I'm pretty new here at Spring Meadow Nursery, so the fire that destroyed the office building about year ago is something that, before now, I had only heard about in the news. When you go through a traumatic experience, like a devastating fire, it changes you. But I have to say, the people here at Spring Meadow remain positive and resilient, despite working elbow-to-elbow for the past year in a large lunch room that has been retrofitted with rows of office cubicles. Maybe it's because plant lovers are the type of people who have a mindset that is forward-looking and focused on growth and renewal...
At any rate. I'm reminded of the amazing spirit of the Spring Meadow team when I read things like Jane's blog from last week:
"We're in the midst of some really cold temperatures here in West Michigan, and enjoying a steady dose of lake effect snow...
Cold weather also gives us a chance to slow down and reflect on what the year has brought. Some challenges, to be sure: having our office burn down was not a great way to start 2017. But opportunities as well. Our new office is framed in and roofed, and contractors are working right now to finish the interior. We always look forward to spring, but this year it will be extra special.
Year-end reflection also has us appreciating how lovely our customers and other horticulture industry friends are. We are truly lucky to work with you all.
We hope that all of you have had a great year, and look forward to seeing you in 2018!"I couldn't have said it better myself... on to the Plant of the Week:
Sprinter® Buxus has attractive glossy evergreen foliage and excellent hardiness, something we care about here in West Michigan. Did I mention yesterday's high of 10°F?
But the reason we selected Sprinter® is its fast growth. It will finish about twice as fast as conventional varieties. An excellent production plant like this is good for growers, obviously. But it's good for retailers and landscapers, too, since they can count on good supplies for future projects. Because boxwood is kind of like wearing all black - you don't want your black pants to clash with your black shirt. You don't want last year's boxwood to clash with this year's replacement from where you lost control of the snow blower.
Sprinter® Buxus is hardy to USDA Zone 5 and will grow 2-4' tall and wide. Like other boxwood it will grow in sun or shade and takes pruning very well. This is the plant for folks who got some new hedge clippers for Christmas!
Here's a nice video of Sprinter® that you can share with your team so they're familiar with the plant - it will help them to sell this newer variety next spring.
Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles
One last note from Natalie - Click here to see a cool time-lapsed video of the progression of the office building construction. The video is hosted on the Spring Meadow Nursery Facebook Page.
