H&Z Benefit For Family Who Lost Everything in Fire

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.

The Nursery Is Full Of Activity-If Not Customers

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".

Lets Talk About Us-Or Our Gardens Anyway

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

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!!!

H&Z Newer News

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.

This Saturday!

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.

Mary-Ann Gives Garden As Gift

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.

Container Gardening Part 2-Contrast

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

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!

This Saturday's Free Class

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

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

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

Papyrus In The House

You've Seen Them Before...

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

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

How To Get Your Buzz

Hester and Zipperer's new and improved monthly e-newsletter, The Buzz, went out to about one hundred of you recently. We are delighted to say that we've already received positive feedback from customers. We're using software called "Email Brain" to create our newsletters, and so far, it has enabled us to make leaps and bounds in our creative expression.

Those of you who read this blog may be wondering what The Buzz will have to offer. My answer is that the newsletter and blog will work together. For example, the newsletter will give you a month's glance at what we're up to at the store. It will contain our Wilmington Island location's schedule for its Saturday morning classes. It will suggest issues that should be addressed in the garden during that month. It will also offer information on new products and plants.

Our blog will offer more detail on the topics mentioned in The Buzz. It will provide links to other sites dealing with those topics. It will contain all sorts of photos (some more entertaining than informative), and it will illustrate all that gardening has to offer us.

Do YOU get The Buzz? Send your email address to: hesterandzipperer@hotmail.com

Friday at the H & Zip

Tropicals Are Here!

People don't move South for the weather. That's a load of Moo-nure-priced nicely at $4.99. They move down for the tropical atmosphere. Drinks with umbrellas, patios with umbrellas, and beaches with umbrellas woo the masses.
Don't delay in creating a tropical oasis in YOUR backyard, or better yet, your mother's! Mother's Day is right around the corner, and nothing would thrill the lovely lady, who gave you life, more than a backyard make-over fit for a queen!
It's easy with the following: tropical vines, hummingbird feeders, colorful planters, and beautiful lanterns and candles. Add in some bug repellent, and you've got yourself a slice of Heaven here on Earth!
Attention all of you butterfly gardeners out there! Mary-ann will be teaching a class at our Wilmington Island location NEXT Saturday, May 10th, dealing with how to attract these flying friends to your garden. Show up at 9:45A.M. for the 10:A.M. class! Participants will receive 10% off butterfly-attracting plants listed by the tattooed teacher. Don't MISS OUT!
I'm still looking for recipes contributions! Send in your delicious ideas for fresh herbs and veggies. Don't deny that you've got some goodies, because you're Southerners! You've got recipes in your blood!
Have a good Friday night! Tomorrow there is gardening to be done!

SAVE OUR TREES, PLEASE.

One does not need to have a diet rich in granola in order to appreciate the canopy of Live Oaks along Johnny Mercer Blvd, nor does one need to have placed flowers in the barrel of a gun in order to see that they must be protected and properly maintained. (I am afraid that the uneducated pruning of them leaves disjointed skeletons where mighty soldiers once stood proud and tall.)
The Wilmington Island Hester and Zipperer is delighted to host a SAVE OUR TREES petition that will be given to Chatham County Commission Chairman, Pete Liakakis, and 4th District County Commissioner, Pat Farrell. It is designed to prevent further trees from being taken down along Johnny Mercer Blvd. It seems that more lots are in danger of losing their trees.
Please come by the store and support the trees whose shade has fallen upon our great-grandparents, so that it may, one day, fall upon our great-grandchildren as well.


Find contact information for Chatham County below:
http://www.chathamcounty.org/department_about_us_T8_R100.html

Sales Soar Saturday-Spring Fling A Success!

SALES!!!

Landscaping one's yard can take a hefty bite from the wallet, so homeowners flooded our gates for a chance to get some great bargains! There was a sale for everyone, I believe!

Some people just wanted to come out and get some sun!

That was alright. We were glad to have them. You see, when people stop by to browse, often they find a must-have like Alex here.



Travis proudly shows off a Bottlebrush Topiary


Our Alex finds a woman who yearns for ferns!


Our Fundraiser Continues...
Alicia makes a lovely model for our Spring Fling t-shirt, and gives props to Wild Delight who, along with Fertilome, sponsored them!



Please, if you haven't already, come get a "Creatures Great And Small" t-shirt. They are $20.00, and the proceeds are split between May Howard Elementary and Riddle's Elephant Sanctuary. (www.elephantsanctuary.org)

Thanks to John from Coach's Corner for the Hot Dog Set Up! We are sorry to say that Lighthouse Pizza was a no-show after offering to host pizza and soft drinks for our event.

Thursday's Spring Fling Gallery Night

Social Butterflies

"You clean up pretty good," was the phrase most frequently heard at our Hester and Zipperer gallery night. We all threw our well-worn t-shirts and jeans into the hamper in exchange for something a little more fancy. After all, it was our Gallery Night!
Amy's stunning creations wowed everyone! We were so happy to have her take up with us for the evening.


The beautiful spread was arranged by Judy and Amanda! From the looks of things, everyone was delighted. I believe the spinach dip MIGHT have changed some lives out there.



Those of you who weren't there the other evening must come in and check out the soy candles by Natalie. The Low Country Luxe line will make you weak in the knees, because they smell so good. These candles are so classy and beautifully packaged!



We were very fortunate to have Bill Smith, Ellen Grosse, and Ray Williams fill the air with musical bliss.


Friedman's Fine Art was very generous to let us share in the botanical works for the weekend. Customers filed in all evening to the remarkable pieces. The detail was quite striking, and it gave us all something to aspire to in the garden.

Finally, I must give great thanks to Skidaway Liquor Center. They kept the wine flowing, and our faces glowing, all evening long! (So much, in fact, that you will all recall the trouble I had changing the register tape.)

Fitz and Jan Hiltzheimer proudly display the one that didn't get away!



Our end of the night sale had customers reaching for their favorite finds. Fitz and Jan found this lovely mermaid flying overhead, and decided that she had to come home with them!

Thank you all for making the evening a glorious success!

Ring Around The Organically-Grown Roses

There are people that grow everything organically, and there are people that grow roses. People who do both are a rare breed. I almost consider them a Fairy Tale group of gardeners that work with magic wands rather than trowels. They've got their own spells, or recipes, for fertilizers, soils, insect repellents, and more. One of these magic formulas I will share with you today. This came from a former employee of ours, and tales of its success are still coming in.

Per Rose Bush

3 cups of dehydrated cow manure
5 cups alfalfa meal
1/3 cup bat guano
1 cup bone meal
1 cup cottonseed meal
1/4 cup blood meal
1 cup triple super phosphate


This would be a lovely time to pick up a Knock Out Rose at H&Z and try it out!

It's Good To Be Back!

Well, I've made it back from my internship at Riddle's Elephant Sanctuary, and it seems that I've come back to wonderful gardening weather! Tomorrow it is supposed to be 80 degrees! God Bless the South. Remember that Mother Nature can be fickle though. We are not out of danger for frost until around St. Patrick's Day. That being said, there are plenty of plants in stock that are just aching to make your yards look great.

Butterfly gardeners can get an early start with our gallon pots of Scabiosa. The lavender blooms, also called Pincushion Flowers, stand on wire-like stems and give a sense of whimsy to a landscape. Of course, that reliable work horse, Lantana, is also available to feed your butterfly cronies. Gardeners not familiar with the newer dwarf varieties should come check them out, because they can be accomodated by small gardens and containers easier than their massive counterparts.

Caladium and Elephant Ear bulbs have just arrived, and there are varieties for almost every lighting situation. These trobical looking beauties make excellent backdrops for flowers like Begonias and Impatiens that will arrive later in Spring.
A garden spot that stays moist, has soil rich in organic matter, and protected from strong winds is ideal for both Caladiums and Elephant Ears, and don't forget that they can make striking additions to containers. Monthly fertilizing is a good plan to keep their foliage healthy.

If your New Year's Resolution is to eat healthier, than we can help. Let us show you how to plant an attractive container of salad greens, or better yet, have one custom made! You'll also want to keep an eye out for fruit trees that will be arriving in the nursery soon. Of course, our recent shipment of Citrus can hold you over until then. Don't forget to ask about the proper fertilizer as well.

Lastly, Valentine's Day is approaching. This would be a good time to ask your gardening sweetie what they might enjoy for their plot. Don't forget good gifts like bird houses,bird feeders, and bird baths!

Welcome Ya'll!

Welcome to Hester and Zipperer’s
New and Improved Online Location!

We are happy and excited to offer you this convenient lawn, garden, and gift resource. With its arrival in cyberspace, we look forward to developing an online community of gardeners, gabbers, and gurus that understand and want to learn more about gardening in the South.
This portal to plants and doorway to design will support our stores, on Skidaway Road and Wilmington Island, with seasonal articles on a variety of garden issues. There will be no worrying about whether the advice you’re reading applies to your region. It will be written especially for you! We will also bring you innovative decorating ideas that will suit a wide range of tastes and budgets.
Our yards greet the world before we even open the door, and that can weigh heavy on our shoulders. Lay down that burden right here, because we will help you. Whether your goal is to impress company, yourself, or the people that might buy your house, we’ve got what you need!