Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Cool New Plants For March 2012

Little Twist Flowering Cherry

Prunus incise ‘Little Twist’

What a demure little treat this newcomer will prove to be. A newly developed flowering cherry, from Carlton Plants in the United States, it is hardy to (USDA) zone 5. It grows very slowly and maxes out at 2- 2.5M (5-6 ft) high and wide, making it ideal for small space gardening or even planting into a large container. The branching habit has a determined ‘zig zag’ that really stands out and creates a stunning winter silhouette.

The unique features don’t stop there! This enchanting small tree offers profuse clusters of white flowers with pink centers, followed by bright green leaves that show off lovely serrated edges. Leaves turn maroon in the fall, giving a full four seasons of visual interest. Preferring full sun or partial shade makes picking the right spot so easy and this cherry has been specially bred to be adaptable to various soil types.

We look forward to offering Little Twist® to our customers this spring.

Image Courtesy of Canadian Haskap Association

Haskap Berry

Lonicera caerulea 'Indigo Gem'

Haskap berries, aka Blue Honeysuckle or Honeyberry shrubs is the newest, hottest gotta-have-it-berry for your garden. It has a bush-like growing habit that can reach 4-8ft and produces berries that look like a cross between a blueberry and a grape up 3/4 inch in length.

Haskap berries have a taste that is mostly commonly described as a cross between a raspberry and a blueberry with a kiwi-like texture. Haskaps can be used in the same ways you would use a blueberry - fresh eating, freezing, in baking, jams, jellies and more.

It is one of the first berry plants to produce in mid-to-late June and has a higher level of antioxidants than do blueberries. Berries are produced on one year old wood and by year 5, you can harvest as much as 7-10 lbs off one plant. Pollination is required. Plant at least two plants in an area to ensure good fruit production.

The plant is extremely hardy, fast growing and can even be used to form a small hedge or screen. It will grow in sun or part shade in a variety of soils. A sheltered spot is best.

A very small number of haskap plants are available this year at Arts Nursery. Please call 604.882.1201 in advance to confirm availability.

More information about the Haskap Berry can be found at the Haskap Growers Association of Nova Scotia

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Tags: haskap berry little twist

Rebecca van der Zalm

Rebecca is an owner and the ‘Plant Boss’ of Art’s Nursery Garden & Home, a large family owned garden centre in Surrey. Fueled by her passion for plants and the occasional grande vanilla latte, Rebecca strives to share her love of gardening at every opportunity. The goal: to offer more service, more selection and more fun.

Tel:	604.882.1201
Email:	rmrazek@artsnursery.com
Web:	http://www.artsnursery.com
Facebook:	http://www.facebook.com/artsnursery
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Art's Nursery is a 10+ acre retail and wholesale garden centre located in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We've been in business at this same location since 1973 and we're proud to serve you today!

We carry an incredible selection of plants, shrubs, trees, annuals, perennials, vines, groundcovers, roses and much more. Soils, bulk materials, pottery and a variety of garden accents are also available.

Our plant selection is so large that you can actually drive a golf cart while you shop!

We pride ourselves on providing high quality plant, expert advice and an exceptional gardening experience.