Living Wreath Workshop

It’s a "Circle of Succulents" with succulents you select from our many delightful grower-starts!
Don’t miss the fun! Back by popular demand…you will learn new things about succulents during our informative and hands on workshop. Get new ideas for growing and for giving the gift of “green!”

Next class: Saturday 8/15/09 from 11:30-1:00 p.m.

Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg, FL

Members pay only $35 for all basic materials and instruction (non-members add $10.) Pick and pay for plant starts separately. Seats are limited, so don't wait to register!

RSVP required flowersandotherthings@yahoo.com
or call 727-4874-2389.

Ask us about hosting your own workshop!

Saddlebag Workshop

Create your own living Saddlebag at our next workshop! You will learn how to create great plant combinations for sun or shade. Designed to straddle a railing or a fence this unique planter can be planted on both sides! Workshop includes instruction and all basic framework materials. Proven Winner line of succulents will be featured and will be available at an additional cost . Workshop fee is $55.00 for members, (non members add $10.00) at Sunken Gardens on July 11th from 11:30-1:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. required. Space is limited...register early!

Workshop will be presented by Horticulturist, Linda Worle
flowersandotherthings@yahoo.com 727-410-9642
Ask us about hosting your own workshop!

Rain Barrel Workshop

Create your own at our next workshop! Not only will you take home a rain barrel, but you will become familiar with other “green, eco friendly” gardening practices like soaker hoses, drip systems and an overview of composting and more…
Workshop fee is $45.00 and will be presented by our own horticulturist Linda Worle.

Two Classes available: Saturday – May 30th or June 27th from 10 am to 12 noon in Clearwater . Call for directions
First come, first serve – RSVP necessary!

Contact Linda at 727-410-9642 flowersandotherthings@yahoo.com

It's NEW and it's NOT a pot!

It's a Totem!
Create your own vertical plant combinations for sun or shade. Portable, interchangeable units can be snapped together easily. Build your first section at our next workshop! Workshop fee includes instruction and all basic framework materials. Plants are available at an additional cost. Totems can be purchased separately. Cost for this workshop is $55.00 for members, non members add $10.00.
Next Class is Saturday May 9, 2009, 11:30 am – 1 pm at Sunken Botanical Gardens 4th Street, St. Petersburg. Space is limited. Registration is required.
Call or email for more information.
flowersandotherthings@yahoo.com

727-410-9642

Gardenia Care and Information

Fun facts about the Gardenia: Cape Jasmine tender evergreen flowering shrub from China, Japan and tropical South Africa which belongs to the family Rubiceae. Forms bushes or trees that have ovate deep green leaves, large white single or double waxy sweet scented flowers. Gardenia is named after Dr. Alexander Garden. An old English name for the Gardenia is the Opera Flower, since it was thought to be the perfect flower to wear with a formal evening dress. The gift of a gardenia has long been proven as the perfect expression of one’s heart.

Caring for your Gardenia: One of the major limitations of gardenias is their great susceptibility to nematodes, which are worm-like microscopic organisms attacking the plant’s root system. Nematodes are so common in our soils that only gardenias that have been grafted on a special rootstock are recommended.
Light: Prefers sun or filtered shade. When brought inside an East window is excellent or a well lighted location.
Temperature: The natural range of range of Gardenias is limited by their tropical heritage but fortunately they lend themselves to container culture. By providing winter protection (bringing them indoors) they may be enjoyed for years in the severest of climates.
Soil: Prefer acidic soil.
Water: Gardenias should never get dried out. Water approximately twice a week. Good drainage is important. Do not let the Gardenia stand in water. When indoor, lightly mist the plant with water.
Fertilization: Gardenias are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized on a regular basis. Plants in the ground should be fertilized in January, June and September with an acid type fertilizer such as Miracid. Plants in containers should usually be fertilized as well.
Pests: Whitefly, aphids, some scale insects and spider mites love gardenias. Control measures should be taken when you find any of these pests present. For sooty mold and aphids, mild soapy water is very effective. Whitefly and spider mites may require alternate treatment.
Pruning: Prune to shape after budding. After the bloom is finished prune down to the next leaf. My mother always told me, “Never leave a hook to hang your hat on!”

Any more questions? Just call us ~ 727-410-9642. Answers are always available.

Succulent Seminar

Join us this Saturday March 21st in Palm Harbor for a fun hands on seminar on how to build your own living wreath with succulents you select from our many delightful grower starts! The event will be held at Magnolia Grill from 9:30 am - 11:30 am. You will learn new things about succulents during our informative and hands on workshop. Get new ideas for growing and for giving the gift of green.

Worskshop fee $45 for all basic materials and instruction. Pick and pay for plant starts separately. Seats are limited so don't wait to register. Call Linda at 727-410-9642 to register and get directions.

Workshop will be presented by Linda Worle, our Horticulturist. The Proven Winners Line of succulents
will be made available!

From Ugly Duckling to Home of the Month

A local family pulled together to implement one of our designs for their parents' landscape which turned this ugly duckling yard into a shining star. The theme of this landscape makeover was water conservation and easy care ~ xeriscape was the natural choice.

This is a "before" view of the front yard...bare naked!

Same view after the renovation was complete...WOW, what a difference!

This renovation was a partnership program where Linda, the horticulturalist teamed up with the client's family who wanted to give the gift of a beautiful garden to their parents. It truly was a labor of love and hard work rewarded by Mom's famous mac & cheese! Many clients enjoy the partnership program because they get to learn the proper techniques of installation and aftercare of the plants as well as keeping the costs low by providing their own work force. Another cost saving method on this project was helping the client realize hidden treasures already existing in their landscape and relocating trees and plants to maximize their beauty within the overall design.

Flowers and Other Things winning design was rewarded with the coveted "House of the Month" honor soon after completion of the project.