November 30, 2021
rootmaker container range at johnson's nursery ftimg

RootMaker Containers

What Are RootMaker Containers What are RootMaker Containers? no-repeat;center top;;auto0px What Are RootMaker ContainersRootMaker containers specialize in the growth of a fibrous root system. Johnson\’s Nursery uses them in the production of Wisconsin native trees, shrubs, and conifers. They are different than the typical, solid-wall container in a few ways. […]
November 30, 2021
understanding nursery stock sizes container grown trees paul ftimg

Understanding Nursery Stock Sizes

Understanding Nursery Stock Sizes Understanding Nursery Stock Sizes Most commonly, growers use caliper, container size, and height (inches or feet) for units of measurement for nursery stock. Why do we need multiple units? Because all plants are uniquely different and grow differently. In any of those 3 size units, it’s […]
November 30, 2021
how to attract monarch butterflies to your yard ftimg

How to Attract Monarchs to Your Yard

How to Attract Monarch Butterflies to Your Yard With the addition of the Monarch butterfly to the Red List of Threatened Species and categorized as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), many people have asked us how they can help this beloved creature. While they face […]
November 30, 2021
growing japanese maples in wisconsin ftimg

Growing Japanese Maples in Wisconsin

Growing Japanese Maples in Wisconsin Japanese Maples are a highly coveted landscape plant for many good reasons. They have a lot going for them, such as distinctive foliage in leaf form and color, interesting shape, overall size, and beautiful fall color. They are sure to inspire awe and are some […]
November 30, 2021
how to build a bird garden birdscaping wisconsin ftimg

Bird Garden in Wisconsin

How to Build a Bird Garden in Wisconsin Build a Bird Garden in Wisconsinno-repeat;center top;;auto0px Watching backyard birds is relaxing, entertaining, and educational. Seeing a bright red cardinal in the middle of winter is uplifting. A visit from a ruby-throated hummingbird outside the breakfast nook can be a great way […]
October 31, 2021
how to choose a tree fall color shade tree with child chasing ducks ftimg

How to Choose A Tree

How to Choose a Tree A surprising number of people walk into our retail store and ask, “Do you sell trees?” or “Do you have any shade trees?” or “Do you have any ornamental trees?” We all smile and say yes; after all, trees are kind of our thing, and […]
October 1, 2021
put the flip flops away but keep the hose out ftimg3

Fall Watering

Watering Your Plants in the Fall no-repeat;center top;;auto0px The air has turned chilly, the sun is setting earlier, and the Pumpkin Spice Latte fanatics are in heaven. While shorts and t-shirts may have been begrudgingly traded for jeans and sweaters, it’s too early to put away the garden hose. Summertime […]
November 13, 2017
red maple acer rubrum freeman maple crimson king maple royal red maple

What’s A Red Maple, Anyway?

What’s A Red Maple, Anyway? I am often asked if we carry Red Maples at Johnson’s Nursery. My reply is, what do you mean by “red maple”? In this article I break down what is and isn’t a red maple, and why it matters to you. Red Maple The true […]
October 16, 2017
seasonal needle drop ftimg

Seasonal Needle Drop

Seasonal Needle Drop The cooler temperatures of autumn are approaching and while humans are putting on extra layers of clothes, evergreens are shedding their old needles. This annual occurrence is called “Seasonal Needle Drop” and is completely normal. Think of it like people shedding their hairs. So don’t panic when […]
October 6, 2017

Fall Planting

Fall Planting Fall Planting In the fall, I am asked the same question over and over: Is it too late to plant? The answer? Not at all. But it is a good idea to get perennials and evergreens in the ground by mid-October. You want to give perennials enough time […]
September 25, 2017
fungus-among-us-apple-scab-ftimg

Fungus Among Us

Fungus Among Us There is more going on with autumn leaves besides the color changes of yellow, orange, and red – fungus. September is when fungal spotting has reached its peak, causing many of your favorite plants to defoliate or go dormant early.See, in spring, fungal spores are everywhere, dancing […]
April 9, 2017
deer resistant plants ftimg

Deer Protection, Buck Rub & Resistant Plants

Deer Resistant Plants, Buck Rub & Protection Deer resistant plants is a very common topic in Wisconsin, especially in fall. It\’s often an initial question on new landscape projects of all sizes. Deer resistant, repellent, deterrent, and deer proof can all be used synonymously with the topic. Ultimately, fencing is […]
October 24, 2016
sugar-maple-ftimg

Sugar Maple – King of the Woods

Sugar Maple – King of the Woods My friend Karl told me one time that he thinks he’s part Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). Ya really! He told me he is related to the tree. He says it comes from his father’s side of the family because they were foresters and […]
September 14, 2016
planting container trees in fall

Planting Container Trees in Fall

Planting Container Trees in Fall Planting Container Trees in Fall How timing and plant selection can decrease stress on plant and person alike. Fall is a great time for planting trees. It\’s a total win-win. Trees don\’t like to be moved, it stresses them out. Planting container trees in fall […]
November 8, 2012
sumac rhus native shrubs in wisconsin at johnson's nursery ftimg

LIST:
Sumac Comparison

Sumac Comparison Genus: Rhus The Sumac (Rhus) family includes a selection Wisconsin native shrubs noted for their fern-like foliage, site adaptability, and wildlife value. They\’re a very strong plant in native and land restoration projects because the majority of the family are colonizers, meaning they\’re vigorous and will spread; therefore, […]
June 22, 2012
grass sedge comparison selecting grasses ornamental perennials big bluestem ftimg

LIST:
Grass & Sedge Comparison Chart

Grass & Sedge Comparison Chart The Grass & Sedge Comparison Chart is a list of common ornamental grass and sedge perennials grown at Johnson\’s Nursery. Easy to grow, easy to care for, easy on the eyes! Ornamental grasses have so many positives it’s hard to not incorporate them into the […]