Seasonal
Edible Gardening
Whether you are gardening on a balcony or large garden plot, nothing beats
the satisfaction of a farm-to-table harvest raised with your own hands. This season
begins with a thorough spring cleaning of containers and garden beds, followed
by the addition of amendments like Garden & Bloome Harvest Supreme to help
sandy or depleted soils retain the moisture and nutrients your crops need to
thrive. While it is still early, now is the perfect time to plant hardy edibles such
as blueberries, cane fruits, potatoes, asparagus, and onion sets. By prepping your
soil and getting these resilient varieties in the ground today, you ensure a
nutrient-rich, homegrown feast for your family and friends later this year.
Stop by and see all of our edibles, herbs and more
and get your garden started!
Magnificent Magnolias
These elegant trees are grown throughout the world for their beautiful blooms
and multi-season interest, attractive structure, handsome bark, and lush foliage,
make them highly prized as a specimen tree in landscapes large and small. There
are more than 200 species of magnolia, not including numerous cultivars and
varieties, they are widely available as deciduous and evergreen trees, and range in
size from a large tree to smaller shrub-like forms. Deciduous magnolias primarily
bloom in the spring, followed by an occasional flower in the summer. Their
fragrant blossoms can vary in color from white, yellow, pink, and purple. Evergreen
magnolias bloom in the summer and have fragrant, ivory-white blooms and bold
glossy leaves that feature a fuzzy, copper-colored underside. Come down to the
nursery and see our huge selection of these timeless garden treasures.
Japanese Maples
The cultivation of these striking and colorful Japanese maples dates back
centuries in their native Japan before they arrived in the United States during
the 1800s, where they were initially studied in botanical display gardens.
By the turn of the century, their popularity surged as they moved into
home gardens and public parks, becoming a definitive staple of the Pacific
Northwest landscape by the mid-20th century. Today, these remarkable
trees offer a diverse range of shapes and sizes perfectly suited for the unique
growing conditions of Western Washington. Whether you are looking for
the dramatic foliage of 'Purple Ghost' and 'Omato', the elegant weeping
form of 'Tamukeyama', or the vibrant winter interest of 'Coral Bark', there
is a variety to enhance any garden. Call us for details on these and
many other exquisite cultivars available now.
The Fabulous Flowering Cherries Of April
As spring arrives, our gardens awaken from their long winter slumber. With each
passing day, sunlight lingers a little longer, coaxing life back into the landscape.
Flowering plums, forsythia, and daphne begin to bloom, while bulbs quietly push
their way up through the soil. Among these early signs of the season, few sights
rival the breathtaking beauty of the Japanese flowering cherry. Beginning in
mid-March, the University of Washington comes alive with the dazzling display
of Yoshino cherry trees, the earliest of the Japanese flowering cherries to bloom.
As the Yoshino blossoms fade, the Mt. Fuji cherry takes center stage. Its soft
pink buds open into large, elegant white double flowers, creating a striking contrast
against the fresh green of spring. Originating in Japan in the 19th century and
introduced to the United States in the early 20th century, the Mt. Fuji cherry
begins with an upright form but matures into a broad, graceful tree, typically
reaching 15–20 feet tall and 20–25 feet wide. Later in April, the Kwanzan cherry
delivers a truly spectacular finale with its rich pink buds that unfurl into lush
blossoms packed with layers of petals and has an upright habit to 25 feet tall, and
20 ft wide. Joining this late-season display is the exquisite Shogetsu cherry, also
introduced during the same time period, is a cultivar that is prized for its pendulous
clusters of double-white flowers that hang like delicate bells from its wide, flat-topped
canopy. Reaching about 15-20 feet tall and 20 feet wide, the Shogetsu provides a
refined, silvery-white contrast to the deep pinks of the Kwanzan.
Today, these remarkable
trees grace neighborhoods and parks throughout the Pacific Northwest, treasured for the
vibrant beauty they bring each spring. Visit the nursery in the scenic Snohomish Valley
and experience this magnificent collection for yourself—let these
extraordinary blossoms awaken your spring spirit.
Growing Citrus Indoors
Growing citrus indoors in the Pacific Northwest may seem unlikely, given
the region’s long stretches of gray skies, cool temperatures, and limited sunlight,
but with the right setup and care, you can successfully grow lemons, limes, and
even oranges right in your living room. Citrus plants are not only productive but
also visually appealing, with glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant blossoms, and
colorful fruit that brightens darker months, making them a rewarding project for
both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. The best varieties for indoor
growing are compact and self-pollinating, such as Meyer lemon—a sweeter, less
acidic hybrid that adapts well to containers—along with dwarf lime varieties
like Key lime or Bearss lime, and ornamental options like Calamondin oranges,
which produce tangy fruit ideal for marmalades. For something more unique,
multi-grafted “citrus cocktail” trees allow you to grow several types of fruit on
one plant, perfect for small spaces. Success indoors depends on providing 8–12
hours of bright light daily—often requiring grow lights in the Pacific Northwest—
along with consistent watering in well-draining soil, adequate humidity (especially
during dry winter months), and regular feeding with a citrus-specific fertilizer during
the growing season. Because indoor conditions limit natural pollination, gently
shaking branches or using a small brush to transfer pollen can help encourage
fruiting. While it takes a bit of extra attention, growing citrus indoors brings
year-round flavor, fragrance, and a welcome slice of sunshine into your
home, even when the weather outside is anything but tropical.
April Garden Tasks
Refresh your containers with colorful
spring blooming flowers.
Divide perennials, such as hostas, daylilies, and ferns, as well as and
ornamental deciduous grasses, like Japanese Forest Grass
(Hakonechloa)and Feather Reed Grass(Calamagrostis).
Lightly prune and shape your evergreen
hedges, such as boxwoods.
Shape your garden beds by refining the boundaries
where the lawn may be encroaching.
Apply Compost & Mulch to reinvigorate your soil.
Cut back deciduous ornamental grasses to prepare
for the emergence of fresh blades.
Plant potatoes and onion starts, and fertilize your vegetables
garden, flowering shrubs, and perennials.
Prune summer & fall blooming clematis.
Moist soil makes for easy weeding. Seize the
opportunity to pull them.
Plan your vegetable garden and purchase
your seeds to sow directly























