun-filled, family-friendly event promises a day of creativity and outdoor fun.

On April 19th, we invite you to delight in a day filled with fun, laughter, and the spirit of renewal as we kick off the season with an array of festive activities for the whole family. There will be plenty of delicious seasonal treats, local vendors offering unique handmade goods, and a range of fun, interactive games for kids and adults alike.

The highlight of the day is always our Easter Egg Hunt! With hidden treasures scattered throughout the nursery, little ones can race to find colorful eggs filled with surprises. There will be fun photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny to capture the memories, too!

This event is the perfect way to celebrate new beginnings, connect with our community, and take home fresh inspiration for your garden and home. Mark your calendars! We can't wait to share the joy, creativity, and beauty of spring with all of you here at New Leaf Nursery!

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GROW

New & Improved—

Everything You Need to Grow!

Big things are happening at New Leaf Nursery! As a new season of growth is upon us, we’ve been hard at work making sure you have everything you need for your gardening journey. We've made major additions to our seed-starting inventory to help you kick off your gardening season with success. From high-quality products to improved soil options and an expanded selection of seeds, our barn is now stocked with everything you need to get growing.

Here’s what’s new in the barn:

  • Advanced Grow Lights – Give your seedlings the perfect amount of light for steady, healthy growth.

  • Heat Mats for Faster Germination – Ensure your seeds get the warmth they need to sprout strong and quickly.

  • Premium Seed-Starting Soil – Specially formulated blends provide the ideal environment for root development.

  • Expanded Seed Selection – More vegetable, herb, and flower varieties to choose from, including heirlooms and rare finds!

Starting today, you don’t have to wait until March 1 to get a sneak peek at all the exciting new additions at New Leaf Nursery! We’re now open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM during the month of February, giving you the perfect opportunity to stop by early and get a head start on your gardening season.


Kickoff the 2025 Gardening Season at

New Leaf Nursery!

Join us for opening day, March 1, as we kick off the 2025 gardening season at New Leaf Nursery! Our crew has been working hard to get the garden center barn ready, and we can’t wait for you all to see our latest arrivals. No matter the weather—rain, snow, or sunshine—our gates will open, ready to supply you with everything you need for a thriving garden. Stock up on bulk materials, seeds, seed-starting kits, grow lamps, and more to bring your green dreams to life!

Come and discover our vibrant, newly updated garden center, packed with a variety of spring and Easter décor to refresh your home and garden! From colorful floral stems to charming seasonal accents, we have everything you need to celebrate the season in style.

But that’s not all! We’ve just received an incredible selection of fresh houseplants. Handpicked for their beauty and quality, there’s something for every plant lover. Whether you're looking for the perfect statement piece for your living room or a small succulent to brighten up your workspace, we’ve got you covered!

Seed Reward Members will earn DOUBLE POINTS on all purchases made on March 1 and 2nd. If you aren’t already a member of our Seeds Rewards Program, you can sign up on our website or in person. It’s fun and easy, and the rewards keep growing!

And don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE! Our Spring Festival and Annual Easter Egg Hunt is happening April 19.

What better way to celebrate spring than a day filled with laughter and adventure with our New Leaf community?

Our Spring Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all ages. From colorful blooms and fresh fragrances, to an array of exciting activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the enchantment of one of a kind, hand crafted items from local artisans, and indulge in delectable treats and delicious eats from local food vendors. From kid’s crafts and bounce houses to pony rides, to spring plants and beautiful spring and early summer home and garden décor, we’ve got something to keep the entire family entertained!

The highlight of our Spring Festival is our annual Easter Egg Hunt and our very own special guest, the Easter Bunny, himself! More details on the egg hunt and times can be found on our website.

Mark your calendars! We can't wait to see you at our Spring Festival and Easter Egg Hunt. Prepare yourselves for a day of pure delight, and start the new season in the most joyful way possible here at New Leaf Nursery!


The Wait is Almost Over—

Fruit Trees Arriving Soon!

We know a lot of you have been waiting patiently on the ‘wish list’ for the tree you weren’t able to get last season. If you did sign up, you will get a call when your variety arrives at the nursery. Once you get the call, simply pay for the tree, and if you like, come pick out your tree, we will label it, and we will house it for you in our greenhouse to protect it from the freeze, and it will be ready for you to pick up generally around the 2nd week of May. If you didn’t get a chance to sign up, we suggest reserving your fruit trees in person by coming in opening day, March 1, 2025 to see what we have to offer! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can lend you their expertise to match you with the perfect selections.

If you’d like to be added to our fruit tree wish list, you can send us an email below with the fruit trees you’re interested in and the zone you live in. Please note that being added to our wish list does not guarantee that you will get your trees reserved, but you will get first choice when we call you regarding your fruit tree wants.


Planting Seeds of Opportunity

Do you enjoy plants and people? Are you energetic, flexible, and outgoing? Not afraid of physical work or getting dirty? We’re looking to expand our crew for the upcoming 2025 season!

Our goal at New Leaf Nursery is to provide our customers with the best possible shopping experience, and we rely on our employees to help achieve this goal. If you share our enthusiasm for plants and our passion for helping New Leaf shoppers become successful gardeners, we invite you to join our amazing team at New Leaf Nursery!


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Blooming Big in 2025

Blooming Big in 2025—

Your Best Gardening Year Yet!

One of the greatest things about our community is that we are welcoming, and willing to help our neighbors. At New Leaf Nursery, we are continually inspired by the kindness, enthusiasm, and collaborative nature of the people we serve. This past year, 2024, was a time of remarkable growth within our community. We are proud to have grown along with our area, and to have been able to provide beautiful garden plants, trees and flowers to the community.

As we look ahead, 2025 promises a year filled with new opportunities. Our plant product line will continue to grow to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are also increasing our seed supplies with the rising popularity of home gardening. The new years’ classes and events are being planned now with the emphasis on community involvement, and we firmly believe that introducing kids to gardening early fosters a lifelong love of gardening, an appreciation for nature, and a deep respect for the great outdoors.

To kick off the year, we’re offering a series of engaging workshops and classes throughout February—before the nursery officially opens on March 1. These classes are an excellent opportunity to stay connected during the quieter winter months. They allow us to share our expertise, spark your creativity, and provide a little fun as we eagerly await the start of spring.

New to the class lineup this year is a series of seed starting workshops. Each workshop will dive into a specific group like nightshades, herbs, brassicas, and onions/shallots. You will learn all about soil preparation, seed selection, planting tips, and proper care to set your crops up for success. But that’s not all! We’ll provide all the materials you need, including a seed starting kit with soil, a warming mat, and seeds.

We’d love to introduce you to Ashley, our newest instructor here at New Leaf who will be teaching our seed starting workshops. You may already recognize Ashley; she is a local farmer and works at the nursery as a sales associate. Her expertise will benefit you greatly as you begin to learn about seed starting. Ashley is also our ambassador for The Farmstand at New Leaf. The Farmstand is a seasonal market for local produce growers, dairy and meat farmers, fresh juices, breads and pastries, and local honey. The Farmstand runs during the growing season from June to September, showcasing seasonal produce and foods for your daily needs.

To learn more about these workshops, and for a full list of this year’s classes and events, please visit our website.


We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Lil' Sprouts Garden Club—an exciting new series of classes and events just for kids! This program is designed to spark curiosity and wonder, and cultivate a love for nature in the youngest members of our community.

The Lil' Sprouts Garden Club will take kids on a fun and educational journey into the world of gardening and art projects. Each class will include educational and hands-on DIY art projects that allow your kiddos to unleash their imagination while building new skills. From painting colorful pots to designing enchanting fairy gardens, crafting bird feeder wreaths and more, every activity is inspired by nature and designed to ignite their creativity.

Whether your child is a budding botanist or an aspiring artist, The Lil' Sprouts Garden Club is the perfect place for them to learn, grow, and have a great time.


A Day of Springtime Joy

Every season brings a new reason to visit New Leaf Nursery, and this spring is no exception! Save the date for Saturday, April 19th, as we celebrate the arrival of spring at our Annual Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt. This year we will have lots of food and craft vendors, fun kids’ crafts, an egg hunt, and the Easter Bunny, himself!

Come enjoy a great day of family fun in the beauty of New Leaf Nursery. Spring plants will be available, along with beautiful spring and early summer home and garden décor. Make sure to keep an eye on our Classes & Events for more details coming soon!


It’s that time of the year, and we are busy making plans for the 2025 NIBCA Home and Garden Show held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds during the second weekend of March. Every year we feature our newest products, along with stunning houseplants to enhance your home, and the latest in home design, landscaping, and gardening. This is a great opportunity for our New Leaf community to come and connect with us, explore the latest trends, and discover new ideas for their homes and gardens through engaging displays, interactive exhibits, informative seminars, and expert advice.

Save the dates! We would love it if you stopped by to see us and get a discount coupon you can use here at the Nursery!

CDA HOME AND GARDEN SHOW 2025

  • March 14, 2025 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

  • March 15, 2025 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  • March 16, 2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM


Connect With Us!

Stay connected with us through the winter on Facebook, Instagram and email, where we’ll share handy tips to get your garden ready for spring, step-by-step guides for creating whimsical art pieces to brighten your outdoor space, and updates on exciting promotions and sales!

Not a member yet? Join our Seeds Rewards program today by visiting our homepage. Members earn points on every purchase made in our garden center, and those points can be redeemed for anything in the nursery—from plants and tools to garden décor and more (excluding consignment items). It’s our way of saying thank you for growing with us!

Mark your calendars! New Leaf Nursery will officially open for the 2025 season on March 1. We can’t wait to see you and help bring your gardening dreams to life!


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