Black cherry, with its spreading limbs and arching branches, is the largest and most important native cherry

for wildlife. It blooms in spring, loaded with small, fragrant white flowers, each clustered together to form a

narrow pendulous raceme. The abundant flowers are very attractive to small native bees and other pollinating

insects. The shiny, dark green leaves turn lively shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The tree produces

copious amounts of small black fruits in the summer, highly prized by many songbirds, and i’s a larval host to a

good number of butterflies and moths. It has a reputation as weedy and aggressive in forest restoration, where

new seedlings can overtake open ground. In the home landscape this tree has not been a problem, however it

might seed around here and there. It is seldom planted in home landscapes, but for gardeners wanting wildlife

habitat, it’s worth planting.

No flower is quite so welcome as the first one to open in spring. And fortunately for

gardeners in the midwest, some of them are tough enough to bloom even through

a snow drift. Spring bulbs like snowdrops, squill and crocus are some of the earliest

flowers to open, with daffodils, hyacinths and tulips soon to follow.

There are some wonderful perennials for blossom and color early in the spring also.

Though it will vary according to microclimate, the perennials below begin to bloom in

March or April and are listed generally in order of “appearance.”

American black walnut is one of the most valuable

natural forest trees in the U.S. Its fernlike foliage

provides light, airy shade so it’s a great shade trees

for larger properties in areas where the juglone

produced by the tree won’t stunt the growth of

plants beneath it. The flavorful nuts contain more

protein than any other tree nut; its valuable wood

makes beautiful furniture; husks are used to make

natural dyes; and the hard shells are

The Western Outstanding State Association Leader Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a dedication to the work and mission of the green industry through exceptional efforts on behalf of state associations.

Congratulations to Todd Faller of Faller Landscape and Prairie Gold Nursery. Todd was presented the award on behalf

of his work with the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association (NNLA).

NDA is excited to have two new Entomology Inspectors join the staff recently.

Daniel Kinley is a Nebraska native and recent UNL graduate, majoring in Ag Business and Agronomy. Dan brings experience working in lawn

care/landscape maintenance, and a strong background in traditional agriculture. He joined our team in January and covers the panhandle and

southwest Nebraska

Bur oak is our most common native oak. It’s big and majestic, tough and reliable. This rugged oak is well

suited for the challenges of weather on the Plains with its thick layer of ridged, corky bark and stout, ice-storm

resistant twigs. The rugged, wide spreading branches stand out in winter, accented by frost or snow, and offer

welcome shade on hot summer days. The leathery, fan-shaped leaves help make this picturesque shade tree a

great choice for the landscape. Bur oak is tolerant of a wide range of soils, moisture conditions and the rigors

of urban life. Oaks provide valuable nut forage for a variety of wildlife and no other plant genus supports more

species of butterflies and moths than the oak.

Nebraska, like the rest of the Great Plains, is not well-known for its trees. After the retreat of

the last Ice Age glaciers about 10,000 years ago, grasslands came to dominate the center of the

continent leaving Nebraska only 3% forested at the time of settlement. Someone flying high

above Nebraska now could be forgiven for looking down at the vast quilt-like pattern of farm

fields and prairie and think that the state is devoid of important trees. They would be wrong.

Most gardeners are aware that soil preparation is important in a new landscape with poor or

compacted soil, but when spring fever hits it’s easy to start planting as soon as the weather

warms up. Putting in the time to ready your soil makes a big impact, though, and will make a

difference in the long-term.

Many soils in built areas (around homes, businesses and roads) are compacted “dead” zones

that can make it tough for new plants to establish roots. Making the effort to build and heal your

soil now, before you plant, can prevent major plant loss later on.

This thornless currant grows naturally in low-lying moist woodlands. Its spring

blossoms are yellow-green and showy with a bell-like shape. The small flowers

are clustered together like dangling 1-3” long earrings, and are of special value to

native bees. The attractive maple-like leaves are food for caterpillars of the Green

Comma Butterfly. The fall color is a lovely red, which usually begins with coloring

of the veins and the leaf margin. The fruit that forms is a small dark purple

berry about a third of an inch in diameter. Black currants are very nutritious,

high in Vitamins A and C, and in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. In the

landscape this easy-to-grow shrub does best in full sun and moist soil. Shrubs

may show signs of stress in dry, hot sites and become spindly in too much shade.

The selection ‘Riverview’ is a great choice, originally collected from naturally

occurring plants growing along the Big Sioux River in South Dakota.

You know that feeling. That glorious feeling of running your hands through the dirt. Feeling the

earth connect with your body. Nature and you. Happiness and peace of mind overtake you as

you shake off the cares and strife.

It’s not just connecting with nature gardening gives you. It is the feeling of pure creation.

Planting a living entity, aiding its birth, caring for it as it grows to maturity, watching it grow into

a thing of beauty. Creating a life force. Let’s not forget the sweat equity. Gardening is a way to

get your exercise the fun way. Your garden workout aids in creating endorphins, our “feel-good”

chemicals that assist in stress relief.

Hello everyone, I hope this newsletter finds you, your family and

any employees you may have, all safe and well. While COVID 19

has thrown us all a curve ball, I am confident that our industry is

more than capable of adapting and making changes as needed. In

time, we will all develop and settle into a ‘new normal’ that works

best for each of us.

The Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association’s newest Nebraska Certified Nurseryman are Rebekah McGil,

Jason Orth, Sheila Schrader, and Eldora Weller. They took the NCN Certification test in February and passed

all three components. The NCN program was established to promote the professionalism of individuals within

the industry. A rigorous three-part test, which covers plan identification, landscape, and the NCN manual,

must be successfully completed. To learn more about becoming a Nebraska Certified Nurseryman, visit nnla.

org/certification.

OMAHA—Steve Rodie received the Educator Award from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum in Lincoln

Dec. 6. The award recognizes “educators who have made an outstanding contribution toward advancing

the knowledge and appreciation of plants among their students.”

Rodie is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha where

he teaches courses in landscape plants, sustainable landscape design, landscape appreciation and

environmental sustainability, green infrastructure, and other environmental topics.