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rudysmallfry

Can't find native anything

rudysmallfry
16 years ago

This is so frustrating. I have checked over 10 nurseries in Connecticut to date and cannot locate anything I am looking for. One guy actually told me that he stopped carrying natives due to low demand, but in the same breath said that I was the 4th person who's asked. Does anyone know of anywhere in the New Haven area that might have these?

Winterberry

Swamp Azalea

Pinxterbloom Azalea

Rosebay, Great Laurel

Comments (15)

  • treelover
    16 years ago

    If you don't find these locally, you might try ordering from a reputable mail order nursery. Woodlanders, which has a couple of Winterberries, and Wellsweep Herb Farm are two that come to mind. (Usual no-financial-interest disclaimer here.)

  • vonyon
    16 years ago

    Yes, this is a sad fact for most of us. I found this website, but I didn't check it out. It may give you some leads: http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/garden/garden2.html
    I ordered nearly everything I have. I did take a ride down to the Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA and got started, but then I simply ordered everything the following year. The best source I have found is NH Nursery, but I believe they may have closed ordering for the year. You can check. Other places are Cold Stream Farm in Michigan: http://www.coldstreamfarm.net/ Pine Ridge in Arkansas: http://www.pineridgegardens.com/special.htm St. Lawrence Nursery: http://www.sln.potsdam.ny.us/ I would stick to more local sources though. I can't recommend this one, but it is in Connecticut: http://www.napinc.org/ You could just google Connecticut native shrubs and see what you come up with. Good luck.

  • tracey_nj6
    16 years ago

    You could also try Mail Order Natives; I didn't research your wants too intensly, but they do have the Swamp Azalea. I had ordered from them once before, but there are other GW'ers that highly recommend them.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Mail Order Natives

  • loris
    16 years ago

    I know how frustrating this can be, so I checked the list of native sources in Willliam Cullina's book on native trees and shrubs for you, and saw Broken Arrow Nursery in Hamden CT listed. Unless there's confusion in terms of common names, they seem to have all the plants you're looking for, for sale at their nursery. I didnÂt double-check that their mail order list has them since it looks like they're located pretty close to you.

    Lori

    Here is a link that might be useful: Broken Arrow Nursery

  • kelp
    16 years ago

    If you feel like going on a day trip, Sylvan's Nursery in Westport, MA has lots of natives. The area is beautiful as well. Lots of neat little gift shops, and quaint restaurants, etc. If you want to check the website to see if they have what you want: http://www.sylvannursery.com/

  • kelp
    16 years ago

    Oops, I forgot. They have a lot more plants than they list. Maybe a phone call prior to heading up would be better. (Keep in mind they aren't open on Sundays.)

  • rudysmallfry
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Yey! Looks like Broken Arrow has a lot of the stuff I am looking for, and I found winterberry at the Southwestern CT plant sale. Thanks for your help.

  • jabee
    16 years ago

    Here's a link from the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. You can do a search for native plant suppliers in any state.

    Best of luck and happy gardening.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Native Plant Suppliers

  • hideglue
    16 years ago

    rudy, if your willing to wait & travel a bit, I suggest heading to Connecticut College Arboretum's Plant Sale -

    Friday, May 11, 2007
    noon  3:00 PM

    Saturday, May 12, 2007
    10 am  2:00 PM

    Last year they had all on your list but the Rosebay & Great Laurel.

  • rudysmallfry
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Is the arboretum right on the New London campus or is it offsite somewhere?

  • maifleur01
    16 years ago

    Just a suggestion but some of the plant sales by groups allow either pre-orders of first pick for members. You should call and find out if a particular group has this type of option. If the plants are very rare it may be your only oportunity.

  • knottyceltic
    16 years ago

    Any "GOOD" nursery will order in items that they don't necessarily carry. If they want your business they will do it for you. I have only 2 nurseries within 1/2 hour of my house and both are willing to order me native plants, shrubs and trees even though they don't carry them. It usually takes my nurseries about 1 week to get the items in from their supplier.

  • hideglue
    16 years ago

    The Arboretum itself is across the street from the campus, but the Plant Sale is held right on campus.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Conn College Arboretum

  • rudysmallfry
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    I scored big at Broken Arrow. They had tons of winterberries, native azaleas, mountain laurel and on and on. I had to get out of there so as not to overspend. Thanks for the tip.

  • loris
    16 years ago

    Glad to hear it worked out for you. -- Lori

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