A Note from Scott and Marsha
August 5, 2021
Happy Thursday, and oh my gosh!!! I was in such a good mood Tuesday and Wednesday! Hello, first false fall!!! Woohoo! That means we have two more and then it will be officially fall. Especially after last week, when I remembered what it was like to sweat behind your knees because it was so hot.  

But we are not going to sweat the small stuff, even though this guy left us. Yes, you read that correctly. Josh, our smooth talking-you want to listen to him read you a story at bedtime- Garden Center Admin has LEFT THE 'GARDEN'. I know, right?! Insert my audible sigh/huff/eye roll here.  

My theme song for Josh is 

Why do you build me up (Build me up)
Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down? (Let me down)
And mess me around
And then, worst of all (Worst of all)
You never call, baby
When you say you will (Say you will)
But I love you still
I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, darling
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (Build me up)
Buttercup, don't break my heart  .. The Foundations 

Not only did he leave the garden but he left the state! We are seriously excited for him only because he is excited and pursuing his passion in the music industry, hence this song. He is moving to Atlanta, and we are going to miss him.  

Josh has the personality of an angel. He is a kind-hearted, generous and caring young man. I know everyone he worked with adored him and there was company-wide sadness but excitement for him personally.  He wrote so many thank you cards before he left for those he worked closely with. Let's be honest. I've worked many, many years and I never had an employee handwrite thank you cards. Truly touching. This is who he is to the core.  

So I gave him a card, and it went along with the teasing I did because he was leaving. He opened it and it said, "Sooooo .... bye."  He hugged me and thanked me. Who does that???!!

My second card was heartfelt so everyone "calm down" about the first card.  

As Josh rolls out, Morgan rolls into her new role. We are equally excited to replace him with another angel! But I'll save that for another story. In the meantime, fly your beautiful, angelic, buttercup-self in for all the happy, blooming, green things we have to celebrate our first, NC false fall! Two more to go. See you soon!
GARDEN CENTER FEATURES
MONEY TREES
The Money Tree is an easy to maintain houseplant and should be happy and healthy as long as you do a few things. Try and pick the right spot and leave it there. It doesn't like to move around a lot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and then water deeply when you do. (Make sure to drain any excess water the plant doesn't absorb.) It will love you for a little extra humidity in the winter months. Unfortunately, it doesn't grow money as the name implies. But it will make you happy anyway! :)
BONSAI
Are you bonkers for Bonsai? Mariah and the crew have recently stocked many new Bonsai pot varieties! Whether you are new to bonsai or a bonsai-pro, we have all you need to begin your journey or add to it! In addition to pots in many colors and sizes, we also have multiple bonsai tree varieties including Juniper, Ficus and Gardenia!
ABELIA
Abelia come in many different varieties, each with their own different colored bright, glossy leaves--ranging from pale green foliage with the Radiance to darker green foliage with the Rose Creek to multi-colored foliage with the Kaleidoscope. They all bloom during summer, making them a ideal plant for pollinators. Plant in full sun and plant with darker green shrubs as a perfect accent plant.
Kid-Friendly Scavenger Hunt
THIS Saturday, August 7
We wanted to celebrate “P’s Pages by the Pond”, and what better way than to celebrate with National Day of Unplugging’s Gnome-themed Scavenger Hunt?
The event is self-guided and you can stop by any time during our regular hours of 9AM-5PM to play at your own pace! All the clues will be hidden on FGS property, and the first clue will be found inside the Little Free Library. Don’t forget to look for Petunia’s 6 “gnomies” who like to hide throughout the Garden Center!
This event is FREE to attend and open to all ages (but geared towards ages 6-12)! Sign up here so we know how many clues to print!
Have some books you’d like to donate? Bring a bag and receive a coupon for $2/off Sunset Slush!
The Potting Shed will be open as normal, from 12PM-4:30PM! Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the pond! When you leave, check out other Little Free Libraries in the area. You may have one right around the corner and not know it!
Thursday, August 12, 6PM
Is your plant dying and you want to save it? Do you want to multiply your plants without spending money on new ones? Do you love watching plants thrive under your care? Then learning how to propagate your plants is just what you need! This class will cover the basics of propagating different types of plants from existing plant material that you already own! We will cover several methods of propagating in different mediums using different parts of the plant. Cuttings will be provided to show examples of different methods. Come learn the basics of multiplying your plants at the PROPAGATION STATION.
Fee is $15.00 – includes clippings!
PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
Presenter: Joey Pierce, FGS Plant Coach
Our designers, Doug and Billy, would love to set up a consultation with you to discuss the landscape plan of your dreams. From beautiful plant design to drainage solutions to fire pits to patios , our team can take your outdoor living space to the next level. Call us at (919)484-9759, ext. 203 or visit our website to request your design consultation!
EMPLOYEE OF THE WEEK
Meet Nick Oldham!
Role: Client Care Associate
Started at FGS: February 2021
Ice Cream: Strawberry
TV Series: Game of Thrones
Last Book Read: A Promised Land, Barack Obama
Plant: Japanese Maples
Food: Mexican
Restaurant: Player's Retreat

Nick began at the Garden Center as a Plant Loader/Waterer this past spring. He quickly moved up to a Plant Coach and did an amazing job helping customers choose or find the right plant(s) for them. In July, he accepted a role as Client Care Associate to the Lawn and Landscape divisions. Nick is soft-spoken and easy to talk to. He loves wood-working and recently built two end tables that you would go crazy for. When he isn't working in the workshop, he loves to be out hiking in one of our many NC state parks.
It seems like there is ALWAYS something to do out in the yard or garden, but there are specific things to do each month. We complied a quick list of what needs to be done to the lawn and garden in August. Get it done this week because it looks like summer heat returns next week!
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com