Spring is in full bloom and your local experts are ready to help get your garden growing.
“May has arrived and we have a whole bunch of new things in the nursery,” says Stew Cockburn, from Sequim’s New Dungeness Nursery, sharing a look at what’s new at the nursery, what’s native, and yes, even what’s free!
What’s new?
While we all have our favorite plants, shrubs and flowers, discovering something new to add to the garden offers a special thrill.
Top of the list for many Sequim gardeners this spring will be trailing lavender – “perfect for the lavender capital of the world!” Cockburn says.
Brand new this season and hybridized from Spanish lavender, its trailing habit is perfect for a pot or hanging basket, then when you’re ready to plant it in the garden, it will do well growing over a rockery or as a groundcover. Then, when it’s time to trim the flowers in the fall, you’ll be supporting its naturally trailing form, Cockburn explains.
“Stop into the nursery today and you’ll be the only one on the block who has it!”
A special selection of ornamental and dwarf conifers has also arrived, ideal for creating a stand-out feature for your entry or patio. Better yet, because of their dwarf nature, they’ll be happy in their pots for years to come. Of particular note for Cockburn: a dwarf silver fir and dwarf blue spruce, both with striking purple cones.
And tapping into people’s passions for edibles, Cockburn has brought in several deliciously sweet red-flesh apples, and all three of the currants – red, black and white.
What’s native?
Of course, native plants also offer tasty options for the home grower, including lingonberry – similar to huckleberries. A small, rounded evergreen shrub with summer flowers and fall berries, this ideal alternative to boxwood has the benefit of being native to the Pacific Northwest. “Bang for your buck, it’s a dual-hitter for sure,” Cockburn says.
Among native trees, Cockburn is excited to showcase several shore pine hybrids, including “Taylor’s Sunburst,” known for its bright gold new growth, “Mr Spaan,” offering the hardiness of a native with an interesting growth character, and several dwarf and weeping hemlocks.
Against this background of green, native flowers offer a rainbow of possibilities, including long-blooming yarrow (“Terra Cotta” is an especially beautiful new option) and “Red Lark” delphinium.
What’s free?
While plants themselves may not be free, accessing the knowledge of New Dungeness Nursery’s certified professional horticulturalists definitely is! Come by, browse what’s new, bring a sketch of your space, your questions and your vision, or book a free garden consultation at your home.
Can’t fit that new silver fir in the back of your Mini Cooper? Free delivery is offered four days for week in Sequim, Fridays for Port Angeles and monthly for Port Townsend and surrounding area.
And included in any purchase is the family-owned and operated nursery’s longstanding warranty: When you buy any tree or shrub, it’s covered for one year or four seasons. “If it’s a dud (and it wasn’t the deer), we’ll give you a new one,” Cockburn says, encouraging gardeners to bring in as many helping hints behind the plant’s demise as possible, including photos, description of the symptoms, or even the “carcass” itself.
Learn more at newdungenessnursery.com, call
READ MORE: ‘Let nature help:’ The best of spring awaits at Sequim nursery
