How to Prepare Your Site Before Your Bare Root Shipment Arrives

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 »

How Long It Really Takes for Wildlife Shrubs to Become Functional

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 natureโ€™s timeline, not ours. Understanding what happens year by year helps set realistic expectations and makes the waiting period far more rewarding. What โ€œFunctionalโ€ Really… Read more »

The Role of Native Shrubs in Supporting Overwintering Pollinators

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 »

How Trees Support Local Wildlife Throughout the Year

A single tree can be a bustling ecosystem of its ownโ€”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 »

The Best Shrubs for Privacy and Habitat in Large Landscapes

When you own a large propertyโ€”whether it’s a rural homestead, a conservation area, or a recreational retreatโ€”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 »

Why Every Day Should Be Earth Day

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 โ€” itโ€™s a mindset. Planting trees, restoring habitats, and building a healthier future for people and wildlife shouldnโ€™t be limited to… Read more »

3 Fast Growing Deciduous Trees for Your Yard

Want to upgrade your yard with trees that grow quickly and look amazing? You’re in the right place. At Cold Stream Farm, we specialize in wholesale trees and shrubs for everything from backyard makeovers to full-scale wildlife habitats. If you’re aiming for fast growth and beautiful foliage, these three fast growing deciduous trees are worth… Read more »

How to Avoid Common Spring Planting Mistakes

Spring is an exciting time for gardeners, offering the perfect opportunity to refresh your outdoor space and prepare for a year of vibrant growth. However, a few common planting mistakes can hinder your efforts and keep your garden from reaching its full potential. By recognizing these pitfalls and implementing smart strategies, you can give your… Read more »

The Role of Flowering Shrubs and Vines in Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Patio

Designing a patio on your property doesnโ€™t end with the materials for the actual patio. It consists of what goes in around the patio to make it a truly beautiful landscape design. Flowering shrubs and vines are among the most effective plants for attracting pollinators, offering vibrant blooms, nectar, and shelter for various beneficial insects… Read more »

Types of Trees to Plant for Surviving a Dry Site

When most people think about trees and plants and how they survive, the first thing that comes to mind is that they need water to grow and thrive. Those people are not wrong. Trees are more likely to survive when they have plenty of sunshine and natural rainfall. Unfortunately, this ideal situation is not always… Read more »

Landscaping with Limited Space: Small Trees and Shrubs for Urban Gardens

Urban gardening is a delightful challenge that calls for creativity and careful plant selection, especially when space is at a premium. For city dwellers, the luxury of vast planting areas is often not a reality. However, the limitations of space do not have to curb your green aspirations. With the right small trees and shrubs,… Read more »