Here we go again with more weather extremes. I would certainly like to complain about a hurricane, but we have been so dry for weeks now that we will not complain. We will enjoy the rain washing down all the dust and allowing us a break from watering! Nothing beats the smell of a fresh rain when it hasn't rained for weeks.

There is also nothing like walking down memory lane. This image might be one of the first years we had pumpkins and did a fall festival day. Honestly, we didn't know what we were doing. I am all about winging it and sometimes that goes well and sometimes it really goes bad.

Our first fall festival was unpredictable. Our customer base was much smaller and most people didn't know who we were. Sometimes that is still the case with all the newbies moving into our area. But the first festival? Oh lawd.

Getting Mrs. Davis, the previous owner of FGS, on board was the easy part. She was thrilled and, gosh, I miss her encouragement some days. We had free pony rides. We had a free hayride. We had face painting. I can't remember if we had food or not. But we ran out of parking. And it was hands-down one of the best/worst days ever! All you have to do is post FREE and it turns into a carnival right quick. It was awesome, but plants? What are those?

The second year, we made a few modifications that we thought would help. We decided if we didn't offer free pony rides, maybe that would help offset the overall cost of hosting the fall event. It was going well until the birthday party showed up, reserving picnic tables with cake and balloons, and the family reunion that showed up and sat in the handicap spot in camp chairs. And we won't even talk about the father who lost it because we were charging for rides this year unlike last year. It was still awesome, but plants? What are those?

Third year, I think we stopped, re-grouped, and re-evaluated what our core values and mission are. We are here to educate people and pass the gardening bug to the community. Putting all our energy into one day a year was not a good long-term plan. Plants and pumpkins seemed the better combination. But check out when this field was full of big trees! LOL!

It really came down to one question as we moved forward from year to year. Ultimately: who are we? A year or two later with the help of many hands, opinions, and ideas from an ever-changing staff, we decided to adopt a "You've never shopped for plants at a place like this before" slogan, along with #bringgreenhome. I will say it over and over: it takes a village.

So today, we sling pumpkins and decorate. We have fun every fall weekend with events, music, food trucks (fingers crossed each week that they will arrive), classes, and smiles galore! It's fall y'all and we are here for it!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: This weekend's events have been postponed due to the unpredictable weather from Hurricane Ian. Please check our social media for any updates.

Fee is $15/person, includes a river stone humidity tray

Food Truck: Mr. Wingz and Mrs. Thingz

Admission is FREE - there is no cost to participate or watch! No advanced registration is necessary. Please keep teams limited to 2-4 players.

Fee is $75/person, includes all workshop materials you’ll need to create your very own bonsai, an introductory book, a detailed after care guide for your new tree, and light snacks

PAYMENT AT TIME OF REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to hold your spot.

CLICK HERE to see the full job descriptions and apply!

What will you include in your Fall Container this year?

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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're up to, what's in stock, or all the fun we're having!