Gardener Gifts

Folks are always asking me about gift ideas for gardeners. Here are some of our must-haves while working in the Greenhouse.

Find a nice durable tote, bucket, or basket that has a handle. Even better if it is mesh or has drainage.
Shop for a set of measuring spoons – plastic works best for measuring fertilizers, etc.
Find some garden twine. I like the kind that comes in a can with a cutter on the top. Can’t get tangled up. Or plastic plant ties. Again…. The kind with a cutter on the package.
Grab a roll of duct tape. Yep, even for gardeners, it’s true. Duct tape fixes a LOT of things.
Find a putty knife. It removes weeds between pavers; gets mud off boots.
Pliers. Cheap ones. They are great for pulling out stubborn weeds. They’re my “go to” for walnut seedlings that appear EVERYWHERE when our resident squirrels can’t remember where they put their winter stash.
Rooting hormone. I can NEVER find that little bottle when I need it.
Insect repellent – one with sunscreen preferably.
Hose washers (at Gary’s request).
Pruners. I like small ones around here. They’re great for deadheading or minor pruning.

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Rosemary-Infused Housecleaner

Vinegar has been used as a household cleaner for ages. Created by the fermentation of diluted alcohol products, vinegar features an acidity that makes it an amazing cleaner and disinfectant. However, it doesn’t smell that great. Use a few sprigs of rosemary from the garden and some lemon to create a lovely scented homemade cleaner!

You’ll need:

2 sprigs rosemary
Peels of 2 lemons
2 cups water
2 cups white vinegar
1 quart jar

To make:

Add all ingredients to your jar and let them rest for 10-14 days in a cool location to let the oils infuse. Once infusion is done, strain your ingredients and put the liquid into a spray bottle. If you prefer, you can keep the lemon and rosemary in the spray bottle.

Note: As with any acidic product, avoid using this cleaner on porous surfaces.

Need rosemary? Pick up a few plants here at the Greenhouse!

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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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!

Pot It Like It’s Hot!

The greenhouse is opening early this spring! We’re kicking off the season with a focus on houseplant TLC. Early spring is the best time to repot houseplants as it gives them the nutrients they will need for the beginning of their growth season. Depending on their growth activity, plants typically need to be repotted every 12 to 18 months. Some slow growers can call the same pot home for years and just require soil replenishment.

Bring your plants to the greenhouse and we can repot them for you with a minimal fee for soil and time. You can either bring your own pot or choose from the variety we have here!