While it doesn’t really feel like it – it is officially springtime, I promise. Despite the weather outside (at least it’s not snowing) we at the garden center are embracing everything spring.
Our first shipment of perennials has arrived, and it’s brought some of our springtime favorites. We have hellebores, forsythias, Andromeda, magnolia, and japonica along with others.
Forsythia, the herald of spring, is a dazzler with its vibrant yellow blooms – the flowers often appear before the green leaves do for instant impact. Yes, it’s supposed to look like that. Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, offer elegant flowers in a range of colors from pale rose to deep purple and they thrive in shady areas providing early spring interest. Andromeda, or Pieris, has delicate pink or white bell-shaped flowers that spill elegantly down glossy evergreen foliage which I think really adds a touch of the fairytale to your garden.
Magnolia trees are iconic for their large fragrant blossoms that unfurl in shades of white, pink, or purple, marking the season with their breathtaking beauty and sweet fragrance. Japonica, or flowering Quince bursts into bloom with vivid red, pink, or white flowers signaling the end of winter and the beginning of warmer days. These spring perennials not only provide a burst of color and fragrance after the dreary winter months but also offer resilience and adaptability year after year. They are considered deer-resistant but like all things on Nantucket, nothing is 100% deer-proof, if a deer is hungry, it will eat.
Meanwhile – In our greenhouse on the farm, we cultivate an impressive array of annuals and spring bulbs. With 1200 Yellow Daffodils, 800 specialty Daffodils, 150 Mini Special Daffodils, and 1000 Tete-a-tete, our collection is vibrant Additionally, we nurture 700 Muscari, 3000 Ranunculus, and 7200 Pansies/Violas, showcasing the beauty of the season, mostly pastel shades with the most popular being the sky-blue colors.
Despite our desire to grow more, space limitations are always an issue on any farm. While we don’t cultivate tulips on the farm, we offer a variety of colors in our selection. Though not deer-resistant, we employ effective sprays for protection. Our columbine, a delightful perennial, enhances window boxes and can be easily transplanted to the ground. Our spring production begins in November with Thanksgiving potting of bulbs, leading to an early February greenhouse opening. Ranunculus is the first to be planted, followed swiftly by Pansies and Violas. By week 9, one of our greenhouses is already brimming with life. As we enter week 14, 30% of our production is underway, with 36,443 4″ plants already in the ground. The arrival of “Summer Flowers” occurs post-Daffodil weekend, contingent upon weather conditions. Daffodils emerge from coolers by the first week of March, while Pansies/Violas grace our Garden Center by mid-to-end March. Additionally, we nurture Stock, and Ivy, and eagerly anticipate the emergence of Irish moss (one of Breeze’s favorites).