Callery Pear Trees

(Pyrus calleryana) Varieties like Bradford and Chanticleer have been promoted for years as fast-growing spring blooming trees. The one in our front yard here at Back Home had to be one of the biggest in the state of Virginia before we finally took it down. It had a circumference of 6 ft. or more at its base. So what’s all the uproar about these trees now?

First, they are brittle and famous for splitting (and they’re ugly after that). Second, genetic testing has revealed that when a Bradford hybridizes with other cultivars, an invasive wild hybrid with beautiful blooms results. This hybrid has been taking over the countryside. It sets fruit and it has thorns. Once they become established, they’re almost impossible to remove.

Our advice? Find a reputable nursery to recommend to you some spring blooming specimens. I’m partial to redbuds, but there are many more.

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S’Mores 6 Ways

Summer is the time for running barefoot in the grass, playing in the sprinkler, and staying up well past the time the stars have come out. It’s also the best time of year for toasting marshmallows around a backyard campfire. Enjoy your favorite past time with these new S’Mores variations!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries S’Mores
Squeeze a little healthy fruit into your decadent campfire treat with this S’Mores option.
Graham cracker + chocolate + sliced strawberries + chocolate + marshmallow + graham cracker = Yum!

Bit ‘O Honey S’Mores
If you love sugar cookies, you’re going to drool over this tasty variation!
Sugar cookie + marshmallow + honey + sugar cookie = Oh man!

Birthday Cake S’Mores
It’s everyone’s special day with this yummy option!
Graham cracker + vanilla frosting + cake sprinkles + chocolate + graham cracker = Whoa!

Sweet ‘N’ Tart S’Mores
This decadent option is guaranteed to satisfy all the foodies at the fire pit!
Molasses cookie + marshmallow + lemon curd = That thing deserves a Michelin Star!

Fluffer Nutter S’Smores
This nostalgia-inducing recipe will be a hit with the entire family.
Graham cracker + marshmallow cream + peanut butter + chocolate + graham cracker = Delicious!

Mallow Monster
This is the king of all S’Mores! You may not be able to eat more than one, but you’ll have fun trying.
Rice Krispy Treat + marshmallow + chocolate bar + Rich Krispy Treat = Oh. My. Word.

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Oh Chamomile!

We have lots – and we mean LOTS – of chamomile here at the greenhouse, because we know how great this stuff is! Did you know that chamomile tea has been shown to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes, slow and prevent osteoporosis, reduce inflammation, and help folks sleep?

To make tea with fresh flowers, you’ll need 3-4 tbsps of fresh chamomile flowers, a fresh sprig of mint, 8 ounces of boiling water and a fine mesh strainer. Pour the boiling water over your flowers and mint and allow to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain your tea into a cup and enjoy!

Stop by the greenhouse and pick some beautiful (and delicious) chamomile today! Visit our blog for more gardening tidbits!

Rusty Antique Chic

You all know how we love our unique planters here at the greenhouse, and boy, did we find some treasures to use this year! From vintage toolboxes to old toy trucks, we’ll be creating some new and exciting container plants this year. Some will be available for sell so you can either pick one up or use ours as inspiration to create your own!

Strings N Things

We have always loved pearl string succulents and have decided to expand our selection. NEW varieties include hearts, dolphins, bananas, buttons, and ruby necklace. We’ll even have one called Burrito – aka “burros tail”. You’ll know why when you see it.

String succulents have grown in popularity over the years likely due to their low-maintenance care requirements and their flexibility. You can group them with other vertical succulent varieties or hang them in little wall pockets. The options are endless. Come check them out!