Store Hours

Spring Hours

Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday 8 AM - 6 PM
Sunday Noon - 5 PM

Lawn Care Information

Lawn Care Guides

Weather Forecast

Forest, VA

	Today: Mostly Sunny 77°F \| 51°F
	Tomorrow: Slight Chance Rain 78°F \| 56°F
	Monday: Chance Rain Showers 73°F \| 57°F

Spring is EARLY!

TRUCKS ARRIVING DAILY WITH FRESH FLOWERS/PLANTS FOR THE GREENHOUSE

The question I am asked daily is, “What kind of year do you expect in 2012?” First, I have to determine am I being asked about the weather or business conditions. I prefer being asked about the weather. The weather is easier to predict than business conditions, especially in today’s political climate.

We had an early spring this year and for us and our customers that is great. We can only hope that the weather this spring will be sunny and we will be spared rainy weekends such as we had most of last spring. Last spring we had eight weekends in a row of cool, rainy weather. To say the least they were not good for our business. We would love to see bright sunny and dry weekends for April, May and June. We will take whatever weather Mother Nature sends, however, and make the best of it. I can’t predict the weather and I can’t control it, so I make the best of it and don’t worry about it.

Business conditions are almost as hard to predict as the weather in today’s world. The indication I get is that people have money to spend and are ready to buy. Home improvement projects that have been postponed for a couple of years are now being started. In our case this means landscaping projects.

I hear people complaining about the price of gas but I haven’t seen a lot driving being curtailed. Our customers still come in shopping and leave the car running while they shop so the dog won’t get too hot. Makes me think they can still buy gas.

All in all it will be a year of unpredictability both weather and business wise, however, in the long run that only makes it more fun.

Summer Maintenance Tips

Gary's Lawn and Garden Maintenance Tips for Summer

1. Mowing frequency should slow due to warmer and dryer weather.

2. Beds should continue to be weeded and cleaned. How often depends on amount of water received.

3. Shrubs and trees need to be checked frequently for insect infestations. Spray as needed.

4. Follow good irrigation programs. Newly planted shrubs and trees should be watered approximately weekly unless soaking rains are received. Always soak to the bottom of the rootball. Lawns should be watered to a depth of 4 inches every 7 to 10 days.

5. I prefer not to prune shrubs between mid July and early October. If they put out new growth an early hard frost will burn them.

6. Want to keep your annuals looking good all summer? There are 3 easy ways. First, remove blooms as soon as they begin to fade. Blooms produce seed and this signals the plant the growing season is over. Second, feed continually either by using a slow release fertilizer such as osmocote or flower-tone or miracle grow every two weeks. Third, water deeply. You don’t need to water so often but you need to soak the roots when you water.

Facebook and Twitter

Follow Gary's Garden Center on

Plant of the Week - Vinca

Vinca

·         With blue, purple or white flowers paired with dark, glossy leaves, the periwinkle plant is a fast-growing crawling vine that will quickly cover trouble spots in your garden.

·         A member of the Dogbane family, the Vinca minor and Vinca major will take root in virtually any area as long as you provide adequate water.

·         The vining plants will thrive in partial sun and will produce blooms most commonly in April and fall.

·         Since it is such a versatile plant, the Vinca varieties are planted in any season except harsh winter.

·         Break up the soil, mix in fertilizer or mulch to help the process, and avoid watering overhead as fungus can become an issue.

·         Once the vines have established themselves, the plants need little care aside from water and some light trimming if you find the often invasive plant moving into undesired areas of your garden.

Gary's Garden Center • Copyright © 2007 - 2012 • All Rights Reserved