A Note from Scott and Marsha
April 8, 2021
Does anyone remember last week when we had below 30 degree mornings and now we are having high 80's for the afternoon? SMH. Let's just hold on there because we would like to have a spring around here. Get your act together, North Carolina! We have guests that would like to enjoy nice weather for a couple more months. There is no need to jump into summer like that. Good Lord. 

Speaking of guests, have you ever picked up a hitchhiker? I realize this is very random and certainly might not be a recommended practice in today's culture. There have been times I have met someone who had a flat tire or ran out of gas because I actually did stop to help them. Then when I relay the story to Scott, he stands there with this perplexed, somewhat irritated, look on his face. Obviously, he is an Enneagram 6 and immediately thinks of all the "what if" scenarios. Me? I'm more like, "Oh, hop in and let's run down the road and get this fixed up for ya." Where do you land? Drive on by and hope they phoned a friend or stop to make a new one?  

Anyway, we apparently had a hitchhiker in one of our lawn maintenance trucks and didn't know it. He was very neat, clean, stayed well-hidden and didn't drag any trash into the cab. The crew kept rolling day in and day out clueless.  

That is until the day the truck wouldn't start. We immediately assumed it was cold or a dead battery. After the usual checks, we had the truck towed to the mechanic. But then we received the phone call that it wasn't quite a simple fix.  

The hitchhiker (let's call him, Jerry) had set up residence and was quite comfortable. Jerry also loves to travel and see the beautiful cities we live in and call home. And when Jerry is waiting while the crew is maintaining and sprucing up your property, Jerry seems to be bored and impatient. He decided to do some personal manicuring on the wires that run into the dashboard.

The hitchhiker, as it turns out, was a mouse (insert my squinty eyes here) and he has cost us a small fortune. Once again, I can't make this stuff up. We were down a truck for days and days with the dash sitting outside the truck and troubleshooting all the wires Jerry sharpened his itty bitty, little teeth on. I hope he realizes his traveling days are over and numbered. In fact, Jerry probably has an entire village of friends and I bet our row of trucks each evening turns into a "party by the lake" at FGS every single night. Jerks.  

This is why we sell you plants. They sit quietly in your car. They don't eat your snacks. They don't take up residence destroying things. They don't throw parties and not invite you. All they ask for is a bit of water, some sunshine, an occasional bath and trim, and to receive the carbon dioxide you freely give. In return, you receive fresh oxygen, joy and their peaceful presence in your little bubble of chaos. You're welcome!  
Garden Center Features
PEPEROMIA
Peperomia are one of our favorite houseplants. They are generally a small, compact houseplant perfect for small spaces with medium light. We love that they are pet-friendly. Plus, there are so many different varieties with different types of foliage, colors and growth habits. For happy peperomias, allow them to dry out between watering.
HEUCHERA
Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, are loved for the color they bring to shady spaces. The color primarily comes from the prized foliage and not the flowers, however. But many varieties are blooming right now--delicate little bells, hence the name. Choose from greens, reds, purples, or yellows depending on your color preference.
REDBUD TREES
The pink blooms of the Redbuds are some of the first to appear and brighten the landscape in spring. Redbuds are native to our area and vary from dwarf weeping varieties, like Ruby Falls, to the 30 foot tall Eastern Redbud. Depending on the variety, the foliage may be deep purple, light green, or multi-colored like you find with the 'Rising Sun'. You'll easily find a variety you love and add beauty to your landscape.
Potting Shed & Food Truck Schedule
The Potting Shed
Friday 12-4:30p
Saturday 12-4:30p
Sunday 12-4:30p
If we have inclement weather, we will close The Potting Shed, so make sure to follow our social media (Instagram or Facebook) for updates!

Food Trucks
Saturday, April 10– 11am-3pm
Delicious Korean BBQ
Good mood food from farm to truck.
All American classics and the staples of comfort food.

Sunday, April 11 - 11am-3pm
Serving Specialty hotdogs!


Live Music
Sterling Scott will be here Saturday, 4/10 from 1-3PM.
EMPLOYEE OF THE WEEK
Meet Debbi Barrett!
Role: FGS Plant Coach
Started at FGS: March 2013
Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip
Type of Music: Lady Gaga and Usher
Houseplant: Parlor Palms
Last Book Read: Firefly, Kristin Hannah
Restaurant: Maggiano's

Debbi has been at FGS for nine years!! She is the absolute best at recommending and pairing plants for your garden or containers. She teaches many classes here, including Happy Healthy Houseplants, Container Design, Wreath Design and more! She lives on 15 acres and spends lots of her free time growing her own fruits and vegetables and tending to her gardens and containers!
Spring Container Class
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 includes instruction and everything you need to design your own 12 in. pot–annuals, soil, and the pot! 
Class fee: $45
PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
Click on the class dates and times above to register.
Propagation Station 101
Is your plant dying and you want to save it? Do you want to multiply your plants without spending money on new ones? Do you love watching plants thrive under your care? Then learning how to propagate your plants is just what you need! This class will cover the basics of propagating different types of plants from existing plant material that you already own! We will cover several methods of propagating in different mediums using different parts of the plant. Cuttings will be provided to show examples of different methods. Come learn the basics of multiplying your plants at the PROPAGATION STATION. 
Presenter: Joey Pierce, FGS Plant Coach
Fee is $15.00 (includes class and three clippings)
PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
Growing Tropicals on Your Balcony or Patio
Learn more about the world of tropical plants that you can add to your outdoor living areas! Give your balcony or patio the tranquil feeling of the tropics by growing these fun additions to your space. We will discuss tropical uses, care, and wintering over these easy but exciting plant for your home. Class is outdoors, but space is limited, so sign up soon!
Presenter: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach
Fee is $10.00 (includes class, gift, and coupon)
PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.

Plant Tip of the Week:
Choosing the Right Soil
Not sure what type of soil to use? With so many options, it can be hard to know what type of soil is best for what. We break it down for you in this blog post--so if you aren't sure what type of soil to use, this post is for you!
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com