Not sure how we got here. But alas, we're in Hydrangea chaos, yet again. Lately, it seems like every hydrangea has an evil stepbrother trying to knock him off. I must tell you that we carry way too many and there are thousands more to choose from. (That may be a slight exaggeration.) Oh, where to start! (I am only listing what you should expect Christensen’s to carry)

Let’s start with arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea). Arborescens flower on new wood. So, prune if needed and they will re-flush.

‘Annabelles' remain a staple and Christensen’s sells hundreds.

Incrediball® is considered an improved ‘Annabelle’ with bigger flowers and stronger stems. They are tolerant of both clay and alkaline soils as well as salt and shade.

The Incrediball® Series includes:

Invincibelle® comes next. The original Invincibelle® was considered the “Pink Annabelle”. It disappeared fast and was replaced by Invincibelle® Spirit II, which is still pink but with stronger stems to hold up the large flowers.

P.S. For every Invincibelle® series Hydrangea sold, Proven Winners donates $1.00 to Breast Cancer research.

Let’s move on to the “Big Leaf Hydrangea” (macrophylla).

Over the past few years, there has been a slew of new varieties added to the reblooming Endless Summer® Collection. Some have been around for a couple of years but are just now getting their 15 minutes of fame.

The collection includes:

Making it’s Christensen’s debut in 2026 is Dream Cloud® with their white, mop-head flowers and on a 3-4 x 3-4’ plant.

Before we head into the paniculatas, I would like to highlight a few other lacecaps from the Tuff Stuff® series. Christensen’s has carried these for a few years now and they have held up very well in the nursery. The original Tuff Stuff® is a 2-3’ tall rebloomer with blue or pink flowers. Christensen’s will also carry:

OK, now we can discuss paniculatas.

Hydrangea paniculata Bobo® are The O.G. panicle hydrangea, no evil stepbrothers in sight. Bobo® are 24-30 x 36-48”, with strong stems, a rounded habit, white flowers and look like they belong on a macrophylla (big round ball flowers) and not a paniculata (usually more of cone shape). The flowers are also sterile, so they just bloom and bloom. 

Hopefully your coffee cup is full - here comes the mess.

‘Limelight’ has been around forever. Reaching 8x8 with green flowers that age pink, red, burgundy. For now, these are still available.

‘Quick Fire’ Hydrangea and all its children bloom about 1 month earlier than other paniculatas, providing a little longer show.  They come in at 8’ x 8’, start flowering white then age pink with great fall color.

Little Quick Fire® is one of my favorites and a dwarf of ‘Quick Fire’, at only 3-5’ x 3-5’. The flowers are white, age pink and the red stems stand out on the plant.

Moving on to another standard - Pinky Winky®. “Pinkys” come in at 6-8’ x 6-8’ with white flowers that age pink. The flowers can also be up to 12” long making for a very showy plant

Now there is also Pinky Winky Prime®. It is touted as having much stronger stems than its parent. Otherwise, it’s similar to the original.

Phew, almost to the end. (You thought I was joking!)

Puffer Fish® Hydrangea’s claim to fame is it has so many flowers you cannot see the plant! According to Proven Winner, "Puffers" are a Bobo® but puffier on a compact 3-5’ x 3-5’. The flowers are white and age green on strong stems.

Powerball® is one of the newest from Proven Winners. Powerball® has mop head flowers on strong stems, starting lime, aging white and pink. It is also a solid rebloomer with a size of 3-6’ x 3-6’.

Believe it or not, there are still more. We didn't even discuss "Oakleafs". I'll cover those later this summer.

I’m always on the look-out for new varieties that will grow well in Michigan. But they tell me, in order to get a new variety through the gate I have to remove one.

Christensen's has added two products this year that make it easier than ever for you to improve both the beauty and functionality of your client projects: EZ-Straw® Wildflower Mix and the NDS Downspout Defender™ Shield.

The EZ-Straw® Wildflower Mix from Michigan based company, Rhino Seed®, is a simple, all-in-one solution for starting a wildflower garden. With over 30 types of annual and perennial seeds, including Poppies, Shasta Daisies, and Marigolds, this Wildflower Mix creates a diverse mix of blooms with continuous color, texture and visual interest throughout the growing season. The added processed straw mulch helps to retain moisture, reduce soil erosion and protects seeds during germination to increase chances of success.

Environmentally conscious homeowners are driving the increasing popularity of pollinator gardens. EZ-Straw® Wildflower Mix is a great product to introduce to your clients interested in supporting bees and butterflies.

For the healthiest plants and better blooms, Rhino Seed® recommends that EZ-Straw® Wildflower Mix be planted before June, allowing the seeds to germinate and establish strong roots while temperatures and moisture levels are still favorable.

For those completing drainage projects, Christensen's will now carry the Downspout Defender™ from NDS. Designed specifically for 9-inch and 12-inch drain basins, the Downspout Defender™ acts as a protective shield, preventing debris such as leaves, twigs and other material from clogging the system. It helps maintain proper water flow and reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

Easily installed on top of a catch basin, the Downspout Defender™ is a convenient upgrade with the potential to prevent blockages and damage to the drainage infrastructure.

Make sure to ask about these new products while you're at Christensen's, picking up the trees, shrubs and perennials we've highlighted the past month. 

Here's to a successful 2026!!

First the trees bud and then bloom. Then shrubs start to wake up. But, when perennials emerge from the ground, it says SPRING!!

Hellebore are some of the first flowers to bloom. They can even be seen blooming out of the snow! Bloom time often coincides with Tulips and Daffodils, and can add more color to the garden. Hellebore tend to produce single, cup shaped flowers in a large variety of colors ranging from white, pink, red, purple and yellow. The foliage is evergreen - dark green and glossy.

Phlox subulata is another great spring bloomer beginning in early April-May. They come in lots of cultivars: pink, blue, white, purple, and even candy striped.

Featuring a dense, mat-forming habit, these guys make a great groundcover! Creeping Phlox flower best in full sun, but do prefer some dappled shade once the heat really sets in. Known for being drought and deer tolerant, this would be an excellent choice if water or deer are a problem in your landscape.

Phlox divericata 'Blue Moon' is a stunning spring bloomer. They bloom along with the late-blooming tulips in late spring. This impressive native is perfect for a woodland garden, rock garden, border fronts or native plant gardens. With overlapping fragrant flowerheads, this violet-blue perennial really stands out. Phlox 'Blue Moon' is also a pollinator plant, so if you are looking to attract bees and butterflies, this would be a great choice. 

Looking for a fragrant, early bloomer? Check out Anemone sylvestris. Dainty, yellow-centered, white flowers flow up to 18” above soft textured foliage. This plant prefers shade and is ideal for woodland borders under large trees. Anemone sylvestris are known to spread in loose soils, and can be considered a groundcover in the right spot.

“Sooner or later, everything old is new again.” (Stephen King, The Colorado Kid)

Isn’t that true?!! Much of what’s new at Christensen’s this year is new varieties of existing plants or improved versions of plants that have been available for years.

Christensen’s will also have some Illuminati Sparks® (Philadelphus coronarius ‘SMNPVB’),

with its smaller 3 x 3 size. All in the series are well maintained, and all

have deliciously sweet flowers in late spring.

Is it weird to be excited about a new Cornus sericea? “Redtwig” Dogwoods do have a place, looking fashionable in the winter, all dressed up in red. For years the nicest and most colorful was ‘Baileyi’ (6-10 x 6-10'). A true nativar, ‘Baileyi’ was found in a wooded area

and is considered a naturally occurring cultivar. 

The new one, Arctic Fire® (Cornus sericea ‘Farrow’), is bred to only grow about 3-4’ tall and lacks the colonizing habit of the species, therefore it doesn’t spread.

If you haven’t guessed from prior articles, I am a Viburnum FAN. There are a couple of new ones Christensen’s will carry this year. My new favorite is the Sugar n' Spice™ (Viburnum carlesii ‘Select S’). It is a small sized Viburnum (4-6’ x 4-6’) with pink buds, opening to an excess of white flowers. It is a Korean spice bush, so it has a sweet-spicy scent when it blooms in mid-May.

And just because Viburnum are such an awesome plant, this one morphs

to a brilliant red in the fall to add to the show.

Check back next week for the last in the series... Molly will introduce us to the Perennials.

Christensen's Plant Center has added several new (or new to us) varieties of trees to the availability list this season.

Ivory Spear® (Malus 'JFS KW214MX') and Raspberry Spear® (Malus 'JFS KW213MX') Crabapples

Both of these trees will grow to be 18’ tall and 7’ wide. They are a very narrow and dense form of crab apples and highly disease resistant. The Ivory Spear® has pink buds that open to white flowers, dark green leaves and bright cherry red fruit. The Raspberry Spear® has magenta pink flowers, dark purple leaves, and deep red fruit. They both will thrive in full sun.

Cornus Stellar Pink® Dogwood (Cornus x 'Rutgan') 

The Stellar Pink® Dogwood will grow to be 20’ tall and wide. It has pink flowers that are just slightly lighter than the Rubra Dogwood, making it a great subtitle. Stellar Pink® has green foliage that changes to a bright red in the fall.  While Stellar Pink® isn't new to Christensen's, we will only have the clump variety this year, in an 8’-10’ range.

This is a small highlight of what's new at Christensen's this season. Stop by for a look at all on offer.

Tune in next week to see the selection of new shrubs.

Every year, there’s a moment when the season turns—not on the calendar, but in the yard. The gates open a little wider, the trucks start rolling in a little faster, and the familiar rhythm of spring returns. At Christensen’s Plant Center, that moment carries a little more weight this year as we welcome you back for our 95th season. Since 1931, this yard has been more than a place to source plants and materials—it has been a place where relationships are built, projects begin, and seasons take shape.

If you’ve been with us for years, you know the feeling. That first walk through the yard after a long winter. The smell of fresh soil, the sight of new arrivals lined up and ready, and the quiet confidence that everything you need to get your season started is right here. And if you’re new to Christensen’s, welcome—you’re about to discover what so many in the industry already know: when you can source everything in one place, with people who know the business, the work just goes smoother.

Ninety-five seasons doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of you—our customers, partners, and friends—who continue to trust us year after year. Like we’ve said before, it’s not easy to put that appreciation into words, but it’s something we feel every day. The yard may change, inventory will evolve, and new opportunities will come along, but the goal remains the same: provide the quality, consistency, and service you rely on to do your best work.

As we open the gates on another season, we’re excited for what’s ahead. New material will arrive daily, trucks will come and go, and projects across the region will take shape—many of them starting right here. Whether you’re picking up a single load or planning out an entire season, we’re ready when you are. 

Welcome back—we’re glad you’re here.

Next year is a milestone year for Christensen's Plant and Hardscape Centers. But aren’t they all?

A couple of years ago, Christensen’s changed the way we celebrate staff anniversaries, going a bit more formal. Certificates presented at a staff lunch. Extra time off. Bonuses for larger anniversaries. We presented Tim with his 50^th anniversary certificate in 2023. And 2025 marked my 30^th.

While looking at mine and my father’s certificates, I paused and had a thought.

Aren’t all years milestone years? Aren’t all days important?

In 2026, Christensen’s Plant Center will celebrate its 95^th year of operation. Two families have owned Christensen’s - each for two generations. Those facts are milestones. But more importantly, because of those 95 years, we have had an amazing team. And our team has celebrated their important milestones with us.

Just this year, the Christensen’s team celebrated: getting married, a child’s first birthday, a child’s marriage, wedding anniversaries, a new grandchild, children starting college, children graduating college. The list is endless, all of them more important than a business anniversary. Because without the team that drives Christensen’s every day, there is no 95^th year.

Creating a Value, Mission or Vision Statement can have the connotation of corporate nonsense, especially to small businesses. As a sole owner of a landscaping business, you know who you are. You know what your goals are. And you only have a few employees.

But the creation of a value statement is especially important for small businesses. A successful small business grows by customer referrals. “In most businesses, you don’t just want employees and customers: you want evangelists. You want to overhear your employees bragging about how much they love their work, and your customers referring their friends and family to you.” Customer confidence in your company will grow if they know, understand, and see you standing behind your values, even if they are as simple as Red Bull’s: “Ideas, people, culture”.

Value Statements are also beneficial in employee hiring and management. Once a company has defined its values it allows for the hiring of people willing to align with those values. This in turn increases employee loyalty and engagement. According to an article on Medium.com, “The McKinsey Global Institute has established that productivity improves by 20 to 25 percent in organizations with connected employees.” The same article goes on to cite a Gallup pole that indicates when employees can say “The mission and purpose of my organization makes me feel my job is important”, absenteeism and safety incidents drop and the quality of work increases.

Value Statements provide employees with a roadmap and empower them to act. Company growth necessitates sending employees to a project without the benefit of constant oversight by ownership/management. If employees were hired under, and expected to adhere to, the standards of a Value Statement, they are more likely to complete work as expected.

While Value Statements are at the heart of a company’s identity, they should go through regular review. Christensen’s is in the middle of such a review. Even with the tweaks, our commitment to customer service will not change. But you may notice employees with a renewed sense of investment in their jobs, the company and you.

Christensen’s Values

Integrity

                Honesty, transparency and ethical behavior in all actions and decisions

Teamwork

                Respect for others, personal accountability and effective communication

Ownership

                Takes initiative, responsible, passionate and is committed to customer service

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!

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!

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 17^th 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 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.