A Note from Scott and Marsha
September 23, 2021
We are always looking for ways to up our game in all three divisions. Of course, this always comes with pros and cons. Sometimes it is misconstrued as discontentment or boredom. Sometimes it may be perceived as contentment, happiness, and simply enjoying the fruits of labor. I may have just described Scott and I having a discussion at home :)  

But my idea of "upping our game" vision did not involve 2.5" suede, spike high heels. One morning, I was working at my desk and I heard clickety-clack, clickety-clack, clickety-clack. This was an old, all-too familiar sound of my old corporate office job and I was thinking, "Why do I hear this in our office?"  

I roll and lean back in my chair to see who is wearing high heel shoes at FGS and WHY is the ultimate question. Do they not know our grounds are 90% gravel? AND dusty?! If this is a vendor who stopped by, most of our vendors are not in high heeled shoes.  

The culprit, or should I say victim, is AmberLeigh, our Landscape/Lawn Maintenance Client Care Lead. Of course, I immediately ask why she is trying to make the rest of us look bad in our tennis shoes, hiking boots and work boots. Why would she even consider wearing spike heels? Surely there has to be a reason that a normally sane person would decide to switch shoes from her normal, comfy sandals to spike heels in the office. Is this a self-inflicted punishment or did she lose a bet?  

In her amazing and good nature, she reminded me her sister is getting married and these are the shoes she'll wear. I mean, don't get me wrong. They are really cute heels and she looks amazing in them. The issue was the shoes needed to be broken in if she is going to wear them for hours and hours.  This must be true love for her sister because I would really have to love someone if I'm going to shove myself into spike heels for more than 15 minutes and walk in them.  

So for three weeks, AmberLeigh has clictety-clack, clickety-clack, clickety-clacked her way all over the office looking super cute and super tall. Me? Still sporting VANS and sandals. Flat sandals, I might add, and not apologizing for it.  In the meantime, you can wear your super cute shoes and clickety-clack yourself all over the garden center for the orange and green we have for fall. And if you are going to sport your heels, I hope you are carrying a pumpkin spice latte to dress up the outfit along with a little puppy in your purse. I hear it's all the rage, and we have all the photo op spots for it!  
MUSIC IN THE GARDEN
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Doors open 6:30PM
Music starts 7:30PM
Raise your hand if you want to rock and roll all night and party every day!
We’ll have TWO bands rockin’ the trees and you won’t want to miss this!
Michael Daughtry & the Drift will kick off the night with some powerful, positive rock tinged with folk and pop. Michael’s original songs feature tight, driving performances, and his band has opened concerts for Jimmy Buffett and Edward McCain, among others.
ARSON DAILY is comprised of Raleigh-based friends who have made the conscious effort to grow beyond their traditionally raw, garage-rock predispositions. They’ve been experimenting with new methods of songwriting and we get to reap the benefits! ARSON DAILY’s vestibule-pounding live performance is the core of their music.
We could not be more stoked to welcome both of these bands to FGS to help us close out 2021’s concert series! Grab your tickets now because they will go fast!
Ticket prices:
$20 for General Admission (ages 13+)
$10 for Child tickets (ages 3-12)
Children under 3 are free!
Please note that we do not provide seating for these events. Bring your own bagged chair or blanket. Thanks!
GARDEN CENTER FEATURES
BROMELIADS
Bromeliads are prized for the bright, tropical color they add to your home. The leaves form in a rosette pattern in many different colors. These "blooms" will last for months on end. When they do fade, you can separate pups and repot to extend the life of the plant. Bromeliads enjoy indirect light, shallow pots and humidity.
PANSIES
Pansies are cool season annuals for fall, winter, and early spring that come in many colors- red, pink, purple, lavender, yellow, white, orange and more! Blooms size vary from violas that are 1" to Majestic Giants and Colossus that are 3"+ , and sizes in between. You'll also find trailing pansies for containers and hanging baskets. Plant in the ground in mass or in containers, in sun to part shade.
APPLE TREES
Apples are a sign of fall just about as much as pumpkins. While they may be available in grocery stores year round, if you grow your own apples, you'll harvest the fruit in the fall! Now is a great time to plant to enjoy beautiful fragrant blossoms in spring that will turn to fruit later in the year! We have Gala, Fuji and Granny Smith apple trees!
(Be patient. It may take a couple of years to see the fruit of your labor.)
Saturday, October 9, 10AM-1PM
EMPLOYEE OF THE WEEK
Meet Morgan Billick!
Role: Garden Center Administrative Assistant
Started at FGS: March 2021
Ice Cream: Coconut Bliss Dark Chocolate
Movie: The Lady Eve with Barbara Stanwyck
Last Book Read: All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
Plant: Bristlecone Pine Trees and Sweet Peas
Food: Is coffee a food? :)
Restaurant: Vimala's in Chapel Hill

Morgan is originally from sunny San Diego, California, but we were fortunate she made the decision to move out here earlier this year. Her passion for plants and retail brought her to us, and we're delighted. Morgan is sweet and soft-spoken, but don't let that fool you. She is on top of her game and has added an awesome element to the Garden Center. If you call, there is a great chance she will be the one to answer, so say hi! She loves learning about NC's native plants and incorporating them into her garden at home.
Plant Tip of the Week:
Fall planting time is here which means you will need soil and amendments so that you have the happiest plants! We love our Daddy Pete products and definitely think you should too. However, there are quite a few products to choose from. We have explained the difference and which soil you need to what type of planting for you. Find it all here in this post.
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com