A Note from Scott and Marsha
October 15, 2020
I hope this story finds all of you enjoying cinnamon spice everything and porches decorated beautifully with gorgeous pumpkins, mums, pansies and more! My porch is a hot mess right now between fall and Labor Day. There is something about leaving my American flag banner and wreath hanging that is totally ruining my vibe. I'm seriously going to have to take it down now that I think about it and stop procrastinating. It's hard to fit everything in that I want to do over the weekend. There just isn't enough time, right?  

In the meantime, Scott and I were at the garden center this past weekend checking out another project we are working on. Even though it was overcast and rainy weather was predicted, the garden center was still bustling with customers making the most of an afternoon.  

As we were bouncing around on the golf cart, our son Spencer called and told us we needed to get back to the garden center immediately as there was a "situation" and call 911. My phone rang again and it was Julia reporting the same!  

The short story and lesson for all of us is you can't drive onto public property and as a passenger, throw yourself out the sunroof, roll in the parking lot and take off running without attracting attention. It is also not recommended to proceed into a public shopping area ripping off your shirt and scaring the patrons.  I kid you not. We can't make this stuff up.  

With some kind words and patience, everything worked out fine in the garden. The pansies all breathed a sigh of relief, the mums stood back to attention and the goats finished their grazing. 

Let this be a reminder to us all that patience can go a long way in someone's life, as does kindness. Like the sign in The Potting Shed says:  Kindness is like glitter. Sprinkle that stuff everywhere!

Come see us this weekend because the forecast is low 60's, the garden is full, and guess what? We have a new Sunset Slush flavor--Iced Coffee.  Y'all.  You might seriously run through the garden attracting your own attention from your excitement! Between all we have green and that?! It's going to be a magical weekend with glitter everywhere!  
COMING EVENT:
On Friday, October 23, 6-9PM we will have live music from the award-winning acoustic guitar duo, Melonbelly. If you have been aching to get out and do something fun on a Friday night, this event is for you! The music will be down by the pond, with plenty of room in our green space to spread out for social distancing. Come hungry and thirsty because we will have food trucks and The Potting Shed will be open. This family-friendly event has limited space due to social distancing guidelines, so don’t wait to register! We only have 2 VIP sections remaining. We can’t wait to enjoy music in the garden with you!
IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD...
The Garden Center is now open at 10am on Sundays.
The Potting Shed opens at 11am.
Get your green, pumpkins, mums, and mimosas an hour earlier!
See you Sunday!
GARDEN CENTER FEATURES
JUDY'S HOUSE PLANT PICK
Tillandsia is Judy's pick of the week. Also called Air Plants, Tillandsia is special because they do not have to be in soil to live. They do require more than just air to survive, however, despite their name. Bright light, and a weekly soaking keep them happy. Tillandsia come in so many shapes and sizes and can be happy just about anywhere with enough light. Display them on their own, or place them in a container or glass globe.
HINOKI CYPRESS
Hinoki Cypress is an excellent tree with its beautiful evergreen foliage, height and dense growth. Some varieties grow up to 100 feet tall, but no worries, it is slow growing. There are also dwarf varieties, like Gold Mop that only grow to about 5 feet. Hinoki Cypress love humidity, making them ideal for our summer weather. Plant in an area with good drainage and light. Enjoy the delightful and calming aroma from the natural oils present in the foliage.
FALL FILL, THRIL, SPILL
Whether you are refreshing your existing containers, or you are planting for the first time, we have all you need to create the fill, thrill, spill effect in your containers. Use mini shrubs for the thrill, pansies and ornamental kale for the fill, and vinca or Creeping Jenny for the spill. Whether you need plants for sun or shade, we have varieties that will weather the winter temperatures and last until spring!
On Saturdays and some Sundays, we will have food trucks to enjoy! Pair a yummy meal with a cold beverage or treat from The Potting Shed, and you have the perfect combination for a fun fall afternoon. Enjoy here or pick up a meal to take home after picking out pumpkins, pansies and mums at the Garden Center! Who loves fall?? See the Food Truck Schedule here. :)
Saturday, October 17, 10:00am-11:30am
How do mosquitoes find us, why do they bite us, and what exactly are they? Learn how certain practices in our gardens can cause us to have more of them, how you can prevent that, as well as natural ways to control them. Leading this class will be Chris Hayes, a Research Assistant with the Department of Entomology at NC State. There is no fee for this class.
Presenter: Chris Hayes/NCSU Register here today!
Wednesday, October 21, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Growing plants in containers on your balcony or patio allows you to create a space that is both relaxing and rewarding. Let us show you how to successfully grow food, flowers, trees and shrubs in your available space. The Potting Shed will be open serving mimosas, wine, ciders, seltzers and beer. There is no fee for this class. Space is limited so register today.
Presenter: Debbi Barrett/FGS Plant Coach Register here today!
Is there a spot in your lawn or landscape that is an eyesore? You can screen it with the right shrub! If you aren't sure which shrubs are best for screening, we're here for you. Check out this post for suggestions!

Speaking of shrubs, if you missed it a few weeks ago, we recommended which shrubs are best to add to your garden to get fall color. Add beautiful hues to your fall landscape!
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com