White Fly Update In Christine's Garden

By tackling my white fly population with All Season's Oil, before it got out of hand, I have succeeded in avoiding a more toxic alternative. The leaves on my green beans are a little ugly looking from the previous damage and the mild effects of the oil. It's alright though, because new leaves are beginning to emerge.

Whispers Of Fall

Now that Fay has had her say, a softer voice can be heard. From amongst the leggy annuals and ever-spreading perennials comes the faint whisper of Fall. I heard it the first time as talk of a "back to school" sale came from my car radio. I caught a whiff of it that same week as I eyed my mature pecan tree that had just been struck by lightning. The bark had been blown off to reveal an almost elegant trailing scar. Would the tree drop its bounty of tasty nuts or its very branches come Autumn, I wondered.

I had to leave Savannah for a weekend trip to hear Fall's voice more clearly. My husband and I drove to Mountain City, Tennessee, and when we arrived, Fall was dancing through the trees. "When are you coming to Savannah? " I asked. My question was given a cool reception, because Fall had hardly been there long enough to change the color of the leaves.

Wild turkeys rushed by me like pigeons in Central Park. Had a distant Thanksgiving breeze found them during their late August foraging? Nature offers few things better than a soul-cleansing gust of wind. It clears the mind of meaningless chatter, raises goose bumps that weren't visible all Summer, and there is something else. For Southern gardeners, it awakens the desire to plant again.

The first batch of Fall veggies have found their way to our store. They haven't said much to the herbs on the rack beside them. In time, I'm sure they will be learn to work together. Collards, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, and even Brussels Sprouts are waiting for you.

Have you thought about your Fall garden? How is the soil? Before you are tempted too much with new Fall flowers, shrubs, and trees, take the time to amend your beds. Make everything perfect for new arrivals. Mushroom Compost, Farmer D's Compost, Worm Castings, and many others offer nutrition to future residents.

Marigolds are good companion plants for veggies, because they attract beneficial insects and repel some bad ones as well. The variety of colors that we've just gotten in are also good for borders and mixed containers.

By planting your Fall containers early, they will have time to fill out. Early planting also allows you to save money by purchasing younger plants. You can spoil them with regular liquid fertilizer and quality potting soil so that in a month your affordable plants will have grown into beautiful show stoppers.

Those of you looking to stretch your gardening dollar should take advantage of less than fabulous looking perennials that we've got on sale. The tops of some of these 50% off plants may look a little long in the tooth, but the roots have had a long time to grow, and this will enable them to take hold at your house quite well. Take care to tease the roots apart before planting. It's like helping a house guest off with his coat. He's likely to stick around a lot longer.

We hope to see you soon.

White Fly VS. AllSeasons Spray Oil

In the right corner, wearing no trunks, The Whitefly Family.

In the left corner, also wearing no trunks, AllSeasons Spray Oil.


The match began in poor weather, but between showers, I sprayed all of the undersides of my plants. The population has not gotten out of control yet. Plants seem to be doing alright.

Trying Something

My husband and I have a little saying whenever one of us is doing something that is likely not going to turn out well. It goes something like this, "I'm just trying something, okay?" Whatever the silly act might be, uttering this excuse prevents any further ridicule. It's like saying, "Hey, I need to learn this for myself."

If we carry this to the garden, where most everything is trial and error, this trying can teach more than any book or garden show. We remember how it felt to have dirt on our hands, the smell of the fertilizer as we watched it scatter around, the first glimpse of a bud beginning to form. Lastly, we recall the little white bug that showed up and invited his friends.

Whitefly causes great alarm in gardeners because it reproduces at such a fast rate. I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about treatments, and he poo-pooed the organic option that was given to him at our store. I poo-pooed the chemicals that kill everything. Finally, we poo-pooed the nerdy conversation that was taking place at his wife's birthday party and decided that our debate take place another time.

I was left wondering, though. You see, although I recommend organic products a lot, caution against unnecessary use of pesticides, and poke fun at those who hold them dear, I am a flexible gal-occasionally. Could it be that whitefly requires something more than I had offered.

So, after work, lastnight, I began trying something. It was the same organic something on the growing whitefly population in my raised veggie bed. I'll keep you posted.

One More Reason To Stop By Our Blog!

Holy Power Pellets! PAC-MAN IS HERE!

I thought you all could use a little blast from the past, so enjoy!

The Hot and Sticky News

Uggggh.
Well, it is no secret that business slows down at a retail garden center during unpleasant weather. While blue skies and sunshine draw one to frolic in the exceptional plant finds Hester & Zipperer has to offer, the rain and delightful humidity have been keeping customers away. I suppose people have been sipping the last bit refreshment from the big cup that is Summer vacation.

Education Pays Off In Organic Sales
We are pleased to say that those of you who braved the weather have jumped at the chance to purchase our new organic solution to many lawn and garden insects called "Flea Destroyer." The name is really misleading, because although these beneficial nematodes kill fleas, they also put a stop to numerous other pests like: mole crickets, white grubs, sod web worm, fire ants, and more! We ordered ten canisters, and sold out in about a two weeks! We will be getting more in later this week, and we've started taking names for people who want this effective, eco-friendly product! Do you want to be on the list? Call 912-897-5581

Refresh Your Garden
A new shipment of tomatoes has arrived! Don't standby with the crash cart for plants that are on their way out. Do-overs aren't just for ping pong and kick ball!


SALE CONTINUES
Don't miss out on fun Summer decor that is 40% off! This is a great time to buy little accents for your Labor Day festivities!

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This Saturday's Free Class

Your Garden's Balancing Act
This Saturday's free class will deal with the delicate balance of your garden's plants, insects, and other environmental factors. This class will be taught by Alex!

Class begins at 10:00 A.M. at the Wilmington Island location.

Remember, as always, students will receive a discount associated with the classes topic!

Papyrus In The House

You've Seen Them Before...

Many of you have spun a cool display of Papyrus greeting cards at locations across town. You may not have committed the brand name to memory, but you likely remember the cards. Now, you don't have to leave the island for these babies. Whether you are looking to reconnect with an old friend, neighbor, relative, or even your partner, these cards are perfect.

Hester & Zipperer, on Wilmington Island, has also started carrying a small selection of gift bags and tissue papers from Papyrus. Now when you find that perfect gift at our store, there is no need for a second stop before your function.

August 2nd's Free Saturday Class

Fighting Bugs With Bugs

The idea of beneficial insects is becoming ever so popular. This Saturday's Free Class will offer plant combination ideas for attracting them to your container garden.

Class begins at 10:00 A.M. at our Wilmington Island location.

Beneficial Insect Plants