April & May Fertilizing Guide: Feed Your Garden the Organic Way 🌿

Spring is here, and your garden is waking up! April and May are key months to give your plants the nutrients they need to grow strong roots, lush foliage, and beautiful blooms. Whether you’re planting new veggies, refreshing your flower beds, or reviving your lawn, Espoma’s line of organic fertilizers offers a gentle, effective way to feed your landscape naturally.

🌼 Flower Beds & Perennials

Start the season strong by feeding your flower beds as soon as the ground is workable. Apply Espoma Flower-tone around established perennials, bulbs, and flowering shrubs to support early growth and big blooms.

How to apply:
Sprinkle Flower-tone around the base of each plant and lightly work into the soil. Water thoroughly.

Tip: For spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips, fertilize after they bloom to help recharge the bulbs for next year.

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🍅 Vegetable Gardens

April is prime time for planting cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli, while May kicks off tomato, pepper, and squash season. Before planting, amend your soil with Espoma Garden-tone, a balanced organic fertilizer specially designed for vegetables.

How to apply:
Mix Garden-tone into the soil at planting time, then reapply monthly throughout the growing season.

Tip: For tomatoes, switch to Espoma Tomato-tone once flowers appear for added calcium and fewer blossom end rot issues.

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🌿 Herbs

Whether in the ground or in pots, herbs benefit from a light feeding in early spring. Use Espoma Garden-tone or Plant-tone to support healthy, flavorful growth.

How to apply:
Sprinkle a small amount around the base of each plant and water in. Avoid overfeeding—herbs prefer leaner soil for better flavor.

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🌳 Trees & Shrubs

Early spring is a great time to fertilize ornamental and flowering trees, especially if they’re newly planted or showing signs of stress. Use Espoma Tree-tone or Holly-tone (for acid-loving plants like hollies, azaleas, and rhododendrons).

How to apply:
For established plants, apply fertilizer around the drip line (not against the trunk). For new plantings, mix into the backfill soil at planting time.

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🌱 Lawns

April is the ideal time to give your lawn its first feeding. Espoma’s Organic Lawn Food is a people-, pet-, and pollinator-safe option that promotes green-up without burning.

How to apply:
Use a broadcast spreader to apply evenly over the lawn. Water in after application if no rain is expected.

Tip: Consider adding Espoma Soil Acidifier to naturally lower pH in lawns with moss or in areas where acid-loving plants grow.

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🌸 Container Plants

If you’re refreshing your porch pots or planting new containers, don’t forget to feed them too! Mix Potting Mix with a slow-release fertilizer like Espoma Flower-tone or Plant-tone for long-lasting nutrition.

Bonus tip: Add a pinch of Espoma Bio-tone Starter Plus when transplanting to reduce shock and encourage strong root development.

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Let Us Help You Grow!

Need help choosing the right Espoma product for your garden? Stop by D.R. Snell Nursery and let our team match you with the perfect organic fertilizer. We’re here to help your garden thrive all season long!

The Beauty of Redbud Trees: A Native Treasure for Your Landscape

If you’re looking for a tree that brings year-round beauty, attracts pollinators, and enhances your landscape with vibrant color, look no further than the redbud tree (Cercis canadensis). Native to North America, redbuds are a beloved feature in gardens and natural landscapes, offering stunning spring blooms, striking foliage, and an elegant branching structure that adds interest in every season. Whether you want a statement tree in your front yard, a companion for other plantings, or a shade-loving understory tree, the redbud is a perfect choice.

Why Redbuds Are a Must-Have for Your Landscape

Redbuds aren’t just beautiful—they’re also practical, hardy, and beneficial to local ecosystems. Here’s why these trees are such a fantastic addition to any yard:

1. Native Beauty That Thrives

As a tree native to North America, the redbud is well adapted to local climates, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, meaning it can withstand a wide range of temperatures and growing conditions. Unlike some exotic ornamental trees that require special care, redbuds naturally fit into the environment, blending seamlessly with other native plants.

2. Early Spring Blooms That Steal the Show

One of the most enchanting features of the redbud is its early spring bloom. Before the leaves even appear, the tree bursts into life with clusters of tiny, vibrant pink to lavender flowers that cling to its branches, creating a breathtaking display. These blossoms often appear in late March to April, providing one of the first signs of spring and offering much-needed nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

3. Stunning Foliage Throughout the Seasons

After the flowers fade, the heart-shaped leaves of the redbud emerge in shades of green, purple, or even gold, depending on the variety. Throughout summer, the foliage provides lush greenery, and in fall, it turns brilliant shades of yellow, orange, or red, adding a warm, glowing effect to your landscape. With varieties like Flame Thrower® and Carolina Sweetheart®, you can enjoy multi-colored leaves that change throughout the seasons, offering constant visual interest.

4. A Natural Solution for Small and Large Spaces

Redbuds are an excellent choice for both large yards and compact gardens. They typically grow between 15 to 25 feet tall with an elegant, spreading canopy, making them a perfect medium-sized tree. Smaller weeping varieties like Ruby Falls or Pink Heartbreaker™ provide all the charm of a redbud in a compact form, ideal for small gardens or patio areas.

5. Supports Wildlife and Biodiversity

As a native tree, the redbud plays a vital role in supporting local wildlife. In addition to providing nectar for pollinators, the tree’s seeds are a food source for birds like cardinals and finches. Its branches also offer shelter for small wildlife, and its roots help stabilize soil, reducing erosion in your yard.

How to Design with Redbuds in Your Landscape

Whether you want to create a show-stopping front yard display or an intimate backyard retreat, redbuds offer endless design possibilities. Here’s how to use them effectively in your landscape:

1. Make It a Focal Point

Redbuds shine as a statement tree, particularly when planted near entryways, patios, or in a front yard garden bed. Their graceful, spreading form and brilliant blooms make them a natural focal point, drawing attention in early spring. Plant a single redbud in an open space where its structure can be fully appreciated year-round.

2. Pair with Other Native Plants

Since redbuds are native to North America, they pair beautifully with other native shrubs and perennials. Consider planting them alongside:

• Dogwoods (Cornus florida) for a layered bloom effect in spring
• Fothergilla for rich fall color contrast
• Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) and Coneflowers (Echinacea) to enhance pollinator attraction
• Ferns and Coralbells if planting in a shaded understory area

This type of planting not only creates a natural, harmonious look but also supports local wildlife.

3. Use in Woodland or Shade Gardens

Redbuds thrive as understory trees, meaning they grow well beneath taller trees like oaks or maples. If you have a partially shaded yard, redbuds are an excellent choice to add color and texture without requiring full sun.

4. Plant in Groups for a Dramatic Effect

While a single redbud is stunning, planting them in clusters of three or more creates a more naturalistic and impactful look. This works beautifully along woodland edges, driveways, or in larger garden beds where their layered blooms create a magical springtime scene.

5. Try a Weeping Variety for Unique Elegance

Weeping redbuds like Ruby Falls or Pink Heartbreaker™ add a touch of drama and elegance with their cascading branches. These are perfect for small spaces or as specimen trees near patios or water features, where their graceful form can be fully appreciated.

Caring for Your Redbud Tree

Planting Tips

• Choose a location with full sun to partial shade (redbuds bloom best with at least 6 hours of sunlight).
• Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot. We Highly recommend mixing Pine Bark Mulch into the planting hole at a rate of 25-45% mixed with organic soil and native soil. Drainage is imperative to these native trees.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself.

Watering & Maintenance

• Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots.
• Once mature, redbuds are fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering.
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pruning & Shaping

• Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches.
• Avoid heavy pruning, as redbuds naturally develop a beautiful shape.

Bring the Beauty of Redbuds to Your Home

With their breathtaking spring blooms, stunning foliage, and easy-care nature, redbuds are one of the best trees you can plant in your landscape. Whether you choose a classic variety like Forest Pansy or a unique color-changing type like Flame Thrower®, these trees add year-round charm and ecological benefits to your home garden.

At D.R. Snell Nursery, we offer a wide selection of redbud trees, from traditional favorites to new and exciting varieties. Our team can help you select the perfect redbud for your yard and provide expert advice on planting and care.

Stop by today and discover how a redbud tree can transform your landscape into a vibrant, nature-friendly retreat!

Redbud Trees: A Vibrant Choice for Any Landscape

Redbud trees (Cercis spp.) are a stunning addition to any garden, known for their brilliant spring blooms, heart-shaped foliage, and year-round appeal. These small to medium-sized trees thrive in a variety of landscapes, offering beauty, resilience, and seasonal interest. Whether you’re looking for a striking specimen tree, a colorful understory accent, or a compact variety for a smaller space, there’s a redbud to suit your needs.

Why Choose a Redbud Tree?

Redbuds are beloved for their early spring display of small, pea-like flowers that emerge on bare branches before the leaves appear. Their blooms range from deep magenta to soft pink, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. As the seasons progress, their foliage transforms, often shifting from deep purple or green to golden yellow, orange, or even red in fall. Many varieties also have unique leaf colors and shapes, adding further interest.

These trees are adaptable, growing well in full sun to partial shade and tolerating various soil types. They prefer well-drained soil and are relatively low-maintenance once established. With a moderate growth rate and an elegant branching structure, redbuds add character to landscapes large and small.

Stunning Redbud Varieties

Black Pearl® Redbud

This striking variety features deep purple-black foliage that holds its rich color throughout the growing season. In early spring, vibrant lavender-pink flowers emerge, creating a bold contrast. Its compact size makes it a great choice for smaller gardens or urban settings.

Carolina Sweetheart® Redbud

A truly unique redbud, Carolina Sweetheart offers an ever-changing display of foliage. Leaves emerge with shades of pink, white, and green before maturing to a deeper green. The multicolored effect, combined with the bright pink flowers, makes it a showstopper in any landscape.

Forest Pansy Redbud

One of the most popular redbud varieties, Forest Pansy is known for its deep purple foliage that turns shades of orange, red, and yellow in fall. Its flowers are a vibrant pink-purple, and it has a graceful, spreading form. This tree is perfect for adding a touch of drama to a garden.

Flame Thrower® Redbud

This variety lives up to its name with a fiery display of color. New leaves emerge in shades of red and orange before transitioning to yellow and green, creating a dynamic, multi-colored effect throughout the growing season. It’s a standout choice for adding vibrant contrast to a landscape.

Garden Gems™ Emerald Redbud

A newer introduction, Garden Gems Emerald boasts rich green foliage and a compact, rounded form. It’s perfect for smaller spaces or container planting, offering all the charm of a traditional redbud in a more manageable size.

Hearts Afire™ Redbud

This variety combines deep reddish-purple foliage with bright pink flowers, creating a stunning color contrast in spring. As the season progresses, the leaves transition to a mix of burgundy, green, and gold, ensuring year-round appeal.

Midnight Express® Redbud

A darker and more dramatic variety, Midnight Express features nearly black foliage that remains bold and eye-catching all season long. The deep purple flowers complement its dark leaves, making it a striking focal point in any landscape.

Pretty and Pink Redbud

True to its name, Pretty and Pink delivers an abundance of soft pink blooms in early spring. Its lush green foliage provides a fresh and classic look, making it an excellent choice for traditional garden designs.

Ruby Falls Redbud

A weeping redbud with cascading branches, Ruby Falls is perfect for smaller spaces or as a specimen tree. Its deep burgundy foliage creates a rich backdrop for its rosy-pink spring blooms. As fall approaches, the leaves turn shades of red and orange.

Sparkling Wine™ Redbud

A newer variety with a unique twist, Sparkling Wine features bright pink flowers and deep purple foliage that matures into a rich green. Its upright growth habit and colorful appeal make it an excellent choice for a focal point in the garden.

Green Machine™ Redbud

For those who love a classic green-leaved redbud, Green Machine offers a lush, dense canopy of heart-shaped leaves with a deep green hue. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a more traditional, yet stunning, redbud tree.

Pink Heartbreaker™ Redbud

A graceful, weeping variety, Pink Heartbreaker is known for its delicate, cascading branches covered in soft pink flowers each spring. Its compact size and elegant form make it a fantastic option for patios, entryways, or garden beds.

How to Care for Redbud Trees

Planting

• Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.
• Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots.
• Once established, redbuds are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells.

Pruning

• Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
• Remove dead or crossing branches to maintain a strong structure.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.

Pest & Disease Prevention

• Redbuds are generally hardy but can be susceptible to fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the tree to reduce risk.

Bring Home a Redbud Today

With so many unique varieties to choose from, redbuds are a fantastic addition to any landscape. Whether you prefer the deep hues of Black Pearl, the fiery foliage of Flame Thrower, or the cascading beauty of Ruby Falls, there’s a redbud tree that’s perfect for your garden.

Visit D.R. Snell Nursery to explore our selection of redbuds and find the perfect tree for your space. Our experts are here to help you choose the best variety and offer guidance on care and planting. Stop by today and bring home a touch of springtime magic!