Sticks & Stones – News & Views from Christensen's Plant Center

Tagging Trees

Every year, Christensen's plant buyers make an effort to visit our vendor nurseries. We do this to see their material, hear how they are doing, and build relationships. In September and October, we add one more thing to the agenda: tagging trees for the fall and spring dig seasons!

On these trips, we tag trees such as Tricolor Beech, Weeping Alaskan Cedar, Crimson Sentry Maple, and much more. Note the pink and black ribbon in the picture. It indicates that a Christensen's buyer has placed a hold on that tree.

There is a good chance that if you see a specimen tree at Christensen's, we hand-picked it! We also tag larger sizes of the usual stock trees, such as Arborvitae, because they are harder to find.

Once tagged, some will be dug and shipped to us in the fall. But many don't arrive in our yard until spring.

Christensen's goal is to supply our customers with the best material possible. This means trees that are full, have good branching, and that are true to form for the species. The long hours we put into hand picking these trees is well worth it in the end. Because when the trees get to the plant center, we get to see our tags become your tags!

Reframe the Winter Blues

Snow ruins everything

OK, maybe not everything. I had fun playing in the snow as a child, building snowmen, having snowball fights with neighborhood friends, and sledding on the hill in our yard.  There was one year when we had so much snow, it was over my head as I traversed our front sidewalk!! Growing up in Minnesota, snow was part of life just like it is here in Michigan.

However, as I aged, snow became less fun. My family was not into winter sports (skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing). It just became the white stuff that caused problems.

There was the year that my 17th birthday weekend was marred by two separate car crashes caused by snow-hidden ice patches. My mother gave me my first curfew after the revving engine of my boyfriend’s truck woke her while we tried to get it unstuck after an unexpected snowfall. Getting married in February, I stressed over the possibility of my in-laws trapped in Fargo, ND and missing our wedding since the interstate would shut down during snowstorms. Trapped in Fargo by blizzards has become an annual problem when we visit for the holidays. As a mother of teenage and adult children, I worry about them driving in it.

But when plans to attend GLTE in January 2025 fell through because of lake effect snow, I decided to try and reframe. I don’t think I will ever be excited to see snow. But with no intention of moving south, it was time to find the positives.

Snow blankets the outside in pure, beautiful, white, covering the “blah” of hibernating plants. It can help lighten the winter blues.

Snow offers opportunity for quiet. Have you ever gone outside after a recent snow and noticed how quiet the world is? Snow’s insulating properties can be a respite from the world’s constant “noise”.

Snow is essential to our ecosystem. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, “Snow cover helps regulate the temperature of Earth’s surface, and once that snow melts, the water helps fill rivers and reservoirs in many regions of the world”, providing early spring moisture to awakening plants.

Snow forces us to slow down, literally, and figuratively. Lower road speeds are necessary. But snow also reminds us of the importance of arriving safely at our destination or making the difficult decision not to travel.

Winter is a time of respite for many of us in the Green Industry. Spring, summer and fall can bring long hours of hard work and time lost with family and friends. But winter is quieter, allowing us to catch up. Winter hobbies can be rediscovered.

Snow is also a source of income for many in the Green Industry. When planting isn’t possible, many Christensen’s customers turn to snow removal. Fingers crossed, it will be a bit before the flakes fly. But businesses need to plan. Christensen’s already has Ice Melt in stock, with options to order in larger quantities. Contact your salesperson today to inquire!

Stocking Perennials in the Fall

I often miss the days when I worked on the perennial lot. My days were filled with pruning shears, watering hoses, and spiders.

Now that I have moved inside to Purchasing, I wish my toolkit included a crystal ball. With annual changes in trends and urban development, maintaining the correct levels of perennial stock can be a challenge. Each year, there seems to be a plant that I just cannot keep in stock. This season, it was Allium Millenium. Those large purple blooms were a HIT! But will they be “all the rage” next year?? Hard to say without that crystal ball.

Even with fall fast approaching, the goal is to have the perennial lot stocked with exactly what you need. That will include plenty of Allium Millenium, and all your other favorites. Fall stocking levels often dip slightly, but it is important that Christensen’s meets the needs of customers. If there is something specific you are looking for, please contact your salesperson and we will try to source it for you.

Fall stock will include tried-and-true favorites like Asters: ‘Purple Dome’, ‘Woods Blue’, and ‘Woods Pink’, with colorful little blooms hitting their peak right around this time.





Other fall showstoppers are grasses, like Panicum ‘Shenandoah’ and Andropogon ‘Blackhawks’. With their fall colors and tall, showy plumes they fit perfectly with “Pumpkin Spiced Latte” vibes. Both are available at Christensen’s today!

Spring may be months away, but this time of year, Christensen’s buyers are already looking ahead. Will it be a busy spring? How soon will I be able to bring in fresh material? Will it be a cold spring with lots of frost? Without that crystal ball, the best I can do is rely on past knowledge, make the best educated decision I can, which often becomes a mental coin toss. To ensure Christensen’s has what our customers need in the spring, the last loads in the fall are immediately put away into a house for safe keeping. That way, your spring needs are met before we even close the doors for the season.

Whether it is trying to fill fall needs or having the perfect number of Karl Foerster’s available for spring, my number one goal is to have spectacular perennials and grasses in the quantities you are looking for. Please communicate with your salesperson if you are looking for a large quantity, or something specific, and we will always do our best to make it happen! Happy Fall!

The “Other” Euonymus

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus', otherwise known as Burning Bush, is what might come to mind when you hear the word "Euonymus." The bright red, fall foliage and its ability to make a seamless hedge in just a short amount of time has secured its spot as a staple plant for any landscape.


However, there is another member of the Genus that has made its mark on landscapes, Euonymus fortuneii, which couldn’t be more different than Burning Bush!

Euonymus fortuneii is more widely known as Wintercreeper. It is an evergreen shrub that comes in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors. There are many varieties to choose from, and what makes it unique is that most of these varieties have eye-catching, variegated foliage. Here are a few that we carry here at Christensen's.

Euonymus fortuneii 'Emerald Gaiety'

Emerald Gaiety is a more upright variety of Wintercreeper. They will have green leaves with white margins, sometimes even getting a hint of pink to the leaves.

Euonymus fortuneii 'Emerald 'N Gold'

Emerald N Gold has more of a spreading habit and leaves with dark green centers and yellow margins.

Euonymous fortuneii 'Moonshadow'

Moonshadow has a spreading habit like Emerald N Gold, but with leaves of bright yellow centers and dark green margins.

If there are any varieties that you are looking for not listed on our availability, let us know and we may be able to find it for you!

Fall at the Nursery

Who can be thinking about fall when temps remain in the 70s and 80s?  

Even with summer weather hanging on, there are plenty of signs of fall at Christensen's. Trees in the field and some plants in the shrub blocks have been putting on a show recently, turning on their fall colors. Soon, they’ll be dropping their leaves, and we’ll be selling you structure. 

Why do plants turn so much earlier at the nursery than those “in the wild”? It’s because they are not properly planted. Without the resources from the ground, plants must begin conserving energy sooner to prepare for winter.

Autumn is a time when the plants are adjusting to cooler weather. Many perennials and shrubs are starting to enter their dormant stage for winter.  As we get deeper into fall, material such as grass and perennials is cut back. We promise, there is a plant in that pot of dirt labeled “Hosta”.

Even while existing inventory is preparing for fall, fresh products are still arriving. We are excited for fall trees to start arriving in a few more weeks! They should have leaves when they arrive. We expect to ship:

  • Amelanchier (service berry)
  • Most Malus
  • Linden (Little Leaf)
  • Ginkgos
  • Pear
  • Maples such as Crimson King, Crimson Sunset and Autumn Blaze

Wishing you all a Happy Fall season!

Mixed Load Deliveries

Smarter Deliveries, Smoother Jobs

In landscaping, timing and coordination are everything. One late pallet can throw off your crew and cost you money. That’s why Christensen’s Plant and Hardscape Centers stocks plants, hardscape, drainage, and lighting—and can deliver them together!

Mixed loads save headaches:

  • One ETA, one invoice, one vendor
  • Less downtime waiting on material
  • Allows more time for plant placement, leading to “upsell” opportunities.

Our shipping team makes sure plants stay protected, hardscape stays tight, and moisture-sensitive products are packed where they’ll stay dry.

Pictured here is the flatbed trailer. Once the material is safely loaded, the Shipping Department carefully tarps before leaving the yard.

Christensen's Shipping Department has several types of trailers, perfect for mixed loads.

Pictured here is the Conestoga, along with "Driver Dave", loading a box of drain supplies.

Tips to help deliveries, and your jobsites, run smoothly

  • Store plants in a water-accessible area, with shade if possible.
  • Store adhesives and polymeric sand in a dry area, such as inside a truck or trailer.
  • Stage materials in the order your crew will install them, moving items as few times as possible.

Your partner in sourcing premium materials

When a contractor designs projects mindful of the materials stocked at Christensen’s, it prevents delays and simplifies reorders. This, in turn, improves consistency and keeps projects moving. It also adds the potential of a single delivery.

At the end of the day, single-source purchasing isn’t just convenient, it’s strategic. Let Christensen’s Plant and Hardscape Centers manage the logistics, so your crew can focus on creating landscapes that impress.

Designing with Natives

White Pine, Iris versicolor, Prairie Dropseed, and American Beech in Southern Lower Michigan

When designing landscapes in Southern Lower Michigan (West Central/East Central/Southwest/Southeast), native plants offer unmatched ecological benefits and timeless beauty. Four species in particular—White Pine, Iris versicolor, Prairie Dropseed, and American Beech—stand out for their versatility, habitat value, and ability to root designs firmly in place. Each of these plants is native to the region, making them both resilient and ecologically significant.

The Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus), Michigan’s state tree, is a towering symbol of strength and heritage. Historically, it was prized for lumber, shaping much of the state’s economic development. In landscapes, its tall, soft-needled form provides year-round structure and shade. White Pines are excellent for screening, windbreaks, or as specimen trees in large open areas. Their adaptability to sandy soil and cool Michigan winters makes them a low-maintenance choice for long-term plantings.

Thriving along wetlands, pond edges, and moist soils, the Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) is a native perennial with vibrant purple-blue blooms in late spring to early summer. Beyond its beauty, it provides nectar for native pollinators and functions as a natural water filter, stabilizing soil along shorelines. For designed landscapes, Iris versicolor adds color and seasonal interest, particularly in rain gardens or bioswales where water management is key.

The fine-textured, clumping grass of Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepsis) is one of the most graceful prairie species native to Southern Michigan. Its fountain-like foliage turns golden in fall, releasing a subtle, coriander-like fragrance as seeds mature. Prairie Dropseed is ideal for mass plantings, borders, and sustainable lawn alternatives. Deep root systems make it drought-tolerant and excellent for soil stabilization. Additionally, its seeds feed small birds, while its foliage provides shelter for insects and ground-nesting wildlife.

The American Beech (Fagus grandiflora) adds an elegant, long-lived presence to woodlands and landscapes. Known for its smooth, gray bark and glossy, serrated leaves that turn golden-bronze in fall, it provides year-round interest. In natural ecosystems, Beech nuts are an important food source for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. While it thrives in rich, well-drained soil, it is slower growing, making it best suited for parks, large gardens, or naturalized woodland plantings.

Why Do Natives Matter?

These four species together represent the ecological and aesthetic diversity of Southern Lower Michigan. From the towering canopy of White Pine and Beech to the ground-level beauty of Iris and Prairie Dropseed, they illustrate how layered plantings create resilient, dynamic landscapes. Using native plants supports pollinators, improves soil health, conserves water, and connects landscapes to Michigan’s natural heritage.

For landscapers and homeowners alike, designing with natives like these ensures that plantings not only look beautiful, but also function as part of a larger, living system. By choosing White Pine, Iris versicolor, Prairie Dropseed, or American Beech, we help preserve the unique ecological identity of Southern Lower Michigan—one thoughtful planting at a time.

Information for this article was obtained from the following website: www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/plant_facts/local_info/south_lower_peninsula

New(ish) Trees at Christensen’s

Every year, there are new-to-us tree varieties that show up at Christensen’s. I wanted to take a moment and tell you about three that have shown up in the past year or so.

First, we have two new varieties of Redbud: ‘Flame Thrower’® and ‘Black Pearl’™.

‘Flame Thrower’® Redbud has some very unique foliage and color.  In the spring, when it starts to leaf out, the leaves are a burgundy red color. During the season, the leaves will start to change to copper, orange, and yellow and finally finish off a bright green, creating the appearance of a multi-colored tree all year long.  Along with the beautiful foliage, Flame Throwers will have the nice, purple, spring flowers redbuds are known for.  The full-grown height and shape of the tree is 15’ to 20’ tall and wide.

In the spring, when leaves appear on the ‘Black Pearl’™ Redbud they are a dark, glossy, purple, making them appear almost black, hence the name Black Pearl.  They also have nice, lavender-pink flowers in the spring.  This tree grows a little bigger than the ‘Flame Thrower’, maturing at around 15’-20’ tall and 20’-25’ wide.

The last tree to highlight is the First Editions® ‘Gladiator’™ Crabapple.  This is one of those trees that has been around since the mid-2000s but is new to Christensen’s. The ‘Gladiator’ is a narrow, oval-shaped crab (as you can see from the yard picture), with a mature height of 20’ and a width of 10’. Foliage is a bronze purple with bright, pink flowers in the spring. Since we're closer to fall than spring, we've included a sample of the pinks you'll see from the flowers. The 3/8” fruit is a reddish purple. The known benefits of the ‘Gladiator’ are listed as being excellent against scab, fire blight, cedar apple rust, and mildew.

I hope that I have helped broaden your knowledge of a few new(ish) trees available from Christensen’s for use in your next project.

Fall Bulbs

At Christensen’s, there are flowering plants for every season. Springtime showcases Forsythia and Creeping Phlox. Summer highlights just about everything from Peony to Echinacea and Hydrangea. And fall shines a spotlight on Mums, Sedum Autumn Joy, and spectacular fall grass blooms. But what if you could plant something in fall that gave you the earliest of spring blooms?! Fall bulbs make this possible. Fall bulbs include varieties such as Narcissus, Crocus, Tulips, and “unusuals” like Hyacinth, Allium, Muscari and Fritallaria.

The best time to plant fall bulbs in Michigan is in October, or before the ground freezes. Minimum soil temperatures must be in the 40-50 degree range so that the bulbs can establish roots before winter. It is important to find a nice, sunny spot with well-drained soil. Most varieties prefer full sun but would tolerate some partial shade. Bulbs should be planted 4-6” deep (pointy side up, flat side down). It is also helpful to cover with mulch for extra protection from animal damage and for extra insulation from the harsh Michigan winter.

Put on your creative hat since fall bulbs provide endless possibilities! I will share some of my favorites but there are many other options!

Tulips come in every color you can imagine, with different spring bloom times. Keep it classic with varieties like Red Emperor, Pink Impression, or Golden Parade. Or mix it up with Darwin Hybrid Mix, Emperor Mix, or Lily Flowering Mix to give you blooms of multiple colors. You can also stagger bloom times so that when one is done blooming, there is another to follow.

When it comes to Narcissus, or Daffodils, there are many options to choose from. The stunning Yellow Dutch Master, Yellow Cheerfulness, and February Gold are certainly the stand outs. But these cuties come in many looks, cup sizes, and even some bunch-flowering varieties.


The smallest, and first bulbs to bloom are the Crocuses. These delicate, purple flowers are often seen blooming in the snow! If you are looking for early spring activity, then Crocus may be for you!!

If you are looking for something a little less common, check out our “unusuals”, with my favorites being the Hyacinths. Coming in many colors, these bright, tubular flowers are the most fragrant of the spring bloomers. (Seriously, they smell AMAZING). Also known for their smell, we also carry Allium Bulbs. Their large purple and white blooms are hard to miss, and their height gives some dimension to your garden.

Your options are endless when it comes to fall bulbs. Have fun with it, get creative, and plant something in fall that will surprise you in the spring! Christensen’s bulb flyer is available on our website, www.christensensplantcenter.com (Password:6282cpc). Early order pricing is available, with a deposit, through September 3rd. Don’t see what you are looking for? Our sales team is here to help you find exactly what you need! There are plenty more varieties available than what is listed in the bulb flyer.

Globe Arborvitae

Globe arborvitae are some of the most common plants you’ll find in a landscape. But there are many reasons to justify its frequent use.

Globe arbs are slow growing and relatively low maintenance plants, making it an easy choice for anyone wanting smaller evergreens that they can plant and not have to worry about.

Globe arbs do best in either full or partial sun with well-drained soil. They can be just a little picky on where they want to be planted but you'll know pretty quickly if they aren’t happy. Luckily, when they're happy, they look great!

There are many varieties of Globe arbs to choose from, varying in size, color, and foliage making it easy to find the right one for your project.

You can find these at Christensen's.

One of the slower growing varieties, Hetz Midget will reach around 4’ at maturity, but it will take a number of years to do so.

Also known as Linesville, Mr. Bowling Balls will stay around 2-3’ and have scale-like foliage that is different than other arborvitae.

Golden Globes grow similarly to an average Globe Arborvitae, reaching around 4’. But, what makes these stand out is its bright yellow-green foliage.

Fire Chiefs will have yellow-green foliage in the middle with the ends turning a brighter red. They grow to be about 4’ with scale-like foliage, similar to that on a Mr. Bowling Ball.

Visit Christensen's yard to pick out the perfect Arborvitae for your next project!

New APP... just for you!

Looking for ways to save time and energy?  You've got to see this exciting new technology - just for you!

Click HERE!
1 2 3 … 54