March 7, 2023
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Winter to Spring Transition: On the Cusp

At first glance, Wisconsin in late winter might seem like a world frozen in time, hibernating under a white blanket, but there is more than meets the eye! Slowly, but surely, nature is starting to make moves. The following are some plants that will help carry wildlife through late winter, just before spring has finally sprung.
March 7, 2023
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Wisconsin Native Spring Ephemerals

There are many spring ephemerals native to Wisconsin. Spring ephemerals are like limited edition perennials; they’re only viewable for a short time. A fitting motto for these types of flowers is “live fast, die young,” as they grow and reproduce quickly, maximizing their limited time and taking advantage of optimal conditions such as temperature, moisture levels, and sunlight.
March 3, 2023
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St. Patrick’s Day Inspired Plants

When we think of St. Patrick’s Day, shamrocks, green carnations, and Bells of Ireland are ubiquitous on this day. Each leaf of a shamrock symbolizes hope, faith, and love, and if a fourth leaf is present, good luck. Bells of Ireland also represent good luck, while green carnations are popular for their vibrant color. There are, however, other plants, shrubs, trees, and conifers that have deep meaning and signify good fortune, luck, love, and prosperity. Some may surprise you!
February 25, 2023
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Fruit Trees Availability

Fruit Trees Availability Updated for 2023There is nothing quite like eating a fresh apple from a tree growing in your yard. There just isn’t. The taste is different, the texture is different, and even the smell is different. Better in all cases, compared to fruit purchased from grocery stores. Commercial […]
February 20, 2023
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6 Native Groundcovers for Pollinators

Wisconsin has many excellent native plants that can be used as groundcover while also benefiting pollinators and wildlife. Using a combination of groundcovers adds biodiversity, color, and texture to your garden, so don’t feel limited to just one type! Groundcovers are an excellent option to include in any garden to add texture, suppress weeds, reduce erosion, and maintain moisture levels.
December 14, 2022
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2023 Color of the Year & Your Plants

2023 Color of the Year & Your Plants It’s that time of year again when the world eagerly awaits the announcement of the 2023 Color of the Year by Pantone. This is a great place to find inspiration for interior design, fashion, beauty, graphic design, and most important to us […]
November 30, 2021
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Bark Mulch

Bark Mulch Spring means it\’s time to reapply a fresh coat of bark mulch. It\’s easier to install new, fresh bark mulch in your landscape beds before the perennials have a chance to emerge. Mulching in your beds suppresses weeds, maintains moisture, protects roots through winter, and adds nutrients to […]
November 30, 2021
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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
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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
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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
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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
2022 color of the year pantone very peri in your plants at johnson's nursery

2022 Color of the Year & Your Plants

2022 Color of the Year & Your Plants The last two years have been rough and there’s no doubt that we all have struggled in one way or another. We’re now looking at yet another Covid variant and sometimes it can feel like we just can’t catch a break. Despite […]
October 31, 2021
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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 […]
December 29, 2017
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Preventing Cedar Apple Rust

Preventing Cedar Apple Rust Preventing Cedar Apple Rust Cedar-apple rust is an interesting and complex disease involving alternating hosts to complete its lifecycle. This disease is caused by the fungus (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae). Now that is a mouthful to pronounce and something great to discuss with guests while at a party […]
December 29, 2017
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Garden Goals

Garden Goals Months of monochrome landscape dormancy caused by low light and cold will soon give way to swelling buds, warming winds, muddy boots, greening grass, and ever-increasing birdsong. Oh, the anticipation! What will my garden be like this year? What to grow? What to change? What should remain? The […]
September 25, 2017
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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 […]
May 25, 2017
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Phenology

Phenology The calendar says that spring is officially here, but it doesn’t really look like it yet. Today’s tip touches on a branch of science called phenology, meaning when climatic conditions correlate with plant and animal behaviors. Some say spring has arrived when you spy a robin. I say it […]
May 16, 2017
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2017 Spring Plant Draft Picks

2017 Spring Plant Draft Picks We’re excite to announce the 2017 spring plant draft picks. Tulip blooms dotting the landscape aren’t the only sign that spring has arrived. Football fans eagerly watch to see who their favorite teams will acquire to create a winning line up in fall. These players […]
April 5, 2017
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Signs of Spring

Signs of Spring Signs of Spring Officially, the calendar says March 20th is the Vernal Equinox and the first day of spring. But in Wisconsin, where a snowstorm might still be around the corner, I know that spring isn’t official until I see certain signs every year. Sign #1 – […]
April 1, 2017
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Harvest Windows & Dig Times

Harvest Windows Throughout the spring season, we hear from a lot of panicked people who think that their trees have to be in the ground by June. So not true! And although this video pertains to harvesting field-grown plants in the spring, the theme is the same for harvesting plants […]
March 13, 2017
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Tapping Maple Syrup

Tapping Maple Syrup “It’s what’s on the inside that counts when tapping maple syrup.” How often have we all heard that saying? When most people are enjoying the majesty of our state tree’s handsome shape or the breathtaking colors that the chills of autumn bestow upon its leaves, what’s on […]
February 18, 2017
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Forcing Tree Stems

Forcing Tree Stems We are smack in the middle of a long cold winter and that darn groundhog says it won’t be over soon. Today I’m going to show you how to bring a little spring indoors by forcing tree stems. Cutting stems of spring flowering trees and bringing them […]
January 25, 2017
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2017 Color of the Year – Greenery

2017 Color of the Year – Greenery I think we can all agree that 2016 was a hell of a year. An unprecedented presidential election. Syria. Brangelina Split. Zika Virus. Brexit. Prince died. Russia. McDonalds now serves all day breakfast. RIP Princess Leia. 2016 was pretty tumultuous for me on […]
October 9, 2016
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Mixed Hardwood Bark Mulch

centerhttps://kb.jniplants.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bark-mulch-johnsons-nursery-menomonee-falls-milwaukee-mixed-hardwood-catalog.jpgbark mulch johnson\’s nursery menomonee falls milwaukee mixed hardwood catalog Mixed Hardwood Text $2.50 bushels $32.00 cubic yards One of our most popular varieties of mulch. This 100% hardwood bark is mostly made from oak and maple, and is a medium-brown color. This sturdy mulch compacts over time, so it […]
October 9, 2016
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Northern Cedar Bark Mulch

https://www.kb.jniplants.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bark-mulch-johnsons-nursery-menomonee-falls-milwaukee-northern-cedar-catalog.jpgbark mulch johnson\’s nursery menomonee falls milwaukee northern cedar catalogcenter $3.50 bushels$59.00 cubic yards Cedar bark mulch has long, thin shreds, which creates an airy, light layer over soil. Cedar mulch decomposes slowly, so it needs to be replenished less frequently. The resins in cedar mulch emit a pleasant scent. […]
October 9, 2016
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Chocolate Enviro Bark Mulch

Chocolate Enviro Bark Text $3.00 bushels $38.00 cubic yards Chocolate bark mulch is darker than most other options of bark mulch. Its dark-brown color and will usually last between 3-4 years. It is more pieces than shredded; it’s made from chipped pallets. The chippings are dyed with environmentally safe color, […]
October 9, 2016
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Hemlock Pine Blend Bark Mulch

fullhttps://www.kb.jniplants.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bark-mulch-johnsons-nursery-menomonee-falls-milwaukee-hemlock-catalog.jpgbark mulch johnson\’s nursery menomonee falls milwaukee hemlock catalogcenter $3.50 bushels$54.00 cubic yards Hemlock/Pine Mulch is a blend between Pine and Hemlock Mulch. It has a rich, orange to red or burgundy color which accents plants in the garden and creates a beautiful contrast. It is an organic mulch that […]
June 22, 2012
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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 […]