Huntsville’s New Nursery

HUNTSVILLE-Spring has finally arrived and along with it, are gardens that need weeding, flower beds that need mulching, ponds that need cleaning and flowers that need planting.

Just off Highway 12 in Huntsville is a gardener's new little helper.

No, we're not talking about "Buddy,"the black lab who meets you at the gate. Rather, it's what's behind the gate that makes you want to grab a wagon and stuff it full of all the color spread over half an acre south of the highway.

John Palmer of Ace Landscaping has been beautifying yards for more than 20 years. He's recently branched off and set up a nursery he says is unique to the valley.

"The nursery is one that is full of hearty native type plants that are specifically designed to grow well in this climate," says Palmer. "There is definitely a need for that in this area. Another thing that separates us from others (nurseries) is that I've personally grown everything in the nursery which allows us to keep our prices affordable and competitive."

Three-foot trees start at $32 and one-gallon shrubs and perennials start at $5.

"The Korean Spice Vibernum is one of my favorite shrubs," says Palmer. "It has colorful spring blooms and a great smell, and in the fall has a great red color."

If you're looking for some decorative grasses Palmer suggests the Blue Tuft Grass or Blood Grass.

"They are a small varietal with unique color and they won't spread like ivy." Palmer said."Of course you can't go wrong with lavender. And the Purple Leaf Sand Cherry is a great perennial that gives you a different color of foliage to add variety."

Alongside Palmer is Stacia Simmons who will be managing the nursery that is located at 101 Gallaher Road and will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. His daughter April can also be found filling in to help with repotting projects and cashiering.

"This is something that I've been working on for a few years," says Palmer. "We're looking to give people from the Walla Walla area one more reason to head out this direction."