About Us:Art's Nursery Ltd. is one of Metro Vancouver's largest retail and wholesale nurseries and prides itself on offering a huge 10+ acre selection of plants, shrubs, trees and more. We are located at: 8940 192nd Street, Surrey-Port Kells, B.C., Canada Tel: 604.882.1201 www.artsnursery.comReg Hours:
Mon-Wed 9:00am - 6:00pm
Thu-Fri 9:00am - 8:00pm
Sat 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sun: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Extended hours in spring & summer. What's New?:
In the garden centre trade, April is kind of like Christmas in the mall. New plants are arriving weekly if not daily this time of year. Hundreds of old stand-buys and many new varieties grace our tables, shelves and garden beds. Some notables include rare and unique perennials, a few new Japanese Maples like Winter Orange and Gwens Delight and much more. Feature Product:
Acer palmatum 'Gwens Rose Delight'
Shirazz Japanese Maple
This Japanese maple has foliage in a blend of green, pink and white. New leaves come out with pink margins. Fall colour is fiery red. Best in part sun/part shade. Height from 12-15ft.
Did You Know?
Contact Us:We welcome your comments and suggestions on this email newsletter. Email the editor. | Arts Nursery April 2010 Newsletter Now that I'm down to only a torso left on my solid chocolate Easter bunny, it's time to get cracking. Hey…gardening is good exercise!! Really!! Just check out the list below. Remember, warm up stretch and then:
Weed
Mow
Aerate the lawn.
Topdress lawn with sand or soil.
Overseed any bare patches.
Mulch garden beds with compost, mushroom or well rotted manure, if you have acid lovers like Rhodo's, Azalea's, ferns or blueberries, then stay away from manure and stick to compost mixed with peat or pine needles.
Mulch around base of trees especially fruit trees. Fruit trees love seaweed and well rotted manures.
Divide up perennials to avoid overcrowding.
Plant out tubers (Dahlias, Begonias) toward the end of the month.
Fertilize perennial beds, shrubs and trees.
Fertilize with Art's Triple 17+Iron Lawn and Hedge fertilizer and mulch hedges.
Fertilize spring flowering bulbs. Deadhead as needed. Don't mess with the leaves…they are storing energy for next years bloom.
Plant new lily bulbs and corms.
Direct sow hardy annual seeds.
Sow salad greens, cauliflowers, peas, beets and kale.
Plant onion sets and potatoes.
Mulch Rhubarb and remove flower heads when you see them.
Planting time for trees, shrubs, perennials and herbs too! Remember - the right plant in the right place will make your life a bit easier and your garden beautiful. Art's has garden coaches and designers on staff to help.
Trim heather once blooms are spent to maintain compact shape.
Watch for emergence of native bees especially the Mason Bee which helps apple pollination. Avoid chemical sprays where possible
If you have kids, or are interested in a bit of a Canadian science project, check out www.pollinationcanada.ca it's a fantastic and informative website.
Still time to move most plants that need moving. Avoid moving something in full bloom though!!
Plan your pots and baskets if you are making them yourself. Purchase desired plants early, but avoid placing them out as we are still getting hard frosts at night. Keep any newly purchased annuals under an overhang or use Remay cloth to protect.
Place support frames around plants that will need them ie, Peony frames. Do it now to avoid snapping off branches trying to stuff them in once they get bigger.
Finally, get out there and smell the flowers!
Once the list is done, you can get back to the comfy chair and the rest of the chocolate bunny, see, wasn't that easy?
If the Camellia is the sophisticate of the garden then the Magnolia is like that bohemian next-door-neighbor with those bold flowy dresses, delicate and full of life.
I just can't help smiling when I see one in bloom, they hold nothing back!
From the explosive 'Ta-Da' of the spring flowering magnolias to the seductively scented evergreen Magnolia grandifloras I am at a loss as to which to invite next into my garden - I love them all.
There are about 100 different species and too numerous to count cultivars, each a marvel in its own right.
Magnolias require very little in the way of special treatment preferring a well drained acid, soil rich in organic matter. Dappled shade and out of the wind is appreciated but they can happily grow in full sun, right out in the open like the glorious Magnolia x soulangeana cultivar I can see from my front window growing across the street.
Most of the blossoms are fragrant and are pollinated by beetles! The seed heads are usually a bright pink or red and a feature in their own right! During the winter the fuzzy buds on some varieties are very pronounced, a favourite of many florists. They are also one of my favourite plants to prune…the cut wood smells like tangerines! For those of us who are prone to Martha Stewart moments…the leaves of the Magnolia make lacy faery wings…especially if you spray the leaf skeletons with glitter!
In the landscape a woodland garden or native garden shows off many of our deciduous magnolias to their best advantage. An underplanting of Lily of the Valley, Brunnera or Ferns makes a breathtaking sight. The dense tropical glossy green of Magnolia grandiflora looks deliciously tropical paired with a wash of the variegated green and gold leaved or burgundy leaved Cannas. The pairing choices are close to endless!
Here is a list of some notable varieties:
 |
Yulan Magnolia
Magnolia denudata
A pure white bloom revered in China and a symbol of purity.
|
 |
Leonard Messel Magnolia
Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel'BR>
A lovely shrub form star magnolia for the small garden. Other notable 'star' varieties include Spring Snow, Royal Star and Wada's Memory.
|
 |
Galaxy Magnolia
Magnolia 'Galaxy'
Sweetly fragrant and such a lovely cupcake pink.
|
 |
Siebold Magnolia
Magnolia sieboldii
Amazingly attractive white blooms with red center
|
 |
Yellow Bird Magnolia
Magnolia 'Yellow Bird'
A newer cross with a lovely sunshine yellow bloom. Other good yellow varieties include 'Butterflies' and the interestingly named Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata 'Koban Dori')
|
 |
Little Gem Evergreen Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
An evergreen type, one blossom will scent a room. Flowers are large, summer blooming and pure white in colour.
|
For more information about Magnolias or help in selecting one for your garden, call Art's Nursery at 604.882.1201 or visit us in person and we'd be happy to assist you.
Read This Article Online 
Hosta's, a native to Japan, China and Korea, are probably one of the most versatile perennial in the garden this side of the grasses.
They range from small 4-6in dwarf types for groundcover to 5ft specimens.
Though most favour part to full shade, there are many varieties that can be grown in full sun!
Placement and Design Ideas:
Brighten up a shady corner of your garden, consider using some of the gold or variegated varieties. If you still have a shady corner but the soil is unworkable, try placing a Hosta in a pot. Hosta make great cover-ups for the post bloom bulb leaves; plant a Hosta near some of your spring bulbs. While the bulb leaves are dying down (don't cut them you will sacrifice or at least hinder next years bloom), the large leaves of the Hosta will hide them. Use gold-leaved Hosta varieties as a foil for darker leaved shade plants like some of the ferns or Heucheras. Contrast fine and coarse textured plants. ie Maiden Hair Fern and Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams'. Don't forget to bring them inside! Both the leaves and flowers are fantastic in arrangements. Because of the bold leaves and the strong architectural form of many of the specimens, you can use them to highlight or add emphasis in the garden. They can also more than hold their own with garden structures from a twisted piece of driftwood, to a garden bench, to an antique birdbath.
Requirements and Care:
They prefer a somewhat moist but well drained, not damp, humic soil. Most prefer part shade to full shade. A few can be grown in full sun. The blue and green varieties tend to prefer shade, while the gold leaved and variegated varieties can tolerate more sun. You can divide your Hosta in the spring or fall if you like.
Pests and Problems:
 Slugs and snails, slugs and snails and more slugs and snails. Hail is not too much fun either for the early Hosta. While hail may be at the whim of Mother Nature, we can choose later emerging varieties if really nasty springs are a regular occurrence in your neck of the woods. As for the slugs and snails, there are a number of slug-resistant hosta varieties (generally those with thicker and waxier foliage). You can also use barrier methods such as copper tape (works like a charm for my Hosta in pots). Mulching with gravel or coarse sand around your plants also helps in deterring these critters according to John Valleau in his Heritage Perennials: Perennial Gardening Guide. Safer's and Corey's also have a slug and snail bait.
Favourite Plant Combinations:
Hosta with Heucheras go together like peas and carrots. Hosta with ferns, especially the Maidenhair fern make a lovely contrast. Potted blue Hosta with Gold -leaved Creeping Jenny and Impatiens. Gold variegated Hosta with blue Siberian Iris. Blue or Gold Hosta on a bed of variegated Ajuga.
Favourite Varieties:
In no particular order, some of our favourites include:
Hosta 'June'
Hosta 'Zounds'
Hosta sieboldiana 'Francis Williams'
Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'
Hosta 'Krossa Regal'
Hosta 'Patriot'
Hosta 'Sun Power'
Hosta 'Love Pat'
Visit us online at www.artsnursery.com or log on to facebook and share some of your favourite Hosta varieties and plant combo's!
Pictures of your great plants are always welcome!
Cheers,
Laurelle Read This Article Online
Existing lawns can be improved by an annual Perennial Ryegrass overseeding program. Overseeding with Perennial Ryegrass naturally crowds out small weeds. Weed invasion is also minimized as
the plant becomes denser.
Overseeding is most effective both in the Spring and in the early fall. Use an overseeding program as an organic and natural way to have a safe, dense, healthy, and beautiful lawn.
Overseeding Procedure:
Mow the lawn very short
Rake the lawn using a tine rake to remove and break up layers of dead matted grass or thatch. The process is known as scarifying/verticutting (vertical cutting). Using a de-thatcher may be effective
for this purpose
If the ground is compacted, it can be spiked with a fork to a depth of at least 6 inches (15cm). A machine on larger areas can also do this job. Aeration will improve the root growth and the drainage on heavy soils
Spread dolopril or natural eggshell lime, followed by turf starter fertilizer a week or two later
For our west coast climate, an improved dwarf turf-type Perennial Ryegrass is most effective. Elka II or Elka 3 produce the best results. The seeding rate is best at 10-15lb per 1000sq ft
The seeding process should be cut in half, with one-half seeded in one direction (ie north-south), while the other half should be in the other direction (ie east-west). this will ensure an even distribution. Ideally, the seed should be spread with a broadcast or hand spreader
Overseed the entire lawn area, not just the bare patches. This ensures a uniform appearance between the current lawn and the new grass seed
The lawn can be top dressed with a thin layer of a mixture of top dress soil or a mostly sand plus peat/loam mixture. This top dressing should be no more than 1/3 of an inch.
Rake the area so that the seed is in contact with the soil and the top dressing is worked down into the grass. This will improve germination. Lightly roll if possible. Art's has a lawn roller than is available for rent - call us at 604.882.1201 for details.
Remember to keep the seedbed constantly moist with a fine spray
Mow when the grass is 2-3 inches in height. Trim lightly and gradually lower the blades to an ideal cutting height of 1.25 to 1.5 inches. Mow regularly, but try not to remove more than 1/3 of the growth at any one time
Fertilize your lawn using Art's Triple 17 with Iron fertilizer once established. Follow it up in fall with a Winterizing fertilizer, one that has a higher middle and last numbers in the guaranteed analysis
If you have any other questions about overseeding or general lawn care, please give us a call at 604.882.1201. We'd be happy to get you growing in the right direction!
Content for this article provided by Premiere Pacific Seeds Ltd. suppliers of Major League Grass Seed. Read This Article Online | Back to Top |
April Newsletter Specials
Art's carries an enormous number of plants and gardening accessories. Print out these specials/features and redeem them at Art's Nursery during the month of April 2010. Offers expire April 30th, 2010.
 |
Rainbarrels
Heavy duty plastic rain barrels with a top screen and hose spigot built
in. Be earth friendly and re-use rain water in your garden. Limited quantities
available.
Regular Price:
$69.98
|
|
Gaia Green Organic Fertilizers
Gaia Green Organic Fertilizers do more than feed plants, they nourish
and enhance the soil. Several formulations available. Made in B.C. Try
them, they really do work!
Your Price:
20% Off reg marked price
|
 |
Flowering Magnolia Trees
Add one of these very popular flowering trees to your garden today.
Choose from a variety of sizes, colours and flower forms. Many in bloom
now.
Your Price:
20% Off reg marked price
|
 |
Rolls of Turf
Start a new lawn or improve an old one by laying down rolls of turf.
Each roll covers approximately 8 sq ft. Fresh rolls arrive every friday.
Call ahead and pre-order if possible
Reg: $3.98 roll
Discount for pre-orders available
- call for info
|
 |
Seed Potatoes
Live the 100 mile diet by growing your own fresh food. Plant these
seed potatoes and enjoy the harvest! Several varieties to choose from.
Reg Price: $6.98ea
Now $4.98 ea
|
 |
Rhododendrons
Plant these part-shade loving evergreens and enjoy the masses of colourful
spring flowers. Variety of colours and sizes available. Hundreds to
choose from
Your Price:
20% OFF Reg Marked Price
|
 |
Colourful Garden Trugs
Handle those garden chores with ease using these colourful, flexible
easy to use garden trugs. Great for weeding, fertilizing and planting
duties. Variety of colours and sizes available.
Your Price:
20% Off reg marked price
|
 |
Nishiki Willow Shrub
A tough, durable plant very popular for its striking white and pink
new foliage. Turns green in summer. Ideal for gardens and containers
in full to part sun.
Your Price:
20% OFF Reg Marked Price
|
| All offers expire April 30, 2010. Some conditions
may apply and quantities may be limited. Offer subject to change without
prior notice |
Community & Gardening News
Support The Bloedel Conservatory
Attend the Little Night Music Under The Dome Event
April 28th, 2010.
Tickets available for $20. Call 604.261.5998
|
