Around The Garden

Choosing Your Seeds

2010-02-18T10:32:00.001-05:00

So many to choose from! I think I'll plant a little of everything! The majority of my seeds are herbs, and vegetables, but I do have a few annuals and perennials in my collection also. This is just my seeds that I purchased. I also have collected lots of seeds from my plants last year that I gathered in the fall. They came in handy for a few of my customers who are always looking for seeds for science projects that I was able to help them out with.

Amoung my collection I came upon Sweet Pea seeds. They are large seeds as you can see, so they will be easy to sow. So lets get started. I turn to an old "Fine Gardening" 10th Anniversary Issue magazine from 1998 that had a wonderful article entitled "Seed Starting Made Easy". We'll see! First thing I've learned is that you can "trick" your seeds to get them to germinate faster. Check the packaging as to germination guidelines. Most seeds can be soaked for 24 hours which will expose the seed embryo to moisture, causing it to soften and plump up. Simply pour hot tap water into a shallow container and empty the packet of seeds into the water. Spread them out and allow them to soak for no more than 24 hours. Be sure you're ready to plant them when they come out of the water, or they might rot. This is, by far, the easiest method to do. The other two methods are "stratification" and "scarification"

"Stratification" - tricking the seeds into thinking they are experiencing winter by supplying them with a period of moist cold. How do you do this? Presoak your seeds as mentioned above. Fill a zip-lock plastic sandwich bag with half way with moist seed starting mix and place the seeds on top of the soil. Add another inch of soil mixture, close it up and place it in the refrigerater. Check the bag weekly for signs of sprouting. When you see the roots emerging, carefully remove them and place them in into pots in a warm spot and treat them as you would other seedlings.

"Scarification" on the other hand is the process of nicking the seed coat with a knife or sandpaper so that moisture can get to the seed embryo quicker. Obviously, these seeds are larger in size! You can use your fingernail to dent it. If the seed is too large or thick, you can use a knife or rat-tail file. Don't be too zealous, you only need to remove just a small slice or section of the seed coat. Another method of nicking the seed is place a piece of sandpaper in a jar so that it covers the entire jar. Place the seeds in the jar, close the lid and start shaking the jar so the seeds rub against it and get abraded as you shake it vigorously. You MUST do this just prior to planting or you risk the seeds drying out.

This is a lot to take in, but I'm going one step at a time.

Start Your 2010 Garden Soon With Seeds...

2010-02-17T00:59:00.001-05:00

If you're thinking about growing your own vegetables or perennials this year, you should try planning your garden by starting your own seeds. It's not as hard as you think. I tried my luck with some vegetables last year and surprisingly had tremendous luck. The hardest part is keeping critters from eating them, and keeping them bug free and fungus free throughout the season!!

Now that Valentine's Day is over, I will be concentrating on starting my seeds....follow along with me as we go step by step through the process and learn together what works, and what doesn't.

The first thing you need to do is choose which plants or veggies you want to grow. Be sure to choose plants that are compatible to your growing zones.   You must read the instructions on the packages as to when you should start the seeds because all germination times vary according to the plant. Some seeds you can sow directly into the garden...others you start weeks before the frost-free date in your area. Just read the entire package!

How do you find the Frost-Free Date (the last date for which you can expect to receive frost) for your area?   Check the Farmer's Almanac Website . In Cincinnati, our Frost-Free Date is April 13th. However, in reality, I was always taught that you don't ever plant before Mother's Day!   Well, you can, but be prepared to cover tender plants or annuals with sheets (not plastic) if the temperature drops below the 38 degree mark, and it probably will!

I purchased a lot of unusual herbs last year that I am excited to try. Valerian root and Ginseng are two I'm anxious to plant...along with cumin, angelica, dill, basil, and lots of other goodies.    So get out your garden gloves and get ready to get your hands in the dirt!

My Baptisia (False Indigo)

Is Your "Local" Florist Really Local?

2009-09-24T10:02:00.011-04:00

In the "Online" world today, convenience is where it's at. Ordering flowers online is a very convenient way to send your sentiments across the miles. But when you order online, do you know exactly where your flowers will be coming from? Are you ordering from a "Local" Florist, or are you ordering from what we in the floral business refer to as "ORDER TAKERS". Let me explain....

In a nutshell, "Order Takers" are people who sit in a cubicle and accept your call, or your order. They, in return, forward your order on to an actual florist who may, or may not be, in the same city as the recipient. When you check out, you will be paying a "Service Fee" of anywhere from $15 to $25 for this convenience. You may think that this is part of the delivery fee, but it's not. That money is money they keep - it does not get shared with the florist. I'm going to reveal to you how your order to an "Order Taker" is handled.

You want to send flowers fast and conveniently, so you type in your search field, "Florists in Cincinnati", or "Florists in Hyde Park, Cincinnati". Your results bring up all the popular order takers. (They can spend more money on the advertising to get them listed at the top of the search page because they make the most money taking orders. I won't list the names, but you probably know who they are.)

You want to spend $50 for the flowers. Here's how your order will be filled.

$50.00 Flowers
15.00 Service Fee
4.24 Tax
-------
$69.24 Total

Here's what actually happens.

They will forward the order via wire service or by phone. They send the florist $50.00. From that $50, they allow the florist to use $7.00 for their delivery fee. That makes your $50 flower order worth $43. From the $50, they also take back 27% from the florist in wire fees but still expect them to fill the order to the $50 value. Here's what the florist has to work with:

$50.00 Flowers
-7.00 Delivery Allowance (Many florist's delivery fees are $10 or more)
- 13.50 Wire Fees
--------
$29.50 What your order is really worth.

Click on this image to check out this article at "aboutflowers.com"

As florists, it IS necessary to be members of a wire service in order to offer worldwide delivery to our customers. There are fees associated with this service, but many florists such as myself, will waive the service fee if possible. Your results will be much better if you order through an actual florist, one who has an actual storefront with flowers in it, and is not sitting in a cubicle waiting for your call.

I tell you all this because I think it is absolutely necessary to educate consumers on how their money is being spent, especially in our economy, and how important it is to use your LOCAL businesses who can provide you with the personal service and the quality products you deserve.

Add your Local florist to your browser's "Favorites" list, and next time you need to send flowers across the street, or the world, let them handle it. You will get more "Bang For Your Buck" if you do!
Thanks for listening!

Around The Garden: How To Have A "GREEN" Christmas This Year!

2009-09-07T02:14:00.000-04:00

Around The Garden: How To Have A "GREEN" Christmas This Year!

How To Have A "GREEN" Christmas This Year!

2009-09-05T14:57:00.006-04:00

As the fall is upon us, we in the retail industry turn our thoughts to the upcoming Christmas season. I, for one, HATE to walk in a store in September and see Christmas displays everywhere!However........when you're the "Little Guy" amongst the "Big Stores", if you don't jump on the boat when they do, you miss it!

Now, you won't walk in to my store, Hyde Park Floral and Garden, in September and see Christmas displays everywhere - I refuse to put them out too soon! But you can bet that it's in the works!

First on the agenda, is letting everyone know that we are only purchasing FRESH trees, wreaths, garlands and greens this year in an effort to contribute to the best Environmental Choice for our customers. (Not to say that you won't find artificial decorations, because we do have lots left over from last year, so we have to try to discount them to try to deplete that inventory.)

Here's some facts I discovered at the National Christmas Tree Association website that brings me to this choice:

Real Christmas Trees ... The Environmental Choice

During the 2005 holiday season, 32.8 million Real Christmas Trees were purchased for display
in homes nationwide. These consumers made the choice of a Real Tree for a variety of reasons
– the fresh scent, the beauty of the evergreen, the traditions of the holidays – but what
they may not have known is that a Real Tree is also a wise environmental choice.
Here are some facts to consider:

# Around 98% of Real Christmas Trees are grown on farms throughout all 50 states and Canada. These trees are planted to be harvested, just as corn is cultivated for harvest.

# The Christmas Tree industry in the United States employs more than 100,000 Americans
(part- and full-time). Meanwhile, 85% of fake trees are made by factory workers in China.

# Every acre of Christmas Trees grown produces the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people.
With approximately 500,000 million acres of trees, 9 million people a day are supplied with oxygen thanks to these trees.

# Real Christmas Trees support life by absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases; they also stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide a refuge for wildlife.

# For each Real Christmas Tree harvested, up to three new seedlings are planted in its place.
In 2006, more than 42 million new seedlings will be planted by Christmas Tree farmers all
over the United States. And after the holidays, a Real Christmas Tree is the only choice that is completely recyclable. Artificial trees typically end up in landfills, where they will remain for centuries after disposal.

# In a national survey, 69% of consumers who used a Real Tree said they recycled theirs in a
community program.

# Real Christmas Trees are recycled for five main types of large-scale uses for post-harvest
trees. These are:
1) Chipping (chippings are used for various things from mulch to hiking trails)
2) Beachfront erosion prevention
3) Lake and river shoreline stabilization
4) Fish habitat
5) River delta sedimentation management

OUR CHRISTMAS TREES AND GREENS WILL BE IN THE WEEKEND BEFORE THANKSGIVING. SIZES FROM 6' UP TO 11'.

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER YOUR TREE BY GOING TO OUR "CHRISTMAS TREES & GREENS" PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE, http://www.hydeparkfloral.com/

OR JUST CALL OUR SHOP AT 871-9888.

WE WILL OFFER DELIVERY, SET-UP AND REMOVAL

Lazy Days Of Summer....

2009-08-27T00:46:00.005-04:00

As I walk around my garden, I can't help but think how short our growing season really is. There is so much more I wanted to plant, but time ran out. It is already the end of August and many of my perennials are beginning to slowly die back and get ready to prepare for the coming winter. It saddens me so. The annuals that have survived the crazy weather we have had here in Cincinnati are finally showing signs of surrender. Sadly, I'll let them fade to make way for a whole new crop because I realize that fall is upon us, and with it comes a whole new splash of color. The trees are beginning to put on their fabulous display. Make new room in the garden for mums, pansies, ornamental peppers, ornamental cabbage and kale. The last "harrah" before snow greets us again.

Take time to sit back and relax in your favorite spot in your garden and read a book while you listen to the birds singing. Take it all in while you can, because soon you'll be hovered inside nestled in an afghan sitting by a fire, looking out at what use to be your garden and dreaming about what you want to plant in the spring.

I have discovered a fabulous new garden magazine that is just perfect for that moment. The name of it is Green Prints. Its a wonderful collection of short stories by gardeners, and beautiful illustrations by various artists. The best thing about this little book is, you don't have to hunt for the content in between the advertisements. Please check out their website and read some of the sample stories there. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

http://www.greenprints.com/

Enjoy!

Please Support Your Local Small Businesses!

2009-08-05T02:20:00.005-04:00

It saddens me to drive through my city and see empty retail shops that once housed businesses that just couldn't survive the slump in this economy. Take a look around your city. Are the local hardware stores, beauty shops, dress shops, candy stores, shoe repair shops, florists, and many other individual small businesses still there? Can you remember the last time you visited one of these shops? How much further is this going to go? Will you be satisfied to shop only at the big box stores?

As one of those small businesses, I urge everyone to stand up and take part in The 3/50 Project. If you do, you will be part of a new movement aimed at keeping money and jobs in your local communities.

Please take time to check out the website: http://www.the350project.net/ and make the simple commitment to shop at your favorite small businesses.

Print this flyer off - visit your favorite small businesses in our city, staple all your receipts to the back of it. When you have $50 in receipts, bring them to my shop and receive an herb plant as a small token of our appreciation.

Growing Herbs Is Easier Than You Think!

2009-05-08T01:32:00.004-04:00

Whether you want to grow herbs for culinary use, or for landscape use, you will be greatly rewarded for your efforts. The aroma of fresh herbs is a delightful treat and can do wonders for your psyche too!

I LOVE lavender. Lavender has been used in aromatherapy for a multitude of therapeutic uses from depression, headaches, and mood swings to treating acne and bee stings! The essential oils it produces have been used for centuries!

You will find lavender in my herb garden, in my landscape, and even in the specialty container gardens I plant for my customers. The leaves alone add texture to the container plants, along with that oh so sweet scent. Imagine placing it in your pots on your deck and catching a faint sweet scent every time the wind blows.

There are many types of lavender. My personal favorite for the landscape is Provence. It not only smells great and looks sensational, but it is also a haven for bees. Provence Lavender buds are easily stripped and make great additions to sachets or potpourri. It grows to about 24" in a mounding evergreen shrub, and the flower stems it produces are tall with 3" - 4" fragrant flower top clusters that dance ever so gracefully above the plant. I harvest them continually all summer, dry them, and use them in my potpourri, my dried wreaths and arrangements and other crafts.

Place the plants in well-draining soil in a sunny location. Do not overwater it. Blooms will start in early summer and go strong, even into the fall. Harvest them in the morning while the buds are still closed. I group them in small bunches with either a thin rubber band or piece of twine. Hang them upside down in a cool, dry area so the flower clusters dry straight. After a couple of weeks, tie a pretty ribbon and bow around them and hang them in your kitchen, your bedroom, your bathroom, front entrance, etc. Place them in a small vase (without the water of course) and sit them by your bed. Better yet, strip the buds from the stems and place them in a small organza bag as a sachet and put it under your pillow. Lavender is said to prevent nightmares!

I hope you will give this fabulous herb a special spot in your garden or in a pot by your favorite chair on your deck. I think it will become your favorite as well!

Patti Moreno Visits Our Garden Center

2009-05-03T00:36:00.011-04:00

On Sunday, April 26th, we had the honor of introducing Patti Moreno, The Garden Girl, to our customers. She gave a presentation on square foot gardening, and gardening by cuisine. Many of our attendees were not famililar with the procedure of square foot gardening, and just how easy it is to do in order to grow your own veggies. Afterward, she answered questions, signed her DVD, and mingled with the crowd.

We would like to thank Patti for taking time away from her family and her busy schedule to make our Garden Party a very special event.

I have started planting my veggies in our gardens and am happy to report that they love being in their new home.

Patti gave them her personal approval!!

Our customers were able to talk with Patti and ask questions about gardening. It was such a gorgeous day. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

This Is The Year You Should Start Composting!

2009-04-13T19:07:00.005-04:00

Hello Friends!

If you haven't already done so, this is the year to start your own compost bin. The current economy is encouraging everyone to grow their own veggies. Your square foot gardens and containers will love you for it! Afraid to begin?? So was I....but now I understand the process better, and hear that it is easier than you think. Follow along with us as we learn together. Here's my procedure so far.....

I have partitioned one section of my hillside in the back of my garden center that is about 16ft long and extends into the hillside about 6 ft. I chose to cover it with an old shade cloth that's been stored in the greenhouse in order to keep our cats and any other animals out of it.

According to an article by Peter Garnham in Horticulture Magazine, here are the simple rules to follow:

"There are only five words to remember when making compost: brown, green, chopped, water and air. Mix brown (dead leaves or straw, for example) with green (grass clippings, vegetable trimmings), chop them up with a lawnmower or shredder and add a little moisture. Toss it all together like a big stir-fry, and that’s it. You need much more brown than green but there’s plenty of leeway, so don’t bother measuring exactly. You can make perfectly good compost with 1 part green stuff and anywhere from 10 to 25 parts of brown stuff, so long as they’re somewhat chopped and slightly moistened. Try to get the mixture about as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Use a garden fork to fluff it when you make it, and do this again after about a week. After that, you can leave it alone until you add more stuff, when you should fluff it again, mixing old and new as thoroughly as possible.

While it probably won’t do any harm to stir in one of those secret-formula compost additives, they really aren’t necessary. You don’t need lime or fertilizer either. Everything you add to your compost pile will rapidly grow billions of bacteria without any more help than just a little moisture and some air. Indeed, there will so much furious activity that the pile will heat up. The dead brown stuff is the carbon, which is the fuel. Anything green is the nitrogen, the fire. In the presence of water and oxygen they begin to decompose, creating heat. One apparent contradiction is that manure—horse, cow, chicken or rabbit—counts as a green ingredient, because manures are rich in nitrogen. Animal manure mixed into your pile will get things going a lot faster. However, do not use dog or cat manure, which may contain pathogens.Fancy compost bins look nice, but all you need is about 12 feet of sturdy wire fencing, formed into a circle and joined at the ends for a “bin” that’s about the right size. It’s easy to lift the fencing off the pile, set it down a couple of feet away and then fork everything from the pile back into it. This will mix and aerate the material thoroughly. If you aren’t in a hurry to get finished compost, you can just let everything sit there and quietly rot for a few months. The end result, good compost, is something of a natural miracle, but there’s no mystery to it. All it takes is brown and green, chopped, plus water and air."

My square foot gardens are ready to be planted...I have filled them with compost, manure, and good old topsoil. Just waiting now for this crazy weather to cooperate.

Check back soon for the next phase...

Presenting Patti Moreno, The Garden Girl

2009-03-13T03:00:00.006-04:00

I am so excited to announce that Patti Moreno, The Garden Girl, is making a personal appearance at our store for a presentation/DVD signing in April. Tentative details are scheduled for Sunday, April 26th. I'll provide more information as I receive them.

I'm also happy to let everyone know that you will also be able to purchase her products in our store, as well as on our website very soon.

Please don't hesitate to call or send us an email if you would like more information on this exciting event. (513)871-9888 or hpfg@zoomtown.com

April is going to be a very busy month! With Easter, The Cincinnati Horticultural Society Flower Show, and Patti's visit, there's sure to be plenty to keep everyone busy! Plus the fact that cabin fever has gardeners itching to get their hands in the dirt!

Be sure to check out the Cincinnati Horticultural Society website for information on the flower show, as well as their GROW program. This is confirmation that the movement for a healthy lifestyle through growing your own vegetables and fruits is on the rise.

http://www.cincyflowershow.com/

I welcome your comments and questions.

Here's to a healthy, happy growing season for everyone!

How To Build A Raised Garden Bed

2009-03-03T01:50:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Here's the first step in starting your own sustainable living garden. Patti Moreno takes us through step-by-step on how to build a raised bed out of wood. Click on the photo or the link to view.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPrMvItUIuQ&feature=channel_page

We'll be following her instructions here at the garden center so stop buy or post any comments or suggestions you may have. This is all new to us also, so we can share ideas and learn together the process to obtain a healthier lifestyle, while contributing to a cleaner environment. We're really excited!

Now you'll be able to meet Patti Moreno in person when she makes a personal appearance here this spring at our garden center to introduce her products, sign her DVD, and answer your gardening questions. We'll be posting this information soon when final details and arrangements are complete.

Spring Fever!

2009-02-23T00:52:00.007-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Have you got Spring Fever as bad as I do? I've been planting my heirloom and organic seeds in anticipation of getting outside to start our raised beds and square foot gardens to put them into. This Cincinnati weather, however, is very strange....one day it's in the 50's, the next day it could be 20. So even though you may be tempted soon to place your plants outside..remember that our Frost Free date is April 15th. (and realistically, we say wait until Mother's Day!)

While exploring the Garden Girl TV site, I came across this link explaining how to appropriately plant a strawberry pot. I thought it would be a great project this time of year for those who want to get their hands in the dirt and get a head start on their garden. You can fill it with herbs, annuals, succulents, or perennials. Just keep in mind where you will place it outside so that you choose the right plants for the right sun exposure. When the weather does break, it will be a great focal point for your landscape. Enjoy!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid10172865001/bctid1912370780

Are You Ready To Contribute To Saving The Planet?

2009-02-12T03:44:00.011-05:00

Many times in the past I tried to convince myself that it wouldn't matter if I recycled or not....afterall, it's only trash. Have you ever thought about where that trash goes? It heads to landfills. When they fill up, everything gets buried into the earth. Now just think about what you put in your trash......plastic milk bottles and detergent bottles, soup and vegetable cans, and who knows what else. These are all items that don't break down in the soil - they are there forever.

Now I realize that if everyone in my city alone thought the same way that I thought, our landfills would be out of control.

Now is the time to take control of our trash.

RECYCLE - REFILL - REUSE - RECLAIM

We are doing our part to help out at our garden center.

We will recycle your used vases, and containers.
We save the plastic plant pots and trays that our annuals & perennials and houseplants come in. When you need a pot to transplant seedlings or plants in, you can stop by our store and pick some up. They're free. They just need to be washed out with soap and water before your use them.
We will be composting all our yard waste.

This is just a few ways we are helping out. We will be taking a look at what our carbon footprint is, and making the changes to reduce it as much as we can.

What can you do?

Here's to a better world.....

Square Foot Gardening

2009-02-06T09:50:00.007-05:00

Square Foot Gardens Are The Newest Concept For Those Who Want To Grow Their Own Vegetables, But Are Limited On Space.

You don't have to have a huge area anymore to grow your own veggies. The use of square foot gardening is the newest concept now for those who want to garden but have always thought that gardening was for farmers who had acres of land! Mel Bartholomew, the originator of this concept has a great website that will explain the how-to's.

We are going to be building our raised beds, planting vegetables and herbs, harvesting them, and opening our own neighborhood farmstand from the crop this year - and doing it organically.

Check it out.

http://www.squarefootgardening.com/

http://gardengirltv.blogspot.com/2009/02/square-foot-gardening-tips-february_01.html

Who Is The Garden Girl?

2009-01-24T23:18:00.007-05:00

Meet PATTI MORENO.

The Garden Girl

You're about to be amazed with everything she will teach you about Urban Sustainable Living.

Patti states: "I am a generation xer who is trained as a film & video producer. I was raised in the concrete jungle, New York City. That's why I say, "If I can do it, then you can too!" I'm just like everyone else. I am a mother, a daughter, a wife, a professional person, and now an urban sustainable living pioneer. Ultimately, I am a Modern American Homemaker and an Urban Homesteader. I got the nickname "GardenGirl" by the sales associates at the Home Depot who helped me load my car for years.
After my daughter Alejandra was born, I looked in the mirror and saw that I had gained seventy pounds and I decided I had to do something about it quick. As a new mother, in a new house, I decided to start getting into shape by working on landscaping my yard. It wasn't a yard. It was a vacant lot with intact foundations of homes that stood there before with who-knows-what thrown in. I worked that little spot as hard as I could and made some progress, but there was lots of failure too. I was able to refine some of my methods, but it wasn't until I moved into my new home, that it all began to take shape for me. I hate to work hard needlessly, but I like to be outside, so all of my methods and the methods of others that I use, are based maximum efficiency. I was a manager of a Gap store in college, so efficiency had been drilled in my head, and as a film producer we are always looking for better ways to do more with less. If there is an easy way, then I will find it.
After my gardens began to produce in great quantities, I learned how to cook. Feeding my family food that I personally grew and prepared was a treat. When my first flock of hens starting laying a half a dozen eggs per day, I must have tried every egg recipe. My friends and neighbors would come over and say you should videotape this. One day while watching how-to shows on cable, I said, "I can do that", and then I realized that I had to do it. So, I combined my homemaking skills with my film producing ability, learned how to work in front of the camera and have launched GardenGirlTv.com \.. a website dedicated to informing and educating the world on methods for Urban Sustainable Living. I have created a series of how-to videos and web pages that you can view here. With one hundred hours of video tape, I'll be releasing new videos weekly.
On this site and in my videos, you will find useful and helpful ways to live more in harmony with the natural world even if you live in an Urban Environment. My goals are to help you produce more and consume less in ways that will make you and your family live a more healthy lifestyle by eating an organic diet, save money by growing your own organic produce, and bring up the net worth of your most valuable asset, your home.
Urban areas consume natural resources at astounding rates and in the near future 70% of the world's population will live in cities. To help save the planet from climate change and the arrival of Peak Oil, it is important that we begin turning to more sustainable ways of living.
Experimenting, innovating, and implementing ways to live more sustainably specifically in the cities and suburbs is paramount to preserving our culture for the generations to come. Garden Girl TV isn't just about gardening. My videos span the wide range of 21st Century modern homemaking, including cooking, arts and crafts, alternative energy, pet care, and aquaculture. "

Garden Girl TV

2009-01-21T23:39:00.005-05:00

I'm really excited to introduce Cincinnati to Urban Sustainable Gardening with Garden Girl TV's Patti Moreno. Check out her videos on organic gardening.

http://www.gardengirltv.com/

Welcome To Hyde Park Floral & Garden!

2009-01-12T21:54:00.003-05:00

We're a small business Full-Service Florist and also a Garden Center located in the heart of Hyde Park, (Cincinnati, Ohio). I'm surrounded by Big Box Stores that are slowly but surely forcing the small business owners out. Even our mega grocery store has decided to add flowers, plants, dirt and chemicals to their food supply! For those who don't understand the retail industry, it comes down to this.......The Big Guys buy their products in mega quantities, which allow them to get the lowest wholesale prices. They sell the same product for less than the small businessman can buy it for. How do you compete with that?

I've decided to make a few changes here. I plan on "Going Green" and introducing my clients to Urban Sustainable Gardening. I'll be offering organic products, and starting a Farm Stand with the vegetables and herbs that I grow right in the garden center. I recycle what I can, and will be learning how to compost right along with my customers. Of course, I'll still have all my beautiful annuals and perennials, with less chemicals and more organic product.

We pack a lot of product within a small black topped space. Inside we have a gift shop with our floral department. We do everyday floral design, as well as weddings and special events. We've started a program where you can recycle your vases and containers in exchange for discount coupons for future purchases. We also feature hand made items on consignment from local artists, as well as handmade wreaths, potpourri, and dried bouquets made from herbs that I grow and dry right here on my lot.

The best part of our business is the excellent service and expertise we provide. You'll never have to load your own mulch or soil or anything when you're here.

I would love to get input from everyone to find out what other services or products I could offer in order to win back my customers. Is convenience, quality and service worth anything anymore?