Occasionally I’m asked

“Where’s the best place to buy plants?”

I thought I’d share with you where I like to peruse for plants…and of course some shopping secrets.

Listed in no particular order….

TimberPine Nursery

Of course I’ll plug you with love for TimberPine Nursery. Say hello to my hubs–Jay–when you go out there.

Nice thing about TimberPine–they try to grow most of their plants to cut down on the freight cost of shipping finished product. {I hope that wasn’t too much industry jargon there–basically means the cost is less}. Where this will really hit your pocket is in the tree department. Good quality trees at a fraction of the cost from other local garden centers.

Secret Tip: If there is something special you’re looking for and don’t see it initially, ask an employee if they have it “in the back-40″ or if they can order it.

Loki’s Garden

Formerly known as Heirloom Gardens–now under new ownership, Loki’s brings to the Des Moines area what I’ve been dying to have–the latest plant varieties as well as a few oddball plants you can’t find anywhere else. If you want a landscape nothing like your neighbor’s, head over to Loki’s Garden and talk with Justin Hancock.

Secret Tip: Challenge them to be different and be prepared to be blown away. Proof is in the pictures–on facebook.

Herndon’s Des Moines Seed and Nursery

I bet few of you actually know where Herndon’s is located. And who could blame you–they have no website–no way to know what’s going on. Let me tell you…..the plant selection is wonderful, the quality is phenomenal and the prices show for it.

Secret Tip: I would go in the spring to see all that they have to offer–but hold out until fall for their blow out sale. Unless of course you’re like me–in that you can’t wait–need to have it now!

There you have it–my first round of local garden centers worth perusing! Did I miss you’re favorite? Let me hear it..or hold out for round two!

Happy Planting!

~Katie

I’m fairly certain heaven is laced with hydrangeas–at least that’s what my heaven will look like. Want a peek?

I cannot wait until these Limelight Hydrangeas fill in! Their blooms are magnificent and last FOREVER! Little Lime also has my interests peaked–would be perfect specimen for a smaller landscape or focal point.

Let’s not forget Endless Summer Hydrangea–tried and trued miracle plant that brought new life to the hydrangea world. Just a quick tidbit–don’t get too anxious this spring and cut back on your Endless Summer. Pruning could make or break your bloom period so be sure to trim appropriately.

Twist and Shout Hydrangea has yet to “wow” me contrary to other gardeners.  But I’m not giving up–I’ll try to give her a lil extra loving this year.

And finally–the last hydrangea piece of heaven (so far)….

Pinky Winky. Last summer I made this gal work too hard for her water–so that’s why you get only a bloom shot.

Today’s spring teaser has me dreaming of ways to expand my hydrangea collection and thanks to Ball Ornamentals, my wish list is off to a pretty good start. Check out their latest introductions and let me know if you’ve found a favorite!

Next Generation Pistachio Hydrangea

Fire and Ice Panicle Hydrangea

Double Delights™ Freedom Hydrangea

You all know I love living…vertical walls.

So much so I conned my husband into building me one…..or three. But I think I’ve got room for more–there is approximately 2000 square footage of interior real estate just waiting to host some plant life at my house–and I’m game.

Fortunately for my plant-geekdom Bright Green is rolling out with a more residentially-friendly module for me to plaster throughout my home. I love the basic module but add in the wood frame (or metal, re-purposed, get creative) and I’m sold!

Just imagine the possibilities!

That’s all I ask people! Get creative in your spaces–outdoor and indoor!

At last week’s ANLA Management Clinic I learned Bright Green will soon be rolling out with a catch basin attachment for your interior module to capture any water that filters through. They’ve also got watering figured too-the module comes irrigation ready (or they’ll provide you with it) as well as a “watering attachment” if you have a smaller feature.

What I think you’ll find most functional is the ability to grow, vertically, your herbs right next to your stove.  Could you get anymore efficient in the kitchen? I think not.

For more information on where you can get your hands on a Bright Green living wall…contact your local garden center and beg for it! Or contact Bright Green.

Photos courtesy of Bright Green-see more on Facebook!

As the season changes…so too does my lifestyle.  I’m moving on and hopefully up.

Friday was my last day at TimberPine Nursery.  It was bittersweet.

TimberPine was my first real job out of college.  It was where I learned what landscape design was like in the real world.  It’s where I met my husband.  It’s where Katie Ketelsen marinated for the last 7 years.

I am very thankful for TimberPine as they have helped lead me to where I stand today.

The movement to buy fresh buy local will only grow stronger in the years to come and I’m ready to climb on that bandwagon by joining Urban515.  Formerly my efforts with Urban515 can be seen on Twitter, Facebook and occasionally blogging.  I hope to bring you the behind-the-scenes view of the local businesses you may not even know exist.  To learn more about Urban515 and the membership benefits for you as a consumer, please check out their website and if you have any questions, drop me a line at Katie@Urban515.com.

Staying true to my horticulture roots, I will also be joining the Better Homes and Gardens group working to add content to their website, help bring garden trends and best practices to your inbox and contribute to their Everyday Gardeners blog .

I’m so excited for this new journey.  It too is bittersweet.  Thank you for sticking along with me.

Katie

Mother Nature tapped me on the shoulder last week to remind me that sweatshirt weather has begun and I’d better get cracking on that mound of weeds in the back corner.

Even Riley was tired of looking at it.

Fall is a great time to start a project….yet you don’t necessarily have to finish it…..for a couple reasons:

• for a DIY berm construction where no machinery is used to compact the soil, settling may occur
• some plant materials survive better when planted in the spring to get a season’s worth of root growth before winter
• sometimes, you know the shape of the berm, yet just not sure what you’d like to fill it up with!

All good reasons to just create the foundation and plant it later.  BUT! before you start digging…make sure you call to get utilities located-gas, electric, phone, etc.

And then clear out ALL those weeds.  If the area has been overgrown with weeds for any length of time and you plan on using hardwood mulch, consider laying newspaper down underneath the mulch.

We knew there were two plants that we could install this fall-Bald Cypress and Russian Cypress (same last name, but different families).

The Bald Cypress typically likes wet feet which may lead to us pampering him a bit next year.  But the bronze fall color of both Cypresses is why I like them.

I think next spring we’ll plant some Moudry Grass and Butterfly Bushes….we’ll see…that could change.  Do you have any suggestions??  I’ll take em!

If you don’t see the video, please click here

Little Henry Sweetspire is hardy to zone 5.  Here in Iowa it will generally have some winter die back needing to be trimmed around first part of May.  This Sweetspire is a great shrub to fill in any pocket in the landscape, whether it’s in full sun or full shade.

Winter Glow Bergenia is my FAVORITE! I love this little perennial that works in the shade as well as taking a little sun.  If you remember, I mentioned its resilient demeanor this spring, but truly love it for it’s fall color.

And finally, Dogwoods are not usually a shrub that I flock to.  BUT seeing the fall color of the Red Gnome Dogwood, has me changing my mind….just a little bit.

Now is a great time to plant any of these fall kickers! Get on it!

kk

Excerpts from my Google reader~it’s like settling down to read a good book that’s never ending, as I always find something inspiring, thought provoking or just plain funny.

I’m loving the way the gal from Frugal Farmhouse Design re-purposed this dresser…with spray paint nonetheless!  Seems so easy!

At first glance of this post I thought who in their right mind would bother to make such a large pizza? I mean by the time you get to the center, the dang thing would be cold!  But once I got past that thought, I noticed Veg Chef Sam managed to plug some local pizzerias.  I’m just not sure which one I’ll go to first!

I hope you have a GREAT weekend! And if you’re free next weekend..and like pie (and willing to run a 5K to get some) swing out to TimberPine and take a trot along our PumpkinFest 5K. (you can walk it too…)

p.s. I’m taking my mom to Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, MN this weekend.  I’m sooo excited! Can’t wait to share with you what goodies I find!

Sometimes the only landscape you need is the American Flag.

Excerpts from my Google reader~it’s like settling down to read a good book that’s never ending, as I always find something inspiring, thought provoking or just plain funny.

Did you know you were suppose to store your outdoor cushions inside during the winter?  I was just going to let them sit as they were…

guess you can’t call me “Suzy Homemaker” as there is actually a proper manner inwhich to care for your outdoor accessories…says Maillardville Manor. Get the soap out!

How cool would it be if you could take your garden with you….wherever you went….on wheels.  Mobile Gardening…a ride into the future.

Speaking of gardening…it’s not too late to get that fall crop of veggies in….not too late for you.  (For me…I’m probably not going to be able to muster the patience) If you’re not sure what to plant…peruse this list of possible fall crops.  Good luck!  And let me know if you decide to grow something scrumptious! (I’ll bring the wine for dinner).

Have a great week!

kk

I came across this cute little Greenroof on my recent trip to Bachman’s Nursery in Minneapolis.

I really want one.  I just need a cute little potting shed to accompany!

I’m loving the contrast between the red and green Sedum.

Have you grown a Greenroof? Is it hard?  I’m worried I might not water it enough (still knowing that Sedum can handle themselves).

I would really like to know if you have any advice on creating…growing…and maintaining a Greenroof….please share!

kk