A Note from Scott and Marsha
October 29, 2020
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"Well folks, that's a wrap." Pumpkin season is over, and our biceps, triceps and core are better because of it! The amount of pumpkins that were unloaded and stocked cannot be described. It was crazy. We actually cut our stock early this year because the farmers ran out and rains ruined quite a bit of their inventory. There was a legit pumpkin shortage this year in the south. Thankfully, we were able to locate enough for a week longer than we thought we could. We are so grateful for the farms we work with and the hard work our staff put into making this season happen.
For a not-so-funny-turned-out-to-be-a-good-story for you, we talk pretty openly at FGS. We certainly are far from perfect. Sometimes we get it right, and sometimes we don't. This happened to be one of those moments.
A client called last week and was very upset with us. The client also wanted to speak to someone beyond a staff member. Because my office is downstairs, I am usually the one that is asked if I can talk to an upset client if I'm at my desk. I happened to be at my desk, but I also was in the middle of something, distracted and somewhat frustrated with my own thoughts. I knew I wouldn't be very helpful so I said, "I think it is Scott's turn?" Then I hid under my desk.
Scott takes the call and after a few minutes of listening, he kindly talks through the situation and handles it so well. I tell him all the time he is very diplomatic and has the gift of empathy. This makes him approachable and one of the many reasons I appreciate him. By the end of the conversation, the client was feeling cared for, heard and even apologized for their reaction (which was so appreciated).
But it gets even better. Do you know why we love our customers and keep doing what we do every day? This incredibly kind and generous client sent three dozen assorted donuts, a box of coffee and a box of hot chocolate to the office on Monday as a thank you and follow up apology. WHO DOES THIS? Seriously? This client might be the absolute new FAVORITE to everyone in the company! This client exhibited the kind of spirit we want to have. Yes, we all lose it at times. Yes, we need to be heard. Yes, we need to be reasonable. And yes, when we do lose it, let us be the type of person that is so gracious and generous, others truly feel a heart-felt apology. We are humbled and slightly fat this week. To said client, we can't thank you enough for caring in return.
I love when a "not funny" thing turns into a good thing. It warms our hearts. Know what else is heart-warming? Watching all things green leave our hands and fly into yours. Helping you #bringgreenhome is our privilege and we hope every single one of our living things brings you joy. Coming soon is the fresh scent of pine that will help create amazing holiday memories in a very challenging year! But we got this. Goodbye October and hello November!
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JUDY'S HOUSE PLANT PICK
Judy's pick this week is the Pitcher Plant. This carnivorous plant does very well indoors and we have multiple sized hanging pots available. While you may not have many insects indoors for these plants to digest, in their native habitat, they eat ants, flies, wasps and any other insects attracted to the sweet, deadly nectar. Keep these beauties in bright light, and keep the soil moist, but not wet. Always allow your plant time to drain after watering or you risk root rot.
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CRYPTOMERIA
If you need a versatile and gorgeous evergreen, a Cryptomeria variety is for you. The dense foliage is stunning and unique. Whether you need a large tree for screening, like the Yoshino, or you want a small shrub for a container, like the Black Dragon, you will be pleased you chose a Cryptomeria. Some of these varieties are fast-growing and some are slow-growing. All Cryptomeria do well where they receive plenty of sun, but some can tolerate part shade.
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EVERGREEN PERENNIALS
Last week, we featured evergreen perennials for sun. This week, we are turning to the dark side and featuring shade perennials that keep beautiful color through fall and winter. One of our favorites is Hellebores. They bloom fabulous flowers in the winter, and the foliage is a sight to see as well. For groundcover, consider Mondo Grass, Vinca, and Pachysandra. Awesome ferns for year round color include Autumn Brilliance, Tassle, and Christmas!
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On some Saturdays and Sundays, we have food trucks to enjoy! Pair a yummy meal with a cold beverage or treat from The Potting Shed, and you have the perfect combination for a fun afternoon. Enjoy here or pick up a meal to take home after picking out all things green and colorful at the Garden Center! See the Food Truck Schedule here. :)
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Thursday, November 12, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Did you know that caring for your houseplants during winter looks very different than caring for them in the summer? If you are wondering about how to best care for your plants in the dormant months, then this class is for you! We will talk about light, water and humidity needs for your plants. The Potting Shed will be open serving, wine, beer, and Sunset Slush for a treat during the class. This class is free, but registration is required. Register here.
Presenter: Amanda Henry/FGS
Saturday, November 21, 10:00am-11:00am
Make your home fragrant and festive by bringing green indoors for the Holidays.
Debbi Barrett, our staff floral designer, will demonstrate simple and elegant ways to decorate with fresh greenery to add holiday scent and beauty to your home.
Not crafty? It’s ok. We will show you how easy it is to dress up your decor and give your home that holiday magazine look without “breaking the bank”! The cost is $20 and we will send you home with a pair of pruners, a greenery branch and pinecones to get you started on your decorating experience. Space is limited and these classes will fill up fast!
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Sunday, November 22, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Join us on Sunday November 22nd from 2-4pm as we welcome Sterling Scott to the Garden Center. Enjoy a drink from The Potting Shed as you sit back and relax while he plays his guitar to artists such as Elton John and Ed Sheeran. Our Christmas trees, wreaths, garland and poinsettias will be here too, so come and make a day of it! There is no cost for this event.
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Are you getting the house ready for holiday entertaining? We know that may look very different this year, but that doesn't mean your plants can't look their best. Don't forget that houseplants need an occasional cleaning as well. Now is a great time since the amount of sun they get will be less in the winter. If you aren't sure how or why to clean your houseplants, you will want to read this post.
As we mentioned in our feature, we have many perennials that are evergreen and will look great in your garden over the winter. For more information about these perennials, you can check out this blog post.
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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 are up to, what's in stock, or all the fun we're having!
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com |
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