And you thought I was going to write about some new plant. NOPE! It is essential to be aware of Japanese Beetles’ presence now. They are here. Customers come into the garden center daily, wanting to know what is eating their plants. Japanese beetles are a serious pest that feeds on the leaves and flowers. … Read more
THE GLORY OF GARDENING: HANDS IN THE DIRT, HEAD IN THE SUN, HEART WITH NATURE! Thank goodness for all the rainfall we got in late June. This rain was much needed because we were starting to get dry. At this moment, we have no fear of any water restrictions placed upon us because our ground … Read more
GARDENING ON A BUDGET. CAN WE DO IT? Are you and your family on a budget? Isn’t most everyone? So, can we still enjoy gardening with a budget? Absolutely!! But, it may take some good planning and creativity. In my over 40 years in the garden center business I have never before experienced such high … Read more
JUNE 19TH – 25TH HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK Pollinator Week was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership, and fifteen years ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the designation of a week in June as National Pollinator Week. The purpose of this week is to address the urgent issue of declining pollinator … Read more
THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 18TH, IS FATHER’S DAY Let me share a little history on the celebration of FATHER’S DAY. It was first started in 1908 by a church in West Virginia. Finally, in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged every state government to observe Father’s Day. It is now established with the third Sunday in June … Read more
THE PERENNIAL PLANT ASSOCIATION HAS DESIGNATED JUNE AS PERENNIAL GARDENING MONTH, AND FOR GOOD REASONS. How can you not love June in Richmond with all the colors from so many blooming perennials? To name a few perennials in bloom: Coreopsis, Monarda, Heuchura, Astilbe, Achillia, Daylilies, Nepeta-I can go on and on with naming perennials. But … Read more
SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE LATER THIS MONTH & WE HAVE PLENTY OF CHORES TO DO THIS MONTH Now that June is here remember that gardening is a year-round hobby, and certain gardening chores must be done each month. June has been tagged as PERENNIAL GARDENING MONTH by the Perennial Plant Association. The main reason behind … Read more
In the last couple of weeks I have had a handful of customers come see me with evidence of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. It doesn’t surprise me that evidence is showing up this early. This is because so many issues are advanced due to our mild winter. Last year was my first year of experience … Read more
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BASKET Here we are in mid-May and in the height of the hanging basket season. We are now past any threat of frost. People are now decorating with summer blooming annuals which includes adding hanging baskets to the landscape, patios, decks, and pools. So, how do I know to choose the right … Read more
MOTHER’S DAY IS THIS SUNDAY, MAY 14TH Mother’s Day was started in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. The holiday traditionally involves presenting Mom with flowers and a card. The botanical name for peonies is Paeonia. They are native to Asia and Europe. The history of peonies goes back to ancient days … Read more
