A Note from Scott and Marsha
August 11, 2022
We are all still melting here at the Garden Center! The countdown to all things fall & pumpkin spice has officially begun! PSA: For you Starbucks lovers, they are supposedly releasing their Pumpkin Spice Lattes at the end of August. However, it could be later because - yep, you guessed it - supply chain issues. Will it ever end?! If you prefer to support local, our favorite spot is People's Coffee - and it's close enough that you can stop on your way to the Garden Center!
You might be wondering what in the world this picture is about. A couple weeks ago, Morgan was working away in the Garden Center office and suddenly realized the wall cabinets were separating from the wall! Imagine that!

She called me and explained what was happening. I was picturing the entire wall of the house falling in and immediately said, "I'm on it." Ok, technically I'm not the one "on it," but John always is when I send him the SOS text. Luckily, the wall was not actively deteriorating, but we still had to spring into action to avoid a disaster.

Morgan used her problem-solving superpowers and immediately started removing everything from the cabinets, and a few other staff members used their teamwork superpowers to help out before the entire wall actually started to cave in. John used his superpowers to determine the cabinets were separating in every spot possible - and the house wall/ structure was indeed still intact. Phew. That was a relief.

Off we went searching for replacement cabinets! We decided to go with nice white, metal, slightly smaller cabinets so they can't be overloaded. John went back a few days later and the wall art in the photo was what he found. "For Garden's Snakes." I'm dead.

Working with our witty, entertaining, and artisitc group helps us survive the "disaster" days - like when the water pump goes down on a blazing hot Saturday, a radiator is leaking in a truck and needs replaced, or when cabinets "melt" off the walls in 106 degree weather. If you are looking for wall art in your home, you know where to find this crew ... playing in the flowers or the sprinklers!

P.S. Have you seen this weekend's forecast?! *insert my googly eyes here* Now that's what I'm talking about!
EMPLOYEE OF THE WEEK
Meet Ann!

Role: Annuals/Perennials Department Lead
Started at FGS: October 2016
Favorite Plant: Russian Sage, Agastache, and White Muly Grass
Favorite Snack: Strawberries
Currently Watching: The Morning Show
Favorite Local Restaurant: Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar
This year, I'm looking forward to: the cooler fall weather!
Thoughts, Theories, & Trivia: Don't leave your dog in a hot car!
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
MUMS ARE HERE!

Can you believe it!? Mums arrived early this year, but they are already budding and ready to be planted! We've even got a few with buds BLOOMING! (We took this photo when they arrived yesterday!!) AHHHH!

Looks like even the flowers are ready for autumn. Stop by the Garden Center to pick out mums for your fall plantings this weekend!
GARDEN CENTER FEATURES
ZZ PLANT
Beginner-friendly plants can't get any easier than ZZ Plants. Their full name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia, but everyone calls them ZZ for short. They can tolerate a wide range of watering and lighting conditions, which make them perfect for everyone's plant collection, whether you're an expert or a beginner!

Leaf colors can range from bright to dark green. ZZ Plants can grow up to 3ft tall and wide in the best conditions. They can survive in very little light, but prefer bright indirect light; direct sunlight will burn the leaves! They are also incredibly drought tolerant, so if you're a person who tends to forget to water, you can still add this plant to your collection. Just make sure to water them at least once a month!
FALL VEGGIE SEEDS

Yes, we know it's still hot, but it's time to start your fall veggies! (This weekend is looking like it will have great weather, so you'll definitely want to take advantage of it for planting!) You'll want to plant your fall seeds 10-12 weeks before the first frost date - that's within the next two weeks. Some seeds can wait longer, but better do some research now before you forget and it's too late!

We have a wide variety of seeds for cold hardy crops for you to choose from, plus soil, fertilizer, and pest deterrant!

Check out this week's Plant Tip below for Fall Vegetable Planting advice!

GOLD MOP CYPRESS

Gold Mop Cypress is a bright golden yellow-green dwarf shrub that is sure to turn heads! It's an excellent choice for an accent shrub and foundation plantings. It tends to have a softer look for your landscape design.

This shrub is a slow-growing friend. It can grow anywhere from 3ft - 6ft tall, needs regular watering, and loves full sun. A good rule of thumb is the more sun, the brighter shade of yellow; less sun means more green. If it reaches a size you really like, you can trim it to keep it nice and tidy. Prefer the shaggy look? Just let it grow!

Saturday, August 13, 10AM-11AM
Location: The Robin's Nest

So your houseplants are doing well and you are ready to take your new hobby (or obsession) to the next level! This class will address both the enviornmental and cultural needs of houseplants. Horticultural practices will be discussed so you can better choose plants to fit your lifestyle. We will also review potting options and how to spot and fix common problems. Be sure to bring your questions and concerns!

Fee is $15/person; includes watering tool or measuring tape.

PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
 

Instructor: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach

Saturday, August 13, 12PM-1PM
Location: Animal Alley
(the Goat Pen!)

See what’s going on inside the hive at For Garden’s Sake! Join beekeeper Alfredo Salkeld from Buddha Bee Apiary as he checks on our bees and explains how these magical creatures live and work. You’ll discover how they make honey, what keeps them busy inside their nest, what challenges they face, and more. If we’re lucky, we may even get to see the queen!

Bring your curiosity and your questions!

Perfect for ages 3-10 but open to all ages. Grown ups must stay with their kiddos during this event. This event is FREE to attend!
For Friday's Sake

Friday, August 19, 5PM-8PM
Location: Garden Center

Need more time to shop? Well you're in luck, because we are extending the Garden Center hours until 8PM!

The Potting Shed will be open and serving beverages and Sunset Slush until 8PM, so come and enjoy the abiance on the patio and take in the sunset. Don't forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket for seating - the patio tables go fast!

Featuring live music by: John Sierra Jr.


Admission is FREE, so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers and enjoy the evening... For Friday's Sake!
We're Hiring!
For Garden's Sake is looking for new team members! If you like to work hard and have fun at the same time, these positions could be for you!

Garden Center Seasonal Fall Positions:
  • Cashiers
  • Plant Care Associates
  • Plant Coaches
  • Bartenders

Year-Round, Full Time Positions:
  • Landscape Maintenance Foreman
  • Landscaper - Installation Crew Member/Driver

Full-time, year-round positions include the following benefits: paid holidays, matching 401k, discounts at the Garden Center, PTO, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

CLICK HERE to see the full job descriptions and apply!
Landscape Design and Installation
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 October!

Tip of the Week: MAKE YOUR BEDS!
The time to plant our fall vegetable garden beds is here! Don't let the heat fool you into thinking you still have a month left - some seeds will need to be planted within the next two weeks! Make sure to do some research, decide what veggies you want to enjoy, and plan to plant by August 23 for veggies that need 10 week's notice for the frost date.

We've got some tips and to-do's to prep your gardens and beds for fall veggies if you need a reminder or if it's your first year with a fall garden.
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com