The Cold Shoulder

Thursday, October 3rd, 2013

Fall

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October is here. Summer is fading into a memory. The trees are beginning their transformation from the green we welcomed in spring to glorious reds, oranges, purples, and yellows. Trees aren’t the only part of the garden going through a change. Your containers are going through their own transformation, but not quite as glamorously as your trees. It is time to replace your tired summer contents with bold, vibrant, colors and textures of fall. Large mums command attention and give a traditional fall look, but there are other plants that love cool weather and offer plenty of color and texture without the flowers. Purple and green kales with ruffled leaves, Perennials like Heuchera, grasses and asters provide beauty. For extra fun, color, and texture; dried oak leaves, Magnolia tips, Dogwood or Curly willow twigs, and dried Yarrow are the way to go. Don’t let Mother Nature give your containers the cold shoulder. Glam them up with the vibrant hues of fall.

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Now Is the Time

Thursday, October 3rd, 2013

BulbsFall

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As fall quickly approaches it is time to think about planting bulbs. Although their color won’t be here until spring and summer, now is the time to get those little gems into the ground. We are currently taking orders for bulbs so make sure you give Nancy, Becky, or Rhonda a call to get on the planting list. We also need to know what you all want for our ordering purposes. We order a few extras, but if you want that abundant “Small’s Look” we need to hear from you.

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Hardy Hydrangeas for Fall

Thursday, October 3rd, 2013

FallHydrangeas

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‘Hydrangea Paniculata’ sounds pretty fancy. Native to Japan and China, these panicled Hydrangea differ from their big-leafed sisters. They can grow in full sun and can be a large multi-stemmed shrub or a single stemmed, small tree.

One of my favorite Hydrangea Paniculatas is called ‘Vanilla Strawberry’. This easy-growing, sun-loving example was discovered in France. It features enormous flower heads that bloom green and transition over the season from green to a creamy white, then to a blushy pink and ending the season in a rich, rose red color. Not only do the blooms change color as they mature, but the entire shrub changes its habits. Because the bloom heads are so large and therefore heavy the branches begin to droop. Meanwhile, new flower heads continue to appear with the full range of colors from green to carmine. With every glance a different look appears all summer long.

Read More…

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Fall, Glorious Fall

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

Fall

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The changing of the guard is upon us. Summer is falling aside and we are heading into my favorite time of year- the one I look forward to all year long, Fall. I love how the bright autumn colors seem to glow in the sunlight while the crisp smell in the air and leaves crunching underfoot remind me of times past and awaken my senses. What comes to mind for you? Is it the smell of burning leaves or is it mums, pumpkins, crispy apples or warm apple cider on a chilly afternoon? The autumn sun just feels different, doesn’t it? Let’s not waste this precious time of year staying inside the house. We will be stuck there soon enough!

Right now, go outside, feel the sunshine, inhale deeply and smell the unique aroma of fall, then sit down and eat a fresh, crisp apple.

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