A Note from Scott and Marsha
May 19, 2022
|
|
If we blink, we will be half way through the year! It's unbelievable how fast time is flying. I know all the stores are filling their stockrooms with pencils, notebooks, wide-rule paper and all things orange. I just know it. Stop with the rushing for crying out loud!
Speaking of crying out loud, I have a story. Meet Steven. Steven is very skilled and works with our Landscape Division. We are grateful to have him. He is kind, always smiling and willing to go the extra mile to make a customer happy.
Last week, I was out and about taking pictures of the jobs the crews were working on so I could post them on our Instagram @fgslandscapes. When I arrived, I saw Steven walking down the street with his back to me. I asked Cameron where Steven was going and he responded, "He is walking down to the portable restroom."
Since they were working in a new subdivision, I assumed this portable restroom would be near the street. After I took my pictures, I hopped in my car, driving in the direction Steven walked.
The stage was perfectly set. The portable restroom was at the end of the street with the door facing the road. Obviously, this was a no brainer. Duh.
I pulled my car right up against the door. I saw the door was moving and I nudged a bit more and started blowing the horn. At this point, I could not stop laughing. I was crying.
I backed away and drove off. He never did come out.
It was relayed to me later that for a split second, Steven was in a panic thinking they were picking up the portable restroom and he would be hauled away. Then he realized it was me.
He did find it as funny as I did. But I imagine he will return the prank so I'll need to be ready for it!
All in a day's work. Remember: Life is short. Laugh a little or laugh a lot. But for goodness' sake, don't forget to have some fun!
|
|
It's the third week of the month! Do you know what that means?!
For Friday's Sake
Friday, May 20, 5PM-8PM
Location: The Garden Center
Need more time to shop? Well you’re in luck, because we are extending our Garden Center hours until 8PM!
The Potting Shed will be open and serving local beer, wine and Sunset Slush until 8PM, so come and enjoy the ambiance on the patio and take in the sunset. Seats fill quickly so don't forget your chair and blanket!
|
|
Meet Ash!
Role: Plant Care Associate
Started at FGS: April 2022
Favorite Plant: Blueberries
Favorite Snack: Kombucha
Currently "reading": Creating Your Permaculture Heaven by Nydia Needham (audiobook)
Favorite Local Restaurant: International Delights in Durham (the Philly Cheese Steak, specifically)
This year, I'm looking forward to: Homesteading, permaculture, and growing a food forest
Thoughts, Theories, & Trivia: I'd encourage everyone to try growing your own food! Canteloupe is great if you have never grown your own food before, because almost every seed will sprout! It's very rewarding to harvest your own food.
|
|
HOYA
Just arrived: Tons of new varieties including Bella, Crutisii, Khroniana Splash, plus other rare specimens! Hoyas are a slow-growing, easy-to-care-for vining plant that have astonishing blooms. Who wouldn't love them?!
Hoyas love bright light and prefer to dry out in between watering. They are tropical plants, so provide them with some humidity if possible and avoid placing Hoyas near A/C vents.
Pro tip: Look for leaves to get soft and slightly wrinkly as a sign the plant needs water.
|
|
MILKWEED
(Asclepias tuberosa)
Also known as Butterfly Weed, this plant is crucial in the life cycle of Monarch butterflies! The gorgeous blooms feed over 450,000 butterflies between their spring and fall migrations. These deer-resistant perennials make an excellent addition to any butterfly garden because they are easy to care for and can last for many years!
While colors can vary between varieties, we carry North Carolina native species, Asclepias tuberosa, which bloom in oranges and yellows. This variety can be identified by the very hairy stems and doesn't reveal milky sap when broken.
Pro tip: When planting a new milkweed, keep the soil moist until your new plant is established. After that, milkweed will thrive in drier soil and only needs watering occassionally.
|
|
MOUNTAIN LAUREL
These adorable blooms are popping up right now and we are loving them! Mountain Laurel is a spring and summer blooming bush. Also known as a calico bush, it ranges in size from 3-6 feet depending on the variety.
Partial sun is key to growing the best Mountain Laurel, but if you have full sun or full shade, they will still survive. Just keep in mind the sun can scorch them and the shade can cause them to grow leggy, so dappled sunlight is encouraged whenever possible. Make sure to water often as this shrub has a shallow root system!
Pro tip: Use compost when planting Mountain Laurel! They thrive in carefully ammended soil. If you're planting them in a bed, amend the whole bed at once to promote the best blooms.
|
|
Upcoming Classes & Events |
|
Saturday, May 21, 10AM - 11AM
Location: The Potting Shed
Bring joy and color to your outdoor space by creating a one-of-a-kind container that will last all summer! FGS Plant Coach, Debbi Barrett, will cover the thrill, fill, spill technique and discuss other design tips to create a gorgeous container! You will also learn tips for how to best care for your container to keep it thriving through the hot summer months!
Fee is $55/person; includes all workshop supplies and materials and a mimosa
PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
Instructor: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach
|
|
Thursday, May 26, 6PM - 7PM
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 collection.
Fee is $5/person; includes a mimosa OR a Regular Sunset Slush!
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.
|
|
Saturday, May 28, 10AM - 11AM
Location: The Potting Shed
Your houseplants are doing well and you are ready to take your new hobby (or obsession) to the next level! FGS Plant Coach, Debbi Barrett, will address both the environmental and cultural needs of your 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 problems. Be sure to bring your questions and concerns!
Fee is $15/person; includes a watering or measuring tool
PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
Instructor: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach
|
|
Saturday, May 28, 6PM - 9PM
Doors Open at 5:30 PM
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend and join us for our first concert of 2022!
Waking April is an electro-pop band made up of a husband and wife duo. Bethany and Alex McKee are based in Raleigh, NC. From their website: “Waking April has crafted its sound taking their indie roots and blending them with synthpop and electronic influences. The band combines mostly electronic instrumentation with pop sensibilities supporting Bethany’s dynamic vocals and a particular focus on melodic hooks.” FGS is thrilled to include them in this year’s concert series!
Tickets are $10 each!
Children 12 and under are FREE
|
|
For Garden's Sake is looking for new faces to join our team! If you like to work hard and have fun at the same time, these positions could be for you!
We are hiring for the following roles:
- Landscape Installation Operations Manager
- Landscape Maintenance Foreman
- Landscaper - Installation Crew Member
- Landscaper - Maintenance Crew Member
- Lawn Maintenance Field Supervisor
These positions are full-time, year-round, with benefits including health and dental insurance, vision, 401k, and paid holidays.
CLICK HERE to see the full job descriptions and apply!
|
|
Landscape Design and Installation |
|
|
|
Our designers love to turn your lawn and landscape into a gorgeous and usable outdoor space! From beautiful plant design to drainage solutions to fire pits and patios, our team can take your outdoor living space to the next level. We have available appointments in June! Click here to submit an online request!
|
|
Plant Tip of the Week: HERE COMES THE BUGS |
|
Spring is flying by, which means summer is right around the corner - and so are Japanese Beetles. These pests are persistant and can be a huge pain (and nightmare) to deal with.
Need some advice on steps to take to help protect your plants from these bullies? Caro has written up a blog post to help you identify Japanese Beetles and put an end to their reign of terror!
|
|
Will You Leave us a Review? |
|
If you love us as much as we love you, could you take the time to leave us a review? We would really appreciate it. If you can't leave us a great review, please let us know why. We love your feedback! THANK YOU!
|
|
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're up to, what's in stock, or all the fun we're having!
|
|
For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
