Saving money at the Nursery

Last Updated on Saturday, 8 October 2011 11:29 Written by Phillip Saturday, 8 October 2011 11:29

The other day I saw a post on Facebook that showed a sign reading ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago….the second best time is now.’ This isn’t a new saying; as a matter of fact you’ve probably heard it before. Seeing it again got me thinking how it is probably truer today than when it was originally stated. We all know these are tough economic times, economic times, and everyone is trying to make their dollars go further. I have seen first hand here at Viola Nursery, how peoples buying habits have changed in the last few years. Five years ago customers had no hesitation purchasing a tree for $100.00 or more. The last few years people seem to take more time in researching purchases of over 100 dollars. As the owner of high quality plant material, I applaud these shoppers. When people take the time to check out different sources of these plants, they are usually going to end up making a smarter decision. In my opinion trees are one of  the most economical purchases someone can make. Whether you are buying a small $50.00 fruit tree or a large balled and burlapped shade tree, your one time purchase is going to give you something that will continually increase in value. People don’t generally think of a tree in the perspective of their investment increasing in value. There have been many studies that show a home that has more mature trees and landscaping, generate a higher value when the home is being sold.

So when you are thinking you would sure like to have a tree or two, or three in your yard….take your time and do some research. Start out on the internet, it’s a great resource. When you think you know what kind of tree would look nice and serve a purpose at your home, check out your local independent garden centers. A IGC is where you can be assured of finding trees that have been cared for like plants, not just a product on a shelf. Talk to the people that work there and ask questions. If the people working there don’t take the time to help you with your questions, go on to the next Garden center. If they don’t care about the people who are taking their trees home, they probably don’t really care how their trees have been taken care of.

What’s the dirt, on dirt?

Last Updated on Thursday, 3 February 2011 08:44 Written by Phillip Thursday, 3 February 2011 08:44

The soil food web

While growing up on the farm I knew that the earth was the essential element from which we literally survived on. It provided us and our livestock with vegetables from the garden, fruit from the trees and all plant material necessary for our animals to thrive. It wasn’t until I got into the greenhouse growing, that I really analyzed and understood what soil is.

‘Autumn Revolution’ Bittersweet

Last Updated on Friday, 15 October 2010 02:46 Written by Phillip Friday, 15 October 2010 02:42

'Autumn Revolution' Bittersweet

Bittersweet is a native plant that grows freely here in the upper Midwest. A woody vine that is often found growing on trees, these plants grow 15 to 25 feet in length. Bittersweet has thin green leave 2-4″ long with greenish white blooms in June. Hardy to zone 2, this plant is a vigorous grower that produces Fall fruit desired by birds and people alike. Often used in many Fall floral arrangements and crafts, bittersweet is prized for its orange berries. Crafters who know where these plants grow in the wild, protect these locations like a gold mine.