Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2007 
PDFfile available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/nurseryplants.html

J U N E  2 0 0 7

Stunning Show of Color 
Jonathan Anderson, Johnson's Ridge Rd. Nursery Mgr.

    I don't believe there is another group of plants more worthy of high
status in the garden than Japanese Maples. Originating in central parts
of Asia, these maples provide a stunning show of color and will leave
you wondering where you might have room in your landscape to incorporate
one.

    Whether it's a variety with an upright branching habit, or the
ever-so-graceful laceleaf variety which mimics the look of a peaceful
waterfall, you'll want to find room for at least one of these beauties
in your garden. As you contemplate where you can manage your very own,
here are some new varieties in our nursery for you to consider.

Orangeola Laceleaf Japanese Maple
    If you're looking for a picturesque, weeping variety that will stop
you in your tracks, look no further than the Orangeola Laceleaf Maple.
While this tree is typically more upright than most weeping maples, its
mounding habit is by far the best of all. Leaves emerge in spring as
orange followed by green in the summer. For the finale in fall, leaves
are colored with an overlay of green, orange and red. Its mature size is
around 6-8 ft. tall and wide.

Golden Full Moon Japanese Maple
    Maybe you're saying "I'm not sold on laceleaf varieties. What else
do you have?" Consider the Golden Full Moon Maple with outstanding color
in spring, summer and fall. This variety has a standard maple leaf that
is bright yellow-green in spring and summer, followed by layers of
orange and red in the fall. The wonderful thing about this tree is that
it is very slow growing and only gets 8-10 ft. tall in a ten-year
period.

Eskimo Sunset Maple
    Although it's not a Japanese Maple, Eskimo Sunset Maple is so exotic
that it, too, deserves special status in the garden. If you can imagine,
think of a leaf with a layer of purple on the underside; with tints of
pink, orange, green and white on top, making a dappled effect. To truly
enjoy the full effect of this color, plant it in morning sun away from
afternoon heat. You have never seen anything quite like this tree, I
guarantee that. Eventual mature size is 20 ft. tall by 15 ft. wide.

    I encourage you to seriously think about planting a Japanese Maple.
It will make your garden and anything you plant around it really stand
out! Stop by any of our stores to see our great selection of ornamental
maples.