A Note from Scott and Marsha
February 6, 2020
I'd like to lead off by admitting, this is one of the toughest times of the year for me. No, not because Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I still haven't figured out how I am going to surprise that special someone (that can wait until February 13). It is because the NFL season has officially come to a close. I figure this also might be the perfect time to mention Marsha asked me, Jack, the Landscape Operations Manager, to write this week's newsletter story. Of course my response to her was I have only been waiting for 2 years, 3 months, and 3 days for her to ask me! Aka, since my first day at FGS.

For some, the football season coming to a close might feel like a blessing. No more wild outfits that can ONLY be worn on game days. A break from yelling at the television and thinking what we say will change the referee's call. The strange superstitions like leaving the room while our team is on offense because it is obvious that we're the reason our team hasn't scored. And yes, as hard as it is to admit, I am guilty of all of these, each and every week, multiple times. You would too if you were a Green Bay Packer's fan and born in cheese country! Next year's our year!

Speaking of cheese, one of my biggest guilty pleasures being from Wisconsin is having cheese platters out for the game. I'm not talking about one of those small, quaint, neatly arranged trays you get from the grocery store. I am talking about more cheese than any one individual should consume in a month's time, as if it is the only food group on the food pyramid.  

This won't be the ONLY thing that I will miss of course. For me, it's the camaraderie we build with our friends, the gathering of family, and the instant connections it gives us with complete strangers. And what better way to do this than to break out the yard games and fire up the grill in a beautiful designed landscape that you can call your own. FIRE PITS, GRILLING SPACES, PATIOS, OUTDOOR LIGHTING, the list goes on! So whether it is enhancing the area around your man cave, or dressing up that space surrounding your she-shed, we would be privileged to help you address any, and all, of your landscape needs. (See what I did there? Just trying get that FGS plug in shamelessly.) And you never know. If it is football season when we do your installation, you might catch me in my lucky cheese head hat!
JUDY'S HOUSEPLANT PICK
Judy's pick this week is a staff favorite as well--the Pilea Peperomioides, also known as a 'Chinese Money Plant'. The round shape of the leaves is absolutely adorable, and these plants are easy to care for. They prefer bright light and need to dry out between waterings. If the leaves start to droop, you will know it needs water. Remember to rotate it when you water since the leaves grow toward the sun. (This applies to most houseplants as well!)
'MOONLIT LACE' VIBURNUM
If you are looking for a show stopping shrub, look no further. This beauty is turning heads in gardens all over the place. The evergreen foliage that turns burgundy in the fall and the tiny white flowers in the spring are seasonal eye candy for your yard. It grows to 4' by 4' and is happy in full sun or part shade. You will love it in a border or hedge, and you will especially love that the deer don't like it. Viburnum handles our hot (and sometimes dry) summers like a champ.
TILLANDSIA IN BLOOM
The daffodils are not the only thing in bloom right now. Our latest batch of Tillandsia (airplants) to arrive is simply stunning. We have varieties small and large, and many of them are blooming! Tilliandsia is a gorgeous addition to your home, office, or any place with bright to medium light. No soil is required, just a weekly soaking (sometimes just a weekly misting will suffice in the winter). Read this post for more information about caring for your tillandsia.
TROPICAL TUESDAYS IN FEBRUARY
Don't miss out on our Tropical Tuesday deal every Tuesday in February. Save 10% off all houseplants. We are fully stocked with all your favorites, plus some rare plant surprises. Get plants! Save money! Win-win :)
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 11AM-1PM
Enjoy a tasty lunch as we present terrarium soil building, design principles, and maintenance. After lunch, you will get creative and make your own terrarium garden! You’ll practically be a terrarium guru by the time you leave! Space is limited to 10 participants so please register early. All materials included. Lunch will include your choice of the following: Salad, fruit, chips and drink or sandwich/wrap, chips, cookie and drink. Once you are registered for the class, we will send you an email to confirm your lunch selections. Bring a friend or make a new one! Plant lovers unite! Cost is $45 per participant.  Register here ! Payment is required to hold your spot.
Presenter: Debbi Barnett, FGS Plant Coach

CANDLE MAKING CLASS , Thursday, March 12, 2020, 6PM-8PM
Click here for more information.

BONSAI FOR BEGINNERS , Saturday, March 28, 2020, 10AM-1PM
Click here for more information.
NEED SPACE TO MEET?
Our Robin's Nest room is available to rent for your small gathering! Get off the beaten path and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of FGS. Our space can be used by the hour (3 hour minimum), half day or full day. For more information and rates, visit our website .
READ OUR BLOG
February is here and so is your to-do list for what needs to be done in the lawn and garden this month . It is time to start preparing and planning for spring planting!

If you missed it last week, check out our new blog post ! Are you taking the time to clean your houseplants properly? If not, we took the time to write a post about how to clean your houseplants just for you ! Don't think of it as dusting. Think of it as relationship building!
FOLLOW US!
We post daily to Instagram @fgsdurham (Garden Center) and @fgslandscapes (Landscape and Lawn Maintenance) and Facebook to keep you up to speed with the latest information about what we are up to, what's in stock, or all the fun we're having!

For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com