A Note from Scott and Marsha
October 3, 2019
When we aren't navigating the seasons and plants, we are navigating people. And when it isn't people, it's the animals.  Recently, we moved the goats from their pen to the lake area and the cemetery on the property to tidy up the vegetation. Who knew what a benefit they would be! We have struggled with keeping the vegetation from hiding the beauty of these areas, and they cleaned it out lickety-split!  You can see all the way across the lake and to the edges. It's just so open right now. We love it. The goats really are glorified lawn mowers. They will eat just about anything. Did you know they will completely clean a field of poison ivy unharmed? Unbelievable. But we don't love everything the goats do.  

Meet Spruce, the bully in the bunch. He is the one pushing or ramming the other goats out of the way to get your animal cracker offerings. If one of the goats were going to cause a raucous on the playground or try to nibble your shirt because you were standing too close to the fence, it would be Spruce.  

One morning, my text conversation with Sean went something like this:

Sean: Spruce and Maple are vandals. It breaks my heart to see goats gone this bad.
Marsha: No, they are. I clearly adopted the worst goats ever.
Sean: Don't say its true.
Me: It's true. Facts.  

Seriously. Look at him. He is sticking his tongue out at me. He thinks he is king, and I think that goat could never, EVER work at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC (and yes, they do use goats there , too). He would end up in a stew if he thought he could go around acting all high and mighty like he does! And trust me. I have thought about him in a stew when he is ornery and contrary. When you try to feed the goats, he is the first to start shoving everyone out of the way. He really is a brat. And that is simply being nice with my language at the moment. So when you are having a bad day at work, a co-worker is driving you crazy and you can't get anything done, think of Spruce. In fact, I'd be willing to rent him out for the day just so you could have a check on your perspective. And when you try to catch him? He runs zigzag and determined you will not catch him. He's just ... a beast.  

But don't let that stop you from coming for a visit, picking up some green and orange and feeding all the goats, even Spruce. But if he nibbles your shirt, well, I can't help you with that. You were forewarned!  
JUDY'S HOUSEPLANT PICK
When someone comes into the Garden Center looking for the easiest plant, Judy steers them towards the ZZ (actually Zamioculcas Zamiifolia--now you see why it is called ZZ) . The glossy dark green leaves are happy even in low light conditions, and ZZs need water very infrequently. They can also tolerate medium to bright indirect light. The ZZ is truly versatile and beautiful.
LIGUSTRUM 'SWIFT CREEK' SHRUB
This gorgeous variegated shrub can grow to be as tall as 8 feet! You can easily keep it trimmed, and it will be perfect staying between 4-6 feet in both height and width. The color of this Privet is what makes it such a stunner. It contrasts beautifully next to plants with dark green foliage. Plant it in sun or part shade. The Ligustrum 'Swift Creek' is drought tolerant and low maintenance.
MUMS, MUMS, MUMS
So nice we said it thrice. And because we have so many colors and sizes to choose from. Whether you want to add mums to your fall containers or snag a few for your fall porch decor, we are sure to have the mums you are looking for. Our mums have that lovely dome shape you want for your mum display. Did you know you can also keep mums inside (if you have bright light)? They are the highest ranked air-purifiers! Who knew?!
A ctivity Hours 10AM-3PM

Join us as we welcome fall! The Garden Center will be fully stocked with pumpkins, mums, pansies, shrubs, trees, and perennials. The bar will be open with wine, hard cider, mimosas, and spiced mead. We'll have LIVE MUSIC, games , pumpkin painting , face painting , food trucks and more! Check out specifics and vendor details on our Events Page !
WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Saturday, October 12, 2019 
10AM – 11AM
Create a colorful fall container garden that will show off all season. Learn simple techniques and unleash your creativity! Fee includes all supplies to build a 12” container garden.  Fee $35   REGISTER here . 
Presenter: Debbi Barrett, For Garden’s Sake


TRUNK OR TREAT
Saturday, October 26
5-7:30PM
Our first annual Trunk or Treat is going to be a blast, and you won't want to miss it! WE NEED YOU to sign up to decorate your trunk and hand out candy!! You can win prizes awarded by celebrity judges, Willie Parker (retired Pittsburgh Steeler), Jatovi McDuffie (On-field Promotions for Durham Bulls), and Olaf (well, you know who Olaf is). We also want you to bring your kids for the costume parade and the treats ( please RSVP )! We can't wait!
Our  blog   is updated weekly with posts to educate and help you bring green home. October is here (the temps will catch up eventually). Here is your October Lawn and Garden To Do List . Have you updated you containers for fall yet? Read about how to create your own Fall Thrill-Fill-Spill containers. You can also sign up for our Fall Container Design workshop on October 12.
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com