Here in the Pacific Northwest, our seasons can typically be described quite simply: mild. That said, in the last two weeks our area has seen some of the coldest weather in three years, so if you’re wondering what steps you can take to protect your plants from winter damage, here are a few tips. First off, let me preface this by noting that while this most recent cold weather is [...]

It's that time of year again--the Christmas Open House at Vander Giessen's! Visit us this Saturday, December 7 for hot, fresh olie bollen made with our secret family recipe--people tell us they're the best around--as well as coffee, apple cider and hot cocoa. While you're here, be sure to check out our beautiful selection of poinsettias, handmade wreaths, cedar garland and Christmas trees. Also, don't miss out on our 2014 [...]

Just a quick note to all who may be eager for the Christmas season--Despite the construction project on our new garden center, we will be carrying our full selection of Christmas trees and decor for the holiday season! Our supply of Christmas trees, wreaths and garland will be arriving on Monday, November 25; poinsettias will be here on Wednesday the 27th. Please feel free to stop in anytime throughout the [...]

As we ease into winter, another season of gardening draws to a close. Before you store your gardening gloves and forget what dirt under your fingernails looks like, take a few minutes this month to wrap up some simple garden tasks to finish the year strong. Last month I wrote about steps you can take this fall for a healthy lawn through winter and into next spring. If you didn’t [...]

Example of the architecture to expect with our new garden center!For the last three years, we've been hard at work behind the scenes researching new greenhouse structuresto better serve our customers. After countless hours of preparation, we're excited to announce a complete rebuild of our greenhouses and sales office at Vander Giessen Nursery!If you've driven past the nursery in the last week, you may have noticed some changes starting to [...]

Nothing says "fall" like mums!Annuals are great for providing color all summer long—they’re really the workhorses of the plant world. But as with anything, annuals have their season, and if the flowers on your patio or deck are looking worn and you’re ready for something new, consider a few great options that will give your pots color for the rest of autumn—and even all winter long.The quintessential fall flower has [...]

Just because it's late summer doesn't mean you can't have fresh plants. We continue to receive regular deliveries of fresh perennials and shrubs for late summer and fall--check out some of the great color available now!

I hate to even have to report this, but it appears that an ugly disease that has spent the last couple of years spreading westward across the country has reached the Pacific Northwest. It's called impatiens downy mildew, and it's quickly becoming the worst enemy of gardeners who love to grow impatiens. If you've struggled with growing impatiens this summer--or just want to be aware of what to watch for--here's [...]