Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2003
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/landscaping.html

Looking Forward to Spring in Johnson's Nursery
February 2003
Jeremey Johnson, Nursery Buyer & KS Certified Nurseryman

    I don't know about you, but I am itching to get back into my
landscape. Maybe it is because I have traveled to several winter trade
shows, and I'm excited about new plants coming to the market. Or is it
because I am just tired of sitting and watching the landscape in its
present state? Whatever the case, I am excited about several new plants
that we will be offering this spring, and more than that, I want spring
to get here so that I can plant these in my own yard.

    You may have noticed while walking through the nursery last year a
new nandina named 'Plum Passion.' This plant has quickly grown to be the
most popular nandina that we offer. Its deep purple new growth is hard
to beat, and the texture of a plant like  this is a necessity in all
landscapes. New this spring is a cultivar known as 'Sienna Sunrise.'
Like its 'Plum Passion' counterpart, 'Sienna Sunrise' offers an intense,
almost fiery new foliage that will fade to a lush green in the heat of
the summer. As summer draws to an end, the red highlights show up again
and continue through the winter on this semi-evergreen shrub. What I
like best about this plant is that it is going to mature out at a
slightly smaller size of 3-4 ft. tall.

    Another shrub that has caught my eye over the past year is the
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lemon Wave.' Normally, we plant hydrangeas for
their flowers, but this one is just as striking, if not more, with just
its foliage. While similar to the other variegated hydrangeas available,
'Lemon Wave' delights us with a variable combination of yellow, cream,
white and green variegated foliage. For those who are variegated hosta
lovers, this should compliment nicely in your shade garden. If you need
a plant to brighten up a dark spot in your garden, this is the one!

    Another shrub that we have carried for a year or two, but is
under-used, is a holly called 'Sky Pencil.' You may not have seen this
one in the nursery because once it arrives, they go fast. This is a very
narrow, upright holly that is the perfect accent plant. Or try it
somewhere you want something different, but you don't have much space. I
have seen these reach from 5-6 ft. in height with about 1 ft. spread.

    Keep an eye out while shopping this spring for these and many other
new selections, as they tend to go fast once they arrive. I'll feature
additional new plants as they arrive at Johnson's this spring. As
always, please feel free to e-mail me at jeremyj@johnsonsgarden.com with
any questions or if you would like to know the availability of a certain
plant.