http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/ Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:16:33 -0700 MyBB http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=33 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:56:57 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=33 From the clear, golden yellow of Ash trees (Fraxinus), to the bright, fiery reds of Burning Bushes (Euonymus alata), and all sorts of hues in between, it's certainly a joyful experience to see all those ethereal colors throughout the Carolinas.
Of course the best thing about it is all those colors can be found in your own back yard if you choose the correct plants.
Starting in the beginning of September we will have exactly what you need to plant some Autumn color, so come check it out while the selection is good.

Of course if you need some inspiration and ideas of what looks good when planted together you sure don't need to drive very far to find it!
Here's a couple of sites you may find interesting to give you a little taste of what Mother Nature (and some nice photography) can accomplish.

Check out Diana Fields' Fall Photos

Here's some more on Flickr]]> From the clear, golden yellow of Ash trees (Fraxinus), to the bright, fiery reds of Burning Bushes (Euonymus alata), and all sorts of hues in between, it's certainly a joyful experience to see all those ethereal colors throughout the Carolinas.
Of course the best thing about it is all those colors can be found in your own back yard if you choose the correct plants.
Starting in the beginning of September we will have exactly what you need to plant some Autumn color, so come check it out while the selection is good.

Of course if you need some inspiration and ideas of what looks good when planted together you sure don't need to drive very far to find it!
Here's a couple of sites you may find interesting to give you a little taste of what Mother Nature (and some nice photography) can accomplish.

Check out Diana Fields' Fall Photos

Here's some more on Flickr]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=32 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:56:36 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=32 The first, and most obvious trait, is of course the beautiful blooms that they produce in the Summertime.




These showstoppers also have beautiful Fall color though, with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows highlighting the landscape



After the stunning Fall color and they drop their leaves is when the pretty peeling bark can be seen in all it's glory.



as well as the interesting seed pods that have been left behind



The seed pods will persist throughout the Winter if left untouched, providing a break from monotous Winter landscapes, and in the Spring the whole show gets ready to commence again.

The other thing that makes these plants such a valuable addition is the amount of variety available these days.
There are several colors available, from pleasant pinks to shocking reds, and everything in between, as well as sizes to suit every situation.
From dwarf varieties that will only get a few feet tall, up to large trees that make a magnificent specimen.

So don't rule out crape Myrtles for your next yard project. They may well be a cliché, but they have certainly proven their worth in many yards throughout the Carolinas!]]> The first, and most obvious trait, is of course the beautiful blooms that they produce in the Summertime.




These showstoppers also have beautiful Fall color though, with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows highlighting the landscape



After the stunning Fall color and they drop their leaves is when the pretty peeling bark can be seen in all it's glory.



as well as the interesting seed pods that have been left behind



The seed pods will persist throughout the Winter if left untouched, providing a break from monotous Winter landscapes, and in the Spring the whole show gets ready to commence again.

The other thing that makes these plants such a valuable addition is the amount of variety available these days.
There are several colors available, from pleasant pinks to shocking reds, and everything in between, as well as sizes to suit every situation.
From dwarf varieties that will only get a few feet tall, up to large trees that make a magnificent specimen.

So don't rule out crape Myrtles for your next yard project. They may well be a cliché, but they have certainly proven their worth in many yards throughout the Carolinas!]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=31 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:36:25 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=31


Our favorite Summer bug is starting to appear around the Piedmont area again, and people are already uttering those oft repeated words at this time of year:
"How do I get rid of these things!!?"

Well, here's a rundown of some of your solutions:
Chemical Treatments:
One of the most effective chemicals for getting rid of these pests is Sevin, available either as a powder or as a spray. This is a contact insecticide, and as such should only be used once beetles have been seen attacking your plants, it will also need to be reapplied after any significant rainfall. Kill rate, however, is quick and effective.
Systemic Insect Killer can also be used on any non-food crops. Using systemic products will tend to give more long term coverage, but the beetles must ingest the poison before it is effective and so therefore will have already done some damage before being killed.
Organic alternatives to traditional synthetic chemicals are also available.
Safer Soap is one such example, and again this is a contact killer, so the beetles will have to actually touch it for it to work, so repeated spraying may be necessary.

Another method of control is to use beetle traps.
These traps usually have a pheromone and/or floral bait attached to them which attracts the beetles. They then simply get stuck in the trap for you to dispose of at your convenience.

Another good method for small amounts of these pests is mechanical control.
In other words..........Squish them!!

Finally, the best long term solution is to use Milky Spore.
This is a bacteria which specifically targets the grubs of Japanese beetles, and once it takes effect can keep them at bay for up to 20 years!
A word of caution though:
It is best to get your neighbourhood involved in applying milky spore for absolute effectiveness, because guess what happens if your next door neighbour doesn't do it?
That's right, their beetles may pay your yard a visit!]]>


Our favorite Summer bug is starting to appear around the Piedmont area again, and people are already uttering those oft repeated words at this time of year:
"How do I get rid of these things!!?"

Well, here's a rundown of some of your solutions:
Chemical Treatments:
One of the most effective chemicals for getting rid of these pests is Sevin, available either as a powder or as a spray. This is a contact insecticide, and as such should only be used once beetles have been seen attacking your plants, it will also need to be reapplied after any significant rainfall. Kill rate, however, is quick and effective.
Systemic Insect Killer can also be used on any non-food crops. Using systemic products will tend to give more long term coverage, but the beetles must ingest the poison before it is effective and so therefore will have already done some damage before being killed.
Organic alternatives to traditional synthetic chemicals are also available.
Safer Soap is one such example, and again this is a contact killer, so the beetles will have to actually touch it for it to work, so repeated spraying may be necessary.

Another method of control is to use beetle traps.
These traps usually have a pheromone and/or floral bait attached to them which attracts the beetles. They then simply get stuck in the trap for you to dispose of at your convenience.

Another good method for small amounts of these pests is mechanical control.
In other words..........Squish them!!

Finally, the best long term solution is to use Milky Spore.
This is a bacteria which specifically targets the grubs of Japanese beetles, and once it takes effect can keep them at bay for up to 20 years!
A word of caution though:
It is best to get your neighbourhood involved in applying milky spore for absolute effectiveness, because guess what happens if your next door neighbour doesn't do it?
That's right, their beetles may pay your yard a visit!]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=30 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:52:26 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=30 The products include Miracle Gro Shake 'n Feed + Weed Preventer, and Scott's Turfbuilder Max.
More information on these nationwide recalls can be found on the Scott's Miracle Gro website, as well as instructions for returning unused product.]]> The products include Miracle Gro Shake 'n Feed + Weed Preventer, and Scott's Turfbuilder Max.
More information on these nationwide recalls can be found on the Scott's Miracle Gro website, as well as instructions for returning unused product.]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=29 Tue, 13 May 2008 06:14:09 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=29 There are so many great choices that no matter what situation you have, your sure to find some beautiful color that will work for you, and the great thing is, that because they're proven winners, you know they'll perform the way they're supposed to.
Whether your looking for a beautiful container combo to brighten up your entryway
[attachment=2]
or you need a fresh look to add some awesome curb appeal
[attachment=3]
there is a Proven Winners plant just waiting for you!]]> There are so many great choices that no matter what situation you have, your sure to find some beautiful color that will work for you, and the great thing is, that because they're proven winners, you know they'll perform the way they're supposed to.
Whether your looking for a beautiful container combo to brighten up your entryway
[attachment=2]
or you need a fresh look to add some awesome curb appeal
[attachment=3]
there is a Proven Winners plant just waiting for you!]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=28 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:34:02 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=28 The best approach is to use a systemic insect killer, as the scale have a hard outer shell which often times will defeat a contact insecticide. Using a systemic killer, however, will ensure that, as they are sucking on the sap within your plants, they ingest the poison at the same time.
Be aware however, that even after the scale are dead they may still stay stuck to your plant. Often times a good wash down will cure that ailment though.

Want a less toxic alternative?
Summer oil can be used with caution, and an area of your plant should be tested first to make sure the oil isn't going to damage the foliage.
Also consider good old ladybugs, who will not only feast on scale, but many other insects too.
Also, deterring ants will often make way for other natural scale predators. When ants are present they will protect the scale so that they can harvest their honeydew.]]> The best approach is to use a systemic insect killer, as the scale have a hard outer shell which often times will defeat a contact insecticide. Using a systemic killer, however, will ensure that, as they are sucking on the sap within your plants, they ingest the poison at the same time.
Be aware however, that even after the scale are dead they may still stay stuck to your plant. Often times a good wash down will cure that ailment though.

Want a less toxic alternative?
Summer oil can be used with caution, and an area of your plant should be tested first to make sure the oil isn't going to damage the foliage.
Also consider good old ladybugs, who will not only feast on scale, but many other insects too.
Also, deterring ants will often make way for other natural scale predators. When ants are present they will protect the scale so that they can harvest their honeydew.]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=27 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:57:38 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=27

Quote:With the recent rainfall and improved stream flows, the City has lifted the mandatory water restrictions that have been in place since last summer. However, Greensboro remains in the "severe" drought category, and residents are encouraged to conserve water when possible.

* Inspect and repair all faulty and defective parts of faucets and toilets.
* Use showers for bathing rather than the bathtub and limit showers to no more than five minutes.
* Do not leave faucets running while shaving, rinsing dishes, or brushing teeth.
* Operate clothes washers and dishwashers only when you have a full load.
* Limit vehicle washing.
* Do not wash down outside areas, such as sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc.
* Install water-saving shower heads and toilets.
* Use water conservation methods during construction-related activities.

As the city has stated though, we should all still do our part to conserve water whenever possible.
For example, instead of running lawn sprinklers every day, use them just once a week for a little longer to allow the water to soak deep into your lawn's root zone.
Water in the morning when there is less evaporative effects.
Water deeply less often, rather than frequent and shallow.
Use slow water release systems such as soaker hoses, "treegater" bags, etc.
Use a thick layer of mulch to ease evaporation and keep ground temps. more consistent.
Use water collection methods such as rain barrels to make use of rain water.
Inspect hoses for cracks and leaks.
A little effort on all our parts will go a long way to making sure we don't face such a drastic situation again.]]>

Quote:With the recent rainfall and improved stream flows, the City has lifted the mandatory water restrictions that have been in place since last summer. However, Greensboro remains in the "severe" drought category, and residents are encouraged to conserve water when possible.

* Inspect and repair all faulty and defective parts of faucets and toilets.
* Use showers for bathing rather than the bathtub and limit showers to no more than five minutes.
* Do not leave faucets running while shaving, rinsing dishes, or brushing teeth.
* Operate clothes washers and dishwashers only when you have a full load.
* Limit vehicle washing.
* Do not wash down outside areas, such as sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc.
* Install water-saving shower heads and toilets.
* Use water conservation methods during construction-related activities.

As the city has stated though, we should all still do our part to conserve water whenever possible.
For example, instead of running lawn sprinklers every day, use them just once a week for a little longer to allow the water to soak deep into your lawn's root zone.
Water in the morning when there is less evaporative effects.
Water deeply less often, rather than frequent and shallow.
Use slow water release systems such as soaker hoses, "treegater" bags, etc.
Use a thick layer of mulch to ease evaporation and keep ground temps. more consistent.
Use water collection methods such as rain barrels to make use of rain water.
Inspect hoses for cracks and leaks.
A little effort on all our parts will go a long way to making sure we don't face such a drastic situation again.]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=26 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:00:15 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=26 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=25 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:23:14 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=25

We also have some beautiful Spring blooming trees, like Cleveland Pears, Yoshino Cherries, Kwanzan Cherries, & Redbuds.




Or how about some beautiful Spring blooming Camellias. We have a great selection to choose from.
Oh, and by the way, our greenhouse is full of color too!!
So, come on by and take a tour of our little spot and see if there's anything that takes your fancy!]]>

We also have some beautiful Spring blooming trees, like Cleveland Pears, Yoshino Cherries, Kwanzan Cherries, & Redbuds.




Or how about some beautiful Spring blooming Camellias. We have a great selection to choose from.
Oh, and by the way, our greenhouse is full of color too!!
So, come on by and take a tour of our little spot and see if there's anything that takes your fancy!]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=24 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:06:08 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=24

Quote:The City's Water Resources Department has altered the mandatory water restrictions to allow broadcast irrigation one day per week (on your trash collection day) and home car washing. Commercial businesses with more than one trash collection day and those water customers who live outside the city limits may use sprinklers on Wednesdays.

The City of Greensboro is currently in Stage IIA, Level I Warning mandatory water restrictions of the City's Emergency Water Conservation and Restriction Plan, Chapter 29.5 of the City Code of Ordinances. To report potential violations, click here.

* It is illegal to water with a sprinkler or irrigation system on any day other than your City garbage pickup day.*
* Customers without City garbage service or those who have multiple pick-ups, may water on Wednesdays only.*
* On days other than your City garbage service day, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers and vegetable gardens may be watered only by hand-held hoses, containers, or drip irrigation systems.*
* Public and private golf courses and athletic playing fields, may water by any method, any day during the hours of 10 pm to 5 am. Consumption must be reduced by 40 percent.


While this is indeed great news, we should all still be conscious of sustainable methods and practices we can use to keep our water supply at an acceptable level, such as using rain barrels for water collection, irrigating your lawn deeply once a week rather than shallowly every day(even if you are allowed to irrigate daily), using plants that are adapted to our climactic conditions, mulching to conserve moisture, etc.]]>

Quote:The City's Water Resources Department has altered the mandatory water restrictions to allow broadcast irrigation one day per week (on your trash collection day) and home car washing. Commercial businesses with more than one trash collection day and those water customers who live outside the city limits may use sprinklers on Wednesdays.

The City of Greensboro is currently in Stage IIA, Level I Warning mandatory water restrictions of the City's Emergency Water Conservation and Restriction Plan, Chapter 29.5 of the City Code of Ordinances. To report potential violations, click here.

* It is illegal to water with a sprinkler or irrigation system on any day other than your City garbage pickup day.*
* Customers without City garbage service or those who have multiple pick-ups, may water on Wednesdays only.*
* On days other than your City garbage service day, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers and vegetable gardens may be watered only by hand-held hoses, containers, or drip irrigation systems.*
* Public and private golf courses and athletic playing fields, may water by any method, any day during the hours of 10 pm to 5 am. Consumption must be reduced by 40 percent.


While this is indeed great news, we should all still be conscious of sustainable methods and practices we can use to keep our water supply at an acceptable level, such as using rain barrels for water collection, irrigating your lawn deeply once a week rather than shallowly every day(even if you are allowed to irrigate daily), using plants that are adapted to our climactic conditions, mulching to conserve moisture, etc.]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=23 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:04:00 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=23 Please let us know
There is no way of us knowing that people are having trouble without us being told, so if you have issues, don't be shy!;)]]> Please let us know
There is no way of us knowing that people are having trouble without us being told, so if you have issues, don't be shy!;)]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=22 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 07:18:59 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=22 It's pretty easy to spruce them up quickly and with not much effort.
Of course the most common choice is to use Pansies and Violas. These cool season annuals come in a variety of colors and come with both small and large blooms depending on the variety, so there's sure to be a color and form to suit your situation.
Another couple of good choices for this time of year are Dianthus (Pinks) and Anterrhinum(Snapdragon), both of these plants will often times give you 2-3 season's worth of blooms (Spring, Fall, and again the next Spring), and their bright and bold bloom colors are sure to aliven any gloomy spot around your house.
OF course there are other choices too which will actually do quite well during cool weather, such as golden Oregano(which has the added advantage of being edible!), Creeping Jenny, Heuchera, and Aujuga.
So don't think that you need to wait till the weather gets warmer before you can plant again. You do have other choices!]]> It's pretty easy to spruce them up quickly and with not much effort.
Of course the most common choice is to use Pansies and Violas. These cool season annuals come in a variety of colors and come with both small and large blooms depending on the variety, so there's sure to be a color and form to suit your situation.
Another couple of good choices for this time of year are Dianthus (Pinks) and Anterrhinum(Snapdragon), both of these plants will often times give you 2-3 season's worth of blooms (Spring, Fall, and again the next Spring), and their bright and bold bloom colors are sure to aliven any gloomy spot around your house.
OF course there are other choices too which will actually do quite well during cool weather, such as golden Oregano(which has the added advantage of being edible!), Creeping Jenny, Heuchera, and Aujuga.
So don't think that you need to wait till the weather gets warmer before you can plant again. You do have other choices!]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=21 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:51:42 -0800 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=21 Don't forget that now is a good time to start spraying them to give them protection against bugs and diseases!
There are many alternatives available including organic sprays, multipurpose sprays, and there are also fertilizers with systemic insecticides integrated within their capsule.
It may also not be too late to apply lime-sulfur, provided that growth hasn't begun on your roses.]]> Don't forget that now is a good time to start spraying them to give them protection against bugs and diseases!
There are many alternatives available including organic sprays, multipurpose sprays, and there are also fertilizers with systemic insecticides integrated within their capsule.
It may also not be too late to apply lime-sulfur, provided that growth hasn't begun on your roses.]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=5 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:48:43 -0800 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=5

This tea rose variety has beautiful pink tones throughout it's blooms, along with a strong tea rose fragrance, making it appeal to all the senses.


Of course there are many other varieties worth taking a look at.
For example we also have 'Pope John Paul II'.


Another Hybrid Tea, this one displays pure white, perfectly formed blooms, and a refreshing citrus scent, and is only available at independent garden centers such as ours.


Another one of interest is 'Dream Come True', the 2008 AARSfloribunda rose of the year.


Pristine double blooms open a nice, clear yellow to reveal ruby colored margins on a stem that will last well when cut.

These are just a few of the roses that we have highlighted here and we have varieties that are sure to please any taste or palette. So swing on by and take a look!

All Photos are from Jackson and Perkins]]>

This tea rose variety has beautiful pink tones throughout it's blooms, along with a strong tea rose fragrance, making it appeal to all the senses.


Of course there are many other varieties worth taking a look at.
For example we also have 'Pope John Paul II'.


Another Hybrid Tea, this one displays pure white, perfectly formed blooms, and a refreshing citrus scent, and is only available at independent garden centers such as ours.


Another one of interest is 'Dream Come True', the 2008 AARSfloribunda rose of the year.


Pristine double blooms open a nice, clear yellow to reveal ruby colored margins on a stem that will last well when cut.

These are just a few of the roses that we have highlighted here and we have varieties that are sure to please any taste or palette. So swing on by and take a look!

All Photos are from Jackson and Perkins]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=6 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:27:07 -0800 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=6 Ah well, whatever, no doubt I'll yet again end up rooting for somebody who's music I'll never actually buy. :?]]> Ah well, whatever, no doubt I'll yet again end up rooting for somebody who's music I'll never actually buy. :?]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=7 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:27:08 -0800 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=7
I'm not sure I even want to keep them - but hate killing healthy plants. These are blooming now, with dark purple flowers.

Any info would be appreciated.]]>
I'm not sure I even want to keep them - but hate killing healthy plants. These are blooming now, with dark purple flowers.

Any info would be appreciated.]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=8 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:47:02 -0800 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=8
This Spring there are some truly remarkable plants coming to our garden center. Here's the lowdown on some of them:

Big Daddy Hydrangea - This Hydrangea boasts enormous blooms, up to 14" across! It can also tolerate a bit more heat and sun than regular Hydrangeas.
This, along with 'Lady In Red', 'Limelight', the original 'Endless Summer', and 'Blushing Bride' Hydrangeas make for a line-up that are definitely not like the Hydrangeas of old. More blooms, bigger blooms, and beautiful foliage all add to the character of these stunning plants.

Double Pink Knockout Rose - We've been talking about this one for a while, and now it's finally coming (in limited quantities). With the same disease and insect resistance as the rest of the Knockout family of roses, but with a more elegant looking double form, all on a compact growing (4x4') shrub rose that needs far less care than a regular tea rose.

'Adonis Blue' Butterfly Bush - We had these in limited quantities last year, but we hope to get a few more this Spring. A prolifically blooming Buddleia, with large, beautiful blooms, but in a much more compact plant. Those of us that have always loved these plants but just didn't have the space for one are now able to utilise this beauty. They can even be planted in containers for a different look than your traditional planter!

We're also going to be getting many other interesting and unusual plants, including the ever popular 'Encore' Azaleas which bloom 3 times a year and can tolerate more sun than regular azaleas, 'Snow White Sensation' Mock Orange, which, unlike other Philadelphus', will bloom more than once, with beautiful and fragrant 2" blooms, and the "Sunset Series" of coneflowers, which have superb rich colorations which are sure to add beauty to any perennial border.
So be sure to look for these and many other great plants this Spring.]]>
This Spring there are some truly remarkable plants coming to our garden center. Here's the lowdown on some of them:

Big Daddy Hydrangea - This Hydrangea boasts enormous blooms, up to 14" across! It can also tolerate a bit more heat and sun than regular Hydrangeas.
This, along with 'Lady In Red', 'Limelight', the original 'Endless Summer', and 'Blushing Bride' Hydrangeas make for a line-up that are definitely not like the Hydrangeas of old. More blooms, bigger blooms, and beautiful foliage all add to the character of these stunning plants.

Double Pink Knockout Rose - We've been talking about this one for a while, and now it's finally coming (in limited quantities). With the same disease and insect resistance as the rest of the Knockout family of roses, but with a more elegant looking double form, all on a compact growing (4x4') shrub rose that needs far less care than a regular tea rose.

'Adonis Blue' Butterfly Bush - We had these in limited quantities last year, but we hope to get a few more this Spring. A prolifically blooming Buddleia, with large, beautiful blooms, but in a much more compact plant. Those of us that have always loved these plants but just didn't have the space for one are now able to utilise this beauty. They can even be planted in containers for a different look than your traditional planter!

We're also going to be getting many other interesting and unusual plants, including the ever popular 'Encore' Azaleas which bloom 3 times a year and can tolerate more sun than regular azaleas, 'Snow White Sensation' Mock Orange, which, unlike other Philadelphus', will bloom more than once, with beautiful and fragrant 2" blooms, and the "Sunset Series" of coneflowers, which have superb rich colorations which are sure to add beauty to any perennial border.
So be sure to look for these and many other great plants this Spring.]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=9 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:14:11 -0800 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=9 Well, there are several factors at play which are contributing to the increased costs.
Firstly, many farmers who used to grow sunflowers have switched over to growing corn in the hopes of cashing in on the rising awareness of using ethanol powered engines taking place in the country at the moment. In fact, over the last year, the acreage of corn planted has been the highest amount since the mid '40's.
Of course, the risk they take is that the market may become saturated, or gasoline prices may drop, leading to a cut in profits for their corn.

The other big factor affecting prices is the potato chip giant 'Frito-Lay', who have switched to sunflower oil in many of their products, thus taking a huge cut of the sunflower market away from bird seed distributors. It all comes down to the good old "supply and demand" addage.

Add to that increased shipping costs due to rising fuel prices and you see the big picture.

Of course, cheap bird seed can still be found, but it should be kept in mind that cheap seed usually means "more filler", such as increased amounts of millet. Of course, having millet seed in your bird seed mix isn't a bad thing, it's just having a lot of millet in your mix that's bad, or even worse, milo and wheat seed.

So what can you do to keep your birding costs at a reasonable level?
buy quality seed - while you will initially pay a little more up front there will be a lot less seed wasted
buy only what you need for the next 2-3 weeks - Buying only what you need will also reduce your waste
keep your feeder clean - not only is this necessary to keep birds healthy, but they also prefer to eat out of a clean feeder
get the correct seed for the birds you are trying to attract - eg. get a mix with peanuts for woodpeckers, get mealworms or nuggets for bluebirds, etc.

While there unfortunately isn't much we can do here at the Garden Center about the rising costs of bird seed, we can assure you that we will continue to only carry a good, quality selection of seed, and will provide you all the advice you need to keep your birds happy.]]> Well, there are several factors at play which are contributing to the increased costs.
Firstly, many farmers who used to grow sunflowers have switched over to growing corn in the hopes of cashing in on the rising awareness of using ethanol powered engines taking place in the country at the moment. In fact, over the last year, the acreage of corn planted has been the highest amount since the mid '40's.
Of course, the risk they take is that the market may become saturated, or gasoline prices may drop, leading to a cut in profits for their corn.

The other big factor affecting prices is the potato chip giant 'Frito-Lay', who have switched to sunflower oil in many of their products, thus taking a huge cut of the sunflower market away from bird seed distributors. It all comes down to the good old "supply and demand" addage.

Add to that increased shipping costs due to rising fuel prices and you see the big picture.

Of course, cheap bird seed can still be found, but it should be kept in mind that cheap seed usually means "more filler", such as increased amounts of millet. Of course, having millet seed in your bird seed mix isn't a bad thing, it's just having a lot of millet in your mix that's bad, or even worse, milo and wheat seed.

So what can you do to keep your birding costs at a reasonable level?
buy quality seed - while you will initially pay a little more up front there will be a lot less seed wasted
buy only what you need for the next 2-3 weeks - Buying only what you need will also reduce your waste
keep your feeder clean - not only is this necessary to keep birds healthy, but they also prefer to eat out of a clean feeder
get the correct seed for the birds you are trying to attract - eg. get a mix with peanuts for woodpeckers, get mealworms or nuggets for bluebirds, etc.

While there unfortunately isn't much we can do here at the Garden Center about the rising costs of bird seed, we can assure you that we will continue to only carry a good, quality selection of seed, and will provide you all the advice you need to keep your birds happy.]]> http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=11 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:20:10 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=11 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=16 Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:31:43 -0700 http://www.guilfordgardencenter.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=16 The Southeast region is not yet included in this program, but should be by 2009-2010.
From the Nursery Retailer website:

Quote:AARS Rolls Out Region’s Choice Program

All-America Rose Selections (AARS) is introducing a program designed to help garden centers sell roses specifically suited to the climate in their area. It has selected a group of roses for each region based on their performance, and will offer marketing support through customized in-store signage, available this summer. For the 2008 planting season, the first phase of the Region’s Choice Program will roll out in three markets: Northern California/Pacific Northwest, Southern California/Southwest and the Mountain States. In 2009 and beyond, AARS will add roses to each region and add regions for the eastern half of the United States. The selections for 2008 are: Northern California/Pacific Northwest – About Face, Carefree Wonder, Cherry Parfait, Crimson Bouquet, Day Breaker, Fourth of July, Gemini, Honey Perfume, Love & Peace, Marmalade Skies and Sunset Celebration; Southern California/Southwest – Cherry Parfait, Elle, Fourth of July, Gemini, Hot Cocoa, Iceberg, Julia Child, Opening Night, Secret, Tahitian Sunset and Wild Blue Yonder; Mountain States – Carefree Delight, Carefree Wonder, Crimson Bouquet, Eureka, Hot Cocoa, Julia Child, Lady Elsie May, Memorial Day, Scentimental, Tahitian Sunset and Whisper.


Hopefully, this program will prove to be a valuable resource for those who would like to enjoy roses without having to worry about pampering them endlessly to keep them looking their best.
Watch closely over the next couple of years for this program to roll out Nationwide.]]> The Southeast region is not yet included in this program, but should be by 2009-2010.
From the Nursery Retailer website:

Quote:AARS Rolls Out Region’s Choice Program

All-America Rose Selections (AARS) is introducing a program designed to help garden centers sell roses specifically suited to the climate in their area. It has selected a group of roses for each region based on their performance, and will offer marketing support through customized in-store signage, available this summer. For the 2008 planting season, the first phase of the Region’s Choice Program will roll out in three markets: Northern California/Pacific Northwest, Southern California/Southwest and the Mountain States. In 2009 and beyond, AARS will add roses to each region and add regions for the eastern half of the United States. The selections for 2008 are: Northern California/Pacific Northwest – About Face, Carefree Wonder, Cherry Parfait, Crimson Bouquet, Day Breaker, Fourth of July, Gemini, Honey Perfume, Love & Peace, Marmalade Skies and Sunset Celebration; Southern California/Southwest – Cherry Parfait, Elle, Fourth of July, Gemini, Hot Cocoa, Iceberg, Julia Child, Opening Night, Secret, Tahitian Sunset and Wild Blue Yonder; Mountain States – Carefree Delight, Carefree Wonder, Crimson Bouquet, Eureka, Hot Cocoa, Julia Child, Lady Elsie May, Memorial Day, Scentimental, Tahitian Sunset and Whisper.


Hopefully, this program will prove to be a valuable resource for those who would like to enjoy roses without having to worry about pampering them endlessly to keep them looking their best.
Watch closely over the next couple of years for this program to roll out Nationwide.]]>