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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
A single tree can be a bustling ecosystem of its own—offering food, shelter, nesting spots, and safe passage for wildlife of all kinds. Across every season, from the first spring bud to the last leaf drop before winter, trees quietly support countless creatures in ways that often go unnoticed. At Cold Stream Farm, we understand… Read more »
When you own a large property—whether it’s a rural homestead, a conservation area, or a recreational retreat—privacy and function often go hand in hand. Many property owners want to shield certain areas from view, control wind, reduce road noise, or simply define natural borders. But why settle for a plain fence or artificial barrier when… Read more »
Earth Day may be marked on the calendar once a year, but the need to care for our planet is ongoing. At Cold Stream Farm, we believe Earth Day is more than a celebration — it’s a mindset. Planting trees, restoring habitats, and building a healthier future for people and wildlife shouldn’t be limited to… Read more »
Deer can be charming visitors, but for gardeners and homeowners, their frequent browsing can become an unwelcome and costly nuisance. Deer damage doesn’t just affect the visual appeal of your landscape; it can also undermine your hard work and financial investment. Fortunately, strategic plant choices can greatly reduce deer damage, creating an attractive landscape that… Read more »
As environmental concerns become increasingly prominent, more individuals and communities are shifting toward landscaping practices that promote sustainability and ecological harmony. Bare root trees and shrubs represent an excellent choice for environmentally conscious landscaping, offering significant benefits in terms of resource efficiency, adaptability, and ecosystem support. In this article, we’ll explore how using bare root… Read more »
