Local nurseries & the Tree Rebate Program: Ginkgo Garden’s Tom Hammond
Ginkgo Gardens || Washington, D.C.: 911 11th Street SE, 20003
202-543-5172 || Tom Hammond, Ginkgo Gardens Manager & Garden Designer
Even though we’re in the middle of our fall tree planting season, the weather is unseasonably warm – so we wanted to stress to you that now is the ideal time to do some planting of your own. The cooler temperatures and wetter days allows for the root systems of young trees to establish themselves before the hard frost and frozen ground of the winter.
In order to help you take those steps towards DIY tree planting, you must see our newest resources for planting, including our tree planting “how-to” videos. Add that to the discount from our Tree Rebate program, and how could you pass up the opportunity to get dirty and have some fun (and better your local green space)?
Here’s another installment in a line of Q&A’s with local nurseries that participate in our Tree Rebate program – Tom Hammond from Ginkgo Gardens sat down with us to discuss their store, their tree stock availability, and the multitude of other options they offer:
CT: Tom, can you tell us a bit about Ginkgo Gardens?
We are a full service garden center, conveniently located in historic Capitol Hill. This store has been open for over 12 years and we have everything for gardens big and small. We also offer design and consultation services. We have a great outdoor space with hundreds of trees, shrubs, perennials, and other garden accessories.
CT: With fall being prime tree-planting time, how much space of the nursery is devoted to tree stock right now?
For a garden center in the city, we have a surprising amount of outdoor space for plants. We are able to fit in a large amount of trees in our main yard, situated among the other plants. We also have a larger second yard – the ‘North Yard’ – located adjacent to the mulches, soils, and stone area, that holds a large number of trees, shrubs, and statuary.
CT: When does tree stock arrive, and how long can customers expect it to be available?
Trees start arriving in early spring, and we continue to get fresh stock every few weeks all the way through November. We actually have dozens of new trees and shrubs coming in today!
CT: What tree species are you offering this season? Any native species?
We offer a great selection of trees, especially ones that are well suited for our (often harsh) urban environmental conditions. Naturally, many trees of the trees that are suitable for this area are native. We currently have: Serviceberry, Dogwood, Redbud, Birch, Magnolia, Holly, Sweetgum, Seven Son Flower, Black Gum, and Zelkova. Other trees we have include Ginkgo, Flowering Cherries, Crabapple, Apple, Plum, Fig, Crape Myrtles, Trident Maple and many varieties of Japanese Maples.
CT: Can a customer special order a tree species through Ginkgo Gardens that you may not normally offer, or may not be in your stock currently?
Yes, we are able to special order nearly any tree that is commercially available in our region. Just let us know what size and cultivar and we can usually have it for you within a week or two (depending on availability).
CT: Do you offer a wide range of sizes to accommodate different sized yards/goals? Do you have any medium or large shade canopy trees?
We tend to specialize in the smaller size trees, though we do often have a selection of medium to large shade trees for larger spaces.
CT: What should a customer do prior to coming in to Ginkgo Gardens to purchase a tree?
It helps if you know the general (mature) size of the tree you are looking to plant. You can also snap a photo with your phone of your yard if you think that might be useful in helping us find the right tree for your space.
Also, try to determine the site conditions (sun vs. shade, wet vs. dry) and the purpose (shade; screen; ornamental, etc.). Trees have lots of ornamental characteristics (flowers, fruits, fall color, bark, texture, branching structure) so just keep in mind what you like or don’t like and we’ll find the perfect fit!
CT: What other tree care items or services do you offer or have available for those purchasing trees?
We recommend amending the soil with leaf humus and/or compost when you plant your tree to help the root system get established. Watering is very important, so we also have tree watering bags (Gator Bags) that make watering very easy. It can also help to add some phosphate fertilizer in the planting hole, in order to encourage root development. Top it off with a layer of mulch to help suppress weeds and retain moisture. We also have a great selection of tools, including pruners, shovels, hoses, gloves, tree stakes, and more.
CT: What about your merchandise selection sets you apart from the other nurseries in the D.C. area?
We are uniquely oriented to the urban gardener, and have a wide selection of garden greenery, ornamentation, distinctive home décor, and accessories not easily found elsewhere. Also, we are right in the city, so you don’t need to leave DC!
CT: Do you deliver trees purchased in your store?
Yes, we offer delivery and installation for everything we sell. We can also deliver bags of soil and mulch along with any other garden products you may need.
CT: Do you have any certified arborists on staff?
While we do not have a certified arborist, we do have three Master Gardeners on staff who can assist with all types of tree and shrub questions.
CT: Thanks for the insight, Tom! We’re proud to partner with you and Ginkgo Gardens on the Tree Rebate program, and hope everyone else feels a bit better about just how fun (and easy) planting your own tree can be!
A lot of excellent advice. Fab store and design knowledge.