A Note from Scott and Marsha
July 23, 2020
We aren't complaining about the weather this week. We enjoyed such a gorgeous, extended spring that it simply wouldn't be fair to say anything negative about the intense heat or that it felt like 108 degrees yesterday. Nope. Not saying a word about the completely soaked t-shirts of our staff as they drip and wipe their brows. Wink, wink. 

Remember in the past when I said winter is for projects? Well, sometimes summer is for projects, too. We need additional shade at the garden center and after much thought and research, I decided why can't we use the natural shade we have off of Hwy 751?  Then I decided this would be so easy to do and surely two guys could clean out the woods in a day. Ok, maybe two days at most. I am the QUEEN of oversimplifying things.  

Apparently, I was misinformed as Jack, our Landscape Operations Manager, kindly says this kind of project would easily require a 3-4 man crew for at least 2-3 days to clean all the underbrush out. Sigh.  

Well, one morning I was flipping through Facebook Marketplace and I saw this machine at a company that does NC forestry clearing. My wheels immediately spin. I look up his ad and google a video on the machine. BOOM. This is exactly what we needed!  

I contacted my new-found friend, Randy, and asked his rates and if he can come.   Tomorrow.   Seriously, I am like this, and it is truly a wonder Scott tolerates me. Of course, Randy "happens" to be available the next morning. I run the numbers, bounce up and down, excited about the savings and joyfully share with Scott my plan after his glass of wine at the end of the day. Insert his eye roll here and his response, "Whatever you think is best."   Good answer, good answer.

Needless to say, in three hours the next morning, our new shade space was cleared and ready for the next steps. Randy might be my new best friend. I just love heavy equipment and its usefulness. This is going to be AWESOME and now that everyone can actually see the open space a bit better, everyone is thrilled with the potential vision! Stay tuned because we are creating more space for shade plants and for you to enjoy, too. This area may be the new favorite!  

In the meantime, don't hesitate to stop by, watch the progress and pick up more green for your home. Don't forget your water bottle, your sun hat and a cool, damp rag to wipe your face. Or grab a cold drink or Sunset Slush from The Potting Shed, Thursday-Sunday, 12-5PM! See you in the garden soon! 
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GARDEN CENTER FEATURES
JUDY'S HOUSE PLANT PICK
Calling all pet lovers! Judy's pick this week is for you! Did you know many houseplants are toxic to pets? Calathea are pet-friendly, beautiful houseplants that love humidity and medium light. Many of the varieties look as though their foliage was painted! Some of the favorite varieties we have in stock now are Peacock and Velvet Touch. Calathea can be a challenge to care for, so we did share tips for caring for Calathea . More varieties arrive this week!
HEAT-LOVING SEDUM
Do you have plants struggling in the heat? Well, we have plants that love and thrive in the heat of summer. Sedum is an outdoor succulent that grows in a variety of shapes and colors. Plant different varieties in a container or directly in your garden where there is really good drainage. They won't like moist soil. Varieties in stock include Tricolor, Lime Zinger, Goldilocks, Angelina, Blue Leaf, Blue Spruce and Little Miss Sunshine. :)
STAR
JASMINE
Star Jasmine can be grown as a climber or as a ground cover. However you choose to grow it, you will enjoy the sweet scented white blooms in the summer and the evergreen foliage in the winter. You can use Star Jasmine to add privacy or cover a fence. When you first plant it, make sure to water it very well until it is well-established. Once it is, Star Jasmine is very easy to maintain. Plant in full sun for the most flowers!
G ARDEN CENTER SALES
ALL 4-INCH ANNUALS ARE NOW 50% OFF!
Tropical Tuesdays
Every Tuesday in July and August
Save 10% on any of our houseplants on every Tuesday in July and August! Our next Tropical Tuesday is July 28! We are open 9AM-5PM!


Wednesday, July 29, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Besides the wonderful flavor of herbs, there are also many potential health benefits. Join us Wednesday evening, July 29th from 6:00-7:30pm, as we discuss how to dry herbs as well as sample two delicious recipes: a goat cheese dip with rosemary and olive oil with herbs de Provence. The cost of this class is $30 and each participant will go home with five of their own herbs and the recipes for both dips. The Potting Shed will be open selling wine, mimosas, beer, cider, hard seltzer and Sunset Slush. Bring a friend and enjoy a fun evening in our Garden Center under the market lights! Presenter: Aurora Cloutier/FGS  Register here today!

Saturday, August 15, 10:00am-11:00am
Yes, you can grow roots and shoots in the cool seasons here in the Triangle. Learn about how to plan your garden and manage plants for maximum productivity. One of Durham’s Extension Master Gardeners will tell you exactly what you need to know to grow veggies in late fall and early spring. There is no fee for this class. Register  here .
It's pretty warm outside, so you may not want to sweat it out planting trees and shrubs, but did you know that you can plant year-round in our area? That includes summer! If you are planning to plant trees or shrubs this summer, this post offers best practices. You just need to make sure to water your new plants really well.

Speaking of watering, if you missed it last week, we reminded you that extreme heat is a strain on plants, so watering is more crucial than ever. Read this post about watering when the temps are blazing for best practices.
"THE POTTING SHED" IS OPEN
THURSDAY-SUNDAY!
"THE POTTING SHED" will be open Thursday-Sunday this week serving beer, wine, cider, seltzer, mimosas and Sunset Slush!! Sunset Slush is a smooth Italian ice that can be enjoyed by all ages! It is dairy-free, gluten-free, full of flavor and amazingly refreshing! Adults can enjoy Sunset Slush topped with white wine or champagne for a cold and delicious adult treat! We have multiple flavors available. Enjoy a cold beverage as you shop with plenty of space for social distancing! Click HERE for hours and menu.
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com