Evironmental Awareness - Country Springs Wholesale Nursery

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Interesting Winter Plants: Bringing Color and Texture to the Cold Months

A well-designed landscape shouldn’t fade into the background when temperatures drop. Winter is the perfect time to highlight structure, bark, berries, and evergreen foliage. By choosing interesting winter plants that shine in the colder months, you can keep your garden attractive year-round.

Why Focus on Winter Interest?

Interesting winter plants bring a unique dimension to the landscape, blending beauty with purpose. By combining vibrant color, distinctive structure, and ecological value, these plants ensure your garden remains engaging and alive even in the quiet months. They offer visual warmth, architectural appeal, and essential support for wildlife when nature’s palette is at its most subdued. A few main highlights include:

Seasonal Color: Bright berries and stems add contrast to snowy or bare backdrops.

Structure: Plants with striking bark or strong form bring beauty when leaves are gone.

Wildlife Value: Winter berries provide food for birds and pollinators benefit from early bloomers.

Top Interesting Winter Plants

Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Famed for its vivid red stems, this shrub stands out against snow or muted winter landscapes. Pruning older stems encourages fresh, brightest-colored growth.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
One of the earliest bloomers, witch hazel produces fragrant yellow to copper flowers from late winter into early spring. It’s a standout when little else is in bloom.

Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
A deciduous holly that drops its leaves but leaves behind masses of bright red berries. Birds love the fruit, and it creates a festive display in the landscape.

Ornamental Grasses (Miscanthus, Panicum, Calamagrostis)
Tall grasses retain their seed heads and structure through winter, catching frost and snow for a dramatic effect.

Camellia (Zones 7–9)
Depending on the variety, camellias bloom in fall, winter, or early spring, offering glossy evergreen leaves and rose-like flowers when color is most needed.

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)
This small ornamental tree has rich cinnamon-colored, exfoliating bark that peels in curls, providing striking texture all winter long.

Evergreen Favorites (Holly, Boxwood, Cryptomeria, Thuja)
Broadleaf and conifer evergreens provide the backbone of winter structure, keeping landscapes green when everything else is bare.

Design Tips for Interesting Winter Plants

Contrast is Key: Place red-twig dogwood near evergreens to make the stems pop.

Think Layers: Combine tall evergreens with mid-height shrubs and ground covers for year-round depth.

Use Structure: Choose plants with unique forms or bark to anchor the landscape.

Plan for Wildlife: Select berry-producing shrubs to support birds in cold months.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to be dull in the garden. With plants like witch hazel, red twig dogwood, and evergreen mainstays, you can design a landscape with interesting winter plants that’s full of color, structure, and life—even in the coldest months.

October 5, 2025October 6, 2025

Shade Garden Favorites: Plants That Thrive in Partial Sun

Shade Garden Basics

Not every corner of the landscape gets bright sunlight, but that doesn’t mean those spaces can’t be beautiful. A shade garden will create cool, calming retreats filled with texture, foliage color, and seasonal blooms. The key is choosing plants that are naturally adapted to lower light conditions.

Why Plant a Shade Garden?

- Cool & Refreshing: Shade garden spaces are comfortable for people and plants in summer.
- Low Maintenance: Many shade-loving plants require less watering than sun-lovers.
- Unique Beauty: Shade gardens highlight foliage textures, variegated leaves, and subtle blooms.

Top Shade-Loving Perennials and Shrubs

Helleborus (Lenten Rose)

Among the first perennials to bloom in late winter and early spring, hellebores feature nodding flowers in shades of pink, white, purple, and green. They thrive in part to full shade and offer evergreen foliage year-round.

Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass)

This graceful grass adds movement and golden-green color to shaded beds. It pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns, creating texture contrast in woodland-style gardens.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Known for their colorful foliage, coral bells bring deep burgundy, lime green, or silver tones to shady borders and they also produce delicate flower spikes in summer.

Hostas

The classic shade perennial, hostas come in countless sizes and leaf patterns. From giant blue-green leaves to compact variegated types, they create bold foliage statements.

Camellia (for Mild Climates)

These broadleaf evergreens bloom in fall or winter, depending on the variety. With glossy foliage and showy flowers, they brighten shaded foundations and woodland edges.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)

A unique option for filtered-shade locations is witch hazel which provides fragrant yellow to red blooms in late winter when few other plants flower.

Design Tips for a Shade Garden

- Mix Textures: Pair bold hosta leaves with fine-textured ferns and grasses.
- Add Contrast: Use variegated foliage (like hostas or heuchera) to lighten dark corners.
- Layer Plants: Combine groundcovers, mid-sized perennials, and taller shrubs for depth.
- Mind Moisture: Many shade plants prefer evenly moist soil—mulch helps retain it.

Final Thoughts

Shade gardens don’t have to be dark or dull. With plants like hellebores, Japanese forest grass, coral bells, and witch hazel, you can create lush, vibrant spaces full of year-round interest. The right mix of textures and colors will transform low-light areas into some of the most inviting spots of your landscape projects.

August 25, 2025August 29, 2025

Native Trees for Busy Landscapes: Why They Matter

Native Trees in the Mid Atlantic

Native Trees grow naturally in a certain regions or ecosystems without being brought there by people. They are species that have adapted over time to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. These trees play an important role in supporting the natural balance of that area.

It is easy to be drawn to exotic or unusual trees when planning a landscape project. Uncommon tress have their place but native trees are often the best choice for homeowners. Additionally, beauty, resilience, and low-maintenance care. make Native Trees ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.

Native Tree Benefits

Low Maintenance
A native tree is already suited to our region’s rainfall, temperature swings, and soil conditions. This means they require less watering, fertilization, and long-term upkeep compared to many non-native options.

Support for Wildlife
From songbirds to pollinators, native trees provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Planting them helps restore natural habitats right in your own backyard.

Seasonal Beauty
Far from being ordinary, many of these trees offer spectacular seasonal displays. Spring blooms, rich fall colors, and striking winter silhouettes add year-round appeal.

Resilience
Another reason to consider, native trees are more resistant to local pests and diseases. This reduces the need for chemical treatments because these trees are also more tolerant of weather extremes, from summer heat to winter cold.

Recommended Native Trees for Landscape Projects

In the Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, and surrounding areas), native trees represent the smart choice for landscaping because they’re already adapted to local weather, soils, and pests. That means they require less maintenance and provide better habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Here are some top recommendations and why they’re most often used:

Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – Beautiful pink spring flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and excellent for small yards.

White Oak (Quercus alba) – A classic shade tree with strong wildlife value and stunning fall foliage.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – Multi-season interest with spring blooms, edible summer berries, and fiery fall color.

River Birch (Betula nigra) – Distinctive peeling bark, fast-growing, and adaptable to wet soils.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) – Evergreen privacy tree that provides food and cover for birds.

Choosing local trees is not just good for the environment — it’s good for you too. They save time, reduce maintenance headaches, and ensure your landscape thrives for years to come.

If you’re ready to bring the beauty and resilience of native trees into your yard then stop by Country Springs Wholesale Nursery. Our team can help match you with the right tree for your space and lifestyle.

August 8, 2025

Choosing the Right Tree for Your Landscape Project

Choosing the right tree for your Landscape Project starts with asking the right questions. What kind of sunlight does your planting area receive? How much space is available—both above and around the spot? What type of soil are you working with, and which trees thrive in your local climate zone?

Beyond site conditions, it’s also important to think about what you want your tree to provide. Are you looking for fast shade, seasonal color, long-term durability, or added habitat value?

Understanding these factors can help narrow your options and guide you toward trees that will grow well and serve your goals.

In the sections that follow, we’ll walk you through key considerations—from evaluating your planting site to identifying popular, proven choices. You’ll also find simple planting tips and ongoing care practices to support long-term success.

Ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at what matters most when selecting a tree.

Assess Your Site Conditions

The following 4 considerations should be taken into account when choosing the right tree before you fall in love with a tree’s form or foliage. Getting to know the basics of the planting location is paramount to the success of the Right Tree for Your Landscape Project.

Sun Exposure: Is the area in full sun, part shade, or mostly shady? While many shade trees tolerate full sun, some (like red maples) prefer at least a few hours of direct light each day.
Soil Type: Sandy, loamy, or clay? Well-draining loam is ideal for most trees, but if your soil leans heavily to clay or sand, choose species known to adapt—like oak (for clay) or Kentucky coffeetree (for sand).
Available Space: Measure both overhead clearance (under power lines or eaves) and width. A mature canopy spread of 30–50 feet is common for large shade trees—so be sure you have room!
Climate Zone: Check your USDA hardiness zone. Native trees not only thrive in local temperature ranges but also support wildlife and demand less maintenance.

Match Tree Characteristics to Your Project Needs

When choosing the right tree, different trees offer unique benefits. Here is a chart to help with important questions:

Top Picks for Homeowners when Choosing the Right Tree

Here are three versatile, attractive shade-tree favorites.
When it comes to choosing a shade tree that delivers both beauty and resilience, a few timeless options rise to the top. Whether you’re looking to create a cooling canopy with a big tree, support local wildlife, or simply add standout foliage to your landscape, the right tree can make all the difference. Below, we highlight three versatile favorites—each with its own unique appeal. From the stately and ecologically rich White Oak to the light-filtering Honey Locust and the striking, low-maintenance Ginkgo, these shade trees offer lasting value for a wide range of environments.

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Mature Size: 80–100 ft tall; 60–80 ft spread

Highlights: Long-lived, deep lobed leaves, supports hundreds of insect and bird species

Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis)

Mature Size: 30–70 ft tall; 30–60 ft spread

Highlights: Light, dappled shade; tolerant of city conditions and poor soils

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Mature Size: 50–80 ft tall; 30–40 ft spread

Highlights: Unique fan-shaped leaves, stunning golden fall color, extremely disease resistant

Planting & Early Care Tips

Giving your new tree a strong start sets the stage for decades of healthy growth. Proper planting and early care practices are essential for helping roots establish, trunks strengthen, and canopies develop naturally. From digging the right hole to knowing when—and how—to prune, a few simple steps can make a big difference. Follow these foundational tips to ensure your tree not only survives but thrives in its new home.

Dig the Right Hole:
Make it as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. This encourages roots to spread into native soil.
Backfill Gently:
Mix native soil with a bit of compost, but avoid heavy mulch piles at the trunk (“volcano mulching”).
Stake If Necessary:
Young trees may need staking in windy sites—remove ties after the first year to allow natural movement and trunk strengthening.
Water Consistently:
During the first two growing seasons, aim for 1 inch of water per week (from rain or irrigation). Soaker hoses or drip irrigation work best.
Prune Thoughtfully:
Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Avoid heavy pruning; let the tree establish a natural form.

Long-Term Maintenance

Caring for your tree doesn’t stop after it’s established—long-term maintenance is key to ensuring lasting health and beauty. Even mature shade trees benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods, helping them stay resilient through stress. Keep an eye out for early signs of pests or disease, such as leaf spots, cankers, or borer activity, as prompt treatment can prevent serious damage. Finally, refreshing mulch each year with a 2–3 inch layer of shredded bark or hardwood helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the root zone—keeping your tree strong for seasons to come.

By matching your property’s conditions with the right species, and giving your new tree attentive care when choosing the right tree, you’ll enjoy years of cool shade, wildlife visits, and seasonal beauty. Ready to explore our current shade-tree inventory? Stop by Country Springs Wholesale Nursery and pick the perfect one for your home!

July 31, 2018July 31, 2018

The Benefit of Offering Rainwater Harvesting Services

Rainwater harvesting is a very simple technique that anyone can practice, no matter what part of the country you’re in. All you need is an effective rainwater harvesting system.

Harvesting rainwater is the process of collecting rainwater and storing it for future use. Though it’s an old method for storing water, it’s highly effective and proves to be a highly reliable option. Here are some advantages of rainwater harvesting for your landscaping clients.

1. Rainwater Harvesting is good for the pocketbook.

Do your customers think that they don’t get enough rainfall for rainwater harvesting to be worthwhile? If so, then just point out the fact that even with only 1/2 inch of rainfall, a 1,500 sq ft house can accumulate nearly 500 gallons of water!

To put this into perspective, the average American uses 50 gallons of water for one car wash, so that’s 10 free car washes! The average car wash service is $6.34, so that’s $63 dollars of savings for minimal effort.

And of course, a rainwater harvesting system can be directed at free watering for landscaping, which means more potential opportunities for your company projects!

2. Rainwater is healthier for plants.

This one is a no brainer. It’s proven that rainwater is just healthier for plants compared to any other water source. For instance, unlike regular water, rainwater is slightly acidic and contains minerals and nutrients that plants love – like sulfur and potash.

It also contains no salt, so there’s no need to worry about salt causing any potential harm to the plants.

Because of the above factors, plants that reap the benefits of rainwater harvesting will be greener and healthier.

And if that isn’t enough reason to make the switch to harvesting rainwater, then here’s another one:

You can sometimes get free fertilizer in the form of nitrogen solution when there are thunder storms.

Your clients will definitely be shocked to hear this (pun intended).

3. Lower supply – greater demand.

On a more somber note, it’s no secret that many parts of the world are currently suffering water shortages. For example, it was a big story in international news that Cape Town South Africa will be the first major city in the world to run out of water.

And in the United States, Flint Michigan hasn’t had clean drinking water since 2014.

So clearly we shouldn’t take free and clean water for granted – and this is what rainwater harvesting allows. The possibilities are continuing to evolve so being a pioneer could be a game changer for your company.

Our hardscape supply partner, Techo-Bloc, has permeable pavers that have assisted in making them a leader in the Rainwater Harvesting arena. We have access to experts that will be glad to advise you on projects that would benefit from this technology.

Rainwater Harvesting using permeable pavers

Here is a contractor project that might offer some insight: