Rhododendron blossoms represent spring at its best in shades of pinks, purples, white, bright reds and even yellow--kind of like Tulips on a shrub. They bloom best when grown in morning sun and filtered shade during the hot part of the afternoon. From really huge clusters to small clusters to individual bells, there are many varieties of rhododendrons to enjoy. Some are wonderfully fragrant. Yamagami’s Nursery offers some real beauties.  

One unusual variety is "Little Maria", a Vireya (tropical) type. Blooming now with bright lipstick red, charming bell-shaped blossoms, she grows to only 3 feet tall and wide. Little Maria has a spreading growth habit well suited for large hanging baskets, container gardens or as a choice shrub for borders. She often flowers two, three or more times per year!  

This is the time to choose a rhododendron for your garden. We receive small quantities of plants in bloom throughout spring. Seeing these blossoms for yourself is far better than any photograph or catalog description. Let one of our knowledgeable staff help you select the ones that will fit best in your garden. Pick up a copy of our FREE planting guide for guaranteed success.  

A favorite at the Florist, Gerbera (Transvaal Daisies), don’t often perform well in the garden. Prone to root rot, they have not been dependably perennial, until now. Garden Compass Radio and Magazine have now introduced a strain called Garden Hardy Gerberas, developed in Germany. They have slightly more delicate looking blossoms in great profusion spring through fall. Growing to 14” tall, they make excellent long lasting cut flowers as well as providing a great garden show this year and for years to come.  

Garden Hardy Gerberas bloom best in full sun. So far they are available with pink, orange, carmine and white blossoms. With their compact growth and profusion of color Garden Hardy Gerberas make excellent borders. Try sprinkling them in a rose garden or at the base of shrubs and trees. No matter how you use them, they are bound to please. Come in to pick them now while supplies last. Trust Yamagami’s Nursery to find the best new color for your garden! 

New Xtreme Impatiens flowers measure a whopping 2 to 2-1/2 inches across. Their colors are bright, extremely bright. They are also the most uniform growing and vigorous impatiens to date. The 8 to 10 inch tall plants resist stretching and produce more blooms per plant than any other impatiens. You’ll find Xtreme Impatiens in 4” pots and jumbo packs this spring at Yamagami’s Nursery. Come in for the best selection of color for your garden and all the help and supplies you need to succeed…the first time.  

Our local bee population has suffered and as a result fruit and vegetable production has suffered, too. One thing you can do is to use plants that attract native (non-stinging) bees and other pollinators to your garden. Bees and their pollinator buddies are either looking for nectar or pollen sources. They are particularly attracted to blue, purple, violet,white, and yellow flowers.

Avoid using pesticides that may harm your beneficial pollinators. Long blooming plants and/or a succession of bloomers provide a constant lure to your garden.  

Here are a few colorful suggestions for bee appeal:

Alyssum, Asters, Basils (especially African Blue), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Coneflower (Echinacea), Cosmos, Lantana, Lavender, Rosemary, Sages (Salvias) and Zinnias.

Let the Pros at Yamagami’s Nursery help you choose plants to help you attract pollinators. We want you to succeed ...the first time! 

This is another crock pot recipe that can be easily adapted for whatever you have on hand. You can substitute thighs for the breasts, regular brandy or apple juice for the apple brandy, and if you can't find Havarti Cheese, Gouda or Colby works well.

What You Need

• 2 medium golden delicious apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt
• Freshly ground white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup French apple brandy, regular brandy, or apple juice
• 4 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced (Gouda or Colby cheese can be substituted for the Havarti)
• Chopped parsley

Step by Step:

• Spread apples in the bottom of a slow cooker.
• Arrange chicken, overlapping pieces slightly, on top of apples.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
• Pour in brandy.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
• Using a slotted spoon, lift chicken and apples to a small baking dish.
• Pour cooking liquid into a small pan and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often until liquid reduces (8 minutes).
• Pour liquid over chicken.
• Cover each chicken piece with a slice of cheese and broil in oven until cheese is bubbly (about 2 minutes).
• Sprinkle with parsley.

Yield: 4 servings