The decade-long journey from a greenhouse cutting to your garden
In short: Most garden shrubs arrive at your local nursery looking mature and established. In reality, these plants are the result of a rigorous, multi-year cultivation process. From initial propagation to final harvesting, a single shrub can take a decade of specialized care to reach its saleable prime.
The journey of a shrub, such as the popular yew, begins in a controlled environment. At Rhode Island Nurseries—a fourth-generation family business founded in 1895—the process starts in greenhouses where cuttings are propagated. These young plants, known as liners, spend approximately six months in the greenhouse before they are moved to outdoor garden beds. Once outside, they are planted by machines pulled by tractors and covered with an inch of mulch to establish their root systems.
Growth is a slow, methodical progression. The 'liner phase' for yews lasts about four years, during which the plants are kept in lines to ensure they have ample room to mature. After this, they are moved into a checker pattern for another four years. This deliberate spacing and constant weeding and pruning are essential for developing the dense, durable structures that homeowners desire for hedges and borders. The plants are not ready for the consumer market until they have matured for about ten years.
The final stage involves a transition from farm to garden. Once mature, the root ball is excavated, wrapped in burlap, and secured with ties to protect the delicate root structure during transit. This 'balled and burlapped' method ensures the plant survives the move from the nursery to the garden center. While yews are known for being adaptable and long-lived—often reaching thirty years—the expertise of the nursery ensures they are hardy enough to survive the stress of transplantation.
Understanding this timeline highlights the value of nursery-grown stock. While plants can be sourced globally, local nurseries like the one in Narragansett Bay utilize specific microclimates to grow varieties like holly, boxwoods, and the unique 'densiformis' yew species invented by Bruce Vanicek's grandfather. This long-term investment in growth provides the durability that makes these shrubs a staple of American landscaping.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How Shrubs are Harvested | Ask This Old House
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