Happy Almost Official Summer! Just a couple more weeks and we can celebrate Summer Solstice! If you stand on one foot and rub your belly, something magical happens on this day. Nope. Nope. Just made that up. But it is the day the sun will travel the longest path in the sky, translating to the longest day of the year!

I know everyone is ready for summer and a break from the normal routine. Last days of school and graduations are here, summer vacations and more are happening; we celebrate all these with you!

Speaking of celebrating, meet Hannah. Hannah is our FGS Executive Assistant to Scott. She has been working with him over three months and truly hit the ground running! She jumped in, absorbing and learning as much as she could and has truly been a God-send. Hannah started off a bit shy and quiet as she was adapting to her surroundings and learning all the personalities at FGS. (Our vibe has been compared to Parks & Rec, a sitcom from years back. I have yet to watch it and honestly, I'm scared to know which characters we might be. Whether you've seen the show or not, know we're not exactly what you'd describe as a quiet workplace.)

One of Hannah's goals was to become a Notary Public. This involves sitting for an 8+ hour video course filled with interesting facts, findings, and regulations. Hannah sat on the edge of her seat, non-stop taking pages and pages of notes, memorizing information like Section 101b:247 and such. She drank her water and popped popcorn and a few times I even think I heard laughter. Nope. Nope. Just made all that up except the 8 hour video class and the water.

When asked what her favorite part of the course was, she smiled and said, "When it was over." When I asked if she wanted to bludgeon her eyes out, she smiled again and nodded emphatically.

But look at her smiling now. She shared in our weekly meeting: "My best professional news is I earned a PERFECT SCORE on my exam and received my Notary certificate. It's hanging in my office; you are welcome to come bask in its glory."

Let's just say she is getting comfortable and she is wicked smart. Add her wit, humor, and spunky spirit - she is giving Scott a run for his money and he's having a good time! She really has been a blessing to everyone and we are grateful to have her at FGS.

If you would like to bask in her achievement, she will be happy to show you to her office. If the image above is enough, then skip the certificate and come bask in all the beauty of our blooms at the Garden Center! It's still magical, and with the warmer temperatures over the weekend, it's even better with a Sunset Slush or your favorite local brew in hand!

Role: Events & Marketing Assistant

Started at FGS: January 2022

Favorite Plant: String of Hearts

Favorite Snack: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Currently Reading: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Favorite Local Restaurant: Vivo Ristorante

This year, I'm looking forward to:  what fall looks like at FGS!

Thoughts, Theories, & Trivia: Someday I'd like to travel to Greece

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.

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.

The Potting Shed will be open and serving beverages and Sunset Slush, so come and enjoy the ambiance on the patio and take in the sunset.

Admission is free, so invite your friends, family, neighbors, first dates, and coworkers! Seating is limited - don't forget to bring a blanket or a lawn chair.

Instructor: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach

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 July! Click here to submit an online request!

The Japanese Beetles have arrived! We've already started our pest management here at the Garden Center, and we want to make sure you know how you can control the beetle population and save your garden from looking like the set of a horror flick.

In case you missed it a few weeks ago, we shared a blog post on Japanese Beetles. We're sharing it again so you can look for the signs of an infestation, know how to identify the beetles, and learn how to take care of them effectively.

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!