Educated Customers Are Making Smart Purchases

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.

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".

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!

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!

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.

Hester and Zip News

Our Spring Fling Week has arrived!

The popularity of our Fall Festival, last year, led us to plan our First Annual Spring Fling. We'll kick it off on Thursday with a gallery night, from 5-8 P.M., at our Wilmington Island location. It will feature wine donated by Skidaway Liquor Center, art from Friedman's Fine Art, and live music by Bill Smith and Ellen Gross!
Come back on Saturday, because we'll have merchandise set up by our neighborhood friends. Natalie Evans will be by with her Low Country Lux Candles. Amy Bowden will have her Garden Jewelry Designs. Here she is with a winged friend.



Oh, and just in time for lunch, Lighthouse Pizza will be handing out slices!

OR THEY WOULD HAVE IF THEY ACTUALLY SHOWED UP!

For shoppers looking to support conservation, we have JUST the thing. T-shirts will be available, designed by yours truly, with an attractive "Creatures Great and Small" theme. Proceeds will be split between Riddle's Elephant Sanctuary, where I interned in January, and May Howard Elementary's Outdoor Classroom.

Look at this wonderful design! You can sport your support of elephant conservation and May Howard Elementary's Outdoor classroom for only $20.00!



Need more than one? The price drops to $15.00! What a great gift idea too!

Hester and Zipperer employee, Kristen Phillips, and I set up a booth at May Howard's Math and Science Night recently. It also followed the theme "Creatures Great and Small." We sold stepping stones to benefit our joined causes which will be painted and placed in May Howard's Outdoor Classroom. It was a great success!


For those of you who purchased stones...fear not.

They are in the works! It's not too late to purchase one in the name of your May Howard Student. See Christine or Kristen at the Spring Fling.

Don't forget the plant specials! It's still a great time to get things in the ground. The weather is mild, and we're actually getting rain!

Nice 'Maters!

A number of you have asked about those upside down tomato growing backs. Hester and Zipperer doesn't currently sell them, but this link should lead you to them.

https://www.hangingtomato.com/?cid=486402

The cool thing is that our veg selection is bigger than ever this year. You don't have to plant tomatoes. You can plant anything in this bag system.

If you try it, let us know how you do! Take pictures. We'll put them up on the blog!

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!

Garden Centers Bring Up More Than Flowers

Garden Centers are constantly striving to be more than stores. To be successful, they must become part of the community. To do so, many form partnerships with local charities,schools,and businesses.

Hester and Zipperer is taking this approach on a number of different fronts. Hester and Zipperer employee, Kristen Phillips is working with Wilmington Island's May Howard Elementary to establish an outdoor classroom. It will serve as a learning tool and directly relate to the students' curriculum. Members of May Howard's faculty, as well as other volunteers, are hoping to make this a prototype for other schools throughout Chatham County.

Hester and Zipperer has also worked to address the ferral cat problem on Wilmington Island by accepting donations for a spay and neuter fund residing at Island's Vet Care. While funds exist, Wilmington Island residents can humanely trap ferral cats and use the fund to have them fixed. (Contact Island's Vet Care at 897-1121 for more info on procedures and prices.)To facilitate this process, the Wilmington Island location also lends out a "Have a Hart" trap free of charge. We also sell them if you want one for your very own.

Customers should watch out for products benefiting national causes like the fight against breast cancer.



Hester and Zipperer employee, Alex Brown, spent Friday setting up a display of pink garden tools that will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. These are wonderful gifts for the lady in your life, and also a cute way to introduce a little girl to the garden. (If you know a guy who likes pink-hey...)

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!

Excuse Me While I Slip Into Something Christmas-ie!

As we scoop the last of the Sweet Potato Souffle out of a chilled Corning ware dish, and digest the time spent with family and friends, it is time to change gears once more. It's time to climb the attic stairs,fiddle with fake snow,and, for crying out loud, set our hearts aglow!

Feeling Grinchy? A little bit?


It's understandable. There's a lot to think about and a lot to do. It is for that reason that I've made this list of typical holiday woes, and how WE can solve them!

In no particular order...

My mom is coming to town, and she's this super gardener. My thumb is black! My house is as cold as a doctor's office! Help!

No problem! You just need a little color! Our Poinsettias are in! A LOT OF THEM! We also have these cool decorative tins to doll them up even more!


Oh, and as for the bologna about them being poisonous?
READ THIS!

Ok, I have pets. They mess with my house plants and decorations. How can I make my house festive and animal resistant?

Tricky, but not impossible! These tin signs are a charming option!


I always forget to water my Christmas Tree! Then, when I do, I have to move all of the presents and decorations! Isn't their an easier way?

You bet there is! For $19.99 you can buy the Ever-Green Seasons watering system! It looks like a present beside your tree, but pumps water into your tree stand!


I cannot make a bow to save my life!

Mary-Ann can make you a bow that will make you want to slap your mama, and look at all of the ribbon you can choose from! BOW-daceous!


How can I protect my tender plants from a freeze? That way they still look great for company?
You need a "Planket". It's the material used by professional growers! No more throwing heirloom quilts over orange trees and Sponge Bob Square Pants sheets over the Petunias! Don't make your yard look like a flea market! Use what the pros use!
La Planket!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE PORBLEMS AND ANSWERS!!!

Our 2007 Fall Festival Is A Big Hit With Customers

The weekend of October 6th and 7th the Wilmington Island Hester and Zipperer hosted its fabulous Fall Festival. The excitement included a few crucial elements to a wopping good time.




We were so excited that we decided to dress up a bit for the occasion. We were told time and time again how our costumes matched our personalities.



All of you came out to help usher in a new season,and based on what you bought, your yards should be looking pretty amazing by now!



In fact,some of your kids grew old while they were waiting for you to finish shopping.



The Fall Fest isn't just about shopping though! It's about enjoying the nice weather,


singing or cheering a happy tune,



and just having a good time. We took so many pictures. I was growing old posting them on this blog. So, we will feature photos throughout the season on this blog.

We thank you so much for making our festival so successful. We hope that you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Customer's Mulch Question Answered

Mulch is a gardener's best friend. It helps retain moisture,keep weeding down,and can add organic matter to the soil. Garden centers sell it by the pallet, and customers can never seem to get enough.There are also sources for free mulch such as landfills,from our own trees,and generous neighbors. So, the decision regarding where to get your mulch involves some consideration.To help weigh the options, I consulted Dave Linvell,an agent for the Chatham County Extension Service. I wanted to know whether concerns over fungus,bugs,or weeds were warranted when taking mulch from the Wilmington Island dump and other similar places?

Dave points out that it is not a yes or no question. As an informed agent of the County Extension, he acknowledges that the previously mentioned concerns are a possibility, but adds,"I use it all the time without a problem. If those situations were to arise, they could easily be addressed." He continued by saying that the mulch at the dump is free, and equivalent organic matter purchased in the store can be expensive.

I agree with Dave that if any bugs,weeds,etc. were to occur,it could be handled pretty easily. It is my experience that customers often have uninformed fears about bugs in particular.What must be understood is that just the presence of bugs does not mean that they are a danger to plants or humans. Examples are some ants,earth worms,Lace Wings,and Ground Beetles. Even roaches have their place in garden.

As far as the search for mulch goes, it is ultimately a personal preference. One might choose the free mulch and spend their gardening budget on more plants. Others might prefer the look of dyed mulch. Still, others might choose rock. The goal is to make an informed decision. When applying any mulch, make sure not to smother the stems and trunks of plants. This can trap moisture and lead to problems with rot.

Thanks for writing! -Christine

Christine Talks To MOPS

Wednesday morning Christine will be giving a talk to MOPS,Mothers of Preschoolers,on the wonders of herbs. If you would like to spice up a group gathering with a little garden presentation by Christine, on herbs or another topic, please email us at: hesterandzipperer@hotmail.com or call 912-897-5581

Welcome to the World of Dirty Hoes

Even if your goal in life is not to become a Master Gardener, there are a lot of benefits to knowing your way around the garden and the garden center. You will save both time and money, and you will make smarter purchases that better suit your needs.

Like kids, plants need food and water. They can get both in a number of ways.

Food: Water-soluble fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer. There are chemical and organic forms of both. You are probably familiar with the three numbers on the back of fertilizers, but you might not know what they mean.

1st number is Nitrogen. It greens leaves and encourages leaf growth
2nd number is Phosphate. It encourages blooming and rooting.
3rd number is Potassium. This also encourages root growth.

A plant that is all green would prefer nitrogen, but not need as much phosphate, because it doesn’t bloom. Alternatively, your flowers would like a fertilizer with a lot of phosphate, but might not need as much nitrogen.

Water: Rain, sprinklers, soaker-hoses, watering cans, etc.
This may sound obvious, but certain plants may do better with different methods.

As we all know, water can be a best friend or our worst nightmare, and with plants, it is no different. Plants require different amounts of water, so it is important to educate yourself on the water needs of your particular plants. Next, recognize the different effects of different watering methods.

Sprinkler Systems are very common, but they will let you down if you don’t recognize their limits. For example, does yours reach all of your plants? Is it drowning your Palms? Is it fully saturating the bedding plants that require it? Often systems provide a false sense of security, and it may be better to water by hand until you are accustomed to the needs of your plants.

Tackle These Garden Situations
With Your Inner Garden Goddess!

Scenario 1
Your in-laws are coming over and your patio, porch, or deck looks like Animal from the Muppet Show had his band over for a party! No problem. Gather up the stray Sponge Bobs and Doras, and try this on for size.

Pots of herbs situated near where company sits will smell good and create the illusion that you have nothing to do but cook gourmet meals with them all day long. Come by the H&Z, and we’ll help you put the right herbs in the right pot!

Goddess Tip: You can buy the 4 inch pots of herbs, place them in a pretty basket, and put moss around the top. This makes a great center piece, and you can plant them later!

Scenario 2
Your neighbors just had their yard landscaped, and your yard looks like it got run over by a Tonka Truck! No problem! Try these fixes. They will take some time, but are worth it for the satisfaction they will bring!

Grab your electric hedge-trimmers, the best purchase you’ll ever make, and consider what needs some buzzing. Remember, some plants form buds for the next year early, so call us and talk to us before you trim. 897-5581 This will instantly make your yard look more maintained. Next, buy annual flowers! For $14.99 you can buy 36 flowering plants like: Snap Dragons, Violas, Pansies, Impatiens, and Begonias! Come by H&Z and we can help you choose pots and flowers that will suit your environment. Lastly,mulch your beds. No matter what mulch you choose, a fresh layer on top will redefine your beds and help retain moisture in them as well.

Goddess Tip: Buying different types of flowers in a similar color pallet makes a bigger impact from the street and ties together your landscaping. Fertilize your annuals once a week with “Blooming and Rooting”. Being consistent will make all the difference in the number of flowers your neighbors see from the curb!

Scenario 3
Your plants have a problem. You don’t know what it is, and the thought of spraying the wrong thing makes you want to pave the yard. Take a clipping and bring it over to us! We’ll diagnose it and suggest a treatment!

Creativity Is Not a Four-Letter Word
(but DuLL most certainly is!)

When we are strapped for time and money, it is tempting to fall in the same ol’ routine. Sometimes getting customers to try a new flower over an old standard can be like pulling a favorite blanket from a child!

“I want my Montego Tahiti Orange Snap Dragons. I’ve used them every year since the dawn of time, and I’ll do so until the day I die. I cannot sleep without them!”

Tahiti Orange Snaps ARE lovely, but how about we unclench a little bit and try some exciting new combinations! Come by H&Z and we can come up with containers that will dazzle you, your mom, your cousin Shirley, and her kid with the unusually large eyes.
Women are naturally creative all the time, but for some reason, they are reluctant to put that skill to good use in the yard. Smartly dressed women come in all dolled up wearing color-coordinated ensembles, and yet finding three plants to put in a container together is terrifying to them. The following might help a bit:

Date Night Outfit/Landscape Design

Your make-up=The foundation for your plants also known as soil.
If it’s good your relationship grows. If it’s cheap, you look like a tramp, and
your relationship might wither and die.

Your Clothes=Your evergreen plants in the landscape.
When putting on your clothes, you do not put everything from the waist up or the waist down. You spread the clothes out so they are evenly distributed all over your body. No matter what the season, certain areas of the body and yard are always covered.

Your Jewelry and Accessories=Your Annuals and Perennials
We like to put some extra sparkle on to draw the eye around, and that is what flowers do for your yard. Symmetry is what people most often prefer. Like your favorite earrings, which frame your face, flowers can draw attention to a front door. Like your necklace pulls out the color from your earrings, your bedding plants compliment the flowers by your home’s entrance. Like your shoes compliment your scarf, pulling the hue from the door out to your mailbox, or another focal point, completes the cohesive design. Consider using birdbaths, shepherd’s hooks, trellises, garden art, and colorful ceramic pots.

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!