Ok, I don't know who turned off the AC but this isn't funny anymore. It's bad. I stopped by a job this week and the guys were sopping wet at 9:30 AM. I asked if they had an irrigation issue. Ryan replied, "Nope. This is just sweat." I literally wanted to die for them. The next day, I ran to Sam's Club to stock up on Gatorade and we put them on ice for an end-of-the-day treat with their munchies. For real, it's just awful. We also keep the Garden Center staff cool with popsicles! Stay hydrated, people!

I don't know about you, but every now and then I need my love tank to be hydrated/filled. It seems easy to go weeks without encouraging our favorite person when we are knee-deep in the mundane of life.

It doesn't change, even after 32 years. Scott and I had the opportunity to take a 10-day stretch off work. I don't think we have done this in over 13 years. Since we didn't get to celebrate our 30th anniversary due to Covid, we finally had the chance to break away leaving FGS in the trusting hands of, well, everyone!

I've always said working together on a business has its ups and downs. Fortunately, we both have a very keen sense of humor that has helped us navigate it, along with great counsel!

We returned after this long break, and let me tell you, re-entry was ugly. We were ready to jump back in but sort of with our toes, and hoping to get a chance to warm up the water again. That really never goes according to plan and we basically plunged in head first. Or maybe belly-flopped.

After a few days of untangling, processing, and getting back on track, Scott sent me a text. I wasn't sure of the message he was trying to send to me: Die? Murder? Courage or intuition? I wasn't sure if this was a love note or death threat.

I sat back in my chair and seriously laughed out loud. Of course, how else was I supposed to respond except with, "I don't need your negativity this morning."

While some of you might be scratching your head and thinking, "How rude and mean," it really is the truth, and somewhere in both statements, I needed to be reminded (in a sick kind of way LOL). I can always trust Scott to bring me back around with love and humor.

I hope this brings a chuckle to your day and if someone isn't sending you love notes and texts, the least they can do is bring you something green and maybe even blooming!

And Happy Father's Day weekend to all the men out there who have parented or not parented but encouraged, loved, disciplined, taught, shared, fed, laughed with and brought joy to someone else's life. You are appreciated and loved!

Role: HR/Administrative Assistant

Started at FGS: November 2020

Favorite Plant: Maidenhair Fern

Favorite Snack: Chocolate Chips

Currently Watching: Parks & Rec - again!

Favorite Local Restaurant: Presti Pizza

This year, I'm looking forward to: spending time at the pool with my son, Everett

Thoughts, Theories, & Trivia: I've locked my keys in my car seven times! My tidbit of advice is: always have a wristlet chain for your keys!

Did you know we have a fairy living in our Garden Center? Her name is Petunia and she helped us build the Little Free Library! We call it "Petunia's Pages by the Pond."

Now that school is out for the summer, Petunia has offered to come by on Friday mornings and read us a story!

We'll open The Potting Shed early so you can get some delicious Sunset Slush to eat while you listen!

Perfect for ages 3-6 but open to all ages. Grown ups must stay with their kiddos during this event.

We've decided to postpone this month's For Friday's Sake event- there's currently a heat warning up for Friday and we don't want to you to wilt!

Instructor: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach

Create an outdoor succulent bowl that requires very little maintenance but delivers a whole lotta love! It will be the perfect piece to brighten up your sunny outdoor living space.

Fee is $60/person; includes all necessary materials and a mimosa.

These positions are full-time, year-round, with benefits. CLICK HERE to see the full job descriptions and apply!

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 July!

We haven't even hit the first day of summer yet, but boy, this heat is something else. Your garden, lawn, and landscaping will feel the effects of the heat, so make sure you stay on top of watering! While we hope the weather mellows out a bit before the truly hot months, some of the heat is here now! The silver lining? It's a good excuse to break out the sprinklers and play in the yard with your family!

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!