On August 29th, I was lucky enough to attend the Coquitlam Farmer’s Market Long Table Dinner, to which the wonderful event was held at Red Barn Plants and Produce, in Maple Ridge. It was great to be at the source of such wonderful food, all growing fresh around us!

All of the food that was served came from local food producers, and primarily from the vendors that frequent the weekly market on Sundays. The funds from this event go directly to the market’s Power of Produce kid’s club. This program happens at the market each Sunday, and teaches kids about local, fresh food through information and a fun activity.

Below is a photo that was a simple salad made from in season radish, cooked beets, tossed with fresh salad greens, candied walnuts and cheese from Golden Ears Cheese Crafters.

But then I thought, while looking at this fantastic plate, and the greens growing around me, of my tired garden. Spring and summer are rushed times at the nursery and in life, but I was inspired to go back to my garden, as now is time for fall clean-up of tomatoes and bolted lettuces. While it may be a bit late to direct seed many veggies, now is perfect timing for cool season starts, such as lettuces, arugula, cabbage, broccoli, kale and cauliflower. Garlic can go in now for next summer too!

Share with us! Have you planted a fall/winter garden? Do you have fresh garden to table veggies planted? Send us your photos. Or, have questions on fall gardening, come on into the nursery and ask us! And while you are here, grab some fresh starts for your garden.

For more information on the Coquitlam Farmer’s Market, and their Power of Produce kid’s program, please visit: https://makebakegrow.com/contact-us/ Or visit the market on Sunday’s at the Dogwood Pavilion on Poirier Street from 9 am to 1 pm.


Written By Amanda Smith

Cool and Crisp Fall Container Recipe

This recipe features a cool and crisp planting plant for late summer or early Fall. Fall containers are fluid and fleeting. Plant them with interchangeable parts. Don't worry so much about longevity. You can take out and replace plants as they finish for the season. With that said, this one should be looking great right until the hard frosts show up in November or December. We're not going to talk so much about specific varieties as we are planting concepts. Feel free to visit us and pick out the plants you like that fit the general feel of the design.

The Plants

This planting plan uses 10 easy to source plants and makes use of the traditional Thriller, Filler and Spiller planting plan. Thrillers are the larger, more dominant  components that grab attention and say 'look at me!'. Fillers are used to compliment the Thriller and provide body and substance to the design. Spillers dangle over the sides of the pot to soften the lines between the hard container and the soft plants. Most designs use odd numbers of plants - but this one breaks the rules using only 10. If you really want to be odd, add another Pansy if you wish :)

The Plan

• A. Thriller - An Icy Blue Conifer (Lawson Cypress, Blue Spruce or something similar) Its positioned at the back instead of the centre
• B. Filler - Silvery Toned Heuchera (so many to choose from!)
• C. Filler - Shasta Daisy (big white blooms)
• D. Filler - Bud Blooming Heathers x2 (A Green and White/Pink Variety, great long lasting flower buds on interesting foliage)
• E. Spiller - Donkey Tail Spurge ( A great architectural look for the sides of pots)
• F. Spiller - Carex Evergold (Evergold Sedge or similar)
• G. Filler - Winter Pansies x3  (Blue/Purple Toned)

Ready to plant one up yourself? All of these plants and many more similar ones are available at Arts Nursery in the late summer and early fall. If you don't feel like making one yourself, get our experienced staff to make it for you! Call or visit for more details

Ancient history has a common thread, it is the fern. These plants have fossil records that date back to the age of Dinosaurs and are still thriving today. Ferns are a common feature of woodlands, mountainsides and other shaded, damp areas of our environment

In the 1800’s, Ferns were extremely popular indoor plants as well. In fact, fern-fever or 'Pteridomania' was actually a ‘thing’. In the Victorian era, fern-motifs were found on virtually everything! Fronds were pressed into albums and plants were put on display in homes and outdoors. Fern identification and collecting became a popular past-time. Many were gathered from the wild and relocated to glasshouses and conservatories. These activities led to the creation of the ‘Wardian Case’ to protect the ferns from urban pollution. Wardian Cases are often though of as the pre-cursor of the modern terrarium.

Collections become so large and popular that 'fern-houses', greenhouses devoted to ferns, became additions to homes while outdoor displays of ferns began to be called ‘ferneries’ Over time, fern-mania declined and other plants gained the forefront.

Today, planting and enjoying ferns is gathering momentum as a trend, both indoors and out. People are looking for form, texture, foliage and of course, low maintenance plants. Ferns fit the bill beautifully.
What makes ferns unique is that they do not flower or set seed. Instead they reproduce using spores that disperse and begin new plants. They are extremely diverse in habitat, form and size. Most inhabit warm, damp areas of the planet with only a few that thrive in dry cold spaces.

The ones we’ve chosen to focus on today are the most common and popular with home gardeners and landscapes in our area of the Pacific Northwest. So without further ado, here are 12 Fantastic Ferns for your garden.

Deer Fern

A native of Europe and Western North America, the Deer Fern, or Belchnum spicant is an attractive evergreen used in shady gardens and containers. They can also be used indoors as houseplants if given a cooler, humid environment. Deer ferns are unique in that they grow two types of leaves (fronds). Fertile fronds are taller and emerge from the middle of the clump. The sterile fronds are shorter, thicker and evergreen. They surround the center fronds. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8

Japanese Painted Fern

Japanese Painted Ferns are perhaps one of the most beautiful and unique of all the ferns. In fact, it was the Perennial Plant Associations 2004 Plant of the Year. It is a smaller and slower growing deciduous plant planted for its amazing metallic, silver, green and purple-burgundy fronds. Native to Eastern Asia. Prefers rich, evenly moist soil and shade to part shade. Its an excellent plant for containers, mixed borders or shade gardens. Grows 12-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide

Tasmanian Tree Fern

Dicksonia Antarctica, also known as the Tasmanian Tree Fern is a sought after evergreen tree fern native to Australia. Makes a dramatic statement in the garden. It naturally occurs in dense forests under a tree canopy that provides filtered sunlight and plenty of moisture. Shade or part shade is best. Soil should be loose, well drained and rich in organic material. It is slow growing, putting on only 3-4 cm per year. In the right environment, it can reach 10-12 metres in height. It is a tropical plant and will only grow in areas with mild winters or winter protection. Hardy only to Zone 9-11

Harts Tongue Fern

The Hart’s Tongue Fern has an unusual, almost tropical appearance with wide leathery green, strap shaped fronds. Grows in a low clump. Ideal for woodland and rock gardens. Best grown in part to full shade. Prefers good drainage and slightly alkaline soils. Can grow 1-3ft across at maturity. Hardy to Zone 5

Tassel Fern

This lovely vase shaped fern features lustrous, shiny, dark green fronds that add elegance to shaded gardens. Fronds on the Tassel Fern are frosted on the reverse with a rusty brown stem. Quite attractive as the new fronds unfurl. Best grown in shade to part shade in moist, humus rich, acidic soils. Grows 18-24 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. Hardy to Zone 5

Western Sword Fern

The Western Sword Fern is one of the most robust and reliable of the native ferns. It features great texture with glossy, leathery, toothed foliage that is dark green in colour. Any visit to our mountains and woods is sure to reveal this plant in abundance. Foliage is evergreen and vigorous. Forms clumps that may be up to 4ft tall and wide! Best grown in woodland areas in shade to part shade. Prefers moist, rich, well drained soil. Hardy to Zone 4

Autumn Brilliance Fern

This colourful fern features pink fiddleheads that turn into coppery orange, glossy fronds. These turn a shiny dark green in summer through the cool season. A fantastic fern for lightening up a darker area. Although it prefers moist, rich, well drained soils, it develops some drought tolerance once established. Hardy to Zone 5 and can stay evergreen in frost-free areas. Grows 18-24 inches in height and spread.

American Maidenhair Fern

The American Maidenhair Fern, also known as the Northern Maidenhair Fern, is probably the most graceful and delicate in appearance of all the native ferns. Airy, fan-shaped green fronds are held on thin black stems in tight clumps. It is also frequently used as a houseplant. These plants appreciate a moist, rich soil. Best in shade to part shade. Grows 12-20 inches in height. Deciduous. Hardy in zones 4-9

Himalayan Maidenhair Fern

This shorter growing Adiatum variety also features a delicate appearance with black stems holding small green leaves. Foliage is much denser than the American Maidenhair. Habit is low and spreading. A rich, moist soil in shade to part shade is best. Grows 8-12 inches in height and 12-24 inches wide. Hardy in zones 5-8

Dyce’s Holly Fern

Shaded gardens get a bold and elegant look with this large holly fern. Sturdy, arching fronds with glossy dark green foliage emerge from the middle of the crown giving a symmetrical appearance. Small bulbils are produced on the fronds in late summer to fall. Easy to establish in the landscape, forming handsome, deer resistant clumps. Evergreen. Best grown in shade to part shade in consistently moist soil. Can grow 3-4 tall and wide. Hardy in USDA zones 6-8

Japanese Holly Fern

The Japanese Holly Fern provides unique form and texture. 1-2ft long fronds are stiff, upright and arch outwards from the middle of the plant. They begin light green and age to a dark green over time. Grows well under trees and in containers. While it is evergreen in mild climates, clean and trim off tired looking foliage after winter. Best grown in shade to part shade in consistently moist soils. Hardy in zones 6-8

Soft Shield Fern

The Soft Shield Fern provides outstanding foliage for shade. Feathery, dark green fronds look tropical, but are actually hardy! A great contrast to bold leaved plants. This lovely, lacey fern is an evergreen to semi-evergreen fern that is extremely popular in Europe. It forms a medium sized clump of soft textured fronds that are glossy dark green.Best grown in shade to part shade in consistently moist, slightly acidic soil. Naturalizes well. Grows 2-3 ft tall and wide. Hardy in zones 6-8

If your looking to add ferns to your garden, drop by or give us a call at 604.882.1201 during business hours. As always, our in-store selection is always changing so contact us in advance if you are looking for something in particular. We hope that their is a space in your garden or home to add a fern or two to your collection. Enjoy!

September is the month where all the new bulbs for Fall arrive and are put out on display. This year we are pleased to feature over 20 new varieties that you can add to your garden or container! Many are in stock now, and all can be pre-ordered online until Sept 14, 2018. Get your orders in today!

Anemone De Caen 'Bordeaux' Bulbs

Anemone 'Bordeaux' is a new variety with delicate, velvety blooms in a deep purple hue. Great choice for containers and cut flowers. Spring flowering. Deer resistant. Grows to 18 inches in height. 5 bulbs per pack.

Anemone De Caen 'Caramel White' Bulbs

'Caramel White' Anemone is a new variety with delicate white blooms with a lavender center. Great choice for containers. Deer resistant. Grows to 16 inches in height. Spring flowering. 5 bulbs.

Colourful Companions Alium 'Moon Dance' Bulbs

Allium 'Moon Dance' is a new companion pack for 2018! These ornamental onions grow to be an elegant mix of white and burgundy alliums. Late spring blooming. An excellent cut flower for arrangements. Grows to 24 inch average height. 10 bulbs.

Colourful Companions 'Fairy Garden' Bulbs

New 2018! Colourful Companions Fairy Garden bulbs are a colourful combo of purple crocus and cream tulips with pinkish-red accents. Early spring blooming. Great bulb from containers. 30 bulbs.

Colourful Companions Tulipa 'Spring Has Sprung' Bulbs

New 2018! Colourful Companions Spring Has Sprung bulbs grow to be beautiful coral pink tulips with a red flush. Late spring blooming. A great addition to cut flower arrangements. 15 bulbs.

Hyacinth 'Blue Festival' Bulbs

New 2018! Multiflora hyacinth's are a particularly floriferous form that provides you with up to 6 stems of fragrant, beautiful blooms for each individual bulb. Blue Festival features violet-blue flowers in spring. Great for containers. Deer resistant. 3 bulbs.

Hyacinth 'Pink Festival' Bulbs

New 2018! Multiflora hyacinth's are a particularly floriferous form that provides you with up to 6 stems of fragrant, beautiful blooms for each individual bulb. Pink Festival features light pink flowers in spring. Great for containers. Deer resistant. 3 bulbs.

Hyacinth 'White Festival' Bulbs

New 2018! Multiflora hyacinth's are a particularly floriferous form that provides you with up to 6 stems of fragrant, beautiful blooms for each individual bulb. White Festival features soft white flowers in spring. Great for containers. Deer resistant. 3 bulbs.

Iris 'Alida' Bulbs

New 2018! Alida Dwarf Iris bulbs form deep blue blooms with yellow crests. Short sturdy stems produce very long lasting blooms that multiply easily. Great for a rock garden or in a container. Deer resistant. 10 bulbs.

Iris 'Pink Panther' Bulbs

New 2018! Pink Panther dutch iris bulbs grow into beautiful lavender toned flowers held on tall, dark green stems. Being a dutch variety, they bloom in late spring, and prefer part sun part shade. 5 bulbs.

Iris 'Symphony' Bulbs Mammoth Pack

New 2018! Symphony dutch iris grows into very soft looking, buttery yellow blooms on tall green stems in late spring. The long sturdy stem makes this a great choice as a cut flower, but looks just as stunning in containers or in a garden bed. 10 bulbs.

Narcissus 'Double Star' Bulbs

New 2018! This fully double variety of daffodil is a real charmer with its massive, buttery yellow blooms. Flowers appear in mid spring. Deer resistant. 5 bulbs.

Narcissus 'Falconette' Bulbs

New 2018! Falconette narcissi bulbs bloom into beautiful yellow and deep orange, fragrant flowers that are great at naturalizing in the early to mid spring. Looks great in containers or in a mass landscape. Deer resistant. 5 bulbs.

Narcissus 'Red Ranger' Bulbs

New 2018! Bright yellow petals with a gorgeous deep orange frilled cup. Blooms in the early to mid spring and continues to bloom for many years. Easy to naturalize. 5 bulbs.

Tulipa 'Double Gudoshnik' Bulbs

New 2018! Huge, elegant double blooms are a rich salmon with a unique feathered over lay in shades of soft yellow and fiery red. Great for cut flowers. 6 bulbs.

Tulipa 'Double Negrita' Bulbs

New 2018! Huge, elegant double blooms are a rich purple with deeper purple accents. Great for use in containers or as cut flowers in arrangements. 6 bulbs.

Tulipa 'Jumbo Beauty' Bulbs

New 2018! Garden Gaint Jumbo Beauty tulips present you with massive, pretty pink blooms in mid to late spring. Petals have a soft, white glow around the outer edges giving them a magical, sparkling appearance. Great for bouqets and containers. 6 bulbs.

Tulipa 'Laura Fygi' Bulbs

Mammoth packs contain the most popular varities available. Laura Fygi tulip bulbs are bright red in colour with yellow towards the edges of the petals. Late spring blooming. A great cut flower for arrangements! Fragrant. 20 bulbs.

Eremurus 'Line Dance' Bulbs

New 2018! Eremurus are unique bulbs that add great accents and highlights to beds and borders. Foxtrot bulbs bloom in May-June, forming tall, feathery stacks of amber coloured flowers. Great if used as a cut flower. Deer resistant. 1 bulb.

Eremurus 'Foxtrot' Bulbs

New 2018! Eremurus are unique bulbs that add great accents and highlights to beds and borders. Foxtrot bulbs bloom in May-June, forming tall, feathery stacks of soft pink flowers. Great if used as a cut flower. Deer resistant. 1 bulb.

Chilean Cabbage Tree

Rare and wonderful Chilean Cabbage Tree. Almost brought to extinction in the 1980’s. Down to 3 specimens in the wild. Now available through seed cultivation. Fantastic large foliage when mature. Unusual and different. Not reliably hardy, protect in winter. Unusual orange flowers. Height 3-7ft

Tower of Jewels

A true garden event when in bloom, Erect, unbranched perennial that towers up to 15ft of red and pink flowers during the second season. Narrow, silvery hairy leaves. A honeybees delight. Biannual, needs mild winter or protection from rain and snow. Equally charming for its exotic foliage. Endemic to the Canary Islands. Seed grown. Can reach towering heights, but 3-6ft is common.

Angel Wings Senecio

Big silky leaves of dazzling matte silver / white with rippled edges are this plan’ts claim to fame. It’s a tender perennial that is not hardy in our climate. Only hardy in Zones 8-10 – treat it as an annual in the Pacific Northwest. A stunning accent for borders and mixed containers. Best grown in sun or part shade in well draining soil. Grows to 16-18 inches in height.

Silver Sage

This herbaceous perennial features startling silver foliage and brilliant white flowers held on branching stems. Blooms early to late summer. Foliage is a rosette of silvery leaves. Suitable for borders, walls, gravel gardens. Best grown in sun on well drained soils. Grows 24-36 inches in height and 18 inches across.

Wonderful Fruiting Pomegranate

This dwarf waterwise fruiting tree features edible fruit and beautiful fall colour. In a warm climate, you may even get a crop of small pomegranates. Needs 6 hours of direct sunlight and plenty of warmth. Blooms in summer while fruit matures in fall. Can reach 10ft tall and wide. Hardy in zones 7-11

Silver Dollar Tree

This favourite from down-under is a highly sought after plant amongst foliage collectors. It’s a fast growing waterwise tree that ironically like plenty of water for best growth. Silvery, rounded foliage is held in unique forms on long branches. Can grow to 35-40ft in height in warm climates. Needs winter protection in ours as it is only hardy in zones 8-10

Hass Improved Manzanillo Fruiting Olive

This warm climate plant is capable of producing edible olives when given enough heat and light. Needs direct sun, 6+ hours of sun per day. Slow growing to 15-20ft tall and 10-15ft wide. Blooms in late spring. Hardy in zones 8-10

Twiggly Wiggly Tree Daisy

This member of the Dan Hinkley Collection offers year round interest with showy flowers, interesting foliage and attractive branching. Blooms in summer. Needs full to part sun and will tolerate most soils, including wet ones. Can reach 6-8ft tall and 5-6ft wide. Hardy in zones 7-11

Lucky Lantern Red Flowering Maple

This tender shrub features showy red, bell-shaped flowers appear on a compact deciduous plant from July to September. Foliage is dark green and maple-like in shape. Provide winter protection in cool climates. Very heat tolerant. Excellent for summer gardens or containers in the hot sun. Grows 12 inches tall and wide. Hardy in zones 8-10

St Elmos Fire Firecracker Plant

Showy tubular red, long lasting flowers appear on mass on wispy, wiry looking foliage. Blooms spring through fall. It’s a tender perennial that prefers full to part sun and regular watering. Can reach 4-6ft tall and 6-8ft wide in the appropriate climate. Less in ours. Hardy in zones 8-11