Spring is Here!
(This announcement brought to you by El Niño.)

We can now begin celebrating the arrival of this most wonderful of seasons.   Buds are swelling, early bloomers are blooming, grass is growing, garden shows are showing, all this and its just the beginning of February.

The Oregon Pioneers quickly learned what a great place they had found.   Our mild maritime climate softens our winters and brings us early springs.   Then our dry and warm summers ripen our berries and tree fruits to perfection.   While our friends in the Mid-West and East are still dealing with snow and frigid temperatures and must wait a little longer, our planting time has arrived.

Just imagine all the delicious fruit to come!  All it takes is a little shovel work and, voila,  you and your trees, shrubs, and vines will be smiling.

Check Out What's New for 2010!

We have many new delicious and disease-resistant varieties for planting in your edible landscape this season, including low-chill Blueberry varieties for gardeners in California and the South, uniquely flavored Heirloom Cherries, new Sea Berry varieties from Germany, and lots more!

I'd Rather Be Pruning!

Not usually considered a winter sport, pruning has lot to recommend it. Once you have a good pruning saw, loppers, pruners and reasonable gloves, you are set. No lift tickets to buy, no expensive outfits, no long commutes on icy roads. You'll also get quickly into shape and reap big rewards later on. When the joy of blazing down the slopes is long gone, you'll be eating delicious fruit.

Pruning is important but it is not difficult. There are many good books on the subject, but if you just want to start cutting, here are some basic tips.

1. When to prune:

While you can actually prune at any time of year, although most growers consider that the best time is winter to early spring, before your plants begin growing. Kiwis should be pruned very early, by the middle of February.

2. What to prune:

If your plants are young, pruning can be as simple as removing any broken or crossing branches and leaving the more vigorous ones. Then cut these remaining branches and the leader (the shoot at the top of the tree) back to about 2/3 of their length. If you have on old tree with lots of small, twiggy growth, more severe pruning is called for. Cutting off most of the old wood on the outer edges of the tree will rejuvenate it and produce much more vigorous, fruit-bearing growth. Of course, you should also cut back the top growth to make the fruit easier to harvest. Prune these older trees gradually, removing more old wood each year. Extreme pruning at one time will create a forest of upright and undesirable shoots.

3. How to prune:

When cutting back young shoots or branches, always look for buds that face outward and cut about 1/4" above them. The cut should have a slight angle away from the bud. When pruning back older branches, it's best to make cuts just above a smaller branch that is facing outwards. You will likely want to cut that small branch back as well. Because there is actively growing plant tissue near buds and branches, your pruning cuts will heal more quickly.

From Russia (and Ukraine) With Love!

New flavors and new forms! Try growing a unique fruit this year! This month we feature many unique and unusual varieties from the former Soviet Union, including Honeyberry, Sea Berry, Arctic Beauty Kiwi, Hardy Kiwi, Cornelian Cherry, and Black Currant.

This country covered a huge amount of land with varied climates, from the deep freeze of Siberia to the subtropical region on the shore of the Black Sea. Though their work was unknown to most Western scientists, Soviet plant breeders created many hardy, disease-resistant, tasty and nutritious varieties.

Whether you live in the Far North or the Deep South, you can enjoy these new and exciting varieties in your landscape or garden. Come see them at our store on Friday and Saturday, from 10AM to 4:30PM!

It's Cornelian Cherry Time!

We have a special offer for you, beautiful 9 year old plants from our orchard at an incredibly low price! In full bearing age, these compact shrubs should bloom and bear abundant fruit in 2011. These are our best varieties, including Elegant™, Red Star™, and Pioneer™.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to add these attractive shrubs to your yard. Availability is limited! Remember that planting two different varieties is important for cross-pollination. SALE $39.95 ea. Two or more plants $34.95 ea. Available at the nursery only - these plants are so big, we can't ship them.

Mature Blackdown Black Currants on Sale!

Take advantage of this special offer. These mature plants from our orchard are ready to bear abundant crops of sweet, delicious and very nutritious berries. Blackdown is one of the most flavorful varieties and is great for fresh eating as well for making the best preserves and juice. Red Currants available too! SALE $19.95 ea. 2 or more $16.95 ea. Available at the nursery only - these plants are so big, we can't ship them.