All Time Favorites Still Available

One of the consistent favorites in landscapes is Picea pungens glauca, Colorado Blue Spruce, due to its attractive color and form. Color varies from deep green to powder blue in native seedling populations. At Lawyer Nursery we are growing two seed sources, Kaibab and San Juan. These sources have been choosen for their higher percentage of blue color and their consistency in form. Both sources are from high elevations.

The most beautiful Blue Spruce are those that have been grown with their natural form, dense branching that starts at ground level. The dense form, attractive as either a specimen or screen, develops through a high level of bud set along the leader and short internodes. Genetic growth patterns from the high elevation seed sources exhibit this dense branching. In addition, at Lawyer Nursery we grow this species as a transplant at our Montana site as the climatic conditions of cold winters and short growing season encourage this dense well-branched form. The product produced is high quality and naturally cold hardiness tested. In addition, the same seed sources are used to grow. Either way these Spruce are a jump start for you to reach a high value end product, be it a two to five gallon container or a six to eight foot tree.

Another favorite available is Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’, Red-Leaf Japanese Maple with deep red summer color and brilliant red in the fall. The compact size, ornamental form, and shade tolerance have made this one of the most popular specimen plants in mild climates. We have seedlings, transplants and plugs available.

Cornus florida, has been a favorite since colonial times being cultivated since the 1680’s. George Washington planted this spring flowering tree at Mount Vernon, with a few of those same trees surviving into the late 1900’s. This native understory tree with it’s impressive show during the early spring flowers best in areas that have warm summers. The most suitable sites have cool, well drained, light soils and partial shade. Water demands are moderate to high. Song birds use the fruit in fall and winter.

One of the best spruce for landscape use is Picea omorika, Serbian Spruce. The narrow form works well in many sites. The lovely deep green, glossy needles have white undersides. It will handle warm, humid or hot, dry summer conditions. Water demands are low and it is quite adaptable to most soils including alkaline conditions.

The western native Juniperus scopulorum, Rocky Mountain Juniper, is also very drought tolerant and handles hot summers well as befits a native of the lower elevations of the intermountain west. It is useful for screening, windbreaks, wildlife plantings and generally tough sites. Be sure to provide moisture during the establishment period.

For winter color the red stems of Cornus sericea, Red Osier Dogwood, are outstanding. This shrub provides color all season long. Spring and summer bring attractive green foliage, white flowers and fruit. Fall adds much of Canada. For ornamental use, soil stabilization, and wildlife plantings it is an excellent choice.

Another drought tolerant favorite is Juniperus virginana, Eastern Red Cedar. The species will handle most any site as long as it is not too wet. Bluishgreen the dense crown that is oval when young, becoming rounded with age. The fruit is blue and berry-like. The foliage, berries, and wood are all fragrant.

Hardiness, wildlife value, and ornamental value combine in North American native Viburnum trilobum, American Cranberry Bush. Though the bright red is smaller and different than the commercial cranberry, it is edible and used by wildlife in late winter. The attractive white flowers and red fall color make this a great choice.

As a hedge plant Cotoneaster lucidus, Hedge Cotoneaster, is hard to surpass. It works well as either an informal or tightly sheared hedge. Shiny green leaves become bright red in fall. Small white flowers precede relatively inconspicuous fruit that is loved by songbirds. For all its ornamental charm this is a tough plant that will serve well in a windbreak.

Another hedge or specimen plant favorite is the broadleaf evergreen Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon Holly Grape. The bright yellow flowers in spring show well against the deep green of the holly-like leaf appearing as spots of sunshine in shady areas. This is one of the best plants for dry shady conditions.

As an all time favorite for fragrance, Syringa vulgaris, Common Purple Lilac rates right at the top of the list with roses. The drought tolerance and general hardiness of this species is well illustrated by its common appearance growing luxuriously on sites of abandoned home or farmsteads.

In 1960 the University of Minnesota developed a new apple variety from a cross of Macoun and Honeygold as part of an apple-breeding program to produce high quality yet winter hardy varieties. Originally known as MN 1711, the Honeycrisp apple has been gaining popularity ever since. Ripening in late September through October, this variety is a reliable annual bearer with excellent precocity. The fruit maintains its exceptionally crisp and juicy quality up to 5 months in common storage. Its sub-acid well-balanced flavor lends well to fresh eating as well cooking and processing. In addition to cold winters many areas also struggle with poor dry soils. The Honeycrisp apple on Budagovski 118 (Bud 118) provides a viable solution. This combination produces a very sturdy tree about 75% of standard. Height can be easily kept 10' to 12' with early directive pruning making this an excellent size for the back yard or commercial orchard. Honeycrisp on the Bud 118 rootstock can be grown in USDA zone 4 and into warmer areas of zone 3.

Landscape Favorites Available Now