Many of us plant containers for summer interest and leave them empty for the winter. I get very excited at the beauty that can be created with a winter container, but would like to expand on this topic. What would you think of the idea of having a basic planting that lasts year round, with only the addition of seasonal color needed? (Think pansies in the cool of early spring, all the choices we love such as geraniums in the summer, winter blooming heather and hellebores for late fall/early winter.) Or….planting your container now with plants that can move into your garden in the spring or perhaps in a spring a little farther down the road.
While there are some containers too small to incorporate these ideas, for the majority of them just have fun and create without overcrowding.

The planting medium you use is very important. Art’s Supersoil/house blend mix is your best choice for a shrub, perennial, grass design. It is always wise to check the plant tags for both light and water needs. If you are using plants that require little to no water, go with Promix. Always remember though, that even drought resistant plants require moisture help for the first two years while they put on the root system needed to support themselves.

Shrubs For Containers

Step 1 : Create Height

Gold : CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA

This is a bright, beautifully textured, fragrant shrub for a container and can be kept in the design for a few years as long as you are in Zone 7 or warmer. Often it will be “Goldcrest” that is available. It is an outstanding center piece for your container. If you can find “Wilma”, please consider this alternative as it is much smaller and dense in its growth pattern both at a young age in your container and at maturity in your garden. If you do not plan to move this beauty from the container, try to find “Wilma”.

Moving to the garden: If you are looking to move it to your garden, expect Goldcrest to reach a final height of about 30’ by 15’ wide over the course of several decades. If you manage to find Wilma, expect a much smaller tree at maturity, topping out at 8’ tall by 2’ wide. They both love full sun, even moisture, but well drained soil. And as an added benefit, are deer resistant.

Dark Green : EUONYMUS JAPONICUS GREEN SPIRE

This is one of my very favorite centerpieces for a container with it deep, green, glossy foliage, made all the more delightful with its curved, distinctive leaf. This addition to the euonymus family is well worth tracking down. It is very slow to grow, requiring little maintenance, and will work hard for years as the centerpiece of your container.

Moving to the garden: If you ever decide to move this plant to the garden (though you will not have to), it is hardy to Zone 6, so will easily survive the transplant. It reaches a final height of 5’-6’ and a width of 1’ to 2’. Think about using it as a much needed vertical exclamation point in your landscape design. It is versatile as far as sun is concerned, doing well from full sun to mostly shade. It likes average, well-drained soil and while it does flower, there are too insignificant to really appreciate. They adapt to sea side planting and also resist deer.

Step 2 : Fillers / Layers

Now that you have created your height, it is time to move to the next layer of your container. The choices are numerous, but always consider foliar contrast, foliar color, and flower. While it sounds overwhelming, it really isn’t. Just remember to create a balanced container that includes green, gold, variegated, even blue foliage, and flowers.

Heuchera - Coral Bells

I have chosen the burgundy leafed Heuchera “Frosted Violet”, but the variations in leaf shape and color go from golds, oranges, reds, greens, right through to black. The choice is yours. Heuchera flowers, but they are insignificant. I just follow the stem down to the crown of the plant and cut them out. The flowers in the picture are ready for me to remove. Heucheras are one of my very favorite plants in a container as they bring a bold-colored, great textured leaf to the show. It is sometimes too easy to not have enough leaf contrast in a container. This little gem takes care of that in spade. Just ask at the nursery for what is available to you and have fun with your creation.

Moving to the garden: While it is advertised that heucheras will handle all sun conditions, I do find that constant even moisture is an absolute requirement for that to happen. They are a rather small perennial, reaching only 8in-10in high and 16in wide. They shine in all their beauty in a woodland garden with ferns, but put them anywhere a punch of color is needed.

ERICA DARLEYENSIS KRAMER’S RED

Heather is a mainstay of the fall/winter container. You can also find summer blooming “heather”. However, for this article, I will focus on the winter flowering variety. Kramer’s Red is a compact dark green small shrub that is literally covered in bloom from December until April. Although there are many “green foliage, with pinkish/purple blooms, this old standard still stands out in the crowd. It produces it greatest flower in full sun and well-drained soil. However, that still means even moisture. After flowering, give it a light shear to keep it looking its best and ready to go for another eye popping season next year. There are also gold varieties available with white flowers and with pink. How you plan your container will help to determine what color heather you choose. If you have a lot of green on the go, try to find one with gold foliage.

Moving to the garden: It really doesn’t matter where you go on the mainland. Heather, whether dark green in foliage or gold, catches our eye. It thrives in full sun but will grow in part shade. They work planted singly or groups, allowing them to grow together or kept as separate plants. Because of their low mature height, (12in tall by 24in wide) they do better if planted at the front of a bed. They look right at home planted up against rock placed in the garden as it is reminiscent of its homeland….Scotland.

EUONYMUS FORTUNEI BLONDY

I had the great fortune to pick up this container for myself recently. It was specific in its design to fit into my garden. That brilliant spot of the gold on the left lower side is Euonymus Blondy. It is so eye catching with its bold yellow and green markings compared to its counter parts and just as easy to take care of. In a large container, plant it multiple time and allow it to creep over the sides at it matures. This is a hardy little shrub, good to Zone 5, handling all conditions, except extreme wet. It thrives in the sun, but will handle some shade. If it starts to get leggy on you, please feel free to prune it back…. hard if need be. It will be all the better for it. Of note for those who like to create floral arrangements, don’t forget to give this a try.

Moving to the garden: You may never want to move this shrub to the garden as it will not out grow most containers. However, if you do, know that it mounds in a well-behaved manner, not sprawling like many of its counterparts. Put it anywhere near the front of the bed where you need a punch of color. Once established in your garden, it can handle drier conditions. Its final size tops out at about 2ft by 2ft.

GAULTHERA PROCUMBENS (WINTERGREEN):

Oh, do I love this plant, especially this time of year. Just look at those red berries on this ever-so-slowly creeping groundcover. While you may never want to pick them, the fruit is edible and the leaves are used to make wintergreen tea. However, as far as winter containers are considered, they have no rivals. As you can see, that rich shiny foliage takes on a burgundy hue in the winter adding great contrast to an already outstanding plant. Having said all this, they will handle full sun, but often prefer partial shade. They require average (but never soggy) soil.

Moving to the garden - This is a native plant to North America and once established, requires little attention. It is deer and rabbit proof, with its final height set at 4in-5in and its final spread is 10in-12in.

HELLEBORUS NIGER HGC JACOB

There are few plants I seriously collect for my garden. Hellebores are one of them. What is there to not like? They are essentially evergreen, with unique leathery leaves. Have a mild fragrance. Hardy to Zone 4. And, just when we think we cannot stand one more day of clouds and rain, these beauties pop their flowers up for all to see. In my garden, the blooms can last easily for two months. There are so many varieties now that it is impossible to list them all. But, Jacob is proving to be one of the more outstanding new cultivars over the last several years. When hellebores first arrived on the scene, the beautiful flowers hung downwards, depriving us of their beauty. Not Jacob! This plant makes an unforgettable impact in a container, with the leaves holding their own in the summer months. An interesting side point. The leaves can start to look a bit worn by the time the blooms show. Don’t be afraid to cut them out. The flowers will then be able to put on their show for you. The leaves will not take long to make an entrance. And while you do not have to deadhead them, the look will be better if you do.

Moving to the garden: You could seriously have a dilemma on your hands, as I am sure you will want this plant in both a container and your garden. However, they prefer some shade, and even handle dark shade, lighting up a dreary corner. They like even moisture. They look breathtaking planted in irregular groupings, are deer and rabbit resistant. They are very slow to grow, but will ultimately reach 14in high and 12in wide at the base of the plant.

CAREX OSHIMENSIS EVERGOLD

Last, but not least, an evergreen grass. This is another long time standard for containers for a reason. It just is so darn easy to care for and adds so much to the container with its color and form. A zone 5, it is a highly decorative, yet tough sedge, winning awards for its valuable contribution to our gardens. Plant it on the outer edge of your container. If the container is large enough, feel free to use multiples. You will not be disappointed. It handles full sun to part shade, although the best color is in part shade. It loves even moisture. Hardy to zone 5. In a container or a garden, do not cut this grass right back. When pruning leave about 1/3 of the plant in place.

Moving to the garden: Don’t be afraid to try this sedge in some shade. It will brighten up a corner. It is also great in groupings, and with dark green evergreens, such as low growing pines. 8in high by 14in wide.

In Closing

There are so many incredible choices for container planting that it would take pages to list them all. Please visit the garden center to browse the courtyard (and of course other areas of the nursery) for ideas. Talk to our staff about the location of your container (sun, shade, etc.) and the appropriate plants for the location.

Are you trying to figure out what to get everyone on your list for Christmas? We know it can be challenging to come up with gift ideas that are as unique as the people receiving them. Our team put together 24 fantastic solutions that are sure to bring smiles Christmas morning and will help you check off a few boxes on your list!

#1. Best Mom Eva!

Of course,we start with the most important woman on everyone's list! Our apparel section has the most beautiful (and super soft!) scarves, wraps and sweaters. Pair it up with a gorgeous bag and add a pretty accent necklace and you got your Mom covered this year.

#2 The Salad Maker

That co-worker / work friend that brings a salad for lunch (like every single day), will love growing their own fresh sprouts in this jar and sprouting seeds gift idea.

#3 The Yogi

You don’t have to stretch yourself trying to come up with an idea for this person on your list. They will love receiving the energy you put into getting them any of these thoughtful gifts. Namaste.

#4 For Teacher

We have plenty of living gifts ideas for that person who spends their days encouraging young minds to grow. Check out our selection of perfect gifts for teacher.

#5 The Beer Master

He’ll get hopped up on these great décor accessories to add to his mini bar where he serves up his latest brew.

#6 The Dog Lover

Everyone has that friend or family member that posts a pic of their pooch every. single. day! Follow their lead and get them something they’ll love to share with their fur-baby.

#7 The Deep Thinker

Any Bliss Bandit on your list will love these fabulous gift ideas. Our incense is made with all - natural spices and is perfect for getting into the zone.

#8 Sucka for Succas

You know the type, they seem to come home with a new cactus or succulent every week! We have a huge selection of plants and cool little pots perfect for giving this person who simply can’t get enough.

#9 The Indoor Grower

It might be cold outside, but growers be growing year - round with the book Countertop Gardens. Pair this manual on how to grow indoors with some growing supplies for the perfect gift for the budding gardener on your list.

#10 Crazy Cat Lady

We all have one on our list! She’ll love any of these Purr-fect gift ideas.

#11 Hockey Mom

She’s your #1 fan and biggest cheerleader! Keep your Mom warm in the stands while she cheers on Canada’s favorite game.

#12 The Busy Bee

They need a time out! We absolutely love these essential oils and these beautiful ceramic (that’s right, not plastic!) diffusers. This is a must for anyone that needs a break.

#13 The Outback Jack

Not sure what to get that fella that just loves the outdoors? We havee a few gift ideas that will remind him of his favorite past time even if he’s at the office.

#14 The Book Worm

They love books, they love gardening. We have a great selection of books they can dig into and bury themselves in during the cold winter months.

#15 The Mood Maker

Salt rock lamps are an excellent gift to give! Not only do they create a warm ambient glow, they also clean the air, reduce allergies and asthma symptoms and neutralize electromagnetic radiation. Every household should have one! We also have selenite and amethyst crystals in store.

#16 Tea Toting

Have you ever had Lavender Earl Grey Tea? It’s like a little bit of heaven in a mug! If you have a tea lover on your list, then you must get them this tea. 100% Satisfaction guarantee!

#17 The Road Warrior

Some folks love road trips and discovering new places. These adorable car accessories will help them travel in style!

#18 Houseplant Hoarder

Plants are like Pringles, you can never have just one! Not sure what to give someone? Give them a living gift that helps clean the air, creates a calm environment and brings green indoors!

#19 BBQ King

Have you ever tried Lavender with lamb? Your king of the grill will love trying out these lavender infused ingredients!

#20 Shelfie Styler

Shelfies say something about who you are and what you love. We have those special something somethings that will make your shelfie express your selfie. (psst... don’t forget to add a plant!)

#21 Hostess Gifts

On your way to a dinner party? Don’t forget to bring the wine and one of these wonderful gifty ideas for the host.

#22 Sister Style

You don’t have to worry if it will fit if you buy your sister one of our gorgeous wraps! So soft and comfy, she’ll wear it everywhere.

#23 The Crazy Plant Lady

Yes, they dwell among us and they simply cannot get enough! Feed their addiction by visiting our tropical department and be sure to grab them this bag. The will carry it with pride!

#24 Stocking Stuffer Ideas

It might be last minute, but it’s a little gift that gives a lot! Drop in and grab one of our gift cards to stuff into their stocking. Good for home décor, seed starting supplies, gorgeous containers and of course... PLANTS!

Our world can change so quickly. We move into our first home with its tiny yard. We leave a larger home with a large yard that we have loved, for a smaller home with a smaller yard that we will love just as much. There just isn’t room for that 20’- 30’ tree or that large mugo pine. But, what hasn’t changed is our desire to enjoy our yards whether looking through a window, or enjoying a day outside.

It is often our sanctuary, no matter the size. It brings us joy, or perhaps provides us with quiet solitude. We create a lifetime of new memories in it. That is a tall order for a small yard, but one the nursery industry has recognized. The list of semi-dwarf and true dwarf evergreens and deciduous trees is growing at such a fast pace. The choices are absolutely amazing, but as the selection has grown, making the right choices has become difficult at times. No matter the size of your garden, it is still too easy to buy a plant because you just love it only to find that it outgrows its space, or just doesn’t fit. I am quite sure most of us can identify with this experience. So, I want to share with you a selection of my all-time favorites. Plants that I know stand the test of time and provide easy care for years.

Let’s start with three very different and equally beautiful deciduous trees. Let me assure you though, there are so many more to choose from at the nursery.

Acer japonicum 'Full Moon'

One of my favorites is Acer japonicum 'Full Moon'. Although this picture shows what an outstanding container plant it is, it does equally well in the garden. This is an award winning tree, and for good reason. The tree naturally has an upright, densely branched form. The leaves are strikingly shaped, having 7-11 lobes. It thrives in part shade to shade and will require little to no pruning due to its natural eye-catching form. It is a very slow growing tree, taking years to reach 8’-10’. Another important attribute is its incredible fall color, turning the most amazing shades of red with the display lasting for weeks as this treasure holds on to its leaves long into the fall.

Zone – Hardy to Zone 5

Water needs – Even moisture

Sun requirements – morning sun, afternoon shade, will tolerate full sun with enough moisture, but watch for leaf burn

Height and Width 10’. Given the decades it needs, it can reach a maximum of 20ft high and 12ft wide

Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes'

Cornus Kousa 'Wolf Eyes' has been growing in my garden now for at least 15 years. I have watched it survive, flooding, drought, freezing rain, snow load, extreme heat….the list goes on. It is a true champion and comes through everything nature can throw at it just as spectacularly as the year before. This is a reliable variegated form of Dogwood, now standing at 8 feet high and about six feet wide. I absolutely love this tree. While reversion to green for variegated plants can be an issue … not so with this beauty. Once it finishes flowering, the green leaves accented with ivory along their edges make this tree shine like a beacon in the summer. It handles morning sun and loves even moisture. It takes on a unique pink and scarlet fall color. Its wavy leaves show this tree to its maximum beauty year round.

Zone – Hardy to Zone 5

Water needs – even moisture

Sun requirements – morning sun and afternoon shade but tolerant of full sun

Height and Width to date (15 years) – 8ft high by 6ft wide

Plant with – picea abies pendula – one shaped to keep a low profile

Acer palmatum 'Twomblys Red Sentinel'

Acer palmatum Twombly’s Red Sentinel has quickly weaved its way into the hearts of not just the lovers of Japaneses Maples, but the public in general. Who would not love the look of those gorgeous larger red Japanese Maples in a compact, but equally stunning form? It has all the characteristics that you have come to expect from a maple . . . the rich burgundy foliage in the spring to the scarlet red foliage in the late fall and all the other expectations in between. While its overall size is much smaller, it will not make you wait long to be able to appreciate its addition to your garden.

Zone – Hardy to Zone 5

Water needs – Average moisture

Sun requirements – Part sun to full sun Size – 10ft -12ft high 5ft-6ft wide

Plant with – goes with almost every plant in your garden. Try weeping long needled white pines

Pinus mugo 'Carstens Wintergold'

Pinus mugo Carsten’s Wintergold – Pines have been a staple of gardens for decades and are a passion for me, as they are so varied in size, shape, and color. They seem to withstand almost any condition other than deep shade and are considered somewhat drought hardy once established. They are also not picky about soil, growing in almost any medium but very heavy wet clay. There is literally a pine for almost every corner of the garden, large or small. However, none stands out for versatility as much as this little gem. This shrub is considered by many to be one of the best winter gold pines available. If you are shopping in the late spring or summer look for a deep medium green shrub. If you are shopping in the fall, look for a butter yellow shrub with green hues deep in the center. It is almost magical to watch it warming into a butter yellow for the winter year after year. It is a true dwarf in that it puts on less that two inches of growth per year. The shrubs shown in these photos are 8 years old now and have never been pruned.

Zone – Hardy to Zone 2

Water needs – Average to light moisture once stablished

Sun requirements – Full sun for best color

Size – 18in-24in high 18in-24in wide

Plant with or near – picea procumbens glauca pendula

Chamaecyparis obtusa nana gracilis

Chaemcyparis obtusa nana gracillis is another award winning plant pick. It has been gracing our gardens for over 150 years, adding a naturally sculpted look without a pruner ever touching it. It has dark green foliage with a fan-like layered look, putting on growth in an irregular but eye-catching manner. There is little to say about this treasure as it speaks for itself once you see it. There are several different cultivars that have varied applications for your garden. This is an easy choice for the smaller yard. Bu,t look for this plant in gold hues too – known as Chaemcyparis obtusa nana gracillis aurea.

Zone – Hardy to Zone 5

Water needs – Average to light moisture once stablished

Sun requirements – Full sun to part shade

Size –6ft high 4ft wide

Plant with – weeping burgundy Japanese maple

Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'

Nandina domestica Gulf Stream is not what you typically think of when you mention evergreen shrubs, but it is in a class all its own. Also known as false bamboo, please do not let the nickname fool you. It is nothing like the running bamboos many of us picture. It isn’t even in the same family. It is only due to the look of the foliage that it has acquired this misnomer! This is truly one of the most versatile and beautiful evergreen shrubs to have in your garden, with leaf color ranging from bluish-greens, oranges, golds, to reds, and bronze. This is a tough little plant, going so far as to be planted en masse in city boulevards. But it is just at home in your garden. It also makes a great addition to your winter container planting.

Zone – Hardy to Zone 6
Water needs – Drought tolerant once established

Sun requirements – Full sun to light or open shade

Size –3ft high 3ft wide

Plant with – Juniper Bluestar or Pinus Slowmound

As always, call ahead if you are interested in any of these plants as our selection is always changing!

Happy November people!!! Scarecrow season was a Spooktacular success and thank you to all who came by to build their very own scarecrow or who just came by to check it out!! We were able to raise $$$ for our charities!! I also want to thank all of our in house and sponsor builders!! There were some really creative and possibly slightly twisted folks out there!!

I think it might be time for some glasses as I’ve now asked 3 different scarecrows if they were finding the plants they needed. On my behalf, it was a long day and may have been raining and occurred before my afternoon caffeine uptake. Time to tuck away our scarecrow creations for this year…who knows what creatures will take form on the nursery September and October!!

The fall colours this season were really spectacular around the lower mainland on the days that Mother Nature isn’t trying to drown you from the sky - it is still well worth a walkabout in your local park or even around your neighbourhood. It will give you a welcomed rest from the decorating version of whiplash that is about to occur as we change over from orange, black and gold to red, green and white!!

Things to look for in the garden (and at Arts Nursery!):

Beauty Berry - Calicarpa bodineri ‘Profusion’

Love love love this shrub!! Fragrant little violet puffs of fragrant flowers mid spring and intriguing metallic purple berries that last well into winter.

Hens and Chicks - Sempervivum

These are fascinating little sun and drought tolerant rockery plants that look amazing in the morning dew and frost!! We even have one variety that looks like gold. It GROWS that way…seriously!!!

Ironwood tree – Parrotia persica

An often over looked small tree that just grows along, looking glossy and green and minds its own business and doesn’t cause problems and then WOW!!! Along comes fall and you realize that tidy little tree you’ve been overlooking all year is actually a DIVA!! The fall colours of Parrotia persica are bold and glorious and really kick flowers in the… well anyway, they look really great!!

Blueberry Plants!!

Not only do they pay rent with their tasty offerings, these beauties just glow in fall with burgundy, red, orange and gold leaves and then continue through the winter with their red branches. Seriously…this is a win-win situation here.

I do enjoy this time of year where some of the background plants really do step up like the Red Twig Dogwood. They are really starting to glow and take centre stage now that they are losing their leaves. Add a bit of frost and snow and they will awesome!!

Don’t forget when you are raking up those leaves to leave some in the garden beds as mulch (even better if you have a mulcher blade on your mower). Don’t be too tidy when you are cleaning up and trimming back your garden…remember many pollinators overwinter in the hollow stems of spent perennials. It’s also not too late at all to plant bulbs if you want a little early glimmer of spring colour!

You will probably be rushing out for that final mow of lawn too!! Don’t forget to clean, dry and winterize your lawnmower or you will have a rusty, reluctant starter on your hands for next spring. Well, I’m off to binge eat Ben and Jerry’s and left over Halloween candy and try to get revved up about bringing out my winter clothes…yes I’m a procrastinator and no…I am not currently excited about turtle-necks and peppermint everything!!! I’ll get there, but it might take some convincing. Talk to you next month…or when you come by to visit at the nursery, stay dry, take time for yourself and don’t forget your Poppy!

Cheers ... Laurelle

Yes! It’s a thing! At Art’s Nursery, we are currently carrying 2 cover crops for your garden that can be planted NOW for maximum benefit for your soil in your garden.

Green Manures are new ways of adding no chemicals to your garden soil to add benefits of nitrogen, and more for soil benefit! We have a mix (in short supply) of Field Rye and something special called a Rejuvenation Mix, both in 2 kg weights.


But what’s the difference? Fall Rye does many things for our soil. It over time (worked into the soil) acts as compost, but due to its soil and root structure, it helps in preventing soil erosion, and overtime assists in the growth of beneficial fungi, and absorption of excess nitrates. Prefect for the diligent home gardener who composts, or adds great compost to your soil. Fall Rye offers Nitrogen, which is important in the building of plant proteins, important in the growth and development of vital plant tissues and cells like the cell membranes and chlorophyll.


Our Rejuvenation Mix is slightly different, because it has more added benefits inside! While it has Fall Rye included, it also has the benefit of Winter Wheat and Fall Peas. The Winter Wheat suppresses weeds, whereas, Field peas still fixes nitrogen into the soil. But the awesome thing about winter wheat as it takes up excess nitrogen when planted in an area of concern, so it’s the perfect balance for a new home gardener!