August: an ideal planting window

August is unfolding with sunlit mornings, long shadows, and landscapes easing into their late-summer rhythm. It’s a season for appreciating what’s grown and gently planning for what’s next. As evenings cool and the soil still holds warmth, early fall planting is just around the corner—and now is a great time to begin imagining those transitions.

We hope these pages offer practical tips, fresh perspective, or just a quiet reminder of the beauty rooted in our landscapes and communities.

Horticulturally,The Norm’s Greenhouse & Nursery Team

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Reflections from Pollinator Day at the Brookings Farmer's Market

This month’s market carried a quiet rhythm—sunrise on golden grasses, neighbors exchanging produce and stories, and native plants easing into late-summer bloom. These moments reminded us why we design spaces that matter: not just for beauty, but to nurture ecology, community, and time spent outdoors.

Pollinator Day brought that vision to life. From thoughtful questions about fall forage and dry shade mixes to hands-on activities and plant selections, the energy was buzzing. We leaned into locally adapted natives—the quiet workhorses of resilience—and watched design spark connection. Thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating plants, place, and the power of shared curiosity.

Thank you for joining us!

We had a fantastic time at our hands-on plant community design workshop—thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn, connect, and share your love for the land. From thoughtful questions to inspiring conversations, your curiosity made the day truly special. We shared handouts, explored design strategies, and offered a selection of locally grown plants to support resilient landscapes. Here's to growing together—see

you at the next event!

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Early fall planting is recommended

in our region

As the heat of peak summer begins to mellow, we’re entering one of the best windows for planting perennials, shrubs, trees, and evergreens. Fall isn’t just a quieter time in the garden—it’s a strategic one. The soil remains warm even as air temperatures cool, creating ideal conditions for root establishment without the stress of summer sun or transplant shock.

Why Plant Now?

• Root Focused Growth: Cooler temperatures shift plants’ energy toward root development and avoid stress—laying strong foundations before winter dormancy.

  
  

• Efficient Watering: Lower evaporation rates mean less stress and more efficient hydration.

What We’re Offering this Summer and Fall

Our wide selection includes tough, locally suited choices for urban yards, farm windbreaks, and everything in between. Whether you’re planting a front yard tree or refreshing a backyard, we have:

• Evergreens: Spruce, Pine, Fir,  Arborvitae, Yew, and Juniper for year-round structure and wildlife value

  
  

• Trees: Bur oaks, quaking aspen, hackberry, honeylocust, crabapples, and many more ornamental selections, ideal for providing shade, habitat, and fall color

  
  

• Shrubs: Tough bloomers and bird-friendly habitat plants like lilacs, hydrangeas, chokeberry, serviceberry, elderberry, and more suited to sun, shade, and everything in between

  
  

• Perennials: Reliable favorites and fresh additions for long-lasting color and ecological impact—think coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, prairie dropseed, butterfly milkweed, and shade-tolerant options like wild columbine and woodland phlox

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