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1370 Wain Road
North Saanich, BC V8L 5V1
250-656-0384
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Nursery News / September 2019
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Still lots to choose from!
Our
annual sale continues to September 22nd at 5pm.
New stock added daily.
Japanese Maples and all other Trees 20% off
Shrubs and Conifers 20-40% off
Perennials, Grasses, Herbs and Annuals 25% off
Pottery 25% off
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It's Bulb Planting Season!
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Anemone 'Gem'
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Spring bulbs bring cheer to the garden and the promise of a new year full of colourful blooms. They can also
provide much-needed food for our pollinators
early in the year, particularly crocus, muscari, and hyacinths. Alliums that bloom in summer also get their start as a bulb and are highly attractive to pollinators.
Spring and summer flowering bulbs should be planted out between September and December and have the greatest impact when planted in large groups or drifts. Garlic should also get into the ground by December.
We carry a great selection of bulbs and it's not too early to come pick out your favorites.
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Allium 'Purple Sensation'
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"I'm strong to the finish, 'cause I eats me Spinach"
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'Samish' spinach seedlings
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It's not just Popeye who loves spinach. We do too!
For those of you who have attended Brian and Faye's greenhouse classes, they consistently recommend growing spinach all winter (in the greenhouse) for delectable spring harvests.
Their favourite variety is Samish, and Faye has seeded lots of it for sale this fall! If you've been waiting for starts the seedlings are now ready to leave the nursery.
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Evergreen Magnolias
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Magnolia 'Little Gem'
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Looking for an evergreen tree with stunning glossy leaves and large creamy-white blooms evoking the tropics?
Evergreen magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) are beauties. Incredibly pest tolerant, these trees always look good so long as they are sited properly. Evergreen magnolias love the sun, rich moist soil with good drainage and protection from harsh winter winds. Many varieties can grow to a good size within ten years (about 30' tall and 15-20' wide) but there are also more compact varieties that are well suited to smaller residential gardens.
Please see our website for an overview of Magnolia varieties we typically carry.
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Junipers
It's time to have a rethink on junipers. Often these plants are relegated to the category of 'gas station' plants as they are seen repeatedly in tough growing conditions such as parking lots, hillsides and, you guessed it, gas stations.
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Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'
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Junipers have a lot going for them that address current gardening needs and desires. If you are looking for something that is low maintenance and deer resistant these plants are a top choice. They serve well as ground covers in hot, sunny locations and, once established, tolerate a lot of drought, help keep weeds in check and can help with soil erosion on slopes.
Junipers have interesting colour tones that range from blue-grey to bright green to eye-catching shades of yellow.
Next time you visit us make sure to stop by our conifer section and check out our selection of junipers.
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Behind the Scenes Tour
Russell Nursery is a locally owned and operated nursery. We have been in operation for 27 years and currently have a team of 20 staff who all work together to bring you quality plants year-round
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Ever find yourself curious about what goes on behind those 'Staff Only' signs? Join us on a guided walk-about tour to learn firsthand about how we source, grow and maintain the plants we sell. This tour is also a chance to hear tips on how to shop at the nursery, select plants and take care of your plants once you get them home.
Each tour is limited to 15 people and is expected to last for 1 hour. If you are interested, please email or call us to reserve your spot.
Cost: No charge
Dates: Thursday, October 3 at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m.
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Cottony Cushion Scale
We have noticed that our customers are experiencing an increase in damage from the cottony cushion scale. The population of this insect appears to be growing in number and it is primarily showing up on hydrangeas and Japanese maples but can also affect other plants such as weigela and citrus.
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Sooty Mold and Scale on Pittosporum
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Most damage comes from the immature stages feeding on the leaves. Older scale is typically found on larger twigs and the adults settle on branches and the trunk. Like other piercing sucking insects, cottony cushion scale excretes a honeydew substance which can lead to damage from sooty mold. Sooty mold is a fungus that 'feeds' on the honeydew, not the host plant, but it can also block light for the leaves and interfere with photosynthesis.
If you think you have cottony cushion scale, don't panic! It doesn't have to be a losing battle.
First, it is important to correctly identify the problem. Look for signs and
symptoms. If you need help, please come talk with us or email us a photo. For small
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| Cottony Cushion Scale |
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problems,
you
can attempt to control the pest through physical removal (pruning out the worst branches). For larger infestations, scale can be controlled through the application of horticultural oil sprays. This can be applied in summer or when the plant is dormant. Note that application in the summer requires a more dilute mixing rate and there is also a risk of leaf burn. To ensure that the oil does not burn the leaves it is best to test the application on one branch first.
*Many thanks to our favourite local entomologist Linda Gilkeson for providing us with her expertise on this subject.
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Loosen those roots!
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Pile of heather plants dug up for under-performing.
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With fall being such a good time to plant, and our sale in full swing, we thought it was timely to remind you of one of the basics of good planting technique.
These plants have been dug up for under-performing, but what else do they have in common?
Hint: look at the root balls. Clearly they were just popped out of their pots and plopped into the ground to die.
Always loosen up the root mass, ideally with a garden fork. This not only frees the roots to reach out for moisture and nutrients, but also stimulates growth of new feeder root hairs which are the most important.
In a pre-moistened planting area, your new acquisition will then be off to a good start.
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Upcoming Classes and Workshops
The length of our classes and workshops vary but usually last from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. You can register by
email or by phone (250-656-0384).
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Please provide your phone number when registering
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All Season Container Workshop -
with Faye Ford
Learn how to design and create a stunning four season container planting that will last for years. Faye's classes are fun and you will take home a container with that something extra.
Cost:
$50 + GST (includes all materials)
Dates:
Sunday, Sept 28 at 1:00 pm
Monday, Sept 30 at 10:00 am
Tool Sharpening Workshop -
with Brian Russell
This workshop will be offered in the early spring. Stay tuned.
Winter Pruning of Trees and Shrubs -
with Noah Alexander
Puzzled by pruning? These workshops cover general pruning theory and practice, with demonstrations. Noah is a professional arborist who can answer all your pruning questions.
Cost:
$20 + GST
Dates:
Saturday, Oct 19 at 10:00 am or 1:00 pm
Saturday, Oct 26 at 10:00 am or 1:00 pm
Saturday, Nov 2 at 10:00 am or 1:00 pm
Japanese Maple Pruning
- with Brian Russell
Brian will explain and demonstrate both the art and science of pruning Japanese maples to make them look their best.
Cost:
$20 + GST
Dates: Saturday, Nov 16 at 10:00 am or 1:00 pm
Wreath Making
Learn how to create a one-of-a-kind wreath from a wide array of pretty greens and decorative berries. It has become a tradition for many of you to start the holiday season by coming to one of our wreath making classes. It's a fun way to get together with friends or co-workers; however, classes fill up quickly so register as soon as you can.
Cost:
$50 + GST (includes all materials, please bring your pruners)
Dates:
17 classes offered between Nov 23 and Dec 14.
Click here for dates and times.
Table Arrangements
Create your own unique and seasonal arrangement for your mantle, hall table or dining room.
Cost: $50 + GST
(includes all materials, please bring your pruners)
Dates: Sunday, Dec 15 at 1:00 pm
Monday, Dec 16 at 10:00 am
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Growing with Your Garden
- by Wendy Eyres
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A glimpse into Wendy's ever-evolving garden.
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Gardens go through stages of maturity, much like we do.
Years ago, when I discovered the joy of gardening, I was super keen to fill space in my garden and the faster the plants grew the better. My goal was to have a lush and full garden. I was open to planting anything, including 'gifts' from friends. I didn't know very much about plants or what they needed to stay healthy. It felt so good to have a plant survive my care and if it returned the next year well wasn't that just the definition of success.
I then began a journey to learn more about gardens and gardening. After studying horticulture and garden design, I began working at Russell Nursery. I gained exposure to many different plants and many gardeners too, all willing to share their own knowledge and personal experiences. My interest in the plant world grew considerably. I now had a goal to understand specific plants and to find my favourites. My garden went through much change: adding new arrivals; moving 'underperformers' to new homes; and removing plants I found to be too 'bossy'. There was a lot going on in the garden.
By experimenting with plants, I have learned so much. I have learned what I like and what I don't like. I have learned how plants grow and what they need to be healthy and look good. I have learned where a single choice plant can hold its own and where I'm better served with drifts or large groupings. I have learned where I prefer year-round structure and where I enjoy seasonal change. My current goal is to refine and simplify the plant choices in my garden.
Gardens change and that is good.
Whichever stage you are in with your garden, I hope you enjoy it, learn from it, and grow with it.
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In Love with Roses?
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'State of Grace' - New 2020 |
We have a large selection of bare root roses coming in February; with more than 160 varieties to choose from! We encourage our customers to plant bare root; however, we will also have a selection of potted roses available in May.
You are welcome to
pre-order from our online catalogue in order to ensure you get the varieties you want.
Send us an
email
, call (250-656-0384) or drop by the nursery to pre-order.
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Russell Nursery is the BC distributor for
Halls English Greenhouses. These quality greenhouses are available in a variety of sizes and models and several are set up at the nursery. For information please visit our
website.
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Not sure which is the right greenhouse for you?
A
Halls Greenhouse Rep
will be pleased to visit your property for a free on-site consultation.
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1370 Wain Road, North Saanich BC, V8L 5V1
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