A Note from Scott and Marsha
July 1, 2021
We don't know about you but we are enjoying the weather. Last week, the reprieve was glorious. Scott and I walked at 6:30am and had to grab sweatshirts! It was such a reminder to us why we moved to North Carolina from Florida. Even on days with the humidity, we still love it here. Seventy percent humidity is better than 100%, am I right? 

The other day, I called my daughter to check in on her and Halle, who I have nicknamed Wittle Wove. After an animated Facetime call, Erica chimes in with, "Mom! Have you seen the African Zebra Cobra around your place?"  

"Zebra Cobra? Do tell."  

WRAL in Raleigh was reporting all day about the missing Zebra Cobra that went missing from someone's home in Raleigh and how it's on the loose. It was last seen on a person's porch via their camera. Keep in mind, I am completely paraphrasing our conversation and if you want the full story, WRAL.com is your place for "all your local" news.  

Erica decides to fill me in on how deadly this snake is. "I wouldn't even survive a bite. There isn't even antivenom for this thing. And it can spit its venom and that can kill you too."

I do love her dramatics. It was adorable. But I haven't done the full research on this snake but my first question is, "Why is it here and not in Africa? Who owns this snake? Are there going to be repercussions with this?" Because I'm from Florida. We know how out of control Boa Constrictors are in the Everglades.  

It made me think of the time Scott almost fell out of the canoe on our lake here because he was convinced a Copperhead was in the boat with him. It also made me think of the video John brought to my office on his phone just last week.  

John proudly walks in and says, "The circle of life continues."  

"Circle of life? Do tell." 

I proceed to watch a video taken near our stone storage area of a very long black snake swallowing a mouse headfirst. Not only that but John was close enough that the video picked up the squeaking of the mouse. I kid you not. And he shared this with me because ...... blink, blink.

This is me traumatized by snakes this week. We have stories, living snakes and I do believe we have some snake plants if you're into that kind of thing. Me? Not so much. I'll just be over at The Potting Shed sucking down my Sunset Slush with a Moscato pour over and my feet off the ground watching for snakes. Squinty eyes.  
Georgia Peach Truck Returns!
Mark your calendars!
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
3:00-4:30PM
The Georgia Peach Truck returns with fresh juicy peaches and pecans!
Preorder here and save 10% with code FGS10!
GARDEN CENTER FEATURES
RARE HOUSEPLANTS
We received a shipment of some pretty rare houseplants and we are super excited about it! There are very unique and rare Hoyas, Anthuriums, Philodendrons and more. If you are quite the houseplant collector, check out this selection. You will be glad you did! Make sure to follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date with our rolling, ever-changing inventory!
BUTTERFLY BUSHES
In case you missed it, last week was National Pollinator Week. Did you know butterflies are pollinators? One way to attract them is with the aptly named Butterfly Bush. Depending on the variety, Butterfly Bushes can grow to 2 feet in height and width or up to 10 feet! In the late winter or early fall, you will cut it back nearly to the ground and it will grow back just as lovely the following year.
ROSE OF SHARON
A Rose of Sharon is a low-maintenance Hibiscus shrub that blooms from summer through fall. This variety, Pollypetite is an absolute stunner. The pale pink-purplish flowers are gorgeous, and since this is a dwarf variety, there are multiple options where you could use it in your garden or landscape. Plant in full sun for the most blooms.
Potting Shed & Food Truck Schedule
The Potting Shed
Friday 12-4:30p
Saturday 12-4:30p
Sunday 12-4:30p
If we have inclement weather, we will close The Potting Shed, so make sure to follow our social media (Instagram or Facebook) for updates!

Food Trucks
El Jefecito
Saturday, June 3, 11AM-3PM
Enjoy tacos, burritos, quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and popusas done right (aka, DELICIOUS!)

Gussy's
Sunday, July 4, 11AM-3PM
Gussys serves up homemade, authentic Greek street food made from the heart.

Terrarium Garden Class
Saturday, July 10, 11 AM – 1 PM
Enjoy a tasty lunch catered by Southern Harvest as we present terrarium soil building, design principles, and maintenance. After lunch, you will get creative and make your own terrarium garden! You’ll practically be a terrarium guru by the time you leave! Space is limited to 20 participants so please register early! All materials and lunch are included.
This class will take place in the Robin’s Nest!
Cost is $60 per participant.
PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
Presenter: Debbi Barrett, FGS Plant Coach
Summer Floral Arrangement Class
Sunday, July 11, 10AM
A cutting garden is an area of the garden with flowers that are suitable and intended for a table arrangement. In this class, you will learn how to design a beautiful arrangement with flowers that you may have in your garden!
Cost is $20 per participant (includes all supplies).
PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.
Registration without payment will be disregarded.
Presenter: Lindsay Carr, FGS Associate
EMPLOYEE OF THE WEEK
Meet AmberLeigh Blevins!
Role: Landscape Administrative Assistant
Started at FGS: June 2020
Ice Cream: Cookies and Cream
TV Show: Steven Universe
Plant: Pink Lady Peperomia
Last Book Read: Given, Natsuki Kizu
Food: Lay's Ranch Potato Chips with Hot Pace Salsa

AmberLeigh joined us in the midst of the pandemic last year, and she didn't miss a beat. Even though her experience was outside our industry, she has worked endlessly to learn our processes and all the plants our designers use in their designs. She is a self-proclaimed big kid, but that is part of what we love about her. She always has a snack to share and picks the best places for lunch takeout! If you visit our landscape and lawn maintenance offices, her smiling face is the first you will see! So stop in and say hi sometime!
Plant Tip of the Week:
You may notice some of your herbs "bolting"--going to seed. For some herbs, this is a good and normal thing. For others, you may want to cut back flowers as soon as you see them for the benefit of the herb and its flavor. We found this helpful article that will hopefully answer questions you have about your herbs bolting or flowering.
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For Garden's Sake | 919.484.9759| www.fgsdurham.com