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!