Summer is known for it's vibrant colors and textures, thanks in large part to annuals, the flowering powerhouses of the plant world. Annuals may only live for one season, but they sure know how to make the most of it. Planting your favorite annuals in pots, hanging baskets, and as fillers in your landscape beds will add color to your world, and act as attractants for many beneficial and beautiful insects and birds, such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Some all-time annual favorites are marigolds, petunias, impatiens, and geraniums; but there are many other less-popular annuals that deserve a spot in your garden plans. Zinnias, vinca, (catharanthus roseus) blanket flower, (gaillardia spp.) celosia, and dianthus are sure to be eye-pleasing additions as well.
If you are interested in attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, choose nectar and pollen-rich varieties such as cleome, cosmos, sunflowers, four o'clocks and verbena. Even the smallest windowbox full of a few well-chosen species will attract and support beneficial pollinators.
Remember to fertilize your annuals with a 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 fertilizer to keep them blooming vigorously all season long.
If you are interested in attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, choose nectar and pollen-rich varieties such as cleome, cosmos, sunflowers, four o'clocks and verbena. Even the smallest windowbox full of a few well-chosen species will attract and support beneficial pollinators.
Remember to fertilize your annuals with a 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 fertilizer to keep them blooming vigorously all season long.
*Add Color
No matter where you live, you can grow food! Beginner gardeners can try their hand at a number of potted veggie gardens on a patio or porch, and land owners can add raised beds or garden plots to their landscape. Children especially love helping in the garden, so involve them with watering and planting seed. If you already have your garden beds ready, consider the following list of helpful tasks:
*Plant seedlings of warm-weather veggies in mid-late May, and heat loving veggies, such as melons, peppers, and pumpkins, by early June for Fall harvest.
*Fertilize vegetable plants as soon as they start to bloom.
*Pinch annual herbs, such as basil, for bushier plants, and to discourage bolting.
*Plant veggies such as carrots and sugar peas in succession plantings for best harvest
through the early summer months.
*Mulch garden beds and pathways to discourage weed growth.
*Consider adding homes for pollinators, such as mason bees, into your garden landscape; as well as natural pest predators such as mantids or ladybugs.
*Plant cover crops in vacant beds to replenish soil.
*Plant seedlings of warm-weather veggies in mid-late May, and heat loving veggies, such as melons, peppers, and pumpkins, by early June for Fall harvest.
*Fertilize vegetable plants as soon as they start to bloom.
*Pinch annual herbs, such as basil, for bushier plants, and to discourage bolting.
*Plant veggies such as carrots and sugar peas in succession plantings for best harvest
through the early summer months.
*Mulch garden beds and pathways to discourage weed growth.
*Consider adding homes for pollinators, such as mason bees, into your garden landscape; as well as natural pest predators such as mantids or ladybugs.
*Plant cover crops in vacant beds to replenish soil.
*Grow a Garden
Now that landscape beds have started to fill in, you’ve probably noticed some holes here and there. That makes it the perfect time to plant perennials! Plants introduced into the landscape now will have plenty of time to establish themselves well before winter, and fall blooming perennials will add a pop of color to your autumn landscape. A couple of our current favorites are blue-blooming Platycodon (Balloon Flower) and Cossandra 'Orange Marmalade'. They are especially striking when grown as companion plants.
*Plant a Few Perennials
Closer and closer creeps that "last frost date" for the Vancouver/Portland area... as the days slowly grow longer and the air begins to smell of warm dirt. Many of us can hardly keep from planting just a few cucumber seeds or a tomato plant or two at the beginning of May. According to the USDA Hardiness Map, zone 8b (Greater Vancouver area) has an average last frost date of 'Early April', but ask any seasoned gardener in the area and they will tell you to hold off on planting your warm weather crops until the snow is off Silver Star Mountain. (The snow-capped "hills" seen on the horizon, east of Vancouver)
No sooner has that last frost date passed, than summer announces itself with delightfully warm weather. Gardeners feel the excitement building with each bee that buzzes by and every bird sighting. Garden and flowerbed preparation and planning gets under way. Pinterest boards explode. (Speaking of which, do you follow Chapman's on Pinterest? We heart followers. https://www.pinterest.com/chapmansgh/) Our gardening to-do list grows and grows each year, but here are a few tasks worth making a priority:
No sooner has that last frost date passed, than summer announces itself with delightfully warm weather. Gardeners feel the excitement building with each bee that buzzes by and every bird sighting. Garden and flowerbed preparation and planning gets under way. Pinterest boards explode. (Speaking of which, do you follow Chapman's on Pinterest? We heart followers. https://www.pinterest.com/chapmansgh/) Our gardening to-do list grows and grows each year, but here are a few tasks worth making a priority:
At Chapman's, we are proud of our 40+ years serving our community, and we strive to make sure that we make that obvious in our customer service and community involvement. Our family, and long time employees, will greet you with a cheery familiar face on your visits to our greenhouses.
We have been serving our loyal Vancouver residents since 1981 and look forward to every new season with them.
We have been serving our loyal Vancouver residents since 1981 and look forward to every new season with them.
Spring is near!
We are gearing up for a busy season, and we are in need of a few dedicated part-time employees to join our team! Knowledge of botanica and previous horticultural experience is a plus.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit us at the greenhouse on Thursday, February 18th, from 10am-12pm for open interviews. Please being your resume.
Our address is:
14002 NE 117th Ave.
Vancouver Wa 98662
We are gearing up for a busy season, and we are in need of a few dedicated part-time employees to join our team! Knowledge of botanica and previous horticultural experience is a plus.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit us at the greenhouse on Thursday, February 18th, from 10am-12pm for open interviews. Please being your resume.
Our address is:
14002 NE 117th Ave.
Vancouver Wa 98662
Start Planning the New Year's Garden
Spend a cozy day pouring over seed catalogs, collecting notes from last years successes and learning opportunities, and plan to your heart's content. Think about what plants need to be divided, which would do better in a new location, and where your new additions will go. Consider color schemes and plant pairings for a beautiful garden. Plan and imagine, and you will be prepared when the soil is ready for planting, in just a few short months. Don't forget to visit Chapman's as soon as our gates opens again for the season on the first day of Spring, March 20th, for plant inspiration in our greenhouses, see our seed selection and many promising signs of SPRING!
Spend a cozy day pouring over seed catalogs, collecting notes from last years successes and learning opportunities, and plan to your heart's content. Think about what plants need to be divided, which would do better in a new location, and where your new additions will go. Consider color schemes and plant pairings for a beautiful garden. Plan and imagine, and you will be prepared when the soil is ready for planting, in just a few short months. Don't forget to visit Chapman's as soon as our gates opens again for the season on the first day of Spring, March 20th, for plant inspiration in our greenhouses, see our seed selection and many promising signs of SPRING!
Keeping the Native Birds Warm
Freezing temperatures and limited food supplies can challenge our native backyard birds. A few simple additions to your backyard can transform it into an attractive winter habitat for the beautiful birds that overwinter in our region, and bring nature to your doorstep to observe and enjoy as you await those sunny days.
During the winter months, our native species rely heavily on high-calorie foods such as sunflower seeds and suet to keep warm and healthy. A reliable source of unfrozen water is equally important, keeping in mind that it should be cleaned regularly, and in a place free from predators. Don't forget about the smallest feathered friends! Refill those hummingbird feeders as well.
Freezing temperatures and limited food supplies can challenge our native backyard birds. A few simple additions to your backyard can transform it into an attractive winter habitat for the beautiful birds that overwinter in our region, and bring nature to your doorstep to observe and enjoy as you await those sunny days.
During the winter months, our native species rely heavily on high-calorie foods such as sunflower seeds and suet to keep warm and healthy. A reliable source of unfrozen water is equally important, keeping in mind that it should be cleaned regularly, and in a place free from predators. Don't forget about the smallest feathered friends! Refill those hummingbird feeders as well.
New Year Gardening - January/February Calendar
Happy New Year! We are happy to welcome the 2015 gardening season to the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately the cold winds, rain and below freezing temperatures don't help keep us in our 'gardening mood' for long. It's no time to fret though, because January and February are the best times to begin planning next season's garden, gathering seeds and supplies, as well as tend to a few indoor gardening chores.
Caring for Indoor Plants
It’s time to devote some energy to your indoor plants. Many houseplants, especially those native to tropical areas, will react negatively to the drop in humidity that is common indoors during winter. To increase humidity levels, place your indoor plants in trays of pebbles covered in water and group them closely together. Check water levels often, since the arid atmosphere can dry plants out quickly. Trim off any dead or yellowing foliage and give plants a boost with a liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Caring for Indoor Plants
It’s time to devote some energy to your indoor plants. Many houseplants, especially those native to tropical areas, will react negatively to the drop in humidity that is common indoors during winter. To increase humidity levels, place your indoor plants in trays of pebbles covered in water and group them closely together. Check water levels often, since the arid atmosphere can dry plants out quickly. Trim off any dead or yellowing foliage and give plants a boost with a liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Pansies only $.89!
One of Northwests Favorite Flower Assortments with many colors to choose from.
Available all growing season for only $.89!
Available all growing season for only $.89!
Save 10% when you buy 10 flats
Save 10% OFF normal selling price when you buy 10 flats of the same item in the same size container.
2. Add a COLORFUL FALL container GARDEN
Perfectly planted container gardens make a big impact on plain porches and walkways. Choose a container that compliments your home and add a few boldly colored fall plants. Choose hardy plants like bold faced pansies, mums and dianthus to pair with cabbages, kale, and dark colored lettuces for the perfect combination of color and textures. Add a few pumpkins or gourds to your pot for some extra festive flare! Need additional inspiration? Visit our FALL Pinterest boards for recipes and more ideas!
Perfectly planted container gardens make a big impact on plain porches and walkways. Choose a container that compliments your home and add a few boldly colored fall plants. Choose hardy plants like bold faced pansies, mums and dianthus to pair with cabbages, kale, and dark colored lettuces for the perfect combination of color and textures. Add a few pumpkins or gourds to your pot for some extra festive flare! Need additional inspiration? Visit our FALL Pinterest boards for recipes and more ideas!
3. Add Perennials that POP!
There are many perennials that offer lovely fall color for your landscape. Come check out our selection of ferns, ornamental grasses and fall blooming perennials. If your yard is lacking in vibrant fall leaves, a new heuchera variety or two might be just what you need. Commonly known as 'Coral Bells' the foliage on these plants are more impressive than the flower. Somewhat like a perennial version of coleus, foliage tones range from bright lemon-green to purple and black.
There are many perennials that offer lovely fall color for your landscape. Come check out our selection of ferns, ornamental grasses and fall blooming perennials. If your yard is lacking in vibrant fall leaves, a new heuchera variety or two might be just what you need. Commonly known as 'Coral Bells' the foliage on these plants are more impressive than the flower. Somewhat like a perennial version of coleus, foliage tones range from bright lemon-green to purple and black.
50% OFF ALL VEGGIES & 30% OFF ALL PLANTS!!*
It's that time of year again! We are beginning our end of season sales! Come in and enjoy savings of 30% off all plants, including perennials! Vegetable starts are now 50% off. While supplies last. Come in soon for best selection.
There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy the addition of a few flowering plants, or late summer veggie crops! *EXCLUDES ED HUME SEEDS and SOIL
There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy the addition of a few flowering plants, or late summer veggie crops! *EXCLUDES ED HUME SEEDS and SOIL
NEW YEAR GARDENING
Happy New Year! We are happy to welcome the 2013 gardening season to the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately the cold winds, rain and below freezing temperatures don't help keep us in our 'gardening mood' for long. It's no time to fret though, because January and February are the best times to begin planning next season's garden, gathering seeds and supplies, as well as tend to a few indoor gardening chores. (Don't forget about your houseplants!)
Spend a cozy day pouring over seed catalogues, collecting notes from last years successes and learning opportunities, and plan to your heart's content. Don't forget to make time to force a few winter bulbs, and put out some extra seed to keep your backyard feathered friends warm this winter ... Continue Reading
Spend a cozy day pouring over seed catalogues, collecting notes from last years successes and learning opportunities, and plan to your heart's content. Don't forget to make time to force a few winter bulbs, and put out some extra seed to keep your backyard feathered friends warm this winter ... Continue Reading
Our 2013 season has officially begun! Denise, our Sales Manager, (pictured above in her handy Muck boots :) and the crew have stocked the greenhouses full of beautiful perennials, cold-hardy vegetables, annuals, pleasantly intoxicating spring bulbs, spring pansies, seed potatoes and onion sets, berries, and 10 beautiful varieties of Clematis!
It may be hard to believe that in the middle of this heat wave, it's time to get ready for planting your fall crops! Visit our Seasonal Planting Page for advice and information on planting fall crops in the Vancouver/Portland area.
We currently stock many varieties of ED HUME seeds for fall planting. Stop in to see our selection.
FALL Vegetable Planting
Don't miss out on the fun of Fall Vegetable Gardening. It's time to cool your soil and plant your late season vegetables for Fall and Winter harvest! If you are unsure about what varieties do best in the PNW, or you need clarification on planting dates, or simply want to find regional specific information, visit our newly updated PLANTING CALENDAR page. Be sure to check out the helpful links at the bottom of the page.
Week Of: APRIL 2nd
PLANT NOW
Onions, cabbage, broccoli and peas can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked. They take 3 to 4 months to produce their harvest. So if you haven’t already started your onion seed indoors, come see us for your onion sets (pencil sized onions that are ready to plant outside) and your seed potatoes (certified seed potatoes are disease free and selected for the best yield).
Onions, cabbage, broccoli and peas can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked. They take 3 to 4 months to produce their harvest. So if you haven’t already started your onion seed indoors, come see us for your onion sets (pencil sized onions that are ready to plant outside) and your seed potatoes (certified seed potatoes are disease free and selected for the best yield).
ALL vegetable starts - 30% OFF!
We got a little overexcited thinking about big tasty homegrown tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers, fresh from the garden.....and filled our greenhouses to the brim. Now we're drowning in vegetable starts! This week ALL vegetable starts are 30% OFF! Our sale includes all remaining stock of tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, melons, pumpkins, cucumbers, lettuce and beans! Come soon for the best selections and variety! (Sale runs July 2nd - 20th)
WEDNESDAY SPECIALS!
Thank you, Clark County, for 30 years of business! Help us celebrate by taking advantage of our
Wednesday Specials!
Each Wednesday through the season, a new item will be listed at 30% off for one day only! Come see us on Wednesdays and see what's on sale!
Wednesday Specials!
Each Wednesday through the season, a new item will be listed at 30% off for one day only! Come see us on Wednesdays and see what's on sale!
30% off all PETUNIAS!!
There are plenty of yards in Clark County that could benefit from a fresh dosing of color. If yours is one of them, come take advantage of our sale! We've decided to put our ever popular PETUNIAS on sale this week! We're taking a whopping
30% OFF all Petunias beginning Tuesday, July 17th! Stop in and pick your favorites - double, single or veined - in all shades of pink, purple, red, white and yellow! Perfect for beds, pots, and planters! (Offer excludes wave petunias)
30% OFF all Petunias beginning Tuesday, July 17th! Stop in and pick your favorites - double, single or veined - in all shades of pink, purple, red, white and yellow! Perfect for beds, pots, and planters! (Offer excludes wave petunias)
Congratulations
Laura Shafer Knox,
winner of our latest giveaway and new owner of a gorgeous hanging basket!
Stay tuned for our next giveaway!
Our last giveaway was so much fun that we've decided to do it again...all summer long!
Enter to win a beautiful, eye catching,
HANGING BASKET!
(Your choice of any 10" basket in our greenhouses!)
All you need to do to enter is:
Visit our Facebook Page and 'LIKE' us. (Be sure to hit the "like" button on the top of of our Facebook page, not the picture) Add a comment on our page telling us what your favorite feature on our new website is...OR...something happy/funny about your visits to Chapman's.
For an additional entry:
Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and let us know in a second comment on our page!
Giveaway closes at 11:59 pm on Friday, July 6th. A winner will be announced on Saturday, July 7th via email, on our Facebook page, and here on our website.
Laura Shafer Knox,
winner of our latest giveaway and new owner of a gorgeous hanging basket!
Stay tuned for our next giveaway!
Our last giveaway was so much fun that we've decided to do it again...all summer long!
Enter to win a beautiful, eye catching,
HANGING BASKET!
(Your choice of any 10" basket in our greenhouses!)
All you need to do to enter is:
Visit our Facebook Page and 'LIKE' us. (Be sure to hit the "like" button on the top of of our Facebook page, not the picture) Add a comment on our page telling us what your favorite feature on our new website is...OR...something happy/funny about your visits to Chapman's.
For an additional entry:
Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and let us know in a second comment on our page!
Giveaway closes at 11:59 pm on Friday, July 6th. A winner will be announced on Saturday, July 7th via email, on our Facebook page, and here on our website.
Tomato Starts only $.99!
Over 40 Varieties of Tomato Starts available!
Variety listing available under Vegetables, or Call us today to inquire about your favorite
Don't want to wait? Gallon Tomatoes start at only $3.29! Available Now.
Variety listing available under Vegetables, or Call us today to inquire about your favorite
Don't want to wait? Gallon Tomatoes start at only $3.29! Available Now.
Didn't win this time?
Be sure to check back often or 'LIKE' us on Facebook to stay informed of all future giveaways! Good Luck!
Meet Zeb!
Zeb is our new 8 month old Newfoundland/Border Collie puppy. He enjoys spending his days here at Chapman's following us through the greenhouses, greeting customers, bumming snacks off the team, or chasing the cat. He's a nice boy with a refreshing amount of energy and mischief. Come say Hi next time you're in! He'd love a nice pat. :-)
Photos Coming Soon...