Chamaecyparis pisifera, commonly known as 'Mr. Green Genes' is a wonderful new, and rare, evergreen with deep green lacy foliage, that is a mint green in spring. This vigorous Sawara False Cypress has a strong pyramidal growth habit, and is very elegant; it was originally discovered at the Biltmore Estate!

Hardy to zone 3, it grows to a height of 20-30', with a spread of 12'-15', loves full sun and moist, well-drained soil. While 'Mr. Green Genes' will also thrive in partial shade, full sun guarantees the best color. To control the size and shape, prune in early spring. And feeding 'Mr. Green Genes' in the spring and again in the fall with an all-purpose garden fertilizer will ensure healthy growth.

We always find it interesting, and enlightening, to know the translation of a plant's name, for it usually gives us a clue as to its visual impact. In this case, Chamaecyparis means 'low-growing cypress' and pisifera means 'pea-bearing', which is a reference to the small cones of the species' form.

The soft texture and brilliant green hue of this evergreen makes it an excellent focal point for your garden. It is a slow grower, which needs to be spaced at 15' intervals, so think about planting in a grouping, or with a variety of conifers. And what an excellent privacy screen that would provide!

Across the country, more and more people are discovering the satisfaction of landscaping their homes with native plants. Many native plants are attractive ornamentals and adapt easily to local gardens. Now you can easily create a woodland, wetland, or meadow in your own back yard.

Native plants are those that evolved naturally in North America and which occurred within the state before humans introduced plants from distant places. Native plants typically grow in communities with species adapted to similar soil, moisture, and weather conditions. Native plants include ferns, grasses, flowering perennials, woody trees and shrubs.

Native plants are naturally adapted to perform well in our local climate. They require less water than most non-natives once they are established and resist native pests and diseases better. Many help to enrich the soil. Their root systems help rainfall percolate into the soil, reducing erosion and runoff. A side benefit of using native plants is that they improve water quality by needing less fertilizer and no pesticides.

Many native plants attract beneficial insects which help control pests, creating habitat for "good bugs." Native plants also provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat favored by our local wildlife. This can help you make your garden a sanctuary for songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other desirable wildlife.

Native plants are fairly easy to care for. Using slow release or (preferably) organic fertilizers will keep plants healthy without providing a flush of nutrients that would give weeds a competitive edge. As with any other plants in your garden, keeping the soil covered with decorative mulch will keep your plants happy and provide some extra control of weeds. When landscaping with native plants, it is important to choose plants that will grow well in your garden: wet or dry, shade or sun, acid or neutral soil.

Native plants not only suit today's interest in low maintenance gardening but they also can provide us with a tangible link to the past. Many species have reported value as food, medicine, textiles and other domestic purposes. Our staff of nursery experts will be happy to make recommendations for your particular needs.

Saturday, October 18, from 10 AM to Noon, we are having a Pumpkin Party!

A party for kids! FREE snacks, face painting, pumpkin painting, story telling and more...

Friday, October 31 is Halloween!

We dare you to win first, second or third place in our costume contest!

How can I get my flowers to bloom more?

Answer:
Most flowers and flowering plants need three essential ingredients to bloom: sunlight, nutrients, and warm soil. Even shade plants like azaleas and camellias need some sunlight in order to bloom. If your flowers are sun lovers, make sure they get at least five hours of sunlight per day--the more sunlight the better.

Key nutrients for blooming plants are phosphorus and potash. While most plants need some nitrogen to help them grow and stay green, too much can focus the plant on growing instead of blooming. Nitrogen is also more readily available in the soil and more easily taken up by the plant.

Feed flowering plants with a high phosphorus and potash but low nitrogen flower food. If that still doesn't work, starve them of nitrogen by feeding it with a 0-10-10 fertilizer.

Finally, make sure you don't water your plants too often. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings, thus allowing the soil to warm up. If you water too much, the plants will often produce excessive fleshy growth and no blooms.