A Note from Scott and Marsha
August 25, 2022
I don't know about you but we are so excited for fall. Just thinking about all the things made with pumpkins, apples, and cinnamon has us salivating. We have already had multiple desserts, including the pumpkin spice donut holes I played around with at home. It was at that moment I dreamed of a bakery, with smells wafting through the office; I don't think I would have any complaints from the office or the garden center staff. With all the steps they accumulate in a day, they can have all the dessert they want!

Since we are talking about cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, here is a picture of one of our favorite gingers.

Everyone met Billy last week in the Employee of the Week newsletter section. My favorite part was his words of wisdom: "McDonald's fries are better than Wendy's fries." That made me chuckle. Wendy was most likely offended. LOL.

This picture is Billy with his fiancé, Kim. Billy was taking a few days off to make a long weekend trip. While he was driving, one of his landscape projects sold. I texted him and he responded with a witty poem. I then responded with a witty poem. This is one of the many wonderful and creative ways we communicate around here.

Outside of our poems, Billy enjoys a good prank. I often walk up quietly behind him while he is designing with headphones on and dramatically tap on his shoulder. This freaks him out. Often, AmberLeigh gets involved just to keep us on our toes! She sneaks into my office but I secretly think Billy might be putting her up to it. Come to think of it, it's been far too long since we've had a good prank around here...

And we end today's story with more wit. I'm telling you... we have it in spades!

In the garden center,
We have so many blooms.
There are houseplants galore
Lining shelves in our rooms.

We have pottery too,
Every size you could think.
Watering cans so cute
If your plants need a drink.

Outside, you'll find tall trees
And shrubs of all sizes.
Bicycles, fairies, gnomes,
We're full of surprises.

And if you are thirsty,
Slightly parched, somewhat dry,
We've got you covered there;
"Sunset Slush, beer, or wine?"

You can sneak if you want,
You can make a big scene;
We will be here for you
With all living things green!

-- Lizzie Potter, FGS Events & Marketing Manager
EMPLOYEE OF THE WEEK
Meet Morgan!

Role: Garden Center Administrative Assistant
Started at FGS: April 2022
Favorite Plant: All native plants!
Favorite Snack: Chips, chips, and more chips
Currently Reading: Crescent City by Sarah J Mass
Favorite Local Restaurant: Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe
This year, I'm looking forward to: my sister's wedding in October!
Thoughts, Theories, & Trivia: Did you know insects navigate by the moonlight? That means artificial lights can mess with their ability to find their way around.
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
END OF SUMMER SALE!
SELECT RARE HOUSEPLANTS

Yes, we know, it's not quite the end of summer. But with fall plants rolling in, the fall events and classes calendar about to hit the website, and the cooler weather inspiring us, we thought we would sweeten the deal even more with a Rare Houseplants Sale!

Have you been eyeing a rare plant but haven't made the jump to becoming a rare plant owner? Looking for a sign that you *should* buy that one plant? Well here's your sign!

Now through the actual end of summer, you'll be able to snag select rare houseplants for 30% off.

All plants included in this sale will be clearly marked with a red sale price.
GARDEN CENTER FEATURES
MARANTA
Commonly known as the Prayer Plant, these gorgeous tropical plants move throughout the day; they fold up at night, almost as if in prayer. Their foliage is striking and they come in a few different varieties. Like their cousins the Calathea, Maranta prefer to be in humid areas, receive filtered water, and bright indirect light.

Marantas are pet-friendly!
MUMS

If you love autumn, chances are you're extremely familiar with Chrysanthemums. Besides pansies, they are probably the most iconic fall flower! With their full shape, wide range of colors, and multiple size options, they are certainly a show-stopper this time of year. The ones we have at the Garden Center are starting to bloom and are absolutely gorgeous this year!

Decorate your porch by planting in outdoor pottery or plant directly into the ground to elevate your fall decorating! Optimal for mass plantings in your garden. They love full sun and frequent watering. Don't let them wilt; they'll last longer if you stay on top of watering. You can enjoy their blooms now through mid-fall.

CAROLINA SAPPHIRE ARIZONA CYPRESS

We can hear the jingle bells - oh, what's that? It's not Christmas yet? These Arizona Cypress trees must be putting us in the spirit!

These conical conifer trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and you'll sometimes see certain varieties used as Christmas trees in the NC area. You can also use the branches for holiday greenery if you don't want to bring the whole tree inside. They have a lovely aroma, so if nothing else, you can collect the needles for some holiday scent boost!

They are drought-tolerant and thrive in higher temperature environments. Somewhat of a fast-growing tree, they can be used for screening in landscape design. Deer won't bother these tall friends, but you might want to keep an eye out for Chip and Dale storing some acorns to enjoy by the Christmas fire.

Saturday, August 27, 10AM-11AM
Location: The Potting Shed

Dust those leaves and knock off that dirt because we are hosting a PLANT SWAP!

Want to change things up in your plant collection? Bring a plant (or two, or three…) to our plant swap, where everyone will take turns selecting a new plant for their collections.

Event fee is $5, which includes a mimosa OR a regular Sunset Slush! We’ll also open up The Potting Shed for this event if you would like to purchase a different (or second!) drink. Sip on a mimosa while you make new friends and freshen up your plant collection.

Please come prepared to share details with the group about caring for the plants you are offering up to swap. Everyone must bring at least one plant to contribute to the swap! Please label each plant with at least its name; lighting and watering preferences are also encouraged. PLANTS MUST BE DISEASE AND PEST FREE.


Presenter: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach

Sunday, August 28, 2PM-3PM
Location: The Robin's Nest

Let’s plant an easy care succulent bowl to enjoy in your favorite bright indoor space! We’ll have a beautiful variety of succulent options to choose from and you can get creative with your design! Plan to get your hands dirty and have fun (but we also have gardening gloves if you prefer not to get too messy). Perfect for succulent lovers of all experience levels!

Fee is $60/person; includes all necessary materials and supplies, a mimosa, and light snacks.

PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
 

Instructor: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach

Weekends from Sep 16 - Oct 30

Raise your hand if you’re ready for fall! The leaves changing colors, pulling out cozy sweaters and blankets, lighting candles, decorating or carving pumpkins, delicious seasonal food and drinks – what’s not to love?

You’ll find everything you need for fall gardening, decorating with pumpkins, and planting fall flowers (pansies, mums, and more!) right here at the Garden Center! We’ll have MORE extended-hour Fridays so you have even more time to shop and enjoy a drink or Sunset Slush while you’re at it.

That’s not all: this year we are fully embracing the fun, the vibes, and the season of change. We’ll have a wide variety of events, classes, workshops, and more so you can enjoy autumn at For Garden’s Sake!
We're Hiring!
For Garden's Sake is looking for new team members! If you like to work hard and have fun at the same time, these positions could be for you!

Open Positions:

  • Garden Center Department Leads
  • Lawn Maintenance Foreman/ Field Supervisor
  • Landscaper - Installation Crew Member/Driver

These are full-time, year-round positions that include the following benefits: paid holidays, matching 401k, discounts at the Garden Center, PTO, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

CLICK HERE to see the full job descriptions and apply!
Landscape Design and Installation
Whether you are a new homeowner, updating your outdoor living space, or need to solve a drainage issue, our landscape team would love to help you reach your goals! Our designers love to solve problems, curate perfect usable outdoor living spaces, and pair up all the plants that will make your new landscaping POP!

Ready to get started on your new project? We have available appointments in late October!

Tip of the Week: PLANT ONE ON ME
Looking to spruce up your garden beds and/or landscaping this fall? We're getting fall plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs coming in by the truck load! Not sure what to plant? Have no fear! We have another handy blog post with some fall planting recommendations! Optimized for the fall shrub colors you know and love.

Come by the Garden Center to see everything listed in person or to speak with a plant coach who can help you make the selections you're looking for. And don't forget - if you have a landscaping project in mind, you can always ask us for a quote!

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