Fire Pit Art by Rick Wittrig

We’ve previously put up a post on Fire Pit Fun where we talked about the many exciting benefits of fire pits. If you’re interested in fire pits, we have a selection right now from Rick Wittrig from FirePitArt.com. Rick lives and works out of Tennessee making beautiful functional steel art of high quality. If you’re thinking of getting a fire pit, check out the pieces we have because they make a statement, are built to last, and would be the perfect outdoor gathering spot for your friends and family!

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Unusual Conifers Are Here!

Conifer trees have unique leaves or needles which are mostly evergreen. They are often fast-growing trees and can be large in size or small, depending on whether they are a dwarf variety. These trees need little pruning unless needed to keep them the right size for the space they are growing. Conifers can make a statement in your yard or have a utilitarian use as a hedge. They provide structure for yards and are important in winter months—not only do they provide green when most trees are bare, they also offer protection for birds from wind and precipitation. We have a selection of unusual conifers in right now which would be a distinctive addition to your yard:

Slenderina Blue Spruce

This tree grows up to 20 feet tall and can spread as much as 12 feet. It has a unique blueish color and grows in a graceful drooping pattern. It is slow growing with a low canopy, and can live for 80 years or more.

Slenderina Blue Spruce

Weeping Blue Alaskan Cedar

This tree is an eye-catching addition to any landscape. It can grow up to 35 feet tall with a 5 foot spread and takes on a conical shape with branches that curve downwards.

Weeping Blue Alaskan Cedar

Habari

This is an extremely dwarf selection that grows 36 inches tall and only a few inches wide. Foliage is compressed on irregular, stubby branches and evergreen.

Habari

Falsecypress

This evergreen plant is upright and narrow with twisted growth. It is a great screen plant for a narrow hedge and is deer resistant. This conifer grows to 4.5 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide and likes full sun.

Falsecypress

Nana

This is a dwarf hinoki cypress is an extremely dwarf conifer, growing 8 inches high and 12 inches wide. The bright green mounding foliage creates interest in any season. It likes full to part sun.

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Boulevard Topiary

Soft textured silvery-blue foliage on this specially pruned conifer give it a unique look. To keep its shape, pruning is needed.

Boulevard Topiary

Japanese White Pine

This is a hardy tree that thives outside in the sun and is very ornamental. It grows in an irregular but mostly conical shape that can get up to 25 feet tall and just as wide.

Japanese White Pine

Golden Pillar

This conifer has beautiful bright golden-yellow foliage and is conical growing. It reaches 20 feet tall by 8 feet or more wide and full sun is needed for best color.

Golden Pillar

Redbuds and Cherry Trees: Harbingers of Spring

Redbud

Redbuds and cherry trees are early bloomers in spring and we’re seeing them bud and bloom now, which can only mean one thing: spring is upon us!

Redbuds are relatively small, ornamental trees with short trunks and branches that spread out. This tree is well-regarded for its hardiness and adaptability. It blooms early with beautiful flowers that last for at least two to three weeks. Redbuds like moist soil and can tolerate full sun to shade.

Weeping Cherry Tree

Cherry trees are also early bloomers that make a striking showcase with their white-pink, fragrant flowers. Weeping cherry trees have slender branches that gracefully arc down to the ground. They grow in to a rounded shape and when covered with blooms, make the whole tree look like one blossom. Cherry trees prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

Both of these trees make perfect specimen plants and their early blooms will signal the start of spring to you year after year. We have a selection of redbuds and cherry trees which are blooming and this is the perfect time to plant them.

Stop by and one of our friendly associates will gladly help you get set up with one of these blooming trees in your garden.

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey

Honey

Honey is a unique substance: it’s a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace enzymes, and sugar. It’s quite different from any other sweetener on the market. Just one pound of honey takes 60,000 bees visiting 2 million flowers across 55,000 miles, which is incredible. Honey flavor and color can vary depending on what kind of flower was visited to make it. Honey is a power-packed food with an assortment of health benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health, honey is “hygroscopic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.” It does not go bad and has been used as a medicinal remedy for thousands of years. Eating local honey may relieve seasonal allergies. Experts say that exposure to small amounts of the allergens found in flower pollen may reduce symptoms. Honey is also said to be a natural cough soother. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can be used as a natural treatment for wounds and minor burns.

Here is an amazing Honey Dressing recipe from My Recipes:

­   1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar

­   2 tablespoons honey

­   1 tablespoon Dijion mustard

­   ½ teaspoon salt

­   ½ teaspoon black pepper

­   2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Mix together and enjoy!

We have our own honey and Bell's honey in stock, come in and try some!

Hardy Winter Perennials

Hardy Winter Perennials

As we truck along through the cold winter weather, we decided to discuss some perennials which thrive in the winter. We have created a special display out front that showcases an assortment of hardy winter perennials so if you’re looking for ideas, you may want to check that out. Here are a few plants to consider:

Euphorbia

Euphorbia

There are a wide range of varieties that fall into the Euphorbia species—over 2,000 plants ranging from weeds to trees to succulents are encompassed in this group. We have a selection of evergreen Euphorbias in an array of colors.

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We have Glacier Blue, which has wonderfully variegated leaves and conical flowers in the spring. There is also the Mini Martini variety, which is a dwarf hybrid, and on which new growth appears as a deep burgundy. Ascot Rainbow is another species of Euphorbia we have which is stunning at this time of year, with green and yellow variegated leaves with touches of red and orange on them.

These plants enjoy full sun to part shade and well-draining soil with moderate water levels. They can handle drought conditions well and overall, are fairly easy to care for. They will flower in the spring and are a great evergreen choice for this area. If you are looking for a way to give your garden a splash of color in the winter, these plants are perfect!

Heucheras

Heucheras

Heucheras are a shade-loving perennial plant that overwinters well in our climate. These plants have exploded in popularity in recent years and a lot of cultivars are on the market. They come in range of colors from black, burgundy, orange, and green, and with an variety of variegation and leaf shape. Some, like ‘Mocha’, turn from a dark brown/black color to a beautiful red/orange in the depths of winter, giving your garden a pop of color just when you need it most.

Heuchera like moist, well-draining soil in a spot that is protected from harsh afternoon sun. They like to be divided every three to four years and enjoy some fertilization on a regular basis. A bonus—they attract hummingbirds and butterflies when they bloom. They are a sturdy plant that can provide constant interest in your garden and thrive in those shady spots that can be tough to fill with color.

Don’t Miss Brie Arthur!

Brie Arthur will be teaching Foodscaping 101 - Sustainable Growing in Small Spaces on Saturday, February 21st from 11 am to 12 pm. From container gardening to sowing seeds, she will teach you all you need to know to get ready for spring and how to incorporate food into your landscaping. Brie is nationally known for her sustainable gardening efforts and plant propagation skills. She was recently featured in Organic Gardening Magazine as one of the top rising young rock stars of horticulture. Brie will help you transform your space (large or small!) into a garden that gives back day after day.

Saturday, February 21, 11 am -12 pm

Call 919-460-7747 to register. The class is FREE but space is limited so register today!

Starting Seeds Indoors Class

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Join us on Saturday, February 14th from 10 am-11 am for our free class on how to start seeds indoors. This is the perfect time to get your seeds going indoors to give your garden a head start so you will be able to see the fruits of your labor more quickly. Flowers can spend more time blooming and fruit or vegetable plants can spend more time yielding crops rather than trying to reach maturity. Seeds are fairly inexpensive and it’s easy to get them established now so that when the weather warms up, your garden doesn't miss a beat! Our class will help you learn about the best products, the process of seed starting, and how and when to transplant the seeds to your garden.

Saturday, February 14 from 10 am-11 am

Call 919-460-7747 to register. The class is FREE.

2015 is the Year of the…

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Every year, the National Garden Bureau selects one annual, perennial, and edible plant as their “Year of the” plants. They choose these based on how each plant’s popularity, easiness-to-grow, adaptability, genetic diversity, and versatility. This year they have selected: Annual of the Year: Coleus

Coleus is a sturdy plant that doesn’t need too much care from gardeners. These plants are available in a wide range of colors and varieties and make a stunning statement wherever you decide to put them.

Perennial of the Year:Gaillardia

This is a beautiful flowering plant is in the sunflower family and comes in shades of red, orange, yellow, brown and white. It has a long season of bloom and attracts butterflies.

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Edible of the Year:Sweet Pepper

Sweet peppers offer something for everyone—they come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, and colors. They are a garden favorite and are ideal for spot planting around your garden.

We’re still in the midst of winter but spring is just around the corner! As we approach warmer weather, consider finding a place for some of these plants in your garden. Come in to see us to learn what we have in stock and tips to make these plants thrive.

Houseplants 101 Class

Different ferns and plants

Saturday, February 7, from 10 am-11 am, come learn the basics of houseplant care with us! Keeping indoor plants is a wonderful way to add excitement and beauty to your home. We will help you determine what plants are perfect for your home and understand how to keep them thriving all year long—from watering techniques, to fertilization needs and when to repot. This class is free; simply call us at 919-460-7747 to register. Saturday, February 7 from 10 am-11 amCall 919-460-7747 to register. The class is FREE.

Growing Cacti and Succulents

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Succulent

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Cacti and succulents are excellent houseplants that add character to any room. Firstly, understand that the words cactus and succulent are general terms that refer to a wide variety of plants. Anything called a “cactus” belongs to a certain family of plants but may be one of many different species. “Succulent” is not a family of plants, but refers to any plant with fleshy parts for storing moisture. A wide range of plants from many different parts of the world falls into the succulent category. Cacti are defined as succulents and what sets them apart as their own sub-group within that classification is that they produce growths (areoles) such as spines. These spines help defend the plant against being eaten, as well as helping to reduce water loss by diminishing the air flow close to the cacti stem and offering a little shade. What sets cacti and succulents apart is their ability to exist on low amounts of moisture. Both of these categories of plants are adept at conserving water and nutrients. Keeping indoor cacti or succulents require a special kind of care which is different from most other houseplants. These plants are tough and can stand extreme conditions with little water, but in order to thrive, they need regular care and attention. During their growth season (which is usually spring to fall), cacti and succulents will appreciate regular watering and fertilizing. Check out the tag on your individual plants to identify the specific needs of that species and ensure you successfully care for the plant. These plants do enjoy a lot of sunlight and whether they like direct or indirect light will depend on the variety, so make sure you have the right spot to meet its needs. You can always supplement light needs with a grow light if you don’t have enough daylight in your house. Cacti and succulents like a well-draining soil and should be repotted every year or two, as they outgrow their current pots and to give them fresh soil.

We have a selection of cacti and succulents, so stop in and check them out! They may be the perfect plants to supplement your indoor houseplant collection and our friendly staff will be glad to assist you in understanding their care!

Upcoming Terrarium Workshop

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Looking for a fun project? Maybe something a little different? Then come to our Terrarium Workshop and make your very own adorable indoor garden! On Thursday, January 29th from 6 to 7 pm, we’ll be leading the group in a hands-on workshop to learn the very cool art of making a terrarium. The cost is $20, which includes the stones, soil, activated charcoal, and moss. (Additional plants or add-ons will be extra.) Terrariums are an eye-catching way to instantly perk up a space. They look like their own little world which makes you take a closer look. They’re easy to make and can be made with a wide array of plant choices, so they can be as easy to care for as you want. Terrariums complement any décor and give an indoor area a fresh oxygen boost. They can also make great gifts and my favorite thing about terrariums is that my cats can’t get to the plants!

Attend our Terrarium Workshop for a much-needed break from the winter weather!

Thursday, January 29 from 6-7 pm

Cost: $20

Call 919-460-7747 to register

Helen Yoest Coming to Garden Supply!

Helen Yoest

We will have renowned gardener Helen Yoest with us to teach “Gardening with Confidence” on Saturday, January 24 from 11 am to 12 pm. Helen is an award-winning freelance writer and garden stylist who has written a number of books and contributed articles to a wide variety of media publications. She focuses on the importance of creating unique outdoor spaces which reflect the creator’s style and preferences. Her works strive to make people think a little differently about gardening and instill in readers the confidence to unleash their creativity on the outdoors. Helen Yoest’s class will talk about the basics of creating a garden layout and how to have fun with special design features so that your personality comes through in your garden. She will share her experiences with gardening and discuss the importance of being confident in putting your personal touch on your garden.

This class will inspire you to create a garden that is uniquely your own, so don’t miss it!

Saturday, January 24 from 11 am-12pm(Refreshments provided)

The class is free, but please register by calling 919-460-7747.

Fun with Ferns

Ferns

Ferns are a lacy, whimsical plant that add visual interest to any room. Their beautiful delicate appearance and easy needs make them an ideal choice to grow indoors. They gained popularity as indoor plants in the Victorian Era and the word “fern” comes from an Anglo-Saxon word (fearn) which means feather. These plants happen to be one of the only plants that do not produce flowers. They produce spores to reproduce. Ferns are native to the tropics and so enjoy high humidity, making them a good option for a bathroom. You can also mist them daily with a spray bottle, and if the humidity levels are not right, you may notice the tips of the fronds turning brown or dying. Another option to increase moisture levels around ferns is to double pot them. Place the potted fern in a larger container that is lined with moist sphagnum moss and be sure to keep the moss moist.

Table of ferns

Depending on the type, ferns can have a variety of sunlight needs. Some like indirect sunlight, some will do fine with dappled or morning sun, and some can handle full sun. Check the tags on your chosen variety to ensure proper conditions. Their soil should stay evenly moist—not too wet and not too dry. When overwatered, their leaves will turn yellow and wilt. Water slowly and evenly until water runs out the bottom of the pot into the saucer. Ferns like light applications of houseplant fertilizer to stay happy and healthy.

Different ferns and plants

Ferns should be repotted every couple years. If your fern starts looking lackluster, rejuvenate it with some outdoor time in the warm months. Place the pot in a shady spot so it can experience the fresh air and rain.

We currently have an incredible selection of ferns so if you want to give this beautiful plant a try, come see us! Our friendly associates can get you set up with everything you need to make your indoor fern a success.

Dress up your Houseplants!

Adding decorations and character to your houseplants pots can be fun and rewarding. We have a number of items that can be used to give your pots a unique look, check out some of the options we have: Moss: using moss in potted plants can give them a natural look. You can use moss across the top of plants to add a bit more interest than just the soil or mulch can provide. Using moss to decorate houseplants doesn’t have to mean simply laying it on the soil; there are also moss shapes available to draw attention.

Assorted moss products

Moss

Moss forms

Decorations: we have a variety of fun items to be used in pots, such as these colorful glass mushrooms. This type of item can add color and a feel of whimsy to any plant. We have other items as well, such as signs and other types of decorative objects.

Colorful mushrooms for pots

Crosses

Birds nests

Pots: don’t pass up the chance to make a statement with your houseplant’s pot. The container offers an opportunity to really dress up your plant. Make sure to choose a pot that you get as much enjoyment out of as the plant itself!

Pots with cutouts

Animal pots

Blue pots

Ecoforms colorful pots

Glazed pots

With all these options and more, come see us and unleash your creativity to give your houseplants a distinctive and extraordinary look!

Deck the Halls with Citrus Plants

Lemon Tree

Close up of lemon

What’s more fun and healthy than being able to grab a lemon, lime, or orange from your very own indoor citrus tree? Citrus plants can easily be grown indoors in a container and they will produce fruit as well as give off a refreshing fragrance. You can start these plants indoors in pots and then transfer outside when the weather is warm, or keep them inside permanently. Maintaining the plant in a container minimizes the shock involved with transplanting and allows you to control their growth (in case you don’t have space for a 12-foot tree inside). Citrus trees like soil that is well draining so their roots don’t sit in water for too long. Putting Styrofoam peanuts or rocks in the bottom of the container helps retain the water while allowing the roots to stay dry. Citrus trees like a specific amount of watering. If you scratch just under the surface of the soil and it’s moist, then the water level is correct. Overwatering can lead to weak roots and open the door to diseases. If the leaves are curling, are muted colors, or starting to drop off, then the plant needs more water. It’s best to keep a consistent watering schedule of about once a week in the winter to ensure the tree maintains the right amount of moisture.

These trees like a lot of sunlight, so choose a spot where they’ll get an adequate amount. A grow light can supplement for sunlight if there’s not a sunny-enough spot. A fertilizer specifically for citrus, fruit, or nut producing plants is recommended because these will have the right mixture of nutrients for fruit production. Follow the directions on fertilizer packaging for the frequency and amount of fertilizer to be used.

Citrus Plants

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at growing a citrus tree, come down and see us! We have a selection of lemons, oranges, and limes to choose from and one of our friendly associates can help you get started growing your own citrus fruit. We even have some plants that are currently producing fruit to choose from!

A Few New Year’s Traditions Explained

Happy New Year

Have you ever wondered how it became popular to kiss at midnight on New Year’s? Or why eating black-eyed peas is a tradition? Here are a few New Year’s rituals explained: The midnight kiss: according to folklore, your first encounter with another person in the New Year will set the tone for the rest of your year. Having that encounter be a kiss symbolizes strengthening the relationships you wish to continue in the future. This tradition dates back to ancient European times and a slightly different version says that the New Year’s Eve kiss can drive evil spirits away during the New Year.

The ball drop: the ball drop in Times Square has been happening since 1907 and was inspired by time balls (old time signaling devices that were used to ensure that marine timepieces were keeping accurate time). In the years prior to 1907, fireworks would be held in Times Square to mark the beginning of the year but those were banned in 1906 because hot ash raining down on the streets didn’t seem like a good idea. The New York Times’ chief electrician sought to create a new display to wow the crowds and combined the time ball drop with electricity. He covered a 700 pound ball of iron and wood with 100 light bulbs and used a system of pulleys to lower it at 11:59 pm. Today, millions of people tune in to watch the ball drop in Times Square to count down the final seconds of the year.

Eating black-eyed peas: this tradition goes back 1,500 years and is first linked with the Jewish custom to eat black-eyed peas to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. There are a number of theories that attempt to explain this ritual to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day and they all tie back to this as a way to experience economic prosperity in the coming year. One is linked to the expression “eat poor on New Year’s, and eat fat the rest of the year,” meaning that starting the year off with this humble legume means your luck will increase during the year. Another theory says that since black-eyed peas resemble coins, eating them will bring an abundance of wealth over the next year.

Singing Auld Lang Syne: this song title translates to “times gone by” and the message of it is about not letting the past be forgotten by taking the time to remember old friends. Robert Burns wrote this song in the 1700s and it was not written to be a New Year’s Eve song. In 1929, a band playing at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York on New Year’s Eve happened to play this song just after midnight. It was well received and with that, a tradition was born.

Regardless of whatever traditions you choose to honor this New Year’s, all of us at Garden Supply are wishing you a safe and joyful time!

Gift Ideas for the Man in your Life

Are you having trouble thinking of gifts for the men on your Christmas list? Well, we are here to help! These thoughtful ideas cater to many tastes and are a great place to start. Next time you're stumped about what to get your guy, keep these gifts in mind!

To start, our first few ideas are for the bacon lover on your list. Everyone loves the sound of sizzling bacon and that irresistible smell that wafts through the kitchen. Buy some gourmet bacon from the grocery store or butcher then pick up something like these items to go with it!

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Sitting by a crackling fire is one of the joys of the winter season. Fat Wood fire starters make starting fires a cinch. They are easy to use and work in fireplaces, barbeques, fire pits, and more. Blazin' Buddies are the no hassle way to have a fire in your outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Pair these items with a bellow, fire wood, and a cozy blanket and you'll be set! For added fun, get graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to make s'mores over your blazing fire.

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Do you have a camper or hunter on your list? Or maybe just someone who loves camouflage and the outdoors? This traditional style red lantern is fully functional with long lasting LED bulbs. It can be used for camping or just hanging out on the porch. Pair it with a new sleeping bag and a pair of warm socks. Pair the travel mug with lid with some of his favorite coffee or hot chocolate. The bottle opener would be a great companion gift with a six-pack of his favorite beer. The insulated flask can be paired with a sampling of mini bottles of his favorite types of alcohol.

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Here are a few more ideas we wanted to share with you. For the guy in your life that likes to cook, consider getting him some grilling tools and recipe starters like BBQ sauce or seasonings. Get some top-of-the-line cooking utensils and pair them with some food items that he is guaranteed to love. Snack foods may seem basic, but they can be unique items that won't just be bought at the local grocery store. It is easy to build a goodie bag full of delicious snacks, or get a sampling to use them as stocking stuffers.

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These next items can cater to a variety of interests. We've included just a few examples of unique gifts that can stand alone or be paired with other items. These funky socks come in a variety of prints. They are a fun twist on a classic gift. You would be surprised how many people love to get socks as gifts, especially when they are as quirky as these. Beer soap is a distinctive gift that works well as a stocking stuffer (and it is made from real beer). Wrap this gift up with a "make-your-own-6-pack" from the grocery store or wine store as a thoughtful gift for the beer lover on your list.

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BONUS GIFT! Build a terrarium! This considerate gift is easily personalized. You can choose the shape and size of the terrarium, the plants that go in it, and even some special accessories for it. Terrariums are easy to take care of and require little maintenance so no green thumb is needed here.

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We hope this helps out with your holiday shopping! Everyone here at Garden Supply Company wishes you a Happy Holiday Season!

It’s That Time: Poinsettias are Here!

Bright Pink Poinsettia

Poinsettias: few other flowers are as synonymous with Christmas as this one! This plant was brought to the United States from Mexico in the 1828 by Joel Roberts Poinsett. In Mexico, this plant is a perennial shrub and can grow 10-15 feet tall. The part of poinsettias which most people think of as the flowers are actually colored bracts, or modified leaves. The flowers are the center of the bracts. To get the longest-lasting poinsettias, choose plants with little or no yellow pollen showing because the plant drops its bracts and leaves soon after losing their pollen. While poinsettias have long been rumored to be poisonous, this is not true. Ingesting the leaves of this plant will cause a child or pet to be sick with an upset stomach, vomiting and nausea, and they would have to eat 500 to 600 leaves to experience those side effects (and the leaves are not tasty). Despite that, it’s still best to be cautious about where you place house plants with pets and children in mind.

Red Poinsettia

There are over 100 varieties of poinsettias on the market, ranging from red to pink, white, and purple. The red variety is the most popular and traditional. Although most poinsettias sold in the US come from California and their sales contribute over $250 million to our economy, our Poinsettias are grown locally. They are the bestselling potted plant in the US, which most being sold in the six weeks leading up to Christmas.

Speckled Poinsettia

When bringing poinsettias home, make sure to place them poinsettias near sunny windows, or somewhere where they will receive plenty of sunshine. Be careful not to let the leaves of the plant press against the cold window panes, as they are tropical plants that dislike cold. They do not do well with very hot or cold drafts, so take care to keep them away from air registers and open windows or doors. Water only when soil feels dry and when watering, ensure that water soaks the soil down to the bottom of the pot, and then discard any excess water. If you plan on keeping your plant for several months, apply a soluble houseplant fertilizer for best results.

It is possible to keep your poinsettia going for longer than the Christmas season. You will need to care for it as you would any houseplant, and probably cut back the old flowering stems in February or March to maintain a good shape. Continue to fertilize the plant as needed.

For those who just want holiday blooms, take advantage of our “Dead or Alive” Program. Save the “Dead or Alive” tag and bring it back in the new year for a $5.00 discount on any house plant.

Our beautiful stock of Poinsettias is ready and waiting for you, so stop by and see us! Our knowledgeable staff can help you with any questions you have about caring for these festive flowers!

Get Ready for Our Holiday Workshops with Trevor Bey!

Holiday Workshop- Trevor Bey

Don’t miss our upcoming Holiday Workshops presented by Trevor Bey from Holiday Creation, Inc! Want to rev up your holiday decorations? Ready to wow your friends and family with dazzling displays? Trevor Bey is an incredible designer who can help you transform the way you think about decorating for Christmas. He’s an expert in his industry, having decorated public venues like Grove Park Inn in Asheville, the Panther’s Football Stadium in Charlotte, as well as a string of stores in the Bahamas as well as along the East Coast (including ours). He will teach you all the secrets of the pros!

Trevor will be teaching a number of classes for us in October and November and the October ones are listed below. To sign up for a class, stop by the Garden Center or call 919-460-7747. Registration is open and spots are limited—so don’t delay, sign up today!

November 6 (Thursday)-11:00 A.M. The Five Minute Bouquet-$35.00

For those of you who are skilled in decorating from taking previous workshops, this class is for you.  Trevor's new and simple tricks of the trade add up to a whole lot ideas to decorate almost everything in your home.

November 6 (Thursday)-6:00 P.M. Christmas Trees 101-$35.00. Limit 50

This "hands-on" workshop will cover ribbon and bow making, as well as the seven elements of design for decorating any style Christmas tree. Learn how to properly "fluff" your tree, shape picks and place prop pieces.  Leave class with your own DIY bow and all the knowledge to decorate a designer tree this holiday season.

November 7 (Friday)- 11:00 a.m. Christmas Trees 101- $35.00 Limit 50

This "hands-on" workshop will cover ribbon and bow making, as well as the seven elements of design for decorating any style Christmas tree. Learn how to properly "fluff" your tree, shape picks and place prop pieces.  Leave class with your own DIY bow and all the knowledge to decorate a designer tree this holiday season.

November 7 (Friday)-6:00 p.m. Deck the Halls-$35.00 Limit 50

This "Hands-On" workshop is all about learning the techniques to create simple swags and apply them to wreaths, bannisters, and mantels...from simple to elaborate, this class covers it all.

November 8 (Saturday)-10:00a.m.-3:00p.m., Weekend Workshop with Trevor Bey-$125.00-(includes lunch)

Join Trevor for an all day workshop covering everything you want to know about professional holiday decorating. Trevor will cover the basics of putting together a beautiful tree, mantel, wreath, garland and he will show you the magic of the 5-minute bouquet. Lunch is provided.

3 Halloween Traditions Explained

Jack o Lanterns

Halloween is right around the corner! To most of us, Halloween means costumes, candy, and pumpkins, but did you know that this holiday dates back about 2,000 years? It became popular in the early 1900’s, having been brought to America by Scottish and Irish immigrants. Halloween was first called Samhain, which means “summer’s end” in Gaelic and it marked the Celtic New Year. Ever wondered where some of our Halloween traditions have come from? Here are three explained:

Jack-o’-lanterns: The tradition of carving pumpkins for Halloween has its roots in Celtic folklore. The legend tells of a man named Jack who was unable to get into heaven or hell when he died, and his lost soul was condemned to wander purgatory. He used a lit turnip to light his way and the Celts believed that putting Jack-o’-lanterns outside their homes would help guide lost spirits when they wandered the streets. The Irish people originally carved turnips but had to resort to pumpkins when they came to the United States because turnips were scare here at that time.

Trick or treating: Trick or treating started in the 1930s and became a popular US custom in the 1950s. It’s not entirely clear where the US practice of dressing in costumes stems from, but it was believed in olden times that Halloween marked a time where the barrier between our world and the spirit world was the thinnest. It was thought that ghosts could cross into the world of the living and might disguise themselves as humans and knock on doors asking for food or money. People believed that if you turned them away with nothing, you the spirit could curse or haunt you.

Bobbing for apples: Apples used to be thought of as a sacred fruit that could be used to predict the future. Bobbing for them was a fortune-telling game where it was believed that the first person to get hold of an apple from the water would be the first to marry. If the bobber was able to catch an apple on their first try, it meant that they would get to experience true love. Those who took many tries to obtain an apple would have fickle and unreliable romantic experiences. Another belief was that if a girl put her apple under her pillow on Halloween night, she would get to dream about her future husband.

All of us at Garden Supply Company wish everyone a Happy Halloween! If you need a pumpkin or any decorations, stop by and see us!