January and February are two months that can really test my morale. I check off each day on the calendar as I look ahead to warmer weather, seeing my first robin and the tender green tips of spring-blooming bulbs as they press through the soil. When Evan was little, I relished speeding down bumpy hills on a plastic sled; building huge snowmen with Oreo cookie eyes and carrot noses; skating wobbly around our village’s ice rink; and creating igloos in huge snow banks. My, how age can shift one’s interests.
In this newsletter: Plant and product features; upcoming events, lectures and trips; 10th Annual Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium; A Chemical Reaction DVD for all Symposium attendees; The Smart Shopper’s Top Ten Lists for Exceptional Perennials, Shrubs and Annuals in Zones 3 – 7 is a hot seller; now accepting requests for home garden and landscape consultations; reviving neighborhood garden clinics; special February lecture at Berkshire Botanical garden; seeking vendors for top ten lists gardening books; Evan and Mom’s Corner and more. (photo of Zoe at 3 months with my sister’s dog, Cody, a 12-year old Labrador)
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DECADE CELEBRATION OF THE GREAT GARDENS AND LANDSCAPING SYMPOSIUM
April 12 – 14, 2013
The Equinox Resort in Manchester, VT
Sponsored by
Excitement is building for this decade celebration taking place April 12 – 14 at the world-class Equinox Resort (www.equinoxresort.com) in southern Vermont. As of today there are almost 80 people registered from around the Northeast; close to 1/3 of the 250 maximum. There are day-only rates as well as overnight symposium packages that include deluxe accommodations and all taxes and gratuities. Day-only rates start at $49; overnight packages start at $288.87 for a single, $412.74 for a double ($206.37 per person). For the impressive agenda featuring nationally recognized speakers, great food, door prizes, registration details and more, please visit www.pyours.com/symposium. But don’t drag your muck boots or the garden gate might be closed…..
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SYMPOSIUM PARTICIPANTS TO RECEIVE A CHEMICAL REACTION, A PRIZE-WINNING DOCUMENTARY
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to show the internationally
applauded A Chemical Reaction documentary at the 9th Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium. This was a huge disappointment to many. Thankfully, I can make up for this at this symposium’s decade celebration. One of the gifts that each attendee will receive is this eye-opening documentary on a DVD, a $19.95 value!
This film has shaken up the lawn care world with its heart-warming, inspirational, human-interest story about the origin of the natural lawn care movement in Canada and the U.S. Called “Even better than An Inconvenient Truth,” by a major film critic, this award-winning documentary tells the inspirational story of the origin of the anti-pesticide movement. It gives a powerful message about reducing and/or eliminating pesticides from the environment, especially around homes and schools. This film rocked me with its message and well-researched information. The film was produced by my good friend and nationally recognized organic lawn care specialist, Paul Tukey. Paul is the founder of Safelawns.org, North America’s leading advocacy organization and information source for natural lawn care and grounds maintenance since 2006. The SafeLawns web site, www.safelawns.org, is a wealth of information, how-to videos, blogs, and resources. Check it out! SafeLawns is also one of the sponsors of the 10th Annual Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium.
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PLEASE JOIN ME IN THANKING THE SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS! (more to be featured in the March newsletter)
The Espoma Company The Espoma Company has been the pioneer in natural gardening solutions. From their leading organic plant foods, Plant-Tone and Holly-Tone, to their Earth-Tone series, to their recently introduced Espoma Organic Potting and Garden Mixes, they provide the most extensive selection of natural organic products that work in harmony with nature to grow beautiful lawns & gardens, preserve natural resources, and make a safer world for future generations. Their Bio-tone® starter is fabulous for helping transplants establish faster. Not only will it increase root mass (which helps to avoid transplant shock and loss), it also pushes shoot growth and bloom count. Perennially Yours has used Espoma products for many years with outstanding results. And this thriving 82-year old company, dedicated to organic practices, walks the talk in more ways than just products. They are completing a project of installing nearly 43,000 square feet of solar panels in their warehouse rooftops. The system will produce enough electricity to power over sixty homes for a full year and will save more than 1.4 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The solar panels will provide clean, renewable energy for Espoma’s entire plant and office facilities. Bravo! To learn more about this noteworthy company and their exceptional products, visit www.espoma.com.
Gardener’s Supply Company This organically-minded company is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont. They offer a huge assortment of products at great prices for the garden ranging from organic fertilizers, tools, pest control, sheds, pots, plants and much more! Even though many assume Gardener’s Supply Company only sells gardening and outdoor living items, they have an expanding line of indoor living products that will surely surpass and impress you. You can purchase products through their mailorder division or at their stores in Burlington and Williston. Their web site, www.gardeners.com, is a wealth of information. You can get lost in their learn and share articles, blogs, and videos. And the big red sale web page is a goldmine. Right now they are running a special winter sale offering up to 75% off terrific items for indoors and out. In addition to their superior products, Gardener’s Supply Company is passionate about improving the environment and community. Each year they donate 8% of their pre-tax profits back to the community and national non-profit organizations that are working on gardening, sustainable agriculture, environmental and hunger-related causes. www.gardeners.com
Corona Tools USA. One peek inside my garden shed will reveal numerous Corona hand tools. I have tried many other premier brands, including Fiskars, but I always return to Corona. I have two bypass pruners that are at least five years old and they work like a charm. An occasional sharpening with my nifty blade sharpener and I’m on to slicing my way through the next stem or branch. Corona tools have been helping generations of agriculturists, gardeners, landscapers, arborists and construction professionals to achieve more, season after season since the 1920s. Their tools are built to last and designed specifically for the day-to-day needs of growers from all walks of life. Not only does Corona care about providing the best in tools, they also care about the environment by making their packaging 100% recyclable. Corona also supports communities by donating tools they need to maintain gardens and landscapes throughout the country and abroad. Each month, Corona grants up to two organizations tools they need to help their community gardening project to succeed. Corona sells a wide assortment of tools including those for digging, pruning, utility, striking, raking, transporting and many more. Check these out at www.coronatoolsusa.com.
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LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE VENDORS IN THE GARDENERS MARKETPLACE
The Gardeners Marketplace was added to the Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium a few years ago. This vibrant shopping venue is open Friday evening and Saturday (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Symposium attendees, as well as other resort guests and the local community, are invited to shop tables filled with plants, gardening products, statuary, herbs, floral note cards & stationary, jewelry, bird feed and accessories, and more. We limit the number of vendors to 20. If you have a business that sells nursery plants, gardening products or related services, or products in a related filed, please contact me at pyours@nycap.rr.com or call (518) 885-3471.
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UPCOMING CLASSES, EVENTS AND BUS TRIPS
I’ve added a number of new events to my schedule since my last newsletter. Am I crazy?! Well, a tad….but I just love speaking, teaching and inspiring folks of all ages to garden happier, easier, and healthier.
In addition to new engagements in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and New Jersey, I will be returning to Edith Wharton’s Estate (www.edithwharton.org), The Mount, in the Berkshires (MA) to participate in another fundraiser. Please plan to join me on Thursday, June 20 from 9:00 – Noon. The program features two of my most popular garden lectures – Gold Medal Perennials, Flowering Shrubs and Annuals for Gardens in the Northeast and Simplifying Gardens to Fit Changing Lifestyles. This inspiring lecture provides easy-to-follow downsizing strategies, recommended no-fuss plant material, and design tips for stunning year-round gardens that will be as close to ‘autopilot’ as you can get.. The registration fee is $40 per person or $35 if you are a member of The Mount. Registration includes two lectures, continental breakfast, admission to the estate and grounds as well as a guided tour of the gardens at 2:00 p.m. To register, please call the Mount at (413) 551-5111 or click here. You may also register on the Mount’s event’s page. For a complete list of my lectures and locations, visit www.pyours.com/events.
There is also a ‘wheelbarrow’ load of events and workshops offered at Faddegon’s Nursery this spring including a stunning Tropical Open House and Plant Show (February 9 & 10) as well as two bus trips – one to the Boston Flower Show (www.bostonflowershow.com) on March 14 and another to the Garden in the Woods (http://www.newfs.org/visit/Garden-in-the-Woods) in Framingham, MA on Tuesday, April 30. To learn more about all of the special events, visit www.faddegons.com or call (518) 785-6726. The calendar is updated monthly.
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SEEKING NEW VENUES FOR TOP TEN LISTS GARDENING BOOKS
I am excited that my husband, Sergio, is taking over the management and distribution of my gardening books. Both softcover books – The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Top Ten Lists, 70 Garden-Transforming Theme Lists and Strategies For Growing Gorgeous, Low-Maintenance Gardens in Zones 3 through 7 and Top Ten Lists for Beautiful Shade Gardens: Seeing Your Way Out of the Dark have been great sellers. These books are already sold by Amazon and carried by a national book distributor to stores like Barnes & Noble. They also do well in garden centers, green food markets, and family-owned bookstores. Additionally, Master Gardeners associations, garden clubs, and not-for-profits use the books for fundraisers – buying books at wholesale and reaping the financial benefits. Here is where we would like to ask for your help. If you know a business or organization that would be interested in learning more about carrying the top ten lists books, please email Sergio at pyours@nycap.rr.com. If your lead turns into a book distribution arrangement, we will thank you with signed copies of each book plus a $50 gift card to Amazon. We look forward to partnering with you!
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Kerry’s new e-book
TOP SELLER EBOOK – THE SMART PLANT SHOPPER’S TOP TEN LISTS FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERENNIALS…..
My jaw dropped when the publisher of my The Smart Plant Shopper’s Top Ten Lists for Exceptional Perennials, Shrubs, Annuals and More for Zones 3 – 7 told me it was their top seller in 2012 for all of the ebooks they published. This book has 26 updated plant lists from The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Top Ten Lists and because it’s digital, it has colored pictures for each of the 260 plants. It is available from Amazon and many others. The price is $5.99. Shop away!
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HOME GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE CONSULTATIONS
Yup, this is the time of the year when I start getting requests for home garden and landscape consultations. Is it too early? Never! Even though your gardens are buried under snow, they’re there, just waiting to burst forth with the coming warm weather. Allow me, your personal garden coach, to help you tweak the gardens so they are more beautiful and less time-consuming.
My services include:
*recommending the right plant for the right spot
*creating healthier, better blooming gardens
*teaching you how to plant perennials and prune shrubs, care for roses, tackle insect and disease problems, plant seasonal blooming bulbs, cut back your gardens, and more
*saving you time and money
*helping you prioritize and simplify garden projects
*providing ideas for captivating containers
Garden consulting and coaching is a passion of mine. I typically conduct over 100 consultations a year. Good thing I love what I do! As in 2012, I will be conducting consultations as an employee of Faddegon’s and the fee is the same, $75 per hour on site. There is a nominal travel fee for properties outside a 15 mile radius of Faddegon’s in Latham. To request a consultation, please send me an email at kmendez@faddegons.com.
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REVIVING NEIGHBORHOOD GARDEN CLINICS
Some of you may remember when I offered neighborhood garden clinics. These were hugely popular and lots of fun. Well, they are back!
I will be providing these instructional clinics through my work at Faddegon’s Nursery. Classes are two hours in length and include both inside and outside instruction (weather permitting) and demonstrations. Classes are usually held on weekdays (day or evening), plus there are a limited number of weekend dates available. The $25 per person class registration fee includes handouts and a $5 coupon to Faddegon’s Nursery.
We are looking for interested people that would like to host a class in their home in exchange for complimentary one-hour garden consultation (a $75 value), a $5 coupon to Faddegon’s Nursery, and the class at no charge.
Please read the following guidelines and e-mail Kerry at kmendez@faddegons.com if you would like to be considered as a clinic host. Classes can be held spring, summer or fall.
Garden Clinic Host’s Responsibilities
1. Live within 30 miles of Latham, NY.
2. Have an area inside your home that can seat 12 or more people comfortably and allow easy viewing and hearing of the speaker. The class location needs to be in a place that is free from distractions. Classes may be held Monday through Friday during the day or evenings between 6:00-8:00 p.m. There are also a limited number of Saturdays and Sunday afternoons available. Please note: Your complimentary garden consultation takes place one-hour before the class begins.
3. Recruit a minimum of 10 of your friends to attend this 2-hour class at a class fee of $25 per person. The fee includes handouts and a $5 coupon to Faddegon’s Nursery.
4. Sign-up and collect registration forms and money from the required number of people at least 7 days prior to the agreed upon class date. Checks should be made payable to Faddegon’s Nursery. Please make sure to get a filled out registration form from everyone, even if they are paying in cash.
5. Make reminder calls to all registrants 3 – 4 days before the class.
6. Call or e-mail Kerry Mendez at Faddegon’s 5 days prior to the class with the confirmed count (for handout purposes).
7. Provide beverages and snacks for the class (such as lemonade, iced tea, coffee & tea, cookies, coffee cake, cheese and crackers).
8. Be the contact person for folks to call for information and questions about the class.
Faddegon’s Responsibilities
1. Provide the host with flyers for promoting the class and registration forms.
2. Provide all workshop handouts and coupons, demonstration tools, and any other items necessary to conduct the class.
Finally, to recognize and THANK the host for all of your effort and hospitality
1. The workshop will be complimentary for the host (a $25 value). This includes handouts and a $5 Faddegon’s coupon.
2. The host will receive a one-hour home garden consultation ($75 value) that will be conducted prior to the start of the class.
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BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN SPECIAL WINTER LECTURE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
The delightful Berkshire Botanical Garden, located in Stockbridge, MA is pleased to announce their 2013 Winter Lecture “Back to the Future: The Garden at Hidcote,” a talk by Glyn Jones, head gardener of the renowned Hidcote Manor Garden in the Cotswolds of England. Jones will present an in-depth look at the history of the distinguished National Trust site, its founder’s influence on the 20th century English garden, and its inspiring recent renovation. He will also expand upon Johnston’s influence and inspiration, from his passionate love of the American Arts and Crafts movement to his 1930s botanizing trip to China. Hidcote’s recent restoration, achieved with the support of the National Trust and his own devoted team, will be detailed as well as Jones’ meaningful journey to retrace Johnston’s plant-hunting expeditions.
The lecture will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 23 at the Monument Mountain Regional High School located on Route 7 in Great Barrington, MA. Registration is $35 for members of the botanical garden; $42 for non-members. There is also a special luncheon prior to the lecture that will take place at the Botanical Garden. To learn more about both events, and to register, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org.
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PLANT FEATURE
Anthurium This long-blooming, tropical houseplant is also known as The Heart of Hawaii and Flamingo Flower. It has a large, showy heart-shaped spathe (a waxy, modified stem) from which shoots forth a yellow, tail-like spadix. Petite, ho-hum flowers form on the spadix. The bright red beauties are the most well-known and, not surprisingly, are top sellers for Valentine’s Day. Anthuriums are also available in shades of pink, peach, green and bi-color. They enjoy bright, indirect light (NOT direct sun). The potting medium should be soaked well and then allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Soil that stays too wet will rot the beauty. At Faddegon’s (www.faddegons.com) we have several container sizes to choose from, as well as various colors. Come explore and enjoy!
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PRODUCT FEATURE
Safer than Salt This premium ice melter is gentle on your ‘best friend’s’ paws and is more cost efficient than many others on the market. Unlike salt that can irritate sensitive feet, Safer than Salt melts twice as much snow and ice as most other commercially available products. It works quickly and down to -25°F, a temperature at which many other products are ineffective. In addition, it’s more affordable because a smaller amount is needed to remove snow and ice. This also means there is less of an environmental impact on grounds and vegetation. Faddegon’s carries Safer than Salt in easy-to-handle, 10 pound containers for only $9.98.
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Evan and Mom’s Corner
Evan and I just returned from a fantastic, 4-day visit with my Dad and Mom in Florida. The timing couldn’t have been better. As the temperatures plummeted to below zero in Ballston Spa, Evan and I were strolling on a sun-baked beach. Evan went fishing and golfing with my father while ‘Gigi’ and I took long walks and ate gourmet lunches.
There was only one blip during our stay. It happened when Dad and Evan were at the driving range. As a relatively new golfer, Evan was smashing the ball with all of his might. Unfortunately he had a wicked slice. Suddenly the country club’s manager was speeding towards them in a golf cart. It seems three of Evan’s golf balls had soared into the distant employee’s parking lot, hitting some cars. Thankfully there wasn’t any major damage….….and the tide was perfect for fishing.
Perennially Yours,
Kerry Ann Mendez
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