A Note from Scott and Marsha
August 4, 2022
Currently, we are melting. Are you melting into a small little puddle?

Every morning, without fail, Scott wakes up and lets me know what the weather is going to be for the next few days. This morning he said, and I quote, "Friday is going to have a heat index of 106." I just don't understand why he thinks this is important information for me to know as soon as I wake up. Can't I enjoy a few moments of bliss before the reality hits? Who needs that negativity, right?

Do you know what else melts? My heart when I look at these two. Sigh.

Viridian is the master magician behind all the plants and supplies for our Landscape Division. Jacks is her trusty sidekick and together they have become a dream team! It's so unfortunate Jacks missed spring with her and is caring for the plants in this wretched heat. Viridian swears they are the perfect balance and can read each other's minds!

Growth is good, but growing pains are called growing pains for a reason. As we continue to experience growth, we had to do some shifting around and with that involved some new set-ups and cubicle walls. I hate cubicle walls. They feel claustrophobic, closed in, and dark. At least, this was the case in the 90's as I show my age.

Now? Oh my word. They are bright and have glass panels. You can add storage, rolling filing cabinets with little seat cushions, and white boards as panels. Where have I been?!

As we were flipping spaces last week, John was puttying any nail holes and I was coming behind him with touch-up paint to make sure the walls would be fresh prior to the installation. I found the can of paint I needed and proceeded to talk to Lizzie and Sydney while I was shaking the can to stir up the paint.

"Lizzie or Sydney, do you know where the paint can lid opener thingy is?" I asked, shaking away.

"Uhhh- I don't think you need an opener," Lizzie said at the same time Sydney yelled, "Marsha it's open, you're getting paint EVERYWHERE."

Did I think to check the can and make sure the lid was all the way on? Nope. Did the person who last used it think to hammer the lid down (and I'm pretty sure it was me)? Nope. Did I get absolutely COVERED in paint? Yep. So there I stood on the woodstained staircase as paint was flying out all over the stairs, my clothes, and my hands. Thankfully Dawn dish soap saved my clothes and Nick and Lizzie saved the staircase.

Lesson one? Hammer down the paint lid. Lesson two? Plants make a huge difference if you're trying to brighten up your workspace. Just look at Viridian's desk! Absolute goals. All things green make everything brighter - including our mental health!
CURRENT SALES

Azaleas and Cleyeras are 25% off!

25% off marked trees & shrubs

Multiple discount tables throughout the Garden Center, including annuals, pottery, and houseplants!
EMPLOYEE OF THE WEEK
Meet Sara!

Role: Bartender
Started at FGS: August 2021
Favorite Plant: Ferns, Sunflowers, and Magnolia trees
Favorite Snack: The combo of popcorn, sliced apples, and cheese
Currently Reading: all of Emily Giffen's books
Favorite Local Restaurant: Monuts
This year, I'm looking forward to: learning how to longboard and exploring more of Durham on new wheels
Thoughts, Theories, & Trivia: As a Virtual Personal Trainer, my best advice is: move your body well and often! Shut out what you think you "should" be doing and focus on what makes you feel good.
GARDEN CENTER FEATURES
HAWORTHIA
Looking for an easy-care succulent? Haworthia is an excellent option! They are non-toxic which means they are perfect for everyone, even if you have pets or small children. Haworthia can take slightly less light than other succulents, so they can thrive in most households. If it is not getting enough light, it will get leggy. They are very drought tolerant and there are lots of fun textures and varieties to choose from!


Pro tip: If your Haworthia is starting to look crowded in its pot, that means it is time to propagate! If you aren't sure how to propagate succulents, check out our Propagation Station classes or stop by and we will be happy to give you some pointers!
WROUGHT IRON

Classy and timeless, wrought iron garden accents are a wonderful option to add touches of elevated personality to your indoor or outdoor spaces! We have plant stands, wind spinners, archways, and even pergolas in stock at the Garden Center!

DISTYLIUM

Distylium checks off all the boxes: evergreen, pest resistant, drought tolerant, flexible on lighting, and requires very little pruning! They are low-growing shrubs great for garden bed designs, ranging anywhere from 3-10ft tall and 4-8ft wide depending on the variety. The different varieties offer several options for leaf coloring; some even change with the seasons!

Pro tip: The design options are almost endless with this versatile shrub! Looking for landscape design assistance? We offer full-service landscape design and installation! Click here for more info!
Upcoming Classes & Events

Thursday, August 4, 6PM-7PM TONIGHT!
Location: The Robin's Nest

If you’ve ever been curious about starting a backyard hive, this class is for you! The beekeepers from Buddha Bee Apiary will cover the basics of how to keep bees. No prerequisite knowledge is required! You’ll learn what equipment you need, how to acquire bees, introductory management techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and more! Samples of local mead will be provided!

Fee is $20/person

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

Instructors: Alfredo Salkeld and Jackson Brinkley, Buddha Bee Apiary

Saturday, August 6, 9AM-4:30PM
Location: Garden Center

Petunia’s Gnomies are up to their mischief once again! They’ll be hiding throughout the Garden Center and it’s up to you to find them and solve their riddles!

They’ll be hiding all day on Saturday, August 6. This is a FREE event open to all ages (geared towards ages 6-10.) Grownups must stay with their kiddos during this event.

The first clue will be located within the Little Free Library. Make sure to stop there first, grab an answer sheet, and check out the books inside while you’re there!

This Scavenger Hunt is a self-guided event, which you can take at your own pace. If you have any questions, our events staff is here to help! We’ll be stationed at The Potting Shed area all day.


Have some books you'd like to donate? Bring a bag of books and receive a coupon for $2 off Sunset Slush! Book dropoff will be located by The Potting Shed.

Saturday, August 13, 10AM-11AM
Location: The Robin's Nest

So your houseplants are doing well and you are ready to take your new hobby (or obsession) to the next level! This class will address both the enviornmental and cultural needs of houseplants. Horticultural practices will be discussed so you can better choose plants to fit your lifestyle. We will also review potting options and how to spot and fix common probelms. Be sure to bring your questions and concerns!

Fee is $15/person; includes watering tool or measuring tape.

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

Instructor: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach

Saturday, August 13, 12PM-1PM
Location: Animal Alley
(the Goat Pen!)

See what’s going on inside the hive at For Garden’s Sake! Join beekeeper Alfredo Salkeld from Buddha Bee Apiary as he checks on our bees and explains how these magical creatures live and work. You’ll discover how they make honey, what keeps them busy inside their nest, what challenges they face, and more. If we’re lucky, we may even get to see the queen!

Bring your curiosity and your questions!

Perfect for ages 3-10 but open to all ages. Grown ups must stay with their kiddos during this event. This event is FREE to attend!

We're Hiring!
For Garden's Sake is looking for new and smiling faces to join our team! If you like to work hard and have fun at the same time, these positions could be for you!

Garden Center Seasonal Fall Positions:
  • Cashiers
  • Plant Care Associates
  • Plant Coaches
  • Bartenders

Year-Round, Full Time Positions:
  • Landscape Maintenance Foreman
  • Landscaper - Installation Crew Member/Driver

Full-time, year-round positions include the following benefits: paid holidays, 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
Need a beautiful paver patio? Steppers? Fresh and vibrant landscape or simply a vision for your home? Our designers love to turn your lawn and landscape into a gorgeous and usable outdoor space! Our team can take your outdoor living area to the next level. We have available appointments in late September!

Tip of the Week: HAWORTHIA YOUR WHILE
Did the Haworthia above catch your eye? Want to know a bit more before you hop in your car and come pick one out? We have a blog post with care tips just for you! While they are easy-care plants, we totally understand wanting to get as much info as possible before bringing a new plant baby into your home! Set yourself up for success and study up a bit before you buy! Just make sure to tag us in your thriving plant photos on social media so we can see how well they are doing!

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