River's End Gardens

06/06/2026

It’s a beautiful day to visit the Muskegon Farmers Market. Hope to see you!

05/30/2026

Huge Hosta today at the Muskegon Farmers Market!

05/27/2026

Hello everyone! If you have tried to contact River’s End Gardens today, our apologies ! We had a car issue and during all the chaos, believe we have left our greenhouse phone in the vehicle…. And it’s at the dealership! 🤔😳
We’re heading there at dawn to retrieve the phone and will contact everyone asap.
If you see this on FB feel free to reach out via messaging as well!
Thank you for understanding and your patience!
🤲🤦‍♀️

05/09/2026

Looking forward to seeing everyone Saturday May 9th between 8 am - 2 pm at the Muskegon Farmer’s Market!
We’re bringing rhododendrons, azaleas, Pieris, hellebores, viburnum, weeping larch trees, weeping p***y willow trees, a variety of smaller evergreens and a few more surprises!
We’re excited to start the 2026 season at the best market in Michigan!
Hope to see you there!

05/02/2026

Thank you to each and every one of you for your prayers and condolences.
We truly appreciate you all.
❤️🌹🫶🌷

River’s End Gardens will not be attending the opening day of the Muskegon Farmer’s Market due to a death in the family.
We look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday, May 9th.

04/27/2026

Beautiful, budded rhododendrons! 😍
These 4 varieties now available for $25.00
We have Biloxi Blues, Baden Baden, Holden and Yaku Prince.
Also Pieris Cavatine loaded with sprays of creamy white flowers. Also for $25.00!
DM on Facebook or shoot a text to 231-821-9757 to set up a time to come and get yours!
Happy Spring! Enjoy the day!
🌷

04/12/2026

Mulch Isn’t Just for Looks!!

Mulch does more than just make your garden look polished, it’s one of the most valuable tools for maintaining healthy soil and plants. A proper layer of mulch not only boosts curb appeal but also protects your soil, conserves water, and keeps weeds in check, making it one of the smartest, simplest upgrades for any garden. Here is how mulch can benefit your garden this green season!

Benefits of Proper Mulch Depth & Material

Proper Mulch Depth:
Mulch is a great ally in the landscape, but more isn’t always better.

The ideal mulch depth is 2–4 inches. Piling it higher, especially in “mulch volcanoes” around tree trunks, can do more harm than good.
Why proper mulching works:

Helps retain soil moisture without water-logging roots
Suppresses weeds effectively
Regulates soil temperature
Improves soil as organic mulches break down

Pro tip:
Refresh mulch only as needed and keep it a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks!

Common Mulching Mistakes to Avoid!

Too Much Mulch: Applying overly thick layers can block water, promote fungal diseases, and even suffocate plants.
Wrong Type of Mulch: Make sure to choose materials that support your plants and soil needs.
Skipping Soil Prep: Loosen compacted soil, add nutrients, and remove weeds before applying mulch for best results.
Forgetting to Refresh: Mulch breaks down over time. Don’t forget to replenish it regularly.
Crowding Stems & Trunks: Piling mulch too close can trap moisture, cause rot, and attract pests!

03/01/2026

Some helpful deer tips.

Deer don't browse randomly — they follow familiar paths and return to what tasted good last time.
The right plants break that cycle with texture, scent, and chemistry that deer learn to skip, without sacrificing fullness or beauty.

- Lamb's Ear — Zones 4–8
Thick, fuzzy foliage that deer avoid on contact — the soft silver mats spread wide and stay untouched all season.

- Catmint — Zones 3–8
Aromatic leaves that deer find repulsive, while the lavender-blue flowers billow from late spring through fall.

- Russian Sage — Zones 4–9
Intensely aromatic silver stems and airy blue spires — deer walk past it every time.

- Boxwood — Zones 5–9
Dense, bitter evergreen structure that holds its shape year-round and anchors a border with zero deer interest.

- Bleeding Heart — Zones 3–9
Toxic alkaloids make it completely unpalatable, yet it produces graceful arching stems of pink or white hearts each spring.

- Peony — Zones 3–8
Lush, full-bodied blooms on sturdy stems — deer leave them alone due to bitter foliage compounds, and clumps improve for decades.

- Foxglove — Zones 4–8
Tall spires of tubular blooms that deer avoid entirely because the whole plant contains cardiac glycosides.

- Hellebore — Zones 4–9
Leathery, toxic foliage that deer never touch — blooms arrive in late winter when nothing else is showing color.

- Ornamental Sage — Zones 4–8
Strong herbal scent and rough-textured leaves keep deer away while hummingbirds and bees stay close.

- Japanese Pieris — Zones 5–8
Evergreen shrub with cascading spring blooms and glossy leaves — toxic chemistry makes it permanently deer-proof.

- Ferns (Ostrich Fern) — Zones 3–7
Deer pass over ferns consistently — the tall, arching fronds fill shady borders with effortless green volume.

A deer-resistant garden doesn't have to look defensive. When the plants are chosen well, the lushness speaks for itself and the deer simply move on.

02/28/2026

Sunshine and 50 degrees makes us start to think spring is coming! Great time to take a walk through the Home and Garden Show at the Devos Center in downtown Grand Rapids. 🌷