Why is it that spraying trees or shrubs seems a little scary?  We frequently get inquiries from people seeking more information about ~ 

• what plants benefit from seasonal spraying
• how to do it
• what to use
• and the timing of the spraying 

We will demystify this whole topic on Saturday, February 6 at 11 am.  Tom Combs will cover many options for you to consider, whether you are interested in gardening organically, or whether you are okay with ‘conventional’ remedies.  There are excellent options for everyone.

A little preventive care now for roses, lilacs, cane berries, grapes, and fruit trees will result in a much easier and more productive season for you!  It is important to give these plants at least a February spraying – come and learn what to use and how.

This is a free class – please reserve your space by either calling us at 503-649-4568, or emailing us at events@farmingtongardens.com with your name and phone number.

Photo by Gene Sasse (c) 2008 used courtesy of Weeks Roses

Note: this sale is now over.   As you may know, our roses have been on sale (60% off!), as we clean out this year’s inventory to make way for next year.   As we winnow down our rose stock, we’ve found several Cape Diamond shrub roses that haven’t found homes yet.  I don’t know why these have been overlooked, because they have so much going for them — they are very disease-resistant – no worries about black spot, powdery mildew, rust & downy mildew.  They have a great old-fashioned spicy fragrance, and can be trained as a large spreading shrub, or encouraged to climb upwards.

And who knew that roses could have such brilliant fall colors?  You should see them today – blazing color.  I don’t remember ever seeing such a vibrant shrub rose at this time of year.  If your garden has room for one more no-fuss rose, think about adding a Cape Diamond to your landscape.  We only have 10 or so left, and at $8, such a bargain.

One of the simple joys of a garden is the ability on a whim to collect a handful or an armful of cuttings of whatever is in season, and to create something spectacular (or simple!)  for our homes.  A snip of this and that tucked into a vase and placed throughout the house brings such life and warmth to our living spaces.

We have a fun class coming up that will give us pointers in how to think outside the box when it comes to making these arrangements.  We will have Kathy from the Floral Design Institute here to talk about which flowers make the best cutting flowers, and which greenery is nice to have growing for use  in arrangements.  Kathy will discuss how and when to harvest, how to condition them so they will last as long as possible, and how to artfully arrange them.  Her hands will be busy demonstrating as she talks, and we will be giving away her creations as door prizes!  Space is limited for this class – please call to register;  503-649-4568.