Y'all. This was a week of extremes. I'm talking long swings like Miley-Cyrus-swinging-in-on-a-wrecking-ball pendulum swings. Call me crazy but it started two weeks ago on a Monday and the earth has felt off its axis ever since. Call it spiritual, energy, juju, or whatever you want to label it. It has felt like extremes and everyone I have talked to has all said the same thing.

Last week, I exclaimed to Lizzie, "OMG! It's been such a long week!"

She responded with a dead-pan stare and said, "It's Tuesday."

To capture the full effect and visual of the swings at FGS, let's start with Exhibit A. This is our son, Spencer. After four years (two of them during Covid and navigating Zoom classes and online work like everyone else), he graduated from NC State with his Bachelors in Managerial Accounting.

This has been such a mixture of emotions for Scott and me; I'm sure other parents can relate. There has been great success and great loss for everyone during Covid. Never would anyone have dreamed college life would look so different as it has the last two years. But we are grateful for Spencer's attitude and perseverance to finish strong. His college years were not a normal experience but he made the most of what he was given. And we are so proud of his accomplishments!

And then what happened? Exhibit B. One minute I'm processing a college graduate of my own and the next minute, I'm celebrating a squishy being born into one of our designer's family! See what I mean about pendulum swings and extremes?

Let me introduce Brewer Max Barnes, born May the 4th (be with you!) Yes, he is a little Star Wars baby! Brewer weighed 7 lbs, 10 ounces and was 20.25" long, and arrived at 11:47pm. Doug and Rachel are thrilled and we are so happy for them!! Welcome to the FGS family, little one!

Doug texted the morning of Brewer's birth day to say they were headed to the hospital and he wouldn't be in for work. Then he texted and said they were sent home to wait and it could be hours or even days. So what do I offer? To bring his computer, folders, and tracing paper - because what is a better way to distract oneself than by being creative? ROTFL!

Needless to say, before the day ended, they were headed back to the hospital and honestly, what a relief. Nothing worse than having to wait for a squishy to arrive, am I right? But seriously, look at that face and all his hair! Sigh. Insert googly eyes here.

We are excited for all the life experiences everyone is having at FGS. We have several college graduates. We have a squishy. We have a bride-to-be. We have parents planning summer camps for their kids. We have some employees moving into new careers and new houses. We even have a new bee hive! We have been busy... as a bee :)

We are here for all the life changes, wrecking balls, and more. When we need a break, we talk to the plants; you should try it, too! Plant therapy and sunshine for the mental health win! And we can help you, too, when you feel like your world needs a bit of therapy, sunshine, and a break from your own wrecking ball world! Plants never disappoint.

We know, we know- it's May now, but you can still check us out in Our State Magazine's "3 Things to Add to Your April To-Do List." It's an honor to be included among North Carolina's brightest and best! We absolutely love being a part of the community here in the Triangle - we wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Click the photo to check out the article!

Photograph by Alex Boerner

Have you seen these amazing t-shirts?!

You can pick them up at the Garden Center. We designed three different styles, so there's something for everyone.

The best part? Every time you wear it to FGS while you shop, you'll receive 5% off your purchase!

Fun, fashionable, AND thrifty? Yes, please!

2022 is "The Year of the Lilac" according to the National Gardening Bureau! Considering Lilacs are known for their toughness and reliability, we can certainly see why.

Learn everything you need to know to up-pot and re-pot your plants for optimum health and growth in our brand new, lecture-based demonstration. Pruning tips to improve the plants well-being as it thrives in its new pot will be discussed!

Featuring the musical talents of Sterling Scott!

Food truck: Don Taco Y Su Pandilla

Instructor: Ken Hallatt, Owner of Carolina Bonsai

Instructor: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach

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!

Food Truck: Presti Pizza

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

Our designers, Doug and Billy, 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 are booking for late May - June appointments so don't wait to put in your request for a consultation! Click here to submit an online request!

If you love tomatoes, we HIGHLY encourage you to try growing your own. We can't say it enough: there is nothing that compares to home grown tomatoes, no matter which way you prefer to enjoy them. Lizzie's family has a long history of making homemade salsa with fresh garden tomatoes. Trust us: the hard work is worth the sweet reward.

That being said, growing tomatoes can be tricky, so we have a handy blog post with lots of tips to help you succeed!

Click here to read our Tomato Tips.

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!