Hester and Zipperer Lawn & Garden

Deep Water Your Citrus

2010-11-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

This has been an exceedingly dry Fall and if you have Citrus trees, you should consider deep watering. Extended drought during the bearing and sizing stage can cause Citrus to drop fruit due to stress. The best way to stop this is deep watering. Place your hose at the base of your Citrus tree and turn on the water so that it is barely trickling out. Let the water run this way for one to two hours. Repeat this deep watering twice a week through this dry spell. Deep watering once or twice a week is much better than watering a little bit every day. If you only water for a few minutes each day, the root system will develop near the surface, whereas if you water deeply a few times per week, the root system will develop deeper and you will have a healthier tree.

Funky Fungus

2010-10-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

A customer brought this fungus in for identification and it was so cool I wanted to share it with everyone. It's called "Bird's Nest" fungus and it typically grows on cow dung or decaying mulch. The "eggs" are actually the spores which are spread by raindrops falling into the "nest." They are harmless, but if you have these or any other fungus in your yard that you want to get rid of, simply sprinkle a little Hydrated Lime over them and they will dry up.

It's Finally Fall!

2010-10-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Fall has finally arrived and we are ready with all your fall decorating needs. The mums are gorgeous and we have pumpkins and bales of wheat straw. Come enjoy the beautiful weather with us!

End of Summer Sale

2010-08-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Island. It's been a long, hot summer, but Fall will be here before you know it. Come help us clear out the old to make room for the new. We have a big selection of plants on sale throughout the nursery. Fall is the ideal time of year for planting and transplanting. Come on in and get some great deals.

Got Milkweed?

2010-06-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Do you want to attract more butterflies to your garden? If so, you should plant Butterfly Milkweed. This tough and easy perennial loves sun and reseeds easily. Milkweed is the larval food for Swallowtail Butterfly caterpillars. The butterfly will lay eggs on the plant and the caterpillars will hatch and eat until they are ready to make a cocoon. Every year the plant will come back and so will the butterflies. Other butterfly attractors include Lantana, Pentas, Parsley, and Fennel.

The Heat Is On!

2010-06-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Summer has arrived in Savannah. The heat and humidity will spawn all sorts of problems in your lawn and garden. Fungus will be rampant and I suggest an application of fungicide to your lawn to keep it under control. Watch plants for signs of fungus and treat as needed. If you aren't sure, bring a sample of the infected plant in to the store and we can make a diagnosis. Watch for bad bugs. I've seen lots of mealy bugs recently. They look like fluffy white cotton on the stalks of the plant. Knock them off with water or spray with a lightweight horticultural oil. Keep fertilizing your flowering plants, especially hanging baskets and containers, with a liquid fertilizer. We recommend ferti-lome Rooting and Blooming.

Don't Bug Out!

2010-05-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have had a few worried customers bring me jars full of these little striped bugs. They are called Barklice and they are harmless to both you and your plants. There is no need to spray them. Barklice eat lichen and decaying plant material. When they hatch out there can be hundreds of them swarming around on things. You may also notice a fine white webbing on the trunks of the trees that looks like a white stocking has been pulled over them. This is their protective house. They won't hurt anything and will go away on their own.

Garden Expo

2010-04-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the delay on the posts, we've been really busy here at the store. We just wrapped up the Garden Expo at the Roundhouse. This is our second year competing in the Expo. You may remember our pirate ship from last year. This year, the theme was "Going and Growing Green." We decided to use all found materials for our "Homegrown" garden. An old potting table became a shady porch and old tin roofing became planters that we filled with veggies, herbs, fruit and butterfly and bee attracting flowers. We had lots of fun, but it was lots of work and we're glad to be done.

We are bustin at the seams!

2010-03-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

We have tons of beautiful plants in stock! Way too many to list. Calladiums, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Plumbago, Daisy Shrubs, Loropetalum, Passion Flower Vine... the list goes on. If you are wondering what those hot pink flowering shrubs are that are blooming all over town, they are Loropetalum, or Fringe Flower. They are a great evergreen shrub for sun. You may also be seeing a yellow flowering vine in the woods; this is a Carolina Jessamine. The trees with white flowers are flowering pears. Come on in and let us help you brighten up your garden!

Spring has Sprung!

2010-03-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

It finally looks like spring at Hester & Zipperer. We have some beautiful plants with lots of color. Spring annuals are here including Petunias, Begonias, Impatiens, and Alyssum. The Geraniums are gorgeous and we have tons of fresh hanging baskets. We also have a big selection of veggies and herbs so come get your spring on!

Let's get to it!

2010-03-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

Hello to everyone! If you're like me, you're ready for some warm weather. Well, I think we're finally going to get some. It's been a long, cold winter and I think we could all use some quality time outside. Here at the Wilmington Island Hester & Zipperer we're gearing up for Spring. The plants are really starting to roll in. We are stocked up on fruit trees for those of you who want to grow your own. We also have tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, seed potatoes, and onions. Squash and zucchini plants will be here soon. If you haven't prepared your vegetable beds for spring now is the time. Work in some compost, hydrated lime, and triple superphosphate before you plant. We will have a free veggie gardening workshop here on Sunday, March 21st at 2:00pm so mark your calendar.

Got Grass?

2010-02-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

It's time to start thinking about the lawn, so if you have one read on. Mid February through mid March is the time for spring weed control. We recommend an application of liquid Atrazine. Atrazine is a selective herbicide with good cool weather performance. It is both a pre and post emergent weed killer. This means that it will kill most weeds that are already up and it will stop seeds from germinating for about 2-3 months so it helps keep weeds at bay through the spring greenup. Atrazine will not hurt your grass, but it doesn't know that shrubs and flowers aren't weeds so use caution when spraying. You can spray it on the ground under shrubs and trees just don't get it on the leaves. Atrazine does not kill weeds overnight, so give it up to 2 weeks to see results. We carry liquid Atrazine in a one quart bottle that will cover 3,720 square feet for $7.99. You cannot use it once temperatures are staying consistently above 85, so now is the time to take advantage of this product. If you plan to use a hose end sprayer, you must be able to adjust the dilution rate, so if you aren't sure just bring your sprayer into the store so we can set it for you. We also carry a fabulous sprayer that takes all the guesswork out of mixing. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you haven't limed your yard recently, now is the time to do that too. Pelletized lime is $4.99 for a 40lb bag. Lime raises the pH of your soil so the grass can absorb nutrients better.

The next step you will take for your lawn will be to apply a granular Weed and Feed. We recommend waiting until St. Patrick's Day to start fertilizing because that's when the lawn is starting to green up. Fertilizing earlier is just feeding the weeds and it won't make your grass green up any sooner. We carry Weed and Feed for all types of grasses, so if you aren't sure what kind you have just bring us a sample when you come in so we can help you select the proper product.

Prune Your Knockout Roses

2010-02-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

Now is the time to prune Knockout Roses. Cutting them back at this time of year will rejuvinate the plant and you will have thicker roses. Use a sharp pair of hand pruners or loppers and make your cuts just above where the lower branches start to divide off of the main stalks. Try to make your cuts at about a 45 degree angle so that water will roll off the cuts. You can also remove any dead branches completely. Fertilize with a granular rose food and water it in. In a few weeks you will see lots of new growth and before you know it your Knockouts will be full and lush.

Valentine's Day means it's time to prune

2010-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of year again, Valentine's Day, but it's not just for giving roses and candy, it's time for pruning too. Here in Coastal Georgia mid February through mid March is the ideal time to prune most of the shrubs and trees in your landscape. I've added a link in our Useful Links to a great article from the University of Georgia Extension Service on proper pruning. If you have questions or just feel terrified at the thought of taking on that overgrown tree or shrub on your own, come in and talk to me at the Island store. I love pruning and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. And please, don't chop your Crepe Myrtles to stubs.

Hello again.

2010-02-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, it's been a while. We haven't been posting since Christine left to have a baby, but I'm taking over now so I'll try to keep it up to her standards. (it's me, Mary Ann, you know, the girl with all the tattoos) Anyway, welcome back. We've been busy at the store this winter doing some painting and rearranging and it really looks great. I'm getting spring fever and I hope you are too. We are starting to stock up for spring and new plants are starting to roll in. Fruit trees are here, as are Geraniums and tomatos. We've got some beautiful plants for Valentine's Day too, so stop in and check it out.

Seeds & Weeds Holds Meeting at Wilmington Island Store

2009-10-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Seeds & Weeds held their October meeting at the Wilmington Island Hester & Zipperer on Monday night, and it went off without a hitch. I gave a talk on Responsible Pest Management, but we all left time to gobble delicious refreshments too!

Visit Our Skidaway Store For Breakfast In The Garden

2009-10-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, October 17th, visit the Skidaway Road Hester & Zipperer for a complimentary breakfast in the nursery! Enjoy delicious food and activities. Katherine will be giving a talk on Fall borders and Lisa will answer the top ten questions on Winter gardening.

Give Your Next Garden Club Meeting A New Spin

2009-09-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hester & Zipperer on Wilmington Island Wants Your Club

We invite the garden clubs in our area to schedule a meeting to be held at our store! Not only will we provide an informative talk, but your members will also receive 10% off any purchases made that evening (Excludes pine straw and propane).

Here's The Skinny
Meetings are to be held between 7-9PM.

Garden Clubs are responsible for providing members to help set up and clean up.

Hester & Zipperer will provide a speaker on a topic to be determined between the
club and the speaker.

Meeting must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance.

Please call 897-5581 and speak with Mary-Ann or Christine to schedule your event.

Don't Miss Our Free Fall Vegetable Gardening Workshop

2009-09-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

Come by the Hester & Zipperer on Wilmington Island this Saturday and learn why a cool-season vegetable garden is perfect for even newbie gardeners. The class is free and participants will receive a discount associated with the class topic.

2009-09-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

We're glad to see so many of you returning to your garden activities now that the weather has cooled ever so slightly. We've gotten some new plants to inspire. For those of you looking for some unique mixed containers or hanging baskets, try combining Diamond Frost Euphorbia, Coral Red Trailing Verbena, and purple Sweet Potato Vine. This sunny combo would also be gorgeous spilling out of a window box. Snap Dragons will be in tomorrow, and they are perfect for those looking to put something in that will last all through the Winter. Mix with Ponytail Ferns for a cold-hardy container.

One of the most underused categories of plants is grasses. They are perfect for accenting containers and beds, but grasses can also be used without any flowers at all for a stunning display. They offer structure, drama, and low maintenance. Simply add some slow-release nitrogen like blood meal in the soil and groom occasionally to keep them looking their best.

Shrubs and trees can be put in now. Many of you are working on privacy screens. This can be so much more interesting than a line of plants. Let us help you select plants of various textures and sizes that compliment each other. We can also suggest soil amendments to help them get established faster.

There have been a lot of bug questions lately, and we're always happy to educate people on responsible pest management. One of the most interesting came from a gentleman struggling with caterpillars on his Cabbage Palm. After a bit of searching, I learned that it was the Palm Skeletonizer, Homaledra sabalella. Most sites suggest Dipel Dust or Carbaryl on this stubborn pest. Dipel is a biological control and has the advantage of only killing caterpillars.

Got some news to share? Let us know what's happening in your yard? Email us photos to share on our blog at hesterandzipperer@hotmail.com

The Plant Sale Is Over But You Can Still Save!

2009-08-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

We are happy to say that many of you came out and took advantage of Wilmington Island's End of Summer Clearance Sale. It ran for a week and we watched you run away with great deals. Still need advice on how to get your new plants off to a successful start? Don't hesitate to ask. We can offer you excellent products that reduce transplant shock, stimulate root growth, and even help with your water and fertilizing efforts.

For those of you who are still craving a bargain, we are continuing the following sales for another week: Furniture 25% OFF
Wind Chimes 30% OFF
Citronella Candles 50% OFF
Gardman Obelisks and Arbors 30% OFF
All Terrain Body Products 30% OFF
Hummingbird Feeders 30% OFF
Birdfeeders and Seed 30% OFF
Gardman Screens 30% OFF
Composters 20% OFF
Austram Coco Hanging Baskets 30% OFF

Sale ends Saturday, September 5th!
Our store will be closed Sunday and Monday for Labor Day.

Price Correction

2009-08-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

There was a mistake in our recent e-newsletter regarding the price of Natural Guard Soil Activator. The correct prices are: 20lb bag/2000 sq/ft $16.99
40 lb bag/4000 sq/ft $24.99

Sorry for any inconvenience.

The Big Big Sale on Wilmington Island!!!

2009-08-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hester & Zipperer
on Wilmington Island’s
End of Summer Clearance Sale
Saturday, August 22nd thru Sunday, August 30th

The Big Plant Sale!!!
(Includes All Plants)
Spend $1 - $100 and get 25% off
Spend $101-$200 and get 35% off
Spend $201-$300 and get 50% off
Spend $301-$499 and get 60% off
Spend $500 or more and get 70% off

Amounts are before discount.
Discounts will be taken at register.

Other Sales
All Pottery 20% off
Furniture 25% off
Wind Chimes 30% off
Citronella Candles 50% off
Gardman Obelisks 30% off
All Terrain Body Products 30% off
Hummingbird Feeders 30% off
Austram Coco Hanging Baskets 30% off
Birdfeeders and Seed 30% off
Gardman Arbors 30% off
Gardman Screens 30% off
Composters 20% off

Educated Customers Are Making Smart Purchases

2009-08-13T08:15:00.001-07:00

The green movement is about nothing if not education. Its momentum comes from showing you the difference between product A and product Green. Even customers who do not choose the greener option, initially, will likely make smarter purchases in the future thanks to greenies .

The first benefit comes from the environmentally friendly practice of reading labels and more specifically active ingredients. Those who actively read labels are helped in the following ways:

The same chemical may come in a liquid concentrate or a ready-to-use sprayer. By recognizing the same active ingredient marketed to you in a couple different forms, you can save money by choosing the least expensive form of application.

Customers who seek only a certain "Insecticidal Dust" based on brand marketing may find themselves frustrated and unnecessarily driving to more than one store to find it. If you know you only want "Scotts" this or "Ortho" that, you will likely overlook products that are less expensive, more effective, or otherwise better suited to your situation.

There is also the obvious benefit of learning the correct usage of a potentially hazardous chemical.

Greenies can also teach you useful terminology.

"Systemic" and "Contact" are two extremely helpful classifications, and they can help you in the following ways:

You've got roses that need repeated treatment with fungicide. The uneducated person might grab a bottle that says "fungicide" and think their problem is solved. If they grabbed a contact fungicide (even one with pretty roses on the label) though, they will not have the lasting effect of a systemic fungicide. Who wants to spray more when they don't have to do so?

You are spraying your vegetables or fruit trees for bugs, and you want something that will work like a champ. You like that systemic products last longer, but recognize that you don't want a chemical making its way through something you will eat.

You've got weeds and you need them dead. Most people will choose products that kill fast! Careful though. Just because the top of that weed is killed overnight with a contact herbicide doesn't mean the roots aren't clamoring to send up more growth in a few days.

Other buzz words and phrases that can help you out in the long run:
Pre-emergent-Great for keeping things from sprouting. Won't do diddly if it already has!

Post-emergent-Great for killing what has already sprouted. Won't do diddly to sprouting seeds.

Amend-To add to something. Amending soil improves plant growth.

Organic Matter-Soil that is not amended often has too little organic matter. Organic matter helps by retaining moisture and nutrients.

Soil Permeability-The ability of water to travel through soil.

Selective Herbicide - Kills only certain plants.

Non-selective-Kills everything.

Ph, Acid, Alkaline - Sometimes plants prefer a certain Ph. Nutrients are not absorbed correctly if the soil is too far in one direction or another.

Native - Naturally grows in this area.

Nonnative - Does not grow naturally in this area, and thereby may not be suited to our climate. Alternatively, it could be invasive like Kudzu.

The bottom line is a little information might help you more than you think.

Caterpillars

2009-08-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Are your leaves being eaten? Read this and discover why that might not be a problem.

Caterpillars
There are a few reasons that these slow-moving little guys cause people angst. First of all, they're weird looking. They are oddly colored, some have spines, and, by golly, they're eating our plants. People have used the chemical equivalent of flame-throwers for much less. Your panic, and choice of an unnecessary treatment, can easily cause your plant more harm than the caterpillars.

Look at these common caterpillar situations:
Barb goes out on her deck one afternoon. Her oleanders are blooming like heat-tolerant troopers. Wait, though! What's that?
Chances are you've seen these babies, and you were just dying to spray or dust something on them. (One customer even told us she sprayed Raid on them. No! No! No!. Raid is not designed for plant use. It will fry your plants.)

Solution: Keep drinking whatever cold beverage you were enjoying, and do nothing. These caterpillars are doing no more damage to your oleanders than if you cut them yourself. As we know, oleanders respond very well to pruning and respond with lush new growth.

Nancy heads out to her herb garden to cut some parsley for her chicken surprise. The surprise is that there's no parsley! The striped charmer to the left, and his cronies, have nibbled it down to the stems. Maybe you've got a second parsley and they're nibbling that one too.

Swallowtail caterpillars love herb gardens because herbs are their primary food source. Dill, Cilantro, Fennel, Parsley, and even Rue can woo these guys.

Solution: Follow Paul McCartney's advice and "let it be". In a few weeks they will go off and become beautiful butterflies. We've also found that birds, lizards, and even wasps will gladly take them off your hands. Wasps are VERY good for the garden. If you don't swat at them as they hunt for dinner, they aren't a threat. (If you're allergic-obviously don't place this plant right where you relax.) Herbs respond like they've been pruned. They will grow back, so continue to water regularly. You can even use fish emulsion or blood meal on them to give them an extra boost.

If you thought it was raining cats and dogs, or even men for that matter, you would be mistaken. It's tent caterpillars.Now you really want to do something, right? They love my pecan tree. Some people have suggested applying a systemic insecticide drench to trees with tent caterpillars. I understand, but let me tell you why that's not smart.

Tent caterpillars are only caterpillars for a very short period of time. By the time the systemic insecticide goes all the way up the tree, the caterpillars will be long gone!
Do you really want to put systemic insecticide into a plant that you might eat? No. Even if the chemical is out of the tree by the time the pecans form-how will you be sure?
The tree does not suffer at all. It grows back like they were never there.

You got something on your citrus too?! Does it look more like bird poo than a caterpillar?

This is the caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail butterfly. It likes citrus trees, and its ugly face shouldn't cause you panic. We all remember the story of the Ugly Ducking who became a swan, right?
So, to my left is the poor duck and to my right is the swan!

Solution:Use this caterpillar to teach your kids not to judge a book by its cover. Your plants will be fine. If you have a large number of these on a tiny citrus, just pluck them off. Okay, tell someone who doesn't get the willies to pluck them off. Doesn't your neighbor have a HUGE citrus tree that could use a trim?

By now you're just fed up. You want to do SOMETHING! If, by chance your tomato or pepper plants are disappearing before your eyes, chances are a Tomato Hornworm has found them. What? Something endanger your tomato plant? I know, it's crazy, but it happens.

Solution: Bacillus Thuringiensis, also known as BT, is the active ingredient in a product called Dipel Dust. This is the best insecticide for caterpillars. It is inexpensive, and it's only really necessary in the case of the Tomato Hornworm or, possibly, the Cabbage Looper. If you have another situation where some caterpillars need killin', it works on all kinds of caterpillars. We recommend identifying them before resorting to this. Often, as mentioned above, the caterpillar will do no harm.

H&Z Customers Dig Deep

2009-07-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

On behalf of Hester & Zipperer, I want to send thanks out to those of you that have donated to our Clothing Etc. drive benefiting the Metter family whose trailer burned. For those of you that would still like to contribute, please see my previous post on this blog for size information.

Thanks again! -Christine

H&Z Benefit For Family Who Lost Everything in Fire

2009-07-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hester & Zipperer is collecting items for a family living near Metter, Georgia who lost everything when the trailer they were living in at the time caught fire. We have learned that the father was badly burnt and is currently receiving treatment for his injuries. We are unaware of specific injuries that may have been sustained by the mother, eight-month-old girl, and three-year-old boy. We do know that a three-year-old friend who was visiting did not survive.

Both locations of Hester & Zipperer will be collecting the following items:

Clothing for the little girl-size 12 months
Clothing for the little boy-size 3-4 toddler
Clothing for the mother-size zero
Clothing for the father-size XL shirts and size 38 pants
New or gently-used toys

All kinds of gift cards are appreciated. The family does not have a permanent residence yet, so gift cards and certificates are more helpful than large furniture and household donations (at least at this time-we'll keep you posted).

If you have any questions, please call our Skidaway store at 912-355-1950 or our Wilmington Island store at 912-897-5581.

Fourth Of July-Hours Change

2009-06-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hester & Zipperer will be closed Saturday, July 4th, but Yoshi and Travis have signed up to work on Sunday while the rest of us are taking a break! No kidding.
They volunteered! It's fishy, I know.
Visit them on Sunday from 11AM-4PM at Hester & Zipperer on Wilmington Island.

The Nursery Is Full Of Activity-If Not Customers

2009-06-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Yoshi snapped this work of art before we convinced a willing customer to relocate the happy couple to a safer locale behind the Agapanthus. It's not polite to stare.

It seems that all of the rain we had in weeks past followed by this heat has sparked all kinds of activity.

These aphids are feasting on the juice from this Milk Weed Plant.

Don't reach for your spray bottle just yet. The aphids will soon be the main course for Lady Bugs and their larva. You don't even need to ring the dinner bell. They will show up on their own. Also, there would be no point in spraying, because Monarch butterfly caterpillars will come and eat all of the leaves off this host plant. It is fun to watch, and before you know it, the plant will grow back and spread its seed far and wide.

Our water features around the nursery are full of tadpoles. I mean in a few weeks we might think the plagues have started. There are hundreds of the little critters. They are helping keep algae away as well as entertaining passersby.

That leads me to Frank. Frank is 1/2 inches tall and looking for love. If any of you ladies out there are looking for a prince, word on the pond is that he's a great catch. He just asks that his match be an equally devoted fan of Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance".

Getting It Together Again

2009-06-05T04:49:00.001-07:00

I just want to let everyone know that we still have some great plant sales going on at the Wilmington Island store, and we are also getting in new plants today so that you can freshen up after the deluge.

There are so many ways to get your gardens and beds back in working order, and fellow Savannah Morning News garden columnist, Gail Krueger writes about one in today's Accent section. Read her column by clicking here.

Rain Can Be A Pain

2009-05-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Gardeners need rain, but we didn't ask for it all at once, did we? Chances are that today you had time to get out there and see what has happened to your plants. With so much water, there are some things to keep in mind.

Those of you growing tomatoes need to watch out for leaf fungus. If you have spotted leaves, please cut a sample and bring it to the store for review. We can suggest a treatment if necessary. Also, keep up with your garden maintenance. Prune overgrown plants, and make sure to disinfect your pruners between plants. You don't want to carry spores from one plant to another.

Be mindful of your sprinkler settings. It seems obvious, but you should not have your sprinkler watering when we've had so much rain. Take time see if anything even needs water.

Those of you with lawn fungus can stop by the store for some granular or liquid fungicide. Both are available and useful during wet times like this.

You may have become aware of standing water in certain areas of your yard. Now is the time to improve drainage in these areas by building up the soil, or adding sand to areas that are too mucky.

Feel Good Sale-Veggie Plants Now 50% off
This sale won't last, so get them now!

If you have any questions, please call 912-897-5581 or 912-355-1950

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND HOURS CHANGE

2009-05-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Both Hester & Zipperer locations will be closed

on Sunday, May 24th and Monday, May 25th.

We will resume normal store hours on Tuesday, May 26th.

(9-6PM)

Memorial Day Sales!

2009-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this chilly May weather in Savannah? Well, Summer is coming no matter how far the mercury may fall. We've got some exciting new merchandise in stock, and some hot sales.

Those of you that loved those brightly colored metal lizards and crabs we had last summer need to stop by! Not only are they back, but they've brought along huge fish friends! I'm thinking of picking something up for my dad for Father's Day!

While you're here, check out our 50% off section including:

Small Fountains
Solar Lighting
Mood Light Bug Repellent
Rechargeable Candles
Wine Bottle Holders
Motion-Activated Croaking Frogs

Of course, listed on the right side of this page, are still on sale. Don't miss out. We couldn't be having better weather to get them in the ground!

Handouts

2009-05-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Don't Be Left In The Dark

Hester & Zipperer wants to empower you to make responsible garden decisions and inform you about specific gardening topics. If you haven't already, please check out our selection of informational handouts beneath the bulletin board at the Wilmington Island location.

Information Is Available Now On: Composting, Water Conservation, Armstrong Atlantic's Conifers for the South. Stay tuned for new handouts on growing citrus and berries.

Have You Found Your Treasure?

Hester & Zipperer customers that visited the Savannah Garden Expo, and were clever enough to pick up a treasure map coupon at our display, are saving big! Do you still have your map? Use it now to save 25% off your total purchase. (Excludes Pinestraw, Propane, and already discounted items.)

Garden Destinations That Inspire

2009-05-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

Many of us will be planning Summer vacations, so I thought I'd take this time to mention a few for plant lovers. Actually, even if you're not a plant lover, these spaces have a lot to offer.

Atlanta Botanical Garden - Georgia
My sister lives in Atlanta and recently hosted a friend of hers from out of town. They spent a delightful evening at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. From May 2nd - October 31st they are showing the sculptures of Henry Moore. This might sound high brow, but my sister said they drank Apple Martinis and took turns trying to figure out the titles of the abstract pieces.

Cagles Dairy Farm Canton/Resaca - Georgia
What kid hasn't wanted to go to a dairy farm? If you didn't get your fix when you were little, or you have some youngsters that are game, head to this functioning family dairy. The site has specific details about tour times. Also keep it in mind for the Fall, because they have hayrides, bonfires, and a corn maize!

Brookgreen Gardens-Upstate Sculptour - South Carolina
Visit three venues in Spartanburg and enjoy marvelous artwork on loan until August 16, 2009. It's for people who don't know from abstract. See intriguing figurative sculptures amongst the plants and animals of this beautiful part of our country.

Lauderdale County Tomato Festival - Tennessee
On July 10th and 11th head to Ripley, Tennessee and give props to the area's tomato growers. Maybe even stay in The Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge. If waterfowl thrill you, this is your dream vacation!

Mary-Ann Goes To Greenfest 09' Saturday!

2009-05-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

You've heard Mary-Ann at the store, but now she's taking her show on the road. She'll be doing "Fun With Composting" from 11AM-12PM at Greenfest '09. Click here for more information on this really fun event.

Mother's Day

2009-05-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

I'm using this photo of Dr. Lester, from Islands Vet Care, to illustrate a deer in the headlights. Don't let Mother's Day catch you off guard!

Here are some ideas for the woman that brought you in to this world,
and just might take you out!

ORCHID - easy to care for and makes a great impression!
WATER GLOBE - like the ones on TV! Mom's like glass stuff.
AFRICAN VIOLET - Moms like stuff that reminds them of their mom.
SAVANNAH BEE COMPANY - Whether it is honey or lotion,
this is a great gift for moms out of town.
FRUIT TREE - This gift only works if you plant it for her. They're 50% off during May!
OUTDOOR SEATING - She needs a nice place to relax and think about you!
HERBS - Cause she cooks better than your wife. Shhhhhh.
NEW CONTAINER TO PLANT - Don't let your mom run out of pots!

As always, we've got gift cards ready and waiting for the hard-to-please mother.

Seed Sales Going Strong

2009-05-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

You might think that garden seeds were Pokemon or Garbage Pail Kids cards back from the 1980's. They have flown off the shelves this Spring, so much that we've got a new shipment in to keep everyone happy.

A lot of people forget about planting seeds once they've got their first round in the ground, but there is still lots of fun to be had.

What about planting pumpkins and gourds for Fall?
We've also got some new value packs of seed. Try the new Organic Salad Mix! It makes a nice gift too. Think of those parties where you know you want to bring something, are tired off the ol' bottle of wine. Salad greens are easy to grow, and you'll get praise for being original!

Customer's Topiary Dragon

2009-04-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

Susan doesn't just sell houses. She makes topiary dragons in her spare time. Topiaries are easy and they are a nice project to do for kids.

Customer Requested Compost Info

2009-04-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Lets Talk About Us-Or Our Gardens Anyway

2009-04-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Mary-Ann's Garden
You've all seen her at the store, and I bet a fat lot of you have wished you could follow her home just to see what her yard looks like. Ssssshhhh. Get down! She'll see you. Okay, let's take a look at what this H&Z Nursery Manager has going on.

Well, would you look at those Snap Dragons and Violas! They are gorgeous. Cool season annuals play a big role in a Spring landscape. The trick is planting them in Fall, fertilizing them, and making sure to amend your beds with compost. Oh, and water helps too.

Herbs are fantastic in containers, but check out her use of a Buddha! You, of course, could add any object of your choosing.

Also note that she has chosen two herbs (Rosemary and Sage) that prefer the same dry soil conditions.

Choosing plants that have contrasting leaf shapes, like these, makes the container look less busy. It's what makes it pop-that and the sleeping guy.

When you choose a container, look for one that is big enough for your plants and some interesting found object. Found objects play a big part in Mary-Ann's garden aesthetic.

Getting The Look In Your Garden

You've got to have courage. Fear will have you saying, "A Phrenology head doesn't go in a garden! What will ______ say when she sees?"

Those of you who enjoy yard sales and flea markets should look for cool finds like:

chipped pots, sculptures, bowling balls, bottles, rusted whatever, and, most definitely, the bizarre!

It's not about being perfect. It's about collecting specimens and showing them off like a natural history museum!

Room For Edibles
If you'd love to have a Burpless Cucumber patch, here is a way to do it on the cheap! Select a sunny area against your privacy fence and staple up some trellis netting. Dig out a bed just below and amend the soil with good organic mushroom compost or cow manure. Finally, a front edge of your choosing gives the cucumber area a finished look.

Use this idea for other vines too!

Christine's Garden
I started a vegetable garden in my side yard last year with the addition of a raised bed made by my husband, Superman.

I grew frustrated by only getting a few cherry tomatoes and peppers at a time, so I decided to expand the bed this Winter.

I made a border of brick pavers around my raised bed so that I could easily make my way around. After that I dug another bed directly into the ground.

To amend the soil, I used a mixture of things. On the side visible hear I used mushroom compost and top soil. My Blackseeded Simpson and Romaine seem to be enjoying it.

On the other side I chose to try chicken manure for the first time. It has more nitrogen, and boy does it back a punch to the ol' nose. Peee-yew. While putting it out I thought, "This stuff is crap! It's all gummy and nasty." Ahh, but my egg plants are thriving now. (No photo-but trust me.)

Take a gander at this Squash plant underworld. They grew so quickly, and some have started setting fruit. I don't mind telling you that I've got some problems.

1. Blossom End Rot-I've started using a calcium spray that we carry at the store to try and put an end to it. I'll use it on the zucchini and tomatoes soon as well.

2. I've noticed some bacterial disease on the leaves of my zucchini. This is becoming a royal pain in the tookus, because I was going to try and remain organic. I may have to resort to spraying something. It starts in the soil, so replacing the plant probably wouldn't do any good. The best I can do is clip out bad leaves, avoid watering from the top, and cuss.

The Good News

I got some tasty strawberries to put in a salad the other night. They're shaded from the squash leaves, and I think this is helping them develop some size before they ripen.

We happen to be out of strawberry plants at our Wilmington Island store, at this very second, but call 897-5581 to see if some arrive on today's delivery. We'll get more in soon, if not.

Got some blueberries. In all fairness, these bushes are in another bed, but I couldn't resist showing off these beauties. I saw a few missing recently. I may end up having to cover them with netting.

We have blueberry plants at the store. Just remember to pick up two different varieties so that you will have cross pollination.

Let this photo on the right be a little thumb to the nose for all of you who complain about not having enough blooms. Not a single one in this picture, and yet look at all of the appeal. These Swiss Chard leaves (in the center) are great to put in a vase. I did so recently for our anniversary party. Joining them were some Loropetalum branches, and my older sister was quite impressed.

Finally, I must give a shout-out to the Sugar Snap Pea. They have been performing so well for me. I've made teepees out of bamboo and twine, and it seems to be working nicely. I prefer these babies raw. The whole pod can be eaten as a healthy snack.

Got garden photos? Email us your ups and downs at hesterandzipperer@hotmail.com

Savannah Garden Expo-H&Z's Exhibition Garden

2009-04-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

The Making Of The Mighty Hester & Zipperer

"We have to do the Garden Expo, Mary-Ann," I said a few months ago. "You know it's in the middle of Spring, right?" she cautioned.

Her step-dad, Buddy, designed and helped build the wood structure that would hold our pirate ship garden. I couldn't wait for the painting to begin. Before I was able to apply even a coat of primer, so much had to be done!

I thought I'd stain the floor panel of our vessel. Travis helped me, in the shade of the pine straw trailer, apply it with a roller. As I stood up to admire my work, I hit my face on the hitch of the trailer! Remember that busy day when I came behind the counter with ice applied to my face? Yeah, it was then. I told people that H&Z's very own Travis hit me. Was pressing charges too much? Naaaah.

Here Buddy and Mary-Ann raise the skull and cross bones during our setup at the Roundhouse.

Here are some pirates you might recognize at the Garden Expo's Preview Party!!!

Second Place-Arrrrrrh, maties!

2009-04-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

The Wilmington Island store took second place with its exhibition garden at the Savannah Garden Expo last night! The construction that was taking place in the back of our store came together beautifully in the form of a pirate ship garden complete with water and a dock. We hope you make it to the Expo to see our garden and the efforts of everyone else involved.

Please grab a treasure map from in front of our garden, because you never know where it might lead you!

Stay tuned for photos!!!!

Pay Attention To The Weather And Water!

2009-04-06T05:13:00.001-07:00

Alright, as much as I hate to think about it, we should be planning for a late freeze to take place this week. I blame the weather men and women. Obviously, they did not do the correct interpretive dance. So, plants are money. Let's talk about ways to protect them.

1. Hanging Baskets-Place them in a garage or shed. If they can't be put there, place on the ground, water, and cover.

2. Water EVERYTHING. Focus on saturating the soil over the foliage. Professional growers have specific ways of protecting plants by wetting the foliage. I don't recommend this for the average Joe.

3. Chances are most of your flowering containers, Summer vegetables, and herbs will need to be covered. Even plants that are not normally cold sensitive should be protected if purchased recently. They may have been grown in a hot house, and they've not had a chance to harden off.
Give them a good drink of water and cover them with burlap, sheets, or towels. Not plastic. Secure the edges on the ground so that wind will not destroy your efforts.

4.Get out your strings of lights! By trimming your plants, you can protect them. The lights will raise the temperature. Follow these safety tips: use outdoor cords and lights, don't let hot lightbulbs sit on foliage or sheets, and be sure to undo all of this the next morning. Check out this LSU page on protecting citrus.

You may not be able to get row covers by this point in the game, but I'm posting this video to give you an idea of how to cover your garden. You could make the hoops out of something from the hardware store. Creativity saves the day!

H&Z Newer News

2009-04-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hester & Zipperer on Wilmington Island is once again selling tickets for the N.O.G.S. Hidden Garden Tour. They are $45.00/person, and totally worth it, because there are even more gardens this year. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $40.00/person.

Hester & Zipperer on Wilmington Island will raffling off two tickets for the N.O.G.S. tour. One chance is $5.00. If your name is drawn you will receive the two tickets.

All proceeds will benefit the Mr. B Memorial Feral Cat Spay & Neuter Fund at Islands Vet Clinic.
For those of you that don't know, Mr. B is the fabulous gray cat that we had here until his passing a few months ago.

H&Z News In A Peat Pot

2009-04-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

Many of you stopped by last week and found our store overrun with floral invaders. It seems that Mary-Ann dorked out and ordered 47,362 hanging baskets. We were shoving them everywhere. Customers were told to stand like the Bird Girl statue and hold them, those that visited our facilities may have found a Wandering Jew or Pothos creeping under their stall. They were every where! There is still a very good selection! Come get them before they steal our souls.

In other news, I found someone's creative expression with an ink pen on our counter yesterday. As much as I appreciate abstract art, I found their efforts unsatisfactory. The artist should keep an eye out on their kitchen counter for my own artistic endeavor.

We are busy putting together containers for the Savannah Garden Expo! That group of pots and hanging troughs at the front corner of the nursery are not just forming a Plant Union. They are getting ready to to take their spots in the lime light. Please come and see our, dare I say KICK Aster exhibition garden!

A lot of you are coming in for mole cricket treatments now, but it is important to evaluate your lawns before deciding you have a problem. Moles don't mean mole crickets. Moles eat earth worms more than mole crickets. Also-you could have a fungus, not an insect problem. Got little mounds of dirt? Not necessarily mole crickets. Many insects that don't harm your lawn make them. Especially after a rain. So, remain calm, and we'll set you up with the right product.

It's going to be rainy today, so I'd like to invite all of you to come to the nursery today without your reading glasses. We'd really appreciate it if you would ask us to come out in a down pour and pick up each and every nursery pot to tell you the price. We REALLY like to read the tags with plant information in high wind and hail. Snow storms are even better! Luck folks in Fargo get all the breaks.

Hanging Baskets - How They Are Hanging

2009-03-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

Those of you that love the idea of hanging plants from your front porch railing, but struggle with hardware, look no further. These clever hangers involve no nails or screws. They simply fit between the vertical posts and are held up by counter weight from the basket. Hard to explain. Easy to use!

They can also be used to hold planter boxs!

Great for people who don't want to add decorating the front porch to their Honey-Do list.

The White House Kitchen Garden Breaks Ground

2009-03-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

First Lady, Michelle Obama, broke ground for the White House kitchen garden with the help of White House Horticulturalist Dale Haney and kids from D.C.'s Bancroft Elementary School. This will be a functional garden that will serve the White House cooking staff.

Mrs. Obama might want to dress down, a bit, if she really wants to be considered a gardener. I recommend an over-sized Garfield t-shirt from 1985 or a heather grey sweatshirt, with the neck cut out, from the Flash Dance era. On the bottom, a pair of jeans with, "I (Heart) Barack" written in ink pen on the knee. Shoes? Reebok High Tops in white. Oh, and don't forget the slouch socks or leg warmers!

On the first day of Spring Hester & Zipperer gave to me...

2009-03-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

It actually feels like we work at a plant nursery again. On Thursday morning we received a truck load of plants from Monrovia. An hour before the store was to open we were lightening the load of a tractor trailer full of killer plants. Mary-Ann calls us her A-Team.

"I thought the loud popping I heard was my back,
but it turned out to be Travis's Gun Show."
-Christine Lucas

For the first time since I've been at Hester & Zipperer, we've gotten Prickly Pears! Imagine a cactus like this, at its mature 6ft stature, sporting vibrant yellow blooms in Spring. Right after planting it, you can begin writing your memoir, "Why All Of My Neighbors Are Jealous Of My Cool Yard." Dare to be different, but don't dare place it where its spines will jab you in the shin. I pulled one out of my jeans, and my leg, when I got home from work.

"Texture calling on line 2. Are you available?"

You may have seen Foxtail/Ponytail Ferns before, but the ones we just got it must have been juicing up with AROD. They are bigger than Brad and Angie, and only slightly less beautiful. Getting one will make you instantly a better person, or my name is Mrs. Hugh Laurie. Okay, it's not.

I am not saying that you're a loser if you don't buy one of the few Jacobinias that we have left. I'm simply saying that you are a loser if you don't buy it.

This shade-loving perennial will grow two to four feet tall and about three feet wide. It works well in containers, and would look like a million dollars next to Persian Shield.

Citrus Is Here - some of it anyway.

We have Limes, Improved Meyer Lemons, and Kumquats. Remember those delicious preserved lemons we mentioned a few posts back? Mmmmm.

Do you have excellent citrus recipes we should know about?
Email us at: hesterandzipperer@hotmail.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T05:33:00.001-07:00

Grouping Herbs By Moisture Needs

2009-03-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Follow these groupings for watering success:

Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, and Sage prefer well-drained soil and can exist on the dry side. They don't require soil with a lot of organic matter. The dry side does not mean bone dry. If your pots are small, you will still need to water them at least once a day-if not more.

Basil, Oregano, Cilantro, and Mint don't tolerate drying out well at all. It is best to give them a soil with more organic matter like Mushroom Compost.

Remember that plastic pots keep soil moist longer. Use this to your advantage, and place in a spot where terracotta pots might dry out too fast.

Container Workshop Supplement

2009-03-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone who showed up for my container workshop on Saturday. I hope everyone got a few good ideas. The next few blog entries will have to do with container planting. Post a comment and let me know what you think.

Please visit this Proven Winners page for many container recipes as well. It is a wealth of information.

The container to the left is one that I did for the Savannah Garden Expo last year. I like it because of the contrast that has without a single bloom! I also dyed whole pecans with blue food coloring.

Plant list: Scottish Moss, Irish Moss, Red Dragon Coleus, Feather Grass, and Sedge
Light-full to part sun

Caladium bulbs are available now, and they make a dramatic statement in containers. Red varieties will take more sun. In a shade container they would work well with Impatiens, Persian Shield, or Creeping Jenny. Plant the bulbs with your favorites that are available and watch them show up to the party a little later.

You don't have to have a lot of plants to make a really big impression. Remember how I spoke about Fairy Gardens?
In this container someone has given them not just a bench, but a whole house. You can make this type of an arrangement with a birdhouse, child's old toy, or even old Christmas ornaments.

Contain Your Excitement!

2009-03-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Our Container Gardening Workshop will be tomorrow morning at eleven!
Take advantage of this free chance to be awesome.

Make Good Use Of Fresh Meyer Lemons

2009-03-02T05:02:00.000-08:00

Gina Harrell visited Hester & Zipperer on Wilmington Island just the other day, and we got talking about ways to use Meyer Lemons. She was kind enough to email us the following:

If you are lucky enough to have Meyer lemons, try this easy fun way to make them last. These are preserved lemons that are a common ingredient in Moroccan recipes. Here's how:

Thoroughly wash and dry lemons. Cut a small slice off the stem end. Resting the lemon on the uncut end, carefully cut it into 6 wedges, but don't cut all the way through. You should have the lemon in wedges that are still joined together at the end. Remove seeds. In a glass crock or jar, layer a lemon in on its side, and press down firmly. (the juice, of course, will squeeze out) Next, cover the lemon with a generous layer of salt (about 3 Tablespoons). Repeat this layering process, covering each lemon with salt, until you have filled the jar.

Since the Meyer lemons are so juicy, I wound up pouring some of the juice off so I could get the jar filled to the top with lemons. Pack them in tight, and then make sure there is juice enough to cover them. (if you have poured some juice off, save it in case you need to add some back) Also, make sure you put in that final layer of salt.

Now, put the lid on tightly, shake them a bit to help dissolve the salt, and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours. After this, refrigerate. The lemons need to sit in the fridge for about 4 weeks before they are ready to use. I shook mine gently from time to time. The juice will turn syrupy when they are ready to use. These will keep 6 months or more in the fridge.

You can do this with any kind of lemons, but Meyers are the preferred type. I am including a couple of recipes that call for these lemons, but you can find lots on the web. They make an interesting addition to salads, chicken dishes, and vegetables. I used them with asparagus, and they were very good:

*Wash and snap off the tough ends of fresh asparagus. Place in a microwave safe dish and add a small amount of water. Top with a few preserved lemon slices, a sprinkle of your favorite herbs, and a couple of small pats of butter. Cover and microwave about 3-5 minutes or until desired tenderness. Remember that you do not need to add extra salt, because the lemons are very salty already.

More recipes:

Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 quarter preserved lemon peel freed of pulp and chopped fine

1 shallot or mild onion chopped fine

4 - 5 Tablespoons of good olive oil (can also used walnut oil)

Put everything in a small jar with a tight lid and shake it well.

Moroccan Style Chopped Salad (from Recipezaar)

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 tomato, chopped

1/2 preserved lemon, chopped

1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

salt

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, peppers, onion, tomato, lemon and parsley and mix well.

Add garlic powder, lemon juice and oil and mix again.

Taste before adding any salt. The preserved lemon may be salty enough for the whole dish.

Allow to sit at room temperature for a half hour.

Mix again right before serving.

Meyer Lemon Curd

(uses less sugar, since the Meyers are not as tart)

3-4 medium Meyer lemons

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

Finely grate enough zest from lemons to measure 2 tsp. and squeeze enough juice to measure 1/2 cup. Whisk together zest, juice, sugar, and eggs in a metal bowl and add butter. Set bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and cook, whisking, until thickened and smooth and an instant-read thermometer registers 160, about 5 or 6 minutes. Serve warm or cover surface of curd with wax paper and cool completely.

Serve with biscuits or scones, gingerbread, in tart shells, or stirred into vanilla yogurt. May be frozen for longer storage.

Another idea for using your Meyer lemons is to juice them, and pour the juice into muffin tins in 1/4 cup portions. Freeze in the tins, then dip the bottom of the pan in hot water to loosen, and pop the frozen juices out. Now you have 1/4 cup cubes that you can put in a gallon zip top bag in the freezer to use for recipes. Grate the rind of the lemons, (a microplane zester is great for this) and put it in a small zip top bag. You can just slip this bag into the bigger bag with the juice cubes and keep them together. The frozen zest is easy to fluff up and measure out as you need for recipes.

There is a recipe for Meyer Lemon and Thyme pound cake in the most recent issue of Victoria magazine. It looks wonderful. Enjoy!

Gina Harrell

Frost Warning

2009-03-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

Good Frost won't kill plants but delight you by a warm fire.

Green Profit Tells You What Containers Must Have!!

2009-02-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

(Okay...this is cheap self-promotion. I got my name in Green Profit! Woohoo!)

I told Green Profit, and I'm telling you, ornamental peppers are unbeatable in containers. Their fruit and foliage will wake up any landscape still drowsy from Winter. Plant in containers that can be protected from any late freezes, and combine with things like Diamond Frost Euphorbia!

Customer News

2009-02-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hester & Zipperer is your local plant nursery. We are part of your community, and we love hearing about our customers.

This is Carol Foster and her daughter Megan. They are in training for a half marathon that will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Raising money for such a cause is a big challenge, never mind the actual running, so we are going to help spread the word for them.

You can visit Carol's fund-raising page for more information by clicking here. Carol has also been kind enough to drop off some of those delicious Tangelos at our Wilmington Island store. You can drop by and pick up one for yourself.

Sharing At Hester & Zipperer

2009-02-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about a stroll through the garden is the smell of fresh herbs. One brush through their leaves and you're instantly on a trip back in time. Are you visiting your grandmother's tomato gravy that had hints of basil and oregano? Maybe you're thinking about how lemon and mint combined in your Nanna's sweet tea.

If you're looking to bring herbs into your garden and your kitchen, then Hester & Zipperer on Skidaway Road can help. Saturday, March 21st, from eleven to two, Susan Reece will be offering live cooking demonstrations as well as complimentary samples of aromatic dishes that are inspired and infused with fresh herbs. Guests will also receive recipe cards so they can prepare their favorites at home.

Herbs are easy to grow and thrive when clipped for frequent use! Don't miss this chance to experience what they can do for you!

Seed, Sprout, and Swap

Many of you are saving money and having a whole lot of fun sprouting seeds. Our Wilmington Island store has heard your stories of too many sprouts of one particular plant. You didn't think you would be so good at this, right? Now you have thirty tomato sprouts and you'd really like some squash or cucumber instead.

Let's solve this problem with a sprout swap. The Wilmington Island Hester & Zipperer will leave room on its bulletin board for swap offers. They should look something like this:

Hi, my name is Gertie Greenbottom. I have 12 Better Boy tomato sprouts I'd like to swap. If you have ___________, _____________, or __________ to trade, please call me at ###-####. (If you're open to other sprouts than those mentioned above-say so.)

Make the paper with your phone number or email address on little tear-offs on the bottom. Give to the person at the counter of our Wilmington Island store, and we'll tack it up for you. If you're out of sprouts, let us know, and we'll take it down. (912-897-5581)

Why Pineapple Guava Is For You

2009-02-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

Well, if the blooms don't convince you, maybe I can. First off, you can eat them. That's right, send the husband out to pick some flowers for the salad, cocktails, or dessert (No pesticide here, people).

Did I mention that they can hide things? The neighbors, the shed, the compost pile all will disappear behind this baby. It won't take long either, because they grown really fast! Nascar fast!

Oh and what about the fruit? That's right, folks, this bush from heaven will give you fruits that taste a bit like pineapple! Hello smoothies!

What do you have to put into this fabulous example of evergreen shrubbery? Well, $14.99 and full sun to part shade. Alright, you should amend the soil too. They are actually drought-tolerant when established, but they will fruit more with regular water.

Spread The Love To Those That Share Your Yard

2009-02-13T06:17:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to meet with two garden clubs this week. On Tuesday I was welcomed by the Islands Garden Club for a chat about fruit trees, and on Thursday I met with the Wilmington Island Garden Club for a talk on greening up your garden.

It's easy, when you work in a particular field, to take the knowledge that you've gained for granted. It's very rewarding to feel like what you know is useful to others, so I thank you for letting me prattle on a bit.

Above you see the caterpillar of the Monarch Butterfly. It's one of those little critters that you find nibbling on your plants-specifically on your Milk Weed. It's one of those crawly things that we sometimes fear or maybe pay no attention at all.

We had some show up around the nursery in November. Temperatures were growing cold, so I found myself pulling all of our Milkweed plants into the store so that the little fellows could keep munching. Sound crazy for a garden center to let things eat down its plants? Well, the plants would have been killed back by a frost anyway. Had this situation happened, during the summer, in your own yard, leaf after leaf would be consumed until there was nothing left. More would grow very quickly, though, to the caterpillars' delight.

I had a bunch of little guys facing starvation. On slow days in December you might have seen me picking up caterpillars and moving them to different parts of the plants so that they could feed. I even hurt my thumb scraping some of the stems so that the butterflies-to-be could get the sap that they adore.

Hey, don't judge. I've heard from some of you about the lengths you've gone. Spoonfuls of sugar water, trips to far off places in search of Milkweed. You wouldn't drive to the Skidaway for a kidney, but your itty-bitty friend needed food, so off you went.

A lot of the caterpillars didn't make it. Some died on their own. Some met size 12 shoes. It wasn't pretty. Thankfully, around four made it to this stage, the chrysalis. We didn't know where all of these were though. The caterpillars disappeared. You can imagine with all of the house plants how difficult it would be to find them.

Then one day Yoshi saw Rosco paying close attention to something at a sunny window. A Monarch Butterfly! Quickly, she rescued it from our cat's dangerous curiosity. Then one showed up resting on a basket and another on a houseplant. We set them free and watched them fly high into the trees. We couldn't have felt more proud if we'd released Bald Eagles.

More will show up later this year to lay eggs on other Milkweed plants. Will your yard be ready if they pass through?

What I Can Do For Monarch Butterflies And My Yard

Hold the insecticides, please. So what if your Milkweed has aphids. Your caterpillars don't mind. They'll eat the leaves anyway. On plants other than Milkweed, consider whether insecticide is even necessary. Plants that are in healthy environments can often survive insects and react as if they've received a good pruning. Evaluate case by case.

2. Pay attention to active ingredients, not just brand names. Brand names are designed to sell
a product. Active ingredients tell you what is in the container. You don't need a degree in
chemistry to understand these ingredients, just consult the National Pesticide Information
Center. You can even give them a call at 1-800-858-7378 NPIC is open from 6:30AM to
4:30PM Pacific time, daily.

3. Healthy soil means healthy plants. Healthy soil means more than fertilizer.

Big Numbers Show Up For Pruning Advice

2009-02-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Were you at the pruning class held at the Wilmington Island Hester & Zipperer last Saturday? Tell us what you thought of it by posting a comment here. Do you have your own pruning stories to share? Email us stories and photos: hesterandzipperer@hotmail.com

Those of you that missed our class can also post questions, and we'll be glad to answer them.

Sunshine My Only Sunshine

2009-02-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

Finally, I'm being reminded of why I moved to this lovely climate. With this warm weather comes the urge to get out in the yard again, but what can you do? Think about some mixed containers. You don't have to go crazy. Just spice up the joint a bit.

Now remember that Valentine's Day is coming up. Ask that special someone about there favorite color, and incorporate it in your plantings! For those of you with relationships that work on the point system, there is no doubt that you will score big with this extra effort.

Just decide where you'd like the containers, and pay attention to the amount of direct sunlight it would receive. We can recommend some beautiful plants based on your light situation.

No time? Don't worry. We also have fresh Cyclamen blooming now. Put them in a basket, and you've got an instant gift. We can also arrange plants in a larger basket to make a nice gift that can be disassembled and planted outside.

FOUND DOG AT HESTER & ZIPPERER ON WILM. ISLAND

2009-02-06T13:01:00.001-08:00

IS THIS YOUR DOG?
CALL: 912-897-5581

AFTER 5:30P.M. 912-220-1855

Red Plastic Not New-But New To Me

2009-02-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Have any of you tried putting red plastic around your tomato plants to increase their yield? I found this study, from 1998, and I'm curious if any of our customers have tried it.

Read about it here.

One Of Our Most Senior Customers Passes

2009-02-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

John David Franklin McCall of Wilmington Island passed away yesterday, at the age of 99, according to his obituary found in the Savannah Morning News today. Mr. McCall, as we knew him at the store, was a very sweet man who had a slightly mischievous twinkle in his eye. He'd show up in his big white car,year after year, for collards or seed potatoes, and he always had a gift of some sort.

I visited with Mr. McCall for the last time just the other day. He showed up at the store on one of those cold rainy days when you don't feel like going to the mailbox-let alone to the plant nursery. He wore a hat, as usual, and an off-white jacket. Walking wasn't easy for Mr. McCall. He moved confidently, but slowly, with the help of a cane. On that day he pulled a brightly-colored orange from his pocket and placed it in my hand. He had told us many times of his bumper citrus crops. Mr. McCall loved to talk about citrus.

I handed Mr. McCall a couple copies of Grier's Almanac that he had requested. He awkwardly turned the pages until he found the ad for the Mantis Tiller/Cultivator. "That's the best tiller you could ever buy," he said. "I had mine for years." I'm not sure what made him want to share that with me at that particular time, but I was grateful for the recommendation.

As Mr. McCall turned to leave he turned back and put a hand on my arm. "You're a good girl," he said. "You're a really good girl." It was his emphasis that made that stick in my mind. I wouldn't see him again after that.

I hope that Mr. McCall has found himself at the edge of a huge expanse of freshly-tilled earth. I hope the sun is shining and there is an orange tree blooming nearby sending a sweet fragrance through the air. Finally, I hope there is a bucket of seed potatoes by his side, because it's time to plant again.

February's Happy Hours Sale At Hester & Zipperer

2009-01-31T08:05:00.000-08:00

Who Doesn't Love A Good Mystery?
In Las Vegas there is a slot machine that won me over a few years back. It had the normal three spinning slots, but then an extra fourth held the possibility of landing on "mystery nudge". A voice sounding like Vincent Price would even say it like, "Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisteeeeeeery Nuuuuuuuuuudge." Basically-it meant more money.

Hester & Zipperer on Wilmington Island is bringing you a mystery sale item every day during the month of February. From 3 until close one item in the store will be 30% off! It could be anything. Will it be those bushes you want for the back yard? Will it be those clippers that you've wanted?

Come in and find out for yourself and save.

Julie's Question Answered-Inexpensive Raised Beds

2009-01-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

Pat Veretto's Frugal Living Blog
Metal Raised Bed
How about a raised bed of itty-bitty greens?

Come in and take a look at our new organic seeds. There are some interesting things that you can get started inside while the weather is still cool.

Inflatable Judy At The Low Country Living Home & Garden Show

2009-01-28T04:46:00.001-08:00

Inflatable Judy and I wooped it up with Erica Glasener from HGTV's "A Gardener's Diary".
Erica's blow-up doll didn't make the show, because she had a nasty incident with a Knock Out Rose.

After catching up with Erica, Judy decided she wanted to see what the rest of the show had to offer. This riding lawnmower sure made Judy smile.It's always nice to have a cocktail after mowing the lawn. Judy found a nice Margarita to quench her thirst. Judy also found a nice man to hold her up while she drank them.

We've all been there, right? You have a few too many at a trade show and boom right on the tookus! Judy was so embarrassed, but I tried to console her. "Nobody saw," I said. She knew though. Even in her drunken state, she knew.

I suggested she get some water. You know how drinking cocktails dehydrates the body.

She was feeling a little deflated.

And, well, after you've had a lot of water, there is nothing better then a toilet with an automatically closing lid.

They couldn't fill it with water, because she would just float out-I mean the hot tub, not the toilet. Actually, it might be a problem in either situation.

Judy is nothing if not a social butterfly. Here she is visiting the Orkin man. Apparently, Judy was one pest that he rather enjoyed. They talked for hours about bugs. Okay, just a few minutes.

Judy has a sweet tooth, so we had to visit the Girl Scout booth and pick up some Thin Mints. This young lady was taken with Judy right away. I think Judy might like to be a den mother some day. The camp fires could be dangerous though.

Judy had a nice chat with the guy from the "Shamwow" booth. His product couldn't be photographed because of some copyright issue. He was more than happy to put his arm around Judy's shoulder though. I wondered if they had met before.

Hope you have enjoyed Judy's trip to the trade show. Judy is available for public speaking engagements and is much less likely to have a panic attack then me.

That Was A Close One-Pheeeeew.

2009-01-26T04:56:00.000-08:00

Speaking at Home & Garden Show Almost Kills

I was so ready. I wasn't nervous before going on. "Gardening is about people, not plants," I would say. It would be fine, I just knew it. For the uncensored version of my speaking gig, just click here. To type it all out here would break Mary-Ann's rule about cussing behind the counter.

At the end of the day, I was happy with my talk. It was my first public speaking, and I feel like I was able to pass on some good information. A lady from Michigan said that she really liked what I said, and that she was going to look at her yard differently from now on. So, it makes the post-traumatic-stress disorder worth it.

Plants Should Fit You Like A Glove
Back to the gardening is about people thing. Choosing
plants isn't about picking cool plants and then swearing on a copy of Southern Living that you will
take care of them.

Don't pledge to change your behavior for your plants. Choose plants that fit your behavior. Below I have a list of questions. If you show up to buy plants with the answers written down, you'll be in great shape.

I enjoy working in the yard. Y / N
How many hours can I easily spend hand watering, grooming, and fertilizing plants?
The area that I'm looking to plant has _____hours of direct sunlight.
I would call my style: funky formal tropical cottage
I have ______dogs. Specify breeds.
I have ______kids. Specify ages.
The best vacation I ever took was________________________.

This Saturday!

2009-01-21T05:06:00.000-08:00

Customizing Your Yard To YOUR
L I F E S T Y L E

You may have seen plenty of presentations about gardening, but I feel pretty safe in saying that you haven't seen one like I'm planning to give this Saturday at the Low Country Living Home & Garden Show.

You may have seen plenty of blow-up dolls in your life (I'm not judging.), but I feel pretty safe in saying that you haven't seen one used the way I plan to use one Saturday at the Low Country Living Home & Garden Show. Inflatable Judy and I will by on stage at 1:00 P.M. at the International Trade & Convention Center. Be there, or Judy might be deflated.

The Savannah Garden Expo-Exhibition Garden Competition

2009-01-16T06:19:00.000-08:00

We at the Wilmington Island Hester & Zipperer are extremely flattered to have been invited to compete in the Exhibition Garden Competition at The Savannah Garden Expo this Spring. We eagerly accepted, and by eagerly I mean that I said:

"Come on Mary-Ann! I know it's Spring and we are going to be busier than ever and have to design something fantastic on top of that. Come on! Please! Can we? Can we? You know you want to! What is stress to two old pros like us? "

She agreed before I could resort to a sorority-sister-like hug with more sacriny-sweetness than Annette Funicello. Incidentally, those of you looking to barter on plants might try this approach with her. That's how we successfully instituted "Naked Fridays" at the store.

Seeds - The Next Big Thing

2009-01-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

At the risk of sounding like an after school special, seeds are cool. If you want to be cool, you have to get some. Seeds are the magic morsels of gardening. I mean who would believe that a pumpkin could come from one of those seeds on the right side of this page? It's no less wondrous than Jack's bean stalk!

Stop by our Wilmington Island local and pick up a few packs. There are many edibles that can be started directly in the ground this time of year. How about some green onions, sugar snap peas, or parsley? Get thee to seed store at once!

Mary-Ann Gives Garden As Gift

2009-01-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

Outdoor spaces are always on my mind. I live and work in them and I try to help others do the same. For me, gardening is about creating an outdoor space that suits your own needs and lifestyle. It's not just making the house look pretty from the street, it's making the yard inviting and useful. A large yard can be a challenge to design, but if you select a small area and allow the space to guide you, you can create wonderful outdoor rooms that are low maintenance and suit your needs.

My closest friend, Renata, owns a home two doors down from mine. It's awesome. We share meals, TV watching and hanging out, and, my favorite, trading talents. As you know, I am a gardener, and pretty handy in general, and Renata is the best hairstylist in Savannah. Works for me. I cut her grass and rake her leaves and she does my hair.

This year I wanted to do something special for her for Christmas. She has an enormous back yard, and it's full of trees so very shady. Renata is not much of a gardener and she has a big dog named Chuck who loves to poop everywhere. So I sat down to try and figure out how to create a space for her outside that would be easy to maintain and Chuck friendly. I began with the site.

I chose a small area just outside the kitchen door between the house and the side fence. It's private and cozy with good views from inside and it's dominated by a beautiful old crepe myrtle. The tree became the centerpiece for the project, and I designed the space around it. A bit of luck created the next element. I found a pallet of tumbled Pennsylvania Bluestone at Earth & Stone for 75% off. What a deal and solution for a poop-free zone! I knew that I wanted to create beds around the perimeter of the space, so I allowed the natural shapes of the stone define my borders. It's sort of like putting together a puzzle, a very heavy puzzle.

Once the stones were in place, I went through and set them with topsoil. Each stone must be set so that it doesn't move when you step on it. Finally, I filled all the cracks with topsoil and packed it down, then watered the whole thing in to settle. I was careful to work around the protruding roots of the crepe myrtle. It's not perfectly flat, but once we get some moss going in the cracks it should create a really pretty naturalized patio that looks like it's been there for a long time.

When the hardscape was complete I chose my plants. I needed shade plants that are tough and easy, but I wanted the area to have a calm feel. Renata loves Confederate Jasmine, so that was a must. I then chose three nice Tea Olives for more sweet fragrance, and a Fatsia and Philodendron for evergreen tropical-looking foliage. A fresh layer of pine straw and some white lights to accent the tree and my job was done. I did it alone in two days, and it was hard work. That's okay, because the result is a whole new room for Renata. She loves it, and is already making plans for a barbecue.

Take a little time this month to think about your outdoor space and what it could do for you. Maybe you want to grow food or cutting flowers, create an outdoor entertainment area, or just find a secret spot to escape. Your new outdoor room is waiting.

Christine Speaking At Low Country Living Home & Garden Show

2009-01-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

Presentation: Customizing Your Yard To Your Lifestyle
Location: Savannah International Trade & Convention Center
Date: Saturday, January 24th
Time: 1-1:30 P.M.

If you would like your yard to reflect you and your family, then you must not miss my talk. If you need plants that don't suck the life out of you every weekend, you must not miss my talk! If you want to save money by purchasing the right plants, then you must show up at the Low Country Living Home & Garden Show at 1:00P.M. on January 24th to hear my talk!

Oh, by the way, this is my first public speaking engagement, so I WILL be picturing each and every one of you naked during my talk. Cute people up front!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-02T05:08:00.000-08:00

It's Time To Get Out There Again

I can hardly type this, because I spent my last day of vacation working hard in my yard. There were so many little areas that needed to be cleaned up before any creativity that might come later. This is when you look at the plants in your landscape with a critical eye. If they don't make the grade, send them packing now. Don't wait for Spring. Wouldn't you rather be planting then?

Of course, you can and should plant trees and shrubs this month. They will thank you for doing so. Not only will they can established before heat arrives, but there is little worry over insect issues at this time of year. Things can get off to a good start.

Christmas Tree Coupon Time

Those of you that have 25% off coupons from when you purchased your H&Z Christmas tree need to start making a list. That is the only way that you can be sure to save as much as possible, because the discount is off your total purchase.

All Season's Spray Oil For Citrus
Liquid Iron For Citrus
Fertilizers Of All Kinds
New Coco-Liners For Planters
Hoses
Sprinklers
Soil Amendments

Let Us Help!!!

Bring us your questions, along with your photos, about your yard. We can help you design areas of your property to better suit your needs. If you would like further assistance, please give Mary-Ann or Christine a call to set up a time for an in-store consultation. 912-897-5581

Hester & Zipperer Hours

2008-12-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Wilmington Island Store Hours 912-897-5581
418 Johnny Mercer Blvd.

December 24th 9-12 P.M.
Christmas - CLOSED
December 26th - CLOSED
Saturday, December 27th - OPEN
December 28th - January 1rst -CLOSED
January 2nd OPEN to normal business hours: Monday - Sat./ 9-5:30P.M.
Sunday 11-4:00P.M.

Skidaway Store Hours 912-355-1950 Still trying to pin them down!

6719 Skidaway Rd.

This Christmas

2008-12-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

We have some Dawgs that need a good home for Christmas! These lil' pups could be the star of their own flower bed. Surround them with black violas or pansies for a real UGA feel.

Have you tried Stock? These cool season beauties smell so good. Put them by a sunny entrance or near a mail box !!!!
Oh, and don't let my creative photography scare you. They are not really 10 feet tall. They peak at about 15 or 18 inches.

TAKE STOCK THIS CHRISTMAS!!!!

2008-12-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

Those of you that are true Hester & Zipperer enthusiasts know that our building was once the home of a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Who knew that the Colonel had his own Christmas album?

It made me wonder, what might a Hester & Zipperer album have on it? Post your song suggestions in the comment box. Here are a few to get you started:

Six Sheets To The Wind - Cigar Store Indians
I Don't Care If You Love Me -The Mavericks
Stand - R.E.M.
Cool For Cats - Squeeze
Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

Hester & Zipperer Grieves The Passing Of Feline Friend

2008-12-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

We are sad to report that our dear Mr. B has passed away. He was found Tuesday, amongst the Encore Azaleas, looking as if he'd just decided to take a nap. Although deeply upset over our loss, we were thankful that he appeared not to have suffered any trauma.

He was around thirteen-years-old, and had spent the greater part of his life with Hester & Zipperer employees and customers. Always the gentleman, Mister B made friends with all, even those who might not offer affection to a cat. He was a little shy around children, but , if scooped up unexpectedly, would never put up a fight.

We are thankful that he was a part of our nursery and lives for such a long time, and hope that he has found acres of catnip thriving through an eternal Spring.

Wilmington Island Holiday Action

2008-12-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Wilmington Island Garden Club is sponsoring the
Island Homes For the Holidays tour.

Saturday, December 13, 2008
10:00 AM to 3:00 P.M.

Begin at the Wilmington Island United Methodist Church
195 Wilmington Island Road (Entrance on Cromwell)
Refreshments will be served and decorations sold!

Advance Tickets $10.00 (Sold at Hester & Zipperer)
$12.00 at the door

Map is provided on the back of tickets.

Tybee Holiday Action

2008-12-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

Tybee's Christmas tree will be let December 12th at 6:30 P.M.
Location: South End roundabout
Elves and Holiday Music
Shop and Enjoy Holiday Refreshments

December 13th at 3:00 P.M.
Tybee Christmas Parade
Starting Point: 14th Street Parking Lot
It will head down Tybrisa to Butler and end at the YMCA gymnasium!

Christmas has come early! Free parking on Tybee during December!

Keeping Christmas Tidy

2008-11-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

Any woman who gets a vacuum cleaner this Christmas will probably not be as receptive as this gal. She's petting her new Hoover like a puppy, or maybe she's whispering, "Please suck me away from this loveless marriage." After all, the guy bought her a vacuum!

Don't throw your marriage under the bus by gifting an appliance this year. Instead, go for our "Christmas Tree Removal Bag". It is neatly hidden under the tree for the throughout the holiday season. When you are ready to give your tree its walking papers, simply pull the bag up around it. No more needles everywhere.

With all of that money you saved, why not buy her a fantastic citrus tree! Hester & Zipperer even has easy to understand information sheets for growing these attractive and fruitful trees.

Give Your Paper White A Lil' Somethin' Somethin'

2008-11-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we hear little tips around the store, and we don't always know right off the bat whether they are based in fact. A popular one is that Narcissus, also known as Paperwhite Bulbs, will perform better if given some alcohol with their water. Pay close attention. I am not talking about you drinking alcohol until your bulbs are dancing around you like pink elephants. I am suggesting that you give your posies a little holiday nipper.

Cornell University has the research, and the correct dosage, to make your bulbs stand up straight. This information is important, because throwing a little of Uncle Joe's egg nog in with them will not achieve the same results.

Careful though. Bulbs may become a little flirty and more receptive to sexual advances. To avoid unwanted holiday shenanigans display your bulbs away from friends and relatives on the rebound.

They Are Here!

2008-11-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

Your old friends Frazier Fur and Poinsettia are back in town for the holidays. They are looking for a place to stay. Any suggestions? Don't worry. Hester & Zipperer also has sturdy stands to keep your tree in line. We don't want it fainting at an inopportune time.

Don't forget to grab your proof of purchase when you buy one of our conical beauties. It's a coupon. When you show up in January with it, you will receive 25% off your total purchase! That is a super opportunity to make a list and check it twice. Think about what you can buy for Spring? Need a hose-end sprayer? How about new hose? What about patio furniture? Hmmmm.

Will Work For Whitman's Sampler

2008-11-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

I had a nice time with the ladies of the May Fair Garden Club last night. The topic of conversation was bugs. Do they need killin' all the time? If so, what is the best way to do it?

Products Discussed

Flea Destroyer-For Mole Crickets, Grubs, Fire Ants, Fleas, etc.

Mole Go-Castor Oil Mole Repellent

All Seasons Spray Oil-Kills by smothering

We also talked about the value of the National Pesticide Information Center! What a terrific resource for people looking to make educated decisions about their chemical usage.

Thanks for the chocolates! My husband and I "sampled" quite a few!

Eco-Friendly News

2008-11-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hester & Zipperer Composts Restaurant Waste
Hester & Zipper is proud to be composting vegetable waste from Thrive Cafe and Saigon of Whitemarsh Plaza. That's right. The large wooden structure, built by our very own Travis, is not an ark, but a compost bin. Composting is an easy way to decrease your waste, but it also results in an effective soil amendment. You can do the same thing in your yard!

If you're not sure about composting on a large scale, there is another way to put your vegetable scraps and green waste to good use. Worm composting! Worm castings are one of the best additives for soil, but they can be costly. Click on the link to learn how to set up shop in your own yard. (Great activity for kids who like to get dirty!)

Getting A Charge Out of Recycling
Hester & Zipperer is now a drop off site for old cell phones, cell phone batteries, and rechargeable batteries. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation can answer any questions you have about what items qualify. Please answer this "Call 2 Recycle."

Saving Money With Your H&Z Christmas Trees

2008-11-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hester & Zipperer Christmas Trees
Fresh Christmas trees from H & Z are a holiday tradition, and this year they will help you save big in the new year! When you buy a Christmas tree from us this year, you will receive a proof of purchase. Bring it in to our store any time during January 2009 and receive 25% off everything except pine straw and propane. Now this offer is for one time only, so make it count! January is a great time to put in shrubs and trees! It's a fantastic time to create new beds! What products will you need for Spring? Buy them in January and save! Make your shopping list and check it twice, because you don't want to forget anything!

Container Gardening Part 2-Contrast

2008-10-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

When designing a container, it is important to consider the distance from which it will be viewed. For example, if you are creating a container for the center of an outdoor seating area, it can be subtle. People are appreciating it from only a few feet away. If you are designing for a front entry, however, a bold statement is required. The most important element for such a composition is contrast.

Contrast is most often evident by its absence. Without contrast, combinations look messy, muddy, and unedited. Its a bunch of grassy foliage jumbled together or scads of tiny blooms competing for the spotlight. It's what makes us go, "This needs something."

Using contrast to benefit your containers is as easy as thinking in opposites. Let us start with the container itself. You've got a simple terracotta pot. How can we describe it? It's earthy, warm, old-fashioned, and unpretentious. Contrast suggests that the first plant we choose should reflect the opposite. We want foliage that is sleek, cool-toned, or modern.

Consider these options for our first plant: Variegated Water Iris, Lamb's Ear, Corkscrew Grass

Let's say we go with the Water Iris. It's upright, smooth, and variegated. We need a second plant that is sprawling, textured, and rich in color.

Second plant options: Mustard Greens, Purple Setcreasea or Heuchera

I like the dimpled texture of the Mustard. It's broad greenish purple leaves compliment the Water Iris nicely.

Finally, the splash of color is up to you. Snap Dragons and Pansies are always popular, but I suggest breaking from the pack with Nemesia! This cool season annual comes in white, lavender, and yellow. The white offers a sweet scent that will have you pining for Spring. For a slightly bigger bloom try Superbells Calibrachoa.

Do-It-Yourself Success In Wilmington Park

2008-10-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Dave and Susan Sherman, of Wilmington Park, came to H & Z a few weeks back with ink jet photos of their yard in hand. They were like a lot of homeowners. They had a landscape that was completely outdated, and they needed some help reworking it.

The Shermans picked the perfect time of year to update their front bed, because the cool weather of Fall allows plants to get established with ease. There is also a wide variety of shrubs available now, so it's not hard to put together really attractive combinations.

First things first, however. The Sherman's front bed needed some changes before one plant was purchased. A glance at the photo above reveals a narrow bed that would situate plants right beneath the roof's drip line. Suicide for any shrub. Dave was not to be discouraged though, and he sure wasn't going to be lazy about his project.

David and Susan returned with ink jet proof that they had followed my advice and expanded their bed to a suitable depth. They earned another star from me by amending their soil with organic matter like Mushroom Compost and Cow Manure! Oh...and check out the nice edging! Notice how the color brings out the brick in their house! A++

With the bed prepared, it was then time to choose plants. The Shermans wanted a low maintenance bed that had interest. They wanted to get away from the Loaf of Shrubs Chic behind which so many houses of that neighborhood still hide. The bed also receives a good deal of sun, so we chose plants that were ready for it!

Drought-tolerant selections like Dwarf New Zealand Flax, Autumn Joy Stonecrop, and Yucca
were used with the rich-colored Lorapetalum "pom-pom" topiary, Firepower Nandina, Purple Fountain Grass, and Ice Blue Yews (seen below).

There is still plenty of room for things to grow. By showing a little restraint now, the Shermans will eliminate the need for constant pruning later. The significant air circulation will also help prevent fungus from attacking their new plants. Finally, the attractive cypress mulch that they've added will help conserve water. Well done, guys!

Fearless Container Gardening

2008-10-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

A Visit With The Wilmington Island Garden Club

Yesterday I spoke to the Wilmington Island Garden Club about shaking things up in their containers this Fall. As promised, I'm offering further examples and information for those looking to move beyond the ordinaire. I'm going to explore one area at a time, so you can really see it put to good use.

TEXTURE
It's what makes us remember a favorite sweater, a choice salad, and a jaw-dropping container. A container can put it to good use with mulch, foliage choice, container choice and what I like to call glue gun extras!

Run your fingers through the grasses on this Proven Winners page for some feathery options. Many would also make cool hair-doos for your Halloween pumpkin people!

Your container shouldn't be bland. One of my favorite artists, Judy Sell, knows how to make a container sing with her mosaics. Also check out this H&Z customer's yard for inspiring use of texture! Jane Rowan has been fearless in her yard's transformation. Take a slice of her creative use of rock, frans, and spines for your containers.

Her striking yard didn't happen over night, but it can in a nice container out on the deck!

Mulches like sea glass are elegant, but why not get funky for your next poker night with a container mulched with casino chips? Get your husband or boyfriend's attention when you say, "I'm going to mulch my container with your nuts."

You could use broken crayons, dominoes, dice, erasers, toy cars, Barbie shoes, plastic army guys, tooth picks, beads, and more to make your container unique. It doesn't have to last forever! It only takes an evening to make your neighbors totally jealous. The effects of your moment of greatness will last a life time.

Glue Gun Extras
The magic and wonder of a glue gun rivals anything that George Lucas has to offer. It enables one to craft with speed that would shock the Slowskies. Better yet is its ability to evoke childlike creativity. Glue moss, plastic forks, pencils, and other stuff to pots. You'll be surprised at what you can do!

Splitting Pesticide Hairs For The Informed Customer

2008-10-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, thinking too much about chemistry makes your head hurt. I mean who gives a flying fig what Mole equals (1 mole of atoms or molecules contains 6.022 x 10²³ atoms or molecules). We don't want to think about it. We just want it to work!

Unfortunately, in our advanced society, a lot of things work. Chemicals are lined up to kill what we want them to kill. They are eager to do our bidding. So, how do we decide between them?

Well, like a gal deciding between suitors, we must get a little more clever with our criteria. It's no longer good enough that a chemical does what we ask of it. We need to see what it's doing behind our backs. How does this joker deal with the birds and the bees? How will this prize fighter affect my friends like water and soil? Finally, does this dude know when to take a hike? I mean we had one date. That does not a life-long commitment make!

For those of you not lost in my exaggerated imagery, what I'm trying to say is that chemicals have a lot of characteristics that we must investigate. For the purpose of this discussion I'm taking two commonly sold active ingredients. Imidacloprid is one that we see in Bayer's Tree and Shrub drench, Bug Blaster lawn insecticide granules, and many others. The other is Acephate which we see in Orthene, Lancer, Pinpoint, etc.

As of late, I have measured pesticides by their effects on beneficial insects. "Protect the bees," I've said again and again. Imidacloprid is bad for them, and so is Acephate, if sprayed on plants where they forage. (This is why we recommend horticultural oils and soaps so often.)There is so much more to discover though.

For help with the technical stuff I consulted The National Pesticide Information Center. My concern was Imidacloprid's effect on bees if used as a systemic drench. I wondered if the toxic chemical would reach the flowers and affect bees through the pollen. The answer is no. It will not.

"What about Acephate?" I asked. This is where our comparison moved beyond bees to the overall effect of the two choices on the environment. Pesticides are better if they do their job and then get the heck out Dodge. We don't want them lingering in soil and water. Scientists measure the break down of chemicals in half-lives. A half-life is the time required for half of the compound to degrade or go away.

Acephate has a half-life of four days.
If you apply it to sandy soil like ours, it will be 97% degraded in five half-lives which equals twenty days. For twenty days, it is hanging around in the dirt. According to the NPIC, however, it has a low chance of moving into the water table.

Imidocloprid has a half-life greater than one year.
If you apply it to sandy soil like ours, it will be 97% degraded in five half-lives which equals five years. For five years, it will be in our soil. According to the NPIC fact sheet, this pesticide is more mobile in the ground, and may have affects on ground water.

So, there is reason to expand our knowlege of these products beyond dilution rates. There is more to learn, and people willing to teach us. It's not hard. It's chemistry, not rocket science.

H&Z Customers Can Now Choose What's On Sale

2008-09-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Dirt Bags love flowers! Of course we are talking about the Hester & Zipperer Garden Variety Dirt Bag! It's our new reusable shopping bag that will save you money. How? Let me break it down for you.

Buy our bag for $3.99 and get 5% off your bill when you
bring it back to Hester & Zipperer (on Wilmington Island) to shop.

There are a lot of reusable shopping bags, but ours will help you save money and make your yard look good!

California Is Saving Table Scraps

2008-09-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Parents spend a huge amount of time and energy trying to get their kids to make happy plates. We're all familiar with phrases like, "Starving kids in Africa would be happy to eat that!" My maiden name is Fuller, so my dad's favorite was, "Eat a little more. You'll be a little Fuller." These wily attempts by parents are likely decline in California thanks to a new program which asks residents to save their table scraps.

Green counter top compost bins, with tight lids, are being distributed to people. They are told to collect the green waste and dump it into a larger can that remains outside. These larger cans are then taken to a large composting site! Think of how much WON'T be headed to the landfill?

Savannah residents can take charge of their own table scraps by purchasing their own counter top compost bin. Hester & Zipperer has been carrying these for about six months. They are a handy size that can be slid under a sink or into a pantry. There is no fear of bugs or odors! The tight lid keeps everything cozy inside!

Table Scraps To Fine Wine

LA Times Article About Scrap Collection

Cha-Ching

2008-09-18T09:29:00.001-07:00

Our Fall Sale Will Make Fall Planting Easier
Gas may be expensive. Milk may be right up there too. Making your yard pretty this season does not have to break the bank though. Come in and fill your car with these bargains!

Deciduous Trees 40% off
Hydrangeas 40% off
Vines 40% off (excluding Confederate/Star Jasmine)
Hibiscus 40% off
Select Perennials 50% off

While you're here, check out the hot new combinations of Fall flowers. Buy them already planted or purchase separately!

The Dreaded Mole. Molie, Molie, Molie.

2008-09-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

Moles make homeowners want to pull their hair out. They can make one's yard look like a BMX track in a single day. As someone who is in the position of solving this problem for people, I've found it difficult to say that one solution surpasses the rest. Some customers have success with sound emitters, others do the job with bait, and still others rely on traps.
Personally, I feel that stepping on the tunnels, to prevent grass roots from becoming exposed to air, is about as effective as the products on the market for this purpose. The bonus is that it is free. Compare that to the number of moles in the neighborhood, and homeowners could save a pretty penny.
Now, if moles are becoming a problem in shrub and flower beds, a physical barrier is an excellent solution. I've found another blog dedicated to solving mole problems, so click here to learn more.

Bulb and Flower Cages

H&Z Hits Green Fest 2008

2008-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

Mary-Ann and I got the chance to show off our expanding selection of environmentally responsible garden products this Saturday at Green Fest. The Trustees Garden event took place on an incredibly hot day, but it didn't affect the enthusiasm of the "shiny, happy, people" eager to demonstrate how small actions mean big results when protecting the environment.

Our biggest response no doubt came from our Flea Destroyer. You have heard me chatter on about it in our store and on this blog. It is an extremely effective way to solve problems with mole crickets, grubs, fire ants, fleas, and more. Other vendors like Coastal Pet rescue will be putting it to the test, and we hope to bring you more about their results in future posts.

The Black Pearl Pepper also stopped traffic quite a bit. The perfectly round fruit capable of burning your face off is surprisingly good at attracting beneficial insects to your garden. It's deep purple foliage compliments about anything you could put in the dirt next to it, so don't discard it if you're simply into fleurs.

Happily, Mary-Ann and I made some cool contacts that just might be showing up at our Fall Fest this year. In some cases, we are working on material for new classes to be held at other times. If there are certain topics that you would like to see covered, please post on this blog and let us know. We are anxious to start a dialogue with our customers to better serve your needs.

Our West Coast Plant Shipment Arrives,etc.

2008-09-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

New arrivals at our Wilmington Island store!
Citrus Trees-Including Limes
Assorted Evergreen Topiaries
Yuccas
Foxtail Ferns
Texas Sage
Crotons

Oh...and our organic solution for Mole Crickets, Grubs, Fleas and more is back in stock! The price has gone up a few dollars, but they are still a bargain.

$29.99 for a 2000 Sq./ Ft. application that lasts two years!

Rosco Speaks!

2008-09-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

Okay folks. This is serious. It's time for Fall planting to begin. Read this very carefully. WE ARE GETTING MUMS IN TODAY. That's right. So, you know I speak the truth when I say it could get hairy.
I'll save you some if you bring me some tuna. My staff-well...I hear they like Box Wine. Be strong people. Your yards are depending on you.

This is Rosco...counter cat...over and out.

It's Just A Little Breezy! Come Shop!

2008-09-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

Box Tidy
Now customers don't need to worry about cleaning their cars so much after a trip to Hester & Zipperer. We just got in Box Tidy trunk organizers that keep plants upright on the way home. It expands or shrinks to fit your load, and when you're not using it, it folds up to the size of a notebook!
What a great way to cut down on plastic usage. There is also no need to keep multitudes of bedding in your trunk.
Box Tidy - $17.99 Just in time for Fall planting!

You've Seen Them. We GOT 'EM.
Art and function combine to give us Aqua Globes. Fill them with water and place in your plants' soil. Now your Peace Lily can sit on the counter and sip away while you're watching the Weather Channel.

Aqua Globes - $9.99
Caution:They only work if you remember to fill them with water.

CALL FOR GARDENS

2008-09-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Doug Green Wants YOU!
Okay, he doesn't really want you. He wants your plants. Doug is a published garden writer and veteran nursery owner, and he'll be coming to Savannah this November to see what we've got growing.

Doug lives just outside of Kingston, Ontario, Canada and there are plenty of cool southern plants that he'd love to learn about and photograph for his web sites and feature stories.

Now, I know what you're thinking. NOT MY YARD. MY YARD IS...blablabla. Don't get your beans in a bunch. He just wants to see your plants. He doesn't even need to photograph identifying characteristics of your yard necessarily.

This is a one of a kind opportunity to chat with someone of Doug's knowledge and experience. Who knows. You may be in Canada one day and want to see some plants. We're building bridges people. It's not the time to be shy. A brown leaf on your coleus does not reflect poorly on you.

To suggest a plant for Doug to see this November, please reply to this post or email us at hesterandzipperer@hotmail.com

Please do so within the next 30 days so that we can get an idea of how many gardens are available.