When planning a landscaping project, one of the biggest decisions is how many plants to order and what size to choose. The answer depends on your goals, your space, and your budget. At Cold Stream Farm, we work with everyone from homeowners to contractors and conservation groups, helping them find the right balance between plant… Read more »
When you’re ready to plant trees or shrubs for your landscape or wildlife habitat, where you buy your plants makes a big difference. Many people start by browsing local garden centers or retail nurseries because they’re familiar and easy to visit. However, when you need quality plants in larger quantities, buying from a wholesale nursery… Read more »
Most people think of spring as the start of planting season. The weather warms up, the soil softens, and everything begins to bloom. But if you’re working with bare root trees or shrubs, waiting until spring might slow you down. In many cases, planting during winter—when your trees are still dormant—can give them a major… Read more »
When you’re planning a landscaping, habitat restoration, or reforestation project, one of the most important choices you’ll make is whether to plant bare root or container-grown trees and shrubs. Both options can thrive under the right conditions, but they offer different benefits depending on your project size, timing, and budget. At Cold Stream Farm, we… Read more »
Native shrubs do an incredible amount of work in Midwest and Great Lakes landscapes. They steady soil, shelter birds and pollinators, tolerate freeze thaw cycles, and give structure through every season. Yet many plantings rely on the same few species. If you want a more resilient, wildlife friendly property or you simply want a landscape… Read more »
Creating a thriving wildlife habitat takes more than just open land. The plants you choose shape the environment, determining which species of birds, mammals, and pollinators will make it their home. Trees and shrubs provide food, cover, and nesting opportunities, and when you want to build a habitat that grows strong for years to come,… Read more »
Bees buzzing through blossoms, butterflies dancing from flower to flower, hummingbirds hovering with their wings beating in a blur—pollinators bring life and movement to our landscapes. But beyond their beauty, these creatures are essential. They ensure plants reproduce, fruits ripen, and ecosystems stay balanced. Without them, our food supply and natural spaces would look very… Read more »
Wildfires are a natural part of many landscapes, but in recent years, they’ve been growing larger, spreading faster, and causing more damage than ever before. While weather and terrain play a role in how a fire behaves, one of the biggest factors is the amount of flammable vegetation in its path — what fire experts… Read more »
Landscaping in Michigan and the surrounding northern states comes with its own set of challenges—long winters, sudden frosts, and wild temperature swings. But that doesn’t mean your yard or property can’t be beautiful year-round. You just need the right plants. That’s where cold hardy shrubs come in. At Cold Stream Farm, we specialize in bare… Read more »
If you’ve ever dealt with erosion on sloped property, you know how frustrating—and damaging—it can be. Rain comes in, the water rushes downhill, and before long, you’re left with bare patches, washed-out soil, and even damage to nearby structures or water sources. The good news? You don’t need expensive equipment or concrete walls to fix… Read more »
Restoring land back to health—whether it’s reforesting a once-logged property, rehabilitating riverbanks, or planting trees on open acreage—takes thoughtful planning, local knowledge, and most importantly, the right tree species. At Cold Stream Farm, we’ve worked with conservationists, landowners, farmers, and restoration professionals across the Midwest for decades. And we’ve learned a thing, or two about… Read more »
If you’re already thinking ahead to fall planting—great! Fall is hands-down one of the best times to get trees and shrubs in the ground. Cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall help new plants get established before winter, setting them up for a strong start in spring. But here’s the thing: if you wait until fall… Read more »
