If Stew Cockburn has a favorite saying, it has to be, “Let nature help.” And when it comes to planting trees and perennials here on the Olympic Peninsula, there’s no better time than spring to let it do just that.
As we welcome spring’s official arrival this week, it brings with it warming temperatures and those spring showers that as we know, bring flowers – as well as new growth on shrubs and trees, plus veggies, herbs and more.
“Brave the last cool days and start getting into the garden, letting nature do much of the work for you,” Cockburn advises. “The ground is moist, but warming so the microbes are also warming up, and the rains will let new plants find their roots in their new home.”
Inspiration awaits
As the rhododendrons and azaleas burst with color, inspiration awaits at New Dungeness Nursery – filled with roses, trees and perennials, native plants, veggie starts and so much more.
New Dungeness Nursery is in bloom with the sights and smells of spring!
Cool-weather veggies like peas and greens can be sown into the garden now, and for those who prefer veggie and herb starts over seeds, New Dungeness has lots to choose from.
A key focus for the Sequim nursery is native plants, both for their environmental benefits and beauty. For example, among seven varieties of Oregon grape you’ll find, “Soft Caress” offers the same cheerful yellow flowers native pollinators love in early spring, without the spiny leaves, Cockburn notes.
And if you love red twig dogwood, you’ll find several dwarf varieties, as well as the stunning “Golden Raspberry,” which, as the name suggests, shares both red and gold coloring on the same plant.
As more home gardeners look to replicate nature’s work at home, forest-loving plants like trillium are also a delightful addition – in the right location. And that’s where the expertise of Cockburn and his team is so useful.
With four of the team – including their delivery driver – certified professional horticulturalists, they not only love talking plants, they welcome your questions to ensure you’re getting the right plant for the right place, for the best success.
Margaret admires the spring flowers by the New Dungeness Nursery waterfall display.
“You can make an appointment to chat with us here about what you’d like to create, or book a home consultation and we’ll come look at your garden, take measurements and create drawings to help you envision the possibilities,” Cockburn says. “Of course, if you’re browsing the nursery for ideas and have plans or design sketches, we’re always happy to help!”
Those who prefer the DIY approach will be thrilled to learn that classes are back in session at the nursery, along with a variety of special events. And if you’re already thinking about that Mother’s Day basket, the planting table is ready with soil – you just need to pick your plants and container. After you’ve planted your basket, the New Dungeness team will even care for it until the big day.
Of course, locals know the best way to kick off the gardening season is with the New Dungeness Nursery’s annual Spring Sale – four days of great deals and plant inspiration, March 29 to April 1. Enjoy 20 per cent off all plants, including many brand new varieties they can’t wait to share. See you there!
Learn more at newdungenessnursery.com, call 360-
