Ciscoe Morris says shop til you drop

After you’re done watering this weekend, grab the truck and head to the nursery.

Master gardener Ciscoe Morris says it’s the perfect weekend for picking up good deals as nurseries begin trying to unload the summer inventory.

“They don’t want to keep them through the winter.”

It’s really a weekend trifecta: Nice weather, good deals, and Ciscoe says it’s the best time to plant. The weather will start to cool and the rain is on the way, a perfect combination for new plants trying to set roots down before the winter freeze.

If you have no idea what to buy or you feel like taking the whole lot home with you, Ciscoe says a good plant to focus on is the dwarf conifer because they’ll look lively all winter long and add interesting texture to your garden.

“There’s one called Red Star Cyprus that turns bright red in the winter and turns green again in the summer. Chief Joseph Pine turns the brightest yellow of any plant you’ve ever seen,” Ciscoe says.

He adds that it’ll cost you six house payments, but it’s worth it.

This weekend may also be the perfect time for first time or lazy gardeners inspired by Ciscoe’s advice to try their hands at the hobby.

Just get out and do it, recommends Ciscoe. But only tackle a small area near your front door where everybody’s going to see it.

“Make that your special spot. You might have to pull some sod out, which is a lot of work, but a good Brussels sprout casserole gets you all set to do it.”

Again, Ciscoe recommends dwarf conifers and maybe a dwarf Japanese Maple to start. Then fill in around them with little perennials and other interesting plants.

“I almost guarantee you’ll fall in love with gardening. The next thing you know, your whole garden will be this fantastic display.”

Gardening with Ciscoe can be heard on 97.3 KIRO FM
Weekends Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and anytime at KIRO
Radio. Get more
tips from Ciscoe and learn about his plant of the week at
MyNorthwest.com/Ciscoe