Ordering bare root trees and shrubs is an exciting step toward building a healthier landscape or wildlife habitat. The plants may still be dormant when they arrive, but they are full of potential. The success of that potential depends heavily on what happens before the box ever reaches your door. Bare root plants need to… Read more »
Wildlife habitat is often imagined as tall trees and wide-open forests. While trees are important, many animals depend just as much on what happens closer to the ground. Dense shrub thickets create some of the most valuable habitat on a property, even though they are easy to overlook. These tightly planted groupings form shelter, feeding… Read more »
When people plant wildlife shrubs, they often picture quick results. Thick cover. Birds everywhere. Deer moving through the property with purpose. While those moments do come, wildlife plantings work on natureโs timeline, not ours. Understanding what happens year by year helps set realistic expectations and makes the waiting period far more rewarding. What โFunctionalโ Really… Read more »
When most people think about pollinators, they picture warm summer days filled with movement, color, and activity. Bees hop from flower to flower, butterflies glide through the garden, and hummingbirds weave in and out of shrubs in full bloom. What often goes unnoticed is how many of these species struggle long before spring arrives. Winter… Read more »
Most people wait for a warm spring day before planting shrubs. It feels natural to get outside when the air softens, and the soil warms up. The problem is that shrubs do not follow the same instincts we do. They are built for cooler conditions, especially when planted as bare root stock. Planting while the… Read more »
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 youโre 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 theyโre familiar and easy to visit. However, when you need quality plants in larger quantities, buying from a wholesale nursery… Read more »
When youโre planning a landscaping, habitat restoration, or reforestation project, one of the most important choices youโll 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 »
Bees buzzing through blossoms, butterflies dancing from flower to flower, hummingbirds hovering with their wings beating in a blurโpollinators 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, theyโve 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 โ what fire experts… Read more »
Not every property has perfect soilโand thatโs okay. Whether youโre dealing with soggy lowlands, dry and dusty sand, or stubborn heavy clay, there are still plenty of trees that can thrive with the right match. At Cold Stream Farm, we talk to landowners all the time who think their soil conditions are a dealbreaker. The… Read more »
If youโve ever dealt with erosion on sloped property, you know how frustratingโand damagingโit 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 donโt need expensive equipment or concrete walls to fix… Read more »
