The snow is still melting and we are beginning to get calls about landscape consultations and We Plan/You Plant purchases.  Dare I to hope this means that spring is really on the way?

We have received an assortmant of very nice garden tools.  And we have seeds and soil for starting them at home.  So those of you who really need to garden somewhere, somehow, need to come in and get some stuff so you know you truly are soon going to be able to start getting out there into the dirt.  You know who you are, and you know what I mean. 

If you want fruit trees, this is the time you need to come in and order them, since we no longer carry fruit trees except by special order. Once we have made the trip north to pick them up from the supplier, you’ll most likely have to wait until next year.

And, if you or someone you know is looking for a part-time seasonal job working with people and plants, or just with plants (we need some landscape helpers, too), then apply now at Ferda’s Garden Center.  Applications are available in the gift shop.

Written by Lynn on the slope of Teasel Hill where the snow is melting and the temperature is 40 degrees.

The snow is melting, and the temperatures are rising.  Is this the winter meltdown we’ve been waiting for since Groundhog Day?  Or should we keep boots and gloves at the ready for another icy blast?

Plants are arriving nearly every day now, and we are beginning to pot them up for Spring.  Lily bulbs, Regal geraniums, princess lillies, and heucheras have been potted up and are growing on.  Herbs and early veggies are seeded down and, in some cases, transplanted.  It really is coming, folks! Spring is on the way, although not as quickly as we garden fools would have it. 

We’ve had some problems lately with the photos on the web site, and we are working to fix them.  We apologize to those of you who have dial up intenet access for the long time the photos may be taking to download.  We will have the problems solved soon.

Written by Lynn on the slope of Teasel Hill where the temperature is a balmy 40 degrees.

Well, isn’t this an interesting block of weather?  Snow, sleet, freezing rain, then more snow.  I think the guys out there who left a Valentine’s Day gift until the last moment are going to be in deep trouble. If you can make it to Ferda’s Garden Center tomorrow, we have some great blooming plants to choose from.  If not, the blooming plants make a good “I’m Sorry” gift as well.

I’ve been working on the first newsletter of 2007, which will go out in March to those of you who told us that you wanted to stay on the mailing list, and those of you who shopped with us during the Holiday season.  If you want to receive it, and neither of those groups includes you, please let us know soon, by phone, email (lynn@ferdas.com) or fax, or in person at the Garden Center.  The newsletter will include details of the new program we are starting this spring to allow you to receive credit for all your purchases. 

Written by Lynn on the slope of Teasel Hill where the weather is nasty and the temperature is in the 30’s.

Hmmm…  The groundhog did not see his shadow on February 2nd, and we are not supposed to have 6 more weeks of winter.  And yet Winter has squatted down and looks like it is staying for the long haul.  That will teach me not to put confidence in weather forecasting by a large rodent! 

If you need a touch of spring, stop at Ferda’s Garden Center for a colorful blooming or foliage plant to bring some freshness into your life.  Bob went on a search to find some beautiful plants for you, and he succeeded!  They will make a special addition to your home, or (attention, Guys!) a great gift for your sweetheart. 

Some of our staff will be attending a landscape/nursery show in Cleveland this week, learning about the latest and greatest landscape trees, shrubs, and techniques. 

Written by Lynn on the slope of Teasel Hill, where it’s sunny and calm, and the temperature is 20 degrees. 

Bob, Lynn and Dawn are just back from Louisville, Kentucky after a bumpy plane ride into Pittsburgh.  We were attending the ANLA (American Nursery and Landscape Association, of which we are members) Management Clinic.  As those of you who fly know, a windy day on the ground means a turbulent (bumpy) ride in an airplane.  But we have landed safe and sound, and will begin playing catch-up at the Garden Center after getting over the jet lag we are all experiencing.

While we were gone, Patty and the rest of the gift shop crew have been bringing the look of Spring into the shop.  Since the groundhog didn’t see his shadow this year, this may not be any too early!

Stop in next weekend for some Spring Color you can bring home for your Valentine Sweetie or for yourself.  We’ll have some blooming plants and some fresh foliage plants arriving then for the holiday.  Out with the old winter look and in with the fresh Spring feeling!  In the meantime, check out the Valentine Flags and buy a Valentine card before you forget like you did last year!