A Note from Scott and Marsha
July 16, 2020
Here we are .... does anyone know how it turned into the middle of July? Blink. Blink. I feel like all the times my elders would say, "As you age, time goes faster and faster." In those moments with three kids, I would think, "There is no way that is possible!" as some days would drag on with fussing and sibling rivalry! Here is me now admitting how fast time flies, and I am living it.  

I remember hearing this from one of my favorite clients, Raymond Randall. I have shared how we met him, and he began using our lawn maintenance services in the past. Nate, our previous maintenance manager, met Raymond in his yard when Nate discovered he had fallen off his scooter in the lawn. Nate stopped and helped him "get back in the saddle" and there you go. Fast friends to us all.  

I particularly had a soft spot for Raymond as he reminded me so much of my father who passed almost four years ago. I would visit with Raymond and listen to his stories. He absolutely loved sharing Airforce stories, talking politics and gardening.

Raymond was born in 1929 in Delaware. After attaining his Masters and working several years, he decided to join the Airforce. He was stationed all over the world and achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his time in the Pacific, he met his beautiful wife, Hisako. They enjoyed 59 beautiful years together and he loved to garden in her memory.  He loved his family and would share stories about them. He offered encouragement and words of wisdom each time we met. His office was full of memorabilia like genealogy and his coin and stamp collection. He was a sponge. He was endearing to everyone he met and spread cheer with his smile and endless jokes. Together forever, Ray and Hisako will be placed in the columbarium at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Fortunately, his daughter, Roberta, phoned and I was able to visit with Raymond before he passed and say goodbye. With most clients, you have to keep it on a professional level, right? Raymond was different. He allowed people into his world, his life. Holding his hand, rubbing his chest and telling him we would certainly care for his flowers and lawn so he could rest was a true privilege. Sometimes we don't always get our services right no matter how hard we try. We won't always please everyone. But this one? This one was right. Lawns, landscaping and plants? It's just "stuff." Don't get me wrong - it's important. But the heart connection, the encouragement, the human connection and kindness to one another is what matters and carries us from day to day.  

Raymond, you are already missed. Rest in peace, my friend.  Thank you for sharing your life and allowing us in. You certainly were a blooming spot in our world.
The Garden Center will be CLOSED this Monday, July 20 for our associates to complete inventory. We will reopen Tuesday, July 21 at 10AM. Thanks for understanding! Come see us this weekend!
JUDY'S HOUSE PLANT PICK
For an easy going and beautiful houseplant, choose Sansevieria! Judy did! :) Sansevieria, also known as a Snake Plant, enjoy medium light and drying out between waterings. Too much attention can be harmful to these lovelies. We have many different varieties in stock right now, including the hard-to-find Moonshine and Rocket varieties. We also have a wide variety of sizes, from plants reaching nearly four feet tall to 2 inch planters.
ANNUAL CONTAINERS
If your containers need a refresh and you don't want to take the time, we have many different annual containers that are already planted and ready to go. Whether you need containers for shade or sun, we have what you are looking for. Maybe your containers or garden just need an additional pop or two of color? We also have gorgeous new 6 inch annuals--vinca, lantana, pentas and more! Keep your summer color going strong!
THUJA LIME DELIGHT
Thuja Lime Delight is a striking specimen plant that will grow as tall as 6 feet and only 3 feet wide. You will love the foliage that grows yellow in the spring and matures to lime green. The fabulous foliage will stay this color through the winter, adding color and beauty to your landscape year-round. Plant in full-sun to part shade. It can handle dry or moist soil conditions, but will be happiest where it is a little sheltered from wind.
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 21! 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 on 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 as well as 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 .
Watering is crucial to your plants' happiness this summer! While we have enjoyed some rain, you will need to water your plants to keep them healthy and thriving. The extreme heat is also straining on plants, so watering is more crucial than ever. Read this post about watering when the temps are blazing for best practices.

Summer is happy time for houseplants! If you need some tips on how to best care for your houseplants during summer, this post is for you!
"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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We post daily to Instagram @fgsdurham (Garden Center) and @fgslandscapes (Landscape and Lawn Maintenance) and Facebook to keep you up to speed with the latest information about what we are up to, what's in stock, or all the fun we're having!
For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com