According to Chinese astrology, 2012 marks the year of the dragon. Astrology is part of Chinese life. This Chinese dragon is a symbol of power, superiority and rule, as opposed to the evil, fire-breathing creature that is often portrayed in American films.
Whether you are a dragon enthusiast or not, we’ve got some dragon statuary that borders on being irresistibly adorable. Let these dragons grace your garden and provide a symbol of power and wisdom to all onlookers. Who says dragons can’t be cute?
“To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers
is a delectable form of defeat.”
-Beverley Nichols (1898-1983)
Visualize a plant that grows in shade to part-shade; tolerates drought; evergreen; and here’s the kicker, emits a vanilla fragrance in the middle of winter. Are you interested?
I have just described the sweetbox. To be technical, it is the sarcococca ruscifolia. I believe it is one of the most under-utilized shrubs. It has glossy green leaves, and responds well to pruning.
This ‘sleeper’ shrub is from China and is in the boxwood family. It is at this juncture of winter in full aromatic bloom.
The only question is ‘why don’t you have one of these plants?’
Cheers,
Laura
Tags: sarcococca, sweet box, winter fragrance
A brief overview on Mason bees:
Mason bees are non-aggressive, native bees that are very early pollinators. They are better adapted to cold than honey bees and will fly during overcast skies and temperatures as low at 54 degrees. They collect more pollen than nectar, with a strong preference for fruit tree pollen. Research has shown that 85-100% of their pollen can be from fruit trees. They tend to stay close to nest holes. The males can’t sting, the females can, but typically don’t unless provoked.
We currently have Mason bee cocoons in packs of 10, as well as Mason bee accessories (houses, replacement tubes, liners and literature).
For more information on Mason bees check out the link below to an article from the Oregonian starring Farmington Garden’s very own Beth Rose. Click here for link
Christmas is truly a time for giving. We must not forget our four-legged friends that bring us so much joy; especially the less fortunate pets that are without a family this holiday. As much as it may break your heart to not be able to adopt, you can certainly make a difference. This year at Farmington Gardens we’ve displayed a hope tree for the OFOSA (Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals) where small ornaments are hung with a picture of a shelter animal and one need they have. Some of the needs are as simple as canned food or cat litter. If you’re interested in giving some hope this holiday stop by our hope tree and make a difference one paw at a time.
Living Christmas trees available in all shapes, colors and sizes.
As our world continues to strive toward being more environmentally-conscious, new trends such as the living Christmas tree are gaining popularity. This means that for some, the days of cutting down a tree and throwing it away a few weeks later are over. Living trees come with their roots intact and are ready to be planted or donated to a plant-atree organization.
Living Christmas trees are truly a gift that keep on giving. If you’re interested in making a living tree part of your tradition, we can certainly help you make the right selection.
We understand that living trees may not be for everyone. Many people still prefer the good old fashioned cut-tree and we are happy to help you in that department as well. (Excerpt taken from the Farmington Gardener November 2011)
This will be my last blog till the New Year. I will finally have time to prepare for the upcoming holiday season, if I stop attending social events, that is.
Instead of a gift exchange, a donation to a food bank seems to be a common theme this year. I like that idea because there are many families hurting out there. I am glad to help out and be with my friends at the same time.
There have been other occasions when a small gift was part of the festivities. Some possibilities I thought about giving were garden gloves, a Zenbori hori hori soil knife, seeds, a soil tester, a folding saw, plant labels or a Dramm watering tool. Lucky for me, most of my friends are avid gardeners. A big hit ended up being a plant decorated with a pretty bow! It was too awkward to wrap otherwise.
My own family has asked what I might like to find under the tree on Christmas morning. This year my answer is easy. Go and read my Farmington Gardens’ blogs. I would love any of the things mentioned in the Christmas Wish Lists.
So my wreath is on the door. I’ll turn up the music on and start decorating the tree. The smell of baking will soon be in the air. Happy Holidays to you all. And don’t forget to HOE HOE HOE all year round.
Tags: gift ideas, tools
Decorating a tree is one of the simplest forms of bonding. It’s the one time of year where time seems to stand still and life paints a Norman Rockwell-esque picture. You can capture one of these holiday memories with your loved ones today! Whether you prefer your tree fresh-cut or living (with roots, potted in soil), we have a wide variety of both in all sizes that are ready and waiting to come home with you. So organize your decorating party now and for Norman Rockwell’s sake, you might suggest that your guests leave their cell phones by the door. Hope to see you soon. (Excerpt taken from the Farmington Gardener December 2011)
Noble Fir 4-5′ starting at $15.99
Nordmann Fir 4-5′ starting at $15.99
Grand Fir 5-6′ starting at $24.99
Doug Fir 5-6′ starting at $14.99
Tags: Christmas, decorating, fresh-cut trees, Holiday
It seems to me that it is easier and more satisfying to give than to receive. That feeling is nullified when the receiver is a bird lover who can use the gift to give food to their feathered friends!
This time of year the bare branches on the trees are more noticeable. That means, any feeders you put up are easily seen and enjoyed by both you and the birds. Farmington Gardens carries an assortment of feeders both for black sunflower seeds, a favorite of many species of birds, and for niger. The larger the variety of food offered, the larger the variety of birds you will see in your yard.
Glass or plastic hummingbird feeders and the nectar to fill them are also available. Remember to keep your feeders full as the birds, once they find them, depend on these feeders as a food source.
We also have an assortment of bird houses which are tastefully decorated in natural colors. These would be attractive outside to the birds or inside as decoration on a mantle surrounded by winter greens.
Last but not least, remember, birds like to feel safe when feeding. If you don’t have bushes or trees for them to hide in, it is still a good time to plant. The heavy rains have not set in and the ground is not too cold.
Tags: bird feeders, bird houses, gift ideas
Real leaves preserved with a 24kt gold, silver, or copper coating prove that nature is our finest artist. These made in America heirloom gifts can be displayed individually or as a classic collection. The filigreed look is amazing. Whether a maple, oak, gingko or elm is your favorite, the leaf can be used as a seasonal decoration or admired year round. Display your leaf in a shadow box, on a ribbon around a bottle or candle, or hanging from a branch. It is sure to impress.
Tags: garden art, gift ideas
As I said on an earlier blog, I love wall art. These colorfully painted metal amphibians and insects can brighten up any indoor or outdoor space. We also carry some black iron work. Who on your list would appreciate one of these natural designs? Once you come in to see them, you might need one yourself.
Tags: garden art, gift ideas
Gardeners tend to be animal lovers. We enjoy seeing little ones out and about in the landscape. Farmington Gardens has a good selection of both pet and farm animals; the kind frozen in time, of course.
We also have a few fairies, gargoyles, and dragons for the fantasy lover. Sorry, no vampires as they tend to disappear in the daylight.
My brother enjoys moving my cement ducks around in my yard. I never know where I will find them after one of his visits. Some of their positions have been hysterical, if not alarming. Needless to say I can always use more statues so they are on my wish list again.
Hungry for Candy Canes
Tags: garden art, gift ideas, statuary
A gardener can never have too many tools at hand to do the right job. Flexrake® is a family owned and operated company since 1945. It is committed to American manufacturing. Farmington Gardens carries their long handle tools, cutting tools, and small hand tools.
The handcrafted quality of their oak handles is a pleasure to see and to hold. It makes you feel strong and closer to the earth. The carbon steel blades they use will last you a long time.
Speaking from experience, there are some tools in the set which I would recommend for those of us who are not so flexible and sturdy any more. You know what I am talking about.
This seat is also a kneeler. The legs act as supports to help you stand up.
Once kneeling, a long reach hand rake or hoe allows you to get to the needed area without moving spots. And there are various sizes of rakes and shovels to match any gardening needs.
Not to be forgotten are the pruners, one of which is a ratcheting type for hands which need some extra help.
These are great for stocking stuffers, too.
Tags: Flexrake Garden Tools, gift ideas
