5 Fun Uses for Pumpkins

Pumpkins

It’s pumpkin time and there are just so many fun things you can do with a pumpkin! They are nutrient-rich, with lots of antioxidants and vitamins. One cup of pumpkin is less than 50 calories and provides a healthy dose of beta-carotene and fiber, so they are great for cooking with. Here are 5 cool ways to make use of a pumpkin:

1. Eat the seeds: Pumpkin seeds are incredibly healthy! They contain protein, magnesium, potassium and zinc. So, cut off the top of the pumpkin, scrape out the insides, and rinse off those seeds. You can roast them in the oven with a little olive oil and salt and they are a delicious and nutritious snack. Even if you don’t like to eat them, birds love dried pumpkin seeds, so put leftover seeds out as a treat for the birds.

2. Make pumpkin stock: The inside of the pumpkin has its uses too. Separate out the seeds and put the stringy pumpkin innards into a water-filled pot and bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil for about 30 minutes or until the water has changed color. Strain out any leftover pieces and now you have pumpkin stock! It is great for adding flavor to casseroles or soups. You can easily freeze for later use. If you don’t want to make pumpkin stock, birds also love pumpkin guts, so you can put that out for them as well as the dried seeds.

3. Cook pumpkin fries: A quick Google search brings up dozens of recipes for pumpkin fries. Making pumpkin fries is a fairly easy process: you simply need to peel the skin off and cut the pumpkin into strips. Spices can be added as you like, and then bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Here is a really easy recipe from Savy Naturalist: http://www.savynaturalista.com/2013/09/30/roasted-pumpkin-fries/.

4. Make pumpkin hummus: How about some yummy pumpkin hummus? Dreena Burton’s Plant-Powered Kitchen has an amazing recipe for pumpkin hummus: http://plantpoweredkitchen.com/pumpkin-hummus/. Pumpkin hummus is a fun appetizer for autumn parties!

5. Cook homemade pumpkin puree: If you’re interested in making your own pumpkin puree, which can then be used for any number of recipes, check out this guide from City Girl Farming: http://www.citygirlfarming.com/Recipes/ByVegetable/CookingPumpkin.html. She gives information on a couple different methods of creating your own pumpkin puree and it’s surprisingly not very difficult. Pumpkin puree is used in a ton of recipes, including pumpkin biscuits, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, and even pumpkin cocktails.

And here’s a bonus tip in case you have flowers that you’d like to do something fun with:

1. Create a flower vase: Use a pumpkin as a festive flower vase. Cut off the top and remove the innards as you would for carving, but then place a container inside. Fill that container with water and flowers and you have a fun, one-of-a-kind vase!

We have pumpkins, so stop in and see us! Our friendly staff can get you set up for all your fall pumpkin and plant needs.

The Incredible, Edible Pansy!

Yellow Pansies

Purple Pansy

Now is a great time to clean up your planted pots that may be looking a little bedraggled coming off the summer heat. Pansies are a great option to spruce things up, because they will grow and bloom all winter and into spring. Many pansies are bright and bi-colored, making them an eye-catching addition to any garden or pot. Once spring rolls back around, pansies that were planted in fall are usually more robust, having been able to establish strong roots. This plant doesn’t like extreme heat or humidity, which is why they enjoy our fall and spring weather. Pansies are compact and low growing, so they are ideal for edging, borders or container plantings. They grow into clumps as opposed to spreading along the ground, and most varieties will reach a height of 4 – 8 inches. This flower is a great match with spring bulbs. A popular method for mixing pansies with spring-blooming bulbs is to plant bulbs in a garden bed, and then plant pansies right over the bulbs. In the spring, the bulbs will bloom and, as their flowers wilt, the pansies will be beginning their spring bloom. This is an excellent technique to maximize your garden bed color in the spring. Tulips or daffodils are a couple options that look great with pansies. Some cool-season annuals that complement pansies well are snapdragon, calendula, and nemesia. 

Pansies are fairly easy to grow and will flourish under most conditions as long as they have good soil and at least partial sun. They like steady moisture so don’t let them dry out too much. One of the top reasons pansies fail is not getting enough water, so keep an eye on them and water if you notice they have dried out. Pansies respond well to deadheading, so keep plucking the wilting flowers off of ‘em. Ensure the plant has adequate nutrition by amending the soil with soil conditioner and Bio-Tone starter fertilizer.

A fun fact about the pansy flower: it’s edible! It has a mild, almost minty flavor and tends to be used a lot for decorations and as a garnish. (If you decide to sample some pansies, make sure no pesticides have been used on the plant.) Drop by and see us, we have a fantastic supply of pansies right now that will do a great job of giving your garden or containers a fun pop of color!

Plant Fall Bulbs for Spring Blooms

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Planting flower bulbs in fall is a fast and easy way to have beautiful flowers pop up in the spring. Just imagine: a little work now means that you’ll wake up one spring morning to a flower-filled garden! Bulbs are a favorite of both beginner and experienced gardeners because they are easy to plant and most require very little maintenance. Here are a few quick tips for planting bulbs:

• Read the label and keep it with the bulbs up until the moment you plant. It’s the only way you can keep track of what you have so that when you start designing your spring garden, you can keep track of which plants and colors you are putting where.

• Don’t plant bulbs in an area where water collects because they don’t like to sit in extremely wet places and they can rot under those conditions.

• Make sure they get enough sun—bulbs like full sunshine.

• Plant bulbs with the pointy end up and if you can’t discern the pointy end, check to see if there are any flattened or shriveled roots on one end, which would be the end that needs to point downwards.

• Mix compost in the hole with the bulbs because like any plant, they enjoy well-drained and nutrient-rich soil.

• Water bulbs well after you plant them to encourage them to send their roots out into the soil and start growing.

Selection of Spring Bulbs

When it comes to designing your spring garden, plant bulbs in clusters for the greatest impact, it gives a concentration of color that is impossible to miss! For a natural-looking drift effect, toss a handful of bulbs in the air and plant them wherever they land. Another fun technique to try is to do a “double-decker” effect where you plant small bulbs in a layer on top of larger bulbs. As long as they all flower at the same time, this will create a beautiful mixing of two flowers. You could also use this method with bulbs that will bloom at different times to ensure that you keep color in the garden bed as long as possible.

If you are interested in learning about planting bulbs this fall, don’t miss our class: Fall Bulbs for Spring Blooms on Thursday, September 25th, from 6pm - 7pm. Our experts will help you learn fall bulb planting so that you have a masterpiece garden come spring!

Fall is the Perfect Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs

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As we begin to transition from summer to fall, now is prime time to plant trees and shrubs. If planted now, trees and shrubs will put all their energy into root growth.  Roots will grow throughout the winter months to store nutrients for next season. Trees and shrubs need less water during winter, because shorter and cooler days decrease the rate of photosynthesis. Trees planted in the fall are better able to withstand the heat and drought of the next summer. Soil is warmer now than it was in the spring, and it will remain warm even after air temperatures start dropping. Pick a good location for your tree or shrub that will provide it with the appropriate amount of sun or shade and meet its moisture requirements. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper (the top of the root ball should be above soil level). The root ball will lower a bit as the soil settles, and you don’t want it to end up too low in the ground. If planted too deeply in the ground, the plant can suffocate because not enough air will reach the root system. Break apart and loosen the roots if they are pot bound, so that they can more easily spread out once in the ground.

Once your hole is dug, use the shovel a few times in the bottom to loosen the soil and make it a little easier for the roots to expand outward. Amend the soil with composted cow manure, soil conditioner and organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer is good to use in the fall because it contains a healthy dose of good bacteria and micro-nutrients, so it isn’t going to drive a lot of foliage growth, but will help the root system immensely. The mixture should end up being composed of a third of the existing soil, a third cow manure and a third soil conditioner. In addition to that mixture, we suggest using Espoma Bio-Tone. This is a starter fertilizer that contains myccorhizae (a type of fungi that roots rely on to help them gather nutrients) and other beneficial micro-nutrients that will help the plant establish a bigger and healthier root ball.

Spread a couple inches of mulch over the area to protect the roots and water well. Trees and shrubs have high water needs as they attempt to establish a strong root system.

Any tree or shrub that has been grown in a container or has burlap around its root ball can be planted in the fall. Do you have more questions? Stop in and see one of our friendly staff members who would be glad to assist you with your fall planting needs!

Planting a Cool Season Vegetable Garden

Fall veggies to plant - beautiful red leaves

We’re heading into the homestretch of summer, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to plant cool season vegetables! Here in North Carolina, spring temperatures can climb quickly, which makes vegetables such as lettuce or spinach develop a bitter flavor. Those veggies, along with others such as broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, generate the best flavor when they mature during cooler weather. Planting these crops now means you’ll have a harvest of produce that will carry you well into the fall and winter. There are a number of cold-hardy crops that prefer the cooler temps and higher moisture levels that come at this time of year. Late planted vegetables usually have less competition from weeds and there are fewer pests around to bother them. Some of these plants can grow very quickly from seeds and be ready to eat in a little over a month. Arugula, mustard, spinach, turnips and radishes all germinate from seeds and are ready to harvest in about 40 days.

To ensure success of late harvests, make sure seedlings have enough time to create well-established root systems before the first frost hits. It’s best to plant cool season vegetables in raised beds or mounded rows, and seeds should be planted deeper because the moisture level of the soil is lower and the surface temp is higher. The planting depth may be as much as twice as deep as for spring planting of the same crop. Give your plants a layer of manure or compost that is several inches thick to help the plants establish strong roots, provide adequate drainage, and supply the necessary nutrients for proper plant growth. Sprinkle fertilizer over top of your plantings for extra nutrients and continue to fertilize them regularly in the early growth stages.

Most vegetables need about an inch of water per week. For cool season veggies, it is best to do a single watering that seeps deep into the ground, rather than several applications that soak more shallowly. Young seedlings, germinating seeds, and transplants may require some light watering between the weekly soak.

Most cool weather vegetables can tolerate a light frost, but if a harsh frost hits, you will want to cover your beds with burlap, tarp or a blanket to protect plants.

Below are some suggestions of cool season vegetables to plant:

Salad greens to plant for fall harvest

• Asparagus

• Beets

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Carrots

• Cauliflower

• Collards

• Cucumbers

• Kale

• Lettuce

• Onions

• Radishes

• Rutabaga

• Spinach

• Turnips

If you’re thinking about starting a cool season vegetable garden, stop in and see us! Our friendly staff is on-hand seven days a week and can help you with all of your gardening needs.

Tips for Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

A bumble bee dangles from a flower

Did you know that a high number of pollinators equates to a very healthy ecosystem? The more pollinators, the more biodiversity of plants there is. In fact, some plants are entirely dependent on the help of pollinators to pollinate and reproduce. The term pollinator describes an animal that moves pollen between parts of a flower and includes butterflies, bees, birds, bats, and other insects and mammals. It's certainly worthwhile to create a garden which is pollinator-friendly. Not only will you get to see increased wildlife activity, but you will also be doing a favor for the environment. Pollinators are attracted to flowers by their color or scent, and flowers bloom at different times of the day depending on what type of pollinators they want to attract. Flowers that bloom during the day are generally bright colors and trying to attract bees, butterflies, or other insects. Flowers that bloom at night are usually sweet smelling with a pale color to attract moths and bats.

To create a garden for pollinators, try to have plants that bloom at various times of the year, so that there is always something for them to snack on. Different types of pollinators have different habits and need pollen or nectar at different times of the year. Plant in clumps as opposed to a single plant, and consider using species native to your area. Native plants are more likely to survive and thrive, plus, they are best suited to nourish your local pollinator population. Old-fashioned flower varieties are best for pollinators. Avoid using modern hybrids because many have been bred to have double-flowers, and don't have the pollen or nectar that pollinating species are looking for. Gardens with a wide variety of plants are most attractive to pollinating species.

Other garden features can make your garden more livable for pollinators. Just like any living being, they need food, shelter, and water. A butterfly house is a good way to invite butterflies into your garden. If you decide to install a butterfly house, consider growing plants which their larvae can eat (and be prepared to see some munched-on leaves). Plants such as milkweeds, dogwoods, and verbena are all excellent choices. Having a shallow dish of water helps pollinators, especially those in the midst of a long migration. Keep in mind: butterflies cannot drink open water and, instead, must drink from wet soil or sand.

It’s important to carefully consider the use of pesticides when planting for pollinators. The chemicals can be harmful to them if ingested or if they land on a plant surface that has been sprayed. Fast-acting, short-residual options are best if you must use pesticides, and try to find the least toxic pesticides possible. Also, spray at night, when pollinators like bees are least likely to be active. Your safest bet is to steer clear of these chemicals altogether.

In summary, here are our tips for starting a pollinator-friendly garden:

• Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year

• Stick to old-fashioned plants

• Plant in clumps

• Use native species

• Add elements which provide water and shelter

• Avoid pesticides when possible

Here are some suggestions for pollinator-friendly plants:

• Honeysuckle

• Bee balm

• Coneflower

• Sunflowers

• Zinnia

• Black-eyed Susan

• Geranium

• Shasta daisy

• Milkweed

• Spider wort

• Catmint

• Anise hyssop

• Passion flower

• Hydrangea

• Azalea

• Mountain mint

• Goldenrod

• Joe-Pye weed

• Butterfly bush

• Salvia

• Dogwood

• Violet

Beauty in Chaos: The Basics of Cottage Gardening

A cottage garden is a colorful tangle of tumbling flowers and plants that provides a cheerful welcome for visitors. This gardening style is an exercise in creativity and an expression of individuality, with each garden being completely unique. If you've ever thought about starting a cottage garden, here are some tips to get you started: The basics

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• Invest in your soil: Soil quality directly affects plant quality, so make sure soil amendment is one of your first undertakings. Soil is filled with organisms that are essential to healthy plant growth, and adding manure or compost is a perfect way to ensure plants have the nutrients they need.

• Consider light conditions: Keep in mind that plants in their ideal conditions are going to thrive and require less upkeep. In general, flowering plants need more sunlight than foliage plants. Have a good idea of how much sun your garden area gets and at what times of the day: is it morning or afternoon sun? Some plants may prefer one or the other.

• Start with a small area: This allows you to experiment with various plants and slowly build a more intricate garden. You can always move things later if you change your mind.

• Tall in the back, short in the front: Be sure to position plants with regard to their height so that there is visual interest to pull the eye up and down. Also, take spacing needs into account so that full-grown plants don’t end up crowding each other.

Plant considerations

There are no right or wrong plant choices for this type of garden. Cottage gardens have a soft, romantic feel, which comes from classic flowers. Some traditional cottage garden plant examples are: hollyhocks, daisies, phlox, foxglove, roses and lavender. Don’t overlook fruits, herbs and vegetables as options: not only are they ornamental, but they are a return to the original purpose of cottage gardens, which was to produce food and flowers for a family.

beautifulflowers

It’s important to consider plant textures and shapes. Part of what makes a cottage garden exciting is the artful mixture of a variety of plant shapes and hues. Varying textures and colors give a cottage garden depth and, while at first glance things may seem chaotic, viewers quickly realize that there is a flow and balance in these gardens. Repeating plants or colors is a good way to create harmony and avoid a garden that appears jumbled.

Incorporate objects and barriers

Dress up your cottage garden by creatively using decorative objects, as well as fences and barricades. Fences or barriers can neaten the look of rambling plants and provide support for tall vegetation. When it comes to sculptures or decorations, the more offbeat, the better! Twig structures, lattices, sundials, birdbaths, and fountains are some objects to consider. Natural or worn materials look right at home in cottage gardens, but don’t overdo it: the plants should steal the show.

And the biggest tip for cottage gardening is to just have fun with it! These gardens are ever-evolving, so it’s perfectly okay to keep tweaking plants, placement and objects until you find the combination that speaks to you. Above all: take time to relax and enjoy your garden!

For more gardening tips, be sure to visit the garden center. Our friendly staff is on-hand seven days a week with answers to all your gardening needs.

Fresh from the Farm, Flower Power Perennials

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Fresh from the farm are an overflow of power house perennials.

Fresh from the farm are an overflow of power house perennials. Yarrow, Agastache, Catmint, Guara and Catmint are all heat tolerant and sun loving, deer resistant with blooms from late spring through fall.  These varieties are just a sampling of our diverse selections.    To help sweeten the deal, we offer a quanity discount on our perennials: buy 5 for 5% off, 10 for 10%, 15 for 15% and 20 for 20%, so come onin while inventory diversity is larger than ever!

yarrow

yarrow pink grapefruit

Yarrow color                                                                                                       Yarrow 'Pink Grapefruit'

Grandmother was a gifted gardener and her out door space was full of Yarrow outlining the peremiter of the vegetable beds around  her prized Tea Roses and sprinkled throughout.  This was not because it was her favorite cutflower, but because it is a work horse of a companion plant.  Naturally it repels some insects and attracts many of the ones you desire like Butterflies and Lady bugs, which love to snack on pesky Aphids and other predatory insects.   Placing dried yarrow under door mats is another trick to keep the bugs at bay.  We have several different varieties including 'Pink Grapefruit,' 'Strawberry Seduction'  and 'Pastel Series.'

agastache orange nectar

agastache blue fortune

agastache grapefruit nectar

Agastache 'Apricot Nectar'

Agastache 'Blue Fortune'

Agastache "Grapefruit Nectar'

We at Garden Supply Co. have gone bonkeroos for Agastache and have a bumper crop. In stock are both the Giant Hyssop and Threadleaf varieties.  Agastaches range form 5 feet tall down to 15 inches with the newer compact varieties in the nectar series.  With delicious names like 'Apricot Nectar,' and  'Grape Nectar,' this new series are shorter and support the bounty of tubular  blooms that provide a long feast for the wildlife.  These long showy flowers were still going strong well into the heat of late summer even in their small containers here at the shop last year.   The blue, fringy foilage of some varieties  provides contrast to large leafy perrenials in a mixed bed.

guara pink

white guara

crimson butterflies guara

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Gaura 'Siskiyou Pink"

Guara 'Whirling Butterflies'

Guara "Crimson Crimson Pink'

Guara, commonly called whirling butterflies really does resemble it's name sake.  This native wisps in the wind and has evolved to have natural defenses against our neighborhood deer.   Colors range from pink to white with some varieties having crimson foliage.

cat mint curb appeal

nepeta little titch

Nepeta 'Walker's Low'

Nepeta 'Little Titch'

Talk about curb appeal!  Nepeta better know as cat mint ranges in size from 8 inches to 2 feet and really does flower in our southern heat from spring to fall.  Check out the bed planted on the inside of our left entrance next time you are at the shop.  Looks great with red knock out roses.

salvia suncrest golden girl

salvia lyrata purple knock out

salvia ultraviolet

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Salvia 'Suncrest Golden Girl'

Salvia lyrata 'Purple Knock Out'

Salvia 'Ultra Violet'

Salvias range in color from a true blue, pink, red, white, yellow, purple and everything in between.  There are so many great ones my next post may be just about Salvias alone.  Hope to see you soon to show you first-hand some of these long lasting, color perennials that are both deer resistant and heat tested.   Remember our quantity perennial sale is ongoing, so come take advantage of this fresh from the farm bumper crop of perennial flower power.

Upcoming Classes

We have three new and exciting classes in store for you! Check out the descriptions below and call or stop by to sign up. All three will be taught by Lauren White  

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Garden Critter Succulent Stake Class- May 29th 5:00PM

You’ll be making your own personal garden art with a butterfly or bumble bee garden stake. Different types of succulents will be put in the middle to create a upright planter affect. This will be a truly unique and creative class! $45 includes all materials.

Concrete Leaf Class- June 12th  5:00PM

Using actual leaves, you’ll create your very own piece of garden art! Use your leaf as a step stone, garden bowl or just to add a little extra flair to your garden! Please bring your own leaf (that can fit into a GSCO box) and we'll provide the rest. $35 includes all materials.

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Hypertufa Planter Class- June 26th 5:00PM

Using a hypertufa mixture, you’ll create your own planter for your garden. Different textures can be created using leaves, mesh and lace. Please plan ahead for a 2-3 weeks set time then plant! $35 includes all materials.

What smells so good?

chiomanthus praecox 2

While visiting some of my favorite green spaces this winter my nose has lead the way.  On sunny, winter days the breeze carries the scent of favorite, winter woody ornamentals.   If you are looking for fragrance  in your garden there are heavy hitters in full glory by February in the Carolinas.  Yes, the flowers ignite the blood hound in me and the bees alike and and we will follow their sweet molecules for the visual reward of a cherished winter bloom.

winter sweet sunny day

Chasing down a sweet scent I turned a corner to be greeted by a glistening chimonanthus praecox  in the winter sun late this January here in Raleigh.  This long bloomer, aptly commonly named winter sweet,  can start bursting as early as November well  throughout late winter.  The sturdy, iridescent yellow flowers are likened to ice flowers and make beautiful cuttings for flower arrangements.  Growing up to 10 to 15 feet it is considered a large shrub or small tree.   This slow grower likes well draining amended soils and can take full sun to part shade.

lonicera close up

lonicer fragrantissima

Lonicera fragrantissima, winter's honeysuckle, is one of those olfactory sensations that I seek out annually as I long for the warmer days of spring.  Flourishing in full sun to part shade, it prefers evenly moist soil.  This plant has a very similar loose growth habit as a large forsythia.  I have seen them nicely pruned in well established gardens to a 3 foot level and allowed to grow to an enormous 8 plus feet tall and wide to  fill a space.  It works great as a border or near an entrance.

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Daphne odora is a delicate broach adorning your winter garden. The aroma is sweet and citrusy, blooming in January and well into late winter.  Evenly moist, well draining soil is a

must for this 2-3 foot, evergreen shrub.   Both Daphne and close relative,  Edgeworthia papyrifera, pictured below,  can tolerate full, winter sun but need protection from scorching, summer sun.  Place in woodland gardens and areas  of part shade to shade during our hotter months.

Edgeworthia papyrifera

Edgeworthia is one of those stunning oddities that when in bloom I daily get asked what is this?  The evolution of bloom is slow and long lasting, from a velvety, tight oval bud to a round, honeycomb, fragrant, yellow tinged flower.  They can grow as much as 6 to 7 feet and will produce sucker colonies if left alone over time although I would not consider this plant invasive.  It is popular to grow and maintain as single trunk specimens in smaller spaces.  One simply has to prune out shoots from the trunk during the growing season.

All of these fragrant, winter beauties are in stock and in full bloom here at Garden Supply.  One does not have to wait for spring for fragrant flowers as the cooler months are a great time to plant woody ornamentals.  I look forward to seeing you at the shop and introducing you to these winter delights.

Importance of Feeding the Birds in Winter

icy bird

    Did you know seeking food is the main activity in the life of wild birds? It is especially important to provide an available source of food for birds in the harsh winter months when conditions are more extreme and natural food sources like autumn fruits and flying insects are scarce. Knowing the food we supply our feathered friends may be the only source of nutrition for the wild birds in our area is a fact that will keep us pushing our customers to take part in regular winter feedings.

     Choose food varieties such as suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Filling your feeders with high fat content bird food can help the wild birds conserve energy when they need it most. Storing foods high in fat is essential for the birds when ice storms can coat natural food sources like seeds and berries - hindering the birds from eating them.

     We have a great selection of wild bird seed to attract all the species that are indigenous to our area. With our newly expanded birding section, you will also find feeders and housed  to fit any taste.  So cozy up next to your fireplace in the warmth of the indoors and watch the outdoor canvas as your generous food supply attracts wild birds of many species, color, and size. Take even greater joy remembering  what an important part of the birds daily life you are contributing to. 

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

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bird food

birding

Fresh Cut Creations From Your Winter Garden

The smell of Fraser firs never ceases to evoke memories of childhood holidays.  A favorite tradition was to journey outside with my grandparents and cousins to gather winter's natural sparkle for our holiday decorations. 

We clipped from branches of grandmother's prized magnolia, nandinas and lets not forget the mistle toe! This is where I had my first taste for what is possible for fresh plant material trimmed from the garden translating into custom works of living art that go beyond a bouquet of flowers. 

Often what looks great to the eye in an arrangement will also compliment in the outdoor living space.  Design elements to pay attention to are not just simply color but also leaf texture and size.  For instance, the velvet brown undersides of large, oval magnolia leaves pair fabulously with juniper's spiny pointed stems dripping with navy berries.  

juniper

magnolia

Fresh from the farm, Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki,' adds sheer speckled light on holly shaped leaves. Adding not only color but texture to the garden and arrangements year round.  

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Coral bark Japanese maples are often twiggy trees and it is a great time to prune and use their branches for a linear element in decorations. 

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The winter palette is full of color from the canary bright tones of the feathery Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Vintage Gold', to the bark of red twig dogwoods and ice blue of Cupressus glabra 'Carolina Sapphire'.

 The tapestry of our garden can be woven into your Christmas memories with fresh cut creations for your holiday trimmings as well as new plants for future cutting arrangements from your very own garden.  Come by and our gardeners can help put the perfect plant pairings together for every outdoor living space.  

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winter sparkel

How thankful we are at Garden Supply to have entered into the winter celebration season.  As you stop by in the following weeks enjoy not only fresh cut trees but a custom wreath making station where one can watch and learn.  We offer a variety of plant cuttings that you can order fresh arrangements from or take home bundles to make your very own. 

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Japanese Maples: A Spectacle of Vibrant Color

Surround your maples by the lush foliage of conifers typically found in a Japanese garden.

 Japanese Maples - 

Green thumbs and novice gardeners alike covet these chameleon like trees because of their showy display and diversity in shape, size, and color. Leaves among varieties can reveal colors of scarlet, burgundy, crimson, orange, gold, yellow, wine, plum, jade, lime, white, and blush; just to name a few. Some varieties bear colorful leaves spring, some in summer, and others in fall. These trees can grow upright or spread and cascade. Varieties can be fast growers, and others grow only two inches in a year, like the dwarf maple. Because of the maples many characteristics it is important to narrow down just what you want when selecting the right Japanese maple for your garden.

Keep in mind: Most Maples like part sun and their soil should be well drained and moist. Prune in spring after the leaves emerge. Pruning in late winter is not a good idea as the cuts may bleed sap.

Creating a focal point in your garden to display your maple’s gorgeous color is key. Even when barren, these magnificent trees create picturesque branching patterns that will take center stage in any winter garden. Look for varieties with colorful yellow or red branches and twigs like the coral bark maple. 

"Even when barren, these magnificent trees create picturesque branching patterns that will take center stage in any winter garden."

A Maple's fiery foliage is best shown against a green backdrop. Surround your maples by the lush foliage of conifers typically found in a Japanese garden like cedar, pine, cypress, and spruce. Gardenia, loropetalum, and holly make nice broad leaf selections to cushion the red, orange, and golden display of the maple. Introduce feathery leaved autumn ferns to soften the vignette in autumn and winter.

Don’t forget to finish off your maple garden with well dressed containers. Dwarf maples and semi-dwarf maples are ideal for dropping into pots. Complete the container with contrast in foliage. Highlight the seasonal color changes of your maple using lime green creeping jenny, caramel heuchera, or a purple potato vine.

"finish off your maple garden with well dressed containers."

Let us help you choose the ideal maples to add a spectacle of color to your garden! While there are thousands of maples to choose from , these are Some of our Favorite Maples at GSCO: 

-          Fullmoon

-          Autumn Fire

-          Bloodgood

-          Bihou

-          Burgundy Lace

-          Coral Bark

-          Crimson Queen

-          Crimson Prince

-          Emerald Lace

Garden Supply Co. Pumpkin Patch

This fall, bring the family to our Garden Supply Co. pumpkin patch for the best selection of pumpkins and gourds in town.  And don't forget your cameras to capture those precious family memories at some of our favorite photo-op spots throughout the garden center.

Besides our fabulous selection of pumpkins at our Garden Supply Co. pumpkin patch, we have all your favorite fall plant and gardening supplies. Stop by to stock up on fall-blooming mums, pansies, violas, ornamental cabbages and kale, and ornamental grasses. Now is also a great time for seeding and fertilizing fescue lawns. We have everything you need in our Gardening Essentials section in the Greenhouse. 

Life is beauti-fall at Garden Supply Co.

Pansies at Garden Supply Co.

Pansies- Fall 2013- Garden Supply Co

Now is a great time to re-fresh those tired container gardens and add a pop of color to beds and borders with fall and winter blooming pansies.  As compact, low growers, pansies are ideal for edging and for squeezing between rock walls and paths, and are an excellent choice for containers, baskets or in-ground beds. With tons of color varieties to choose from, these hardy annual plants will provide vibrant color in the landscape now through the chill of winter and early spring, fading only when the heat of next summer sets in. An added plus? They are super easy to grow, and we have tons of fresh, beautiful pansies arriving now weekly at Garden Supply Co.

Fall Mums

Fall Mums- Garden Supply Co

Fall Mums5- Garden Supply Co

Fall Mums3- Garden Supply Co

Fall Mums2- Garden Supply Co

Add color and interest to your front entryways, container gardens, patios and porches with glorious fall Mums. Now available in all your favorite colors and sizes at Garden Supply Co.

Goji Berries

 The Goji Berry, also known as the wolfberry, has been cherished throughout Asia as one of the most nutrient-rich foods for thousands of years.  Goji Berry fruit flavor resembles a combination of cranberries and cherries, and like acai, is a delicious superfood you can enjoy a number of ways. Berries can be eaten by the handful, and they provide a superfruit boost to oatmeal, cookies, trail mix and more. A surprisingly strong source of protein, Goji Berries also contain a wealth of antioxidants and over 20 vitamins and minerals. Though they sound exotic and are most often found with a high price tag in health food stores, Goji Berries are actually easy to grow, hardy plants. They've been a huge hit in Asia and Europe, and we are pleased to now offer them to you at Garden Supply Co.

 

Goji is a sprawling shrub with long, flexible canes and clusters of small leaves. The flowers are a brilliant purple, appearing in late spring or early summer along the length of the canes. Flowers give way to juicy, bright red fruits that resemble small peppers. They grow sweeter as they mature on the plant. Berries should be plucked off by hand when they are brilliant red and taste sweet. They come off the plant easily, without the need for pruners or knife. A single Goji Berry can contain up to 21 trace minerals, including zinc, iron, copper, calcium and 18 different amino acids.

 

How do I use my Goji Berries?

 

Use your Goji Berries the same way that you use those purchased from the health store. They can be used fresh if you wish, or they can be frozen or dried. To dry your berries, simply spread fresh berries in a single layer on a sheet of parchment. Keep berries in a cool, dry spot, out of direct sunlight, until the berries are dry. These can be used as is, or rehydrated with liquid, as needed. To freeze, place berries in a freezer bag and lay flat until frozen. This keeps berries from sticking together into large clumps. Well-sealed frozen Goji Berries should keep for several months and can be used straight from the freezer in your recipe.

 

Try these fun recipes using both dried and fresh Goji Berries, courtesy of Proven Winners:

 

Uncle Buck's Goji Salsa

8 c. gojis

8 c. tomatoes, peeled and diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 T. black pepper

1/4 c. salt

3/4 c. sugar

1 c. white vinegar

3 onions, chopped

4 green peppers, chopped

15 jalapeno peppers, minced

12 oz. tomato paste

 

Bring all ingredients (except tomato paste) to boil. Simmer 45 minutes. After 30 minutes, stir in tomato paste.

Yields: 8 quarts

 

Sweet Goji Breakfast Bars

 

3/4 c. brown sugar, firmly packed

3/4 c. granulated sugar

8 oz. low-fat vanilla yogurt

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

2 T. vegetable oil

2 T. nonfat milk

2 t. vanilla

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 t. salt (optional)

3 c. old fashioned oats

1 c. dried goji berries

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl combine sugars, yogurt, egg whites, oil, milk, and vanilla; mix well. In medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add dry ingredients to wet mix; mix well. Stir in oats and goji berries. Spread dough onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 baking pan. Bake 28-32 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into bars. Store tightly covered.

 

Nutritionally-rich Goji Berries are one of nature's true Superfoods. Long grown and prized in Asia and Europe for their medicinal value, delicious Goji Berries are now available to the North American market, and we are super excited to be able to offer Goji Berries for the very first time at Garden Supply Co. Quantities are limited, so hurry in for the best selection!

 

New & Improved Perennials Section

Our new & improved Perennials section at Garden Supply Co. has been re-vamped and re-organized, making choosing the perfect plants for your garden easier than ever before! We've taken all the guess work of plant selection out of the equation by putting valuable plant information clearly at your fingertips. All our Perennials plants are now clearly organized into separate gardening categories. We love our new system, and hope you will, too.

One thing that has not changed with our new Perennials section is the quality of our plant materials and our huge selection of plant choices and options. At Garden Supply Co, we pride ourselves on supplying you with the best plants, perfectly suited for our tough Piedmont area growing conditions. What has changed, however, is the way we've organized our plants. Perennials are now displayed in three main categories.

Perennials Categories

The new Perennials section has divided our plants into three types of categories: Perennials that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds, Perennials that are drought tolerant, and Perennials that are deer resistant. Of course all the plants will work well together, and you can certainly continue to mix and match your favorite plants in your home garden. But if you've having trouble with deer in your yard and are looking specifically for perennials that will keep them away, we've got a section for that.

If your yard is pounded by hot summer sun, and you are looking for drought tolerant plants that will thrive in the heat, we've got a section for that.

Hoping to attract birds and butterflies to your yard? We've got a section for that, too.

Whatever your gardening needs, we've got a solution for you in our new & improved Perennials section at Garden Supply Co. Come take a peek and tell us what you think. And remember, our fabulous Perennials Sale is still going strong. The more you buy, the more you save!

Plants for Shade Gardening

Growing an attractive shade garden may at first appear challenging for some. After all, successful shade gardening comes with it's own set of rules, and plants that flourish in sunny areas simply, well.....don't in shady ones. But don't be afraid of the shade. On even the hottest and most humid of days, a walk through the shade garden can help calm and cool your senses, and even help relieve stress. And while a shade garden may not pack the same powerhouse of color as their sunnier counterparts, shady nooks can be far from dark and drab. At Garden Supply Co, we have hundreds of beautiful plants for shade gardening that will provide interest and light in the shade garden through use of color, texture, and foliage.

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As you stroll through the garden center, you may have overlooked our quiet back corner under the arbor. Here you will find our huge selection of plants for shade gardening. And one quick glance will show you that shade plants can be far from boring. Quite the contrary, in fact. Shade plants can still provide the flowers you may crave, and provide interest through an amazing variety of foliage color and texture. 

If it's flowers you want, impatiens and New Guinea impatiens will provide non-stop summer blossoms in a wide range of colors.

Impatiens- Garden Supply Co

Or there are many varieties of blooming begonias, including Tuberous, Dragon Wings, and the new Whopper begonia, which provides extra large flowers up to 3 in. (7 cm) across from spring through fall.

Begonia

There are also, of course, many fabulous flowering shrub plants that thrive in shade, including azalea, rhododendron, gardenia, hydrangea, just to name a few.

hydrangeas- Garden Supply Co

However, don't rely solely on flowers for providing interest in shady corners. Look for shade plants that have colored foliage or interesting textures or leaf shapes. Focus on foliage and plant in mass. Cultivate interest with foliage. Create harmony through mass plantings. When a single specimen is planted it tends to be lost in the shade garden. Since many flowers on shade plants are small and delicate, large masses are more effective.

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As you can see, there is a huge variation of foliage color and texture available on shade perennials such as Heuchera, with colorful foliage ranging from yellows, reds, purples, & black.

Caladiums- Garden Supply Co

Or Caladiums, grown for their bold long-lasting and colorful foliage. Color combinations include various shades of red, pink, white, green, and yellow-green, with prominently colored midribs and contrasting margins.

Coleus- Garden Supply Co

Coleus plants glow with color, from soft and elegant to deep, bold tones—perfect for shady yards, gardens and terraces.

Hosta- Garden Supply Co

Hostas are extremely popular, hardy herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their beautiful foliage. Leaves come in a wide range of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures and may be solid in color or variegated in different combinations of blue, green, white, and gold.

For powerhouse interest, contrast the elliptical long leaf of a Hosta with the feathery leaf of a fern.

Ferns- Garden Supply Co

Gardening in the woods should be a pleasure, rather than a challenge. The lack of a lot of sun can overwhelm or even frighten some gardeners instead of what it really is -- an excuse to grow a lot of great plants some would have never attempted before. For more tips on selecting the perfect plants for shade gardening, stop by the garden center. Our friendly experts are on hand seven days a week with answers to all your gardening questions.

Farm-Fresh Perennials Sale at Garden Supply Co.

So far, this summer has been rather unique with its cooler than normal temperatures and cloudy gray skies. And although it's different and not very.........well, summery, the unusual weather patterns do have one distinct advantage. Whereas by now most folks don't want to step foot into the garden, this year the planting and growing season has been quite comfortably extended. So if you haven't done all the gardening you were hoping to, it's not too late to get out there. We've got tons of beautiful plants for you, including loads of new perennials, fresh from the farm. And now, while supplies last, we're excited to offer you some spectacular savings with our Farm-Fresh Perennials Sale at Garden Supply Co!

Farm-Fresh Perennials Sale

With our Farm-Fresh Perennials Sale, you can choose from ANY of our beautiful perennial plants in stock. Select all of one kind, or mix and match, the choice is yours. And best thing is, the more you buy, the more you save. Here's how it works.

Take 5% off 5-9 plants
Take 10% off 10-14 plants
Take 15% off 15-19 plants
Take 20% off 20 or more plants

To learn more about the sale and for help selecting the perfect perennial plants for your landscape, stop by the garden center. Our friendly staff is on hand seven days a week with answers to all your gardening questions. Hope to see you in the garden!