Dance in the Plants at Gateway Garden Center June 3

What a really fun idea! Those folks at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin are so creative.

This Friday night they are having a great party -- "Dance in the Plants" -- with music, wine and clogging from the folks at Dansko - you know, the groovy Danish clogs.

For this evening gala the flower arrangers extradinaire at Gateway have made "dressy" containers on dress forms and they are dancing all around the garden center - with lots of other creative containers, rare and unusual plants, natives and lots of garden accessories to go with those dresses!

Gateway is truly a plant lovers garden center thanks to owners by Steve and Peggy Castaroni, who have had deep roots in the community since 1979. They are dedicated to providing the highest quality and finest selection of plants worthy of your garden. Their trained garden experts can help you find unusual plants and to find out about plants.

Gateway offers an extensive selection of native plants, including American Beauties. Native Plants provide food and shelter for wildlife and are easy to grow, low maintenance and provide carefree beauty once established.
Come on our Friday night from 5 - 9 PM and do some dancing and prancing in the plants.

See you there . . . in my plants!
Suzi, Garden Media Group

Bring the Soothing Sounds of Water Inside

I've always loved the sound of water in the garden and now I'm finally bringing this tranquil sound into my home. After months of contemplation, I finally broke down and bought one of Campania International's new garden terrace fountains. It was a hard decision to make since they have over 15 amazing mini cast stone fountains to choose from.

I finally decided on something simple that would complement my interior as well as be a good fit for my outdoor space. I ended up choosing the Pebble Mini Fountain (pictured here), which is only 9 inches wide and 6.5 inches high. I just loved the simplicity of the basin and the various pebbles inside, which can be removed and replaced with other things like sea shells or sea glass. Plus all of Campania's cast stone items are available in a number of different finishes to fit any style.

So, if you're in the market for a mini fountain for your home, I would suggest checking out Campania's full line here. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy,

Stacey

GMG

Wordless Wednesday- or not quite!

OK, it's hard for me (as everyone here knows) to remain "wordless." So here's my version of "slightly-less-words for Wednesday." These images of gardens designed by landscape designer, Susan Cohan, a member of APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers ) do leave me rather speechless. Great ideas, lovely shots and what can I say... let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.

For more information for help designing a garden that's perfect for your home, check out
http://www.apld.org/ and click on "find a designer."
~Lynne GMG

Let the Sun Parasol Shine

Last night on GardenChat we were all chatting about Sun Parasol(R) Mandevillas and how they really give you lots of bold blooms for your buck. I'm so excited to try these out this summer on my patio since they're great in hanging baskets and in containers. Who wouldn't want gorgeous blooms from spring until fall!

Thought I would share some quick tips from Costa Farms for growing these beauties:

*Mandevillas need warmth and bright light (at least six to eight hours) to grow optimally. Plus they like a really good quality soil.

*Fertilize every two to three weeks.

*Gently prune in late fall if you're in zones 10 &11. Hard pruning is not recommended especially in the spring.

*Since they thrive in warmer climates, remember to bring them indoors if you're in zones 1 through 9 for the winter.

*These plants are fast growers therefore they should be given ample room to grow when they are transplanted.

The Sun Parasol® line has nine varieties, including dark red, crimson and giant crimson. You will also find pink, cream pink, giant pink, giant white, pretty crimson and pretty pink. For more tips on these beautiful bloomers, visit CostaFarms.com.

-Stacey

GMG

Biltmore WOWs This Mother Daughter Duo

WOW! That would be enough said about our mother daughter retreat to Biltmore. It was an amazing experience each and every hour.

From the moment we arrived and entered the main gate, Katie and I felt so welcomed, so enchanted and so amazed by the grandeur, the contagious hospitality and the sheer beauty of the landscape.

George Vanderbilt wanted his guests to relax and leave the stress of the big cities behind, and that's exactly what we did. That gracious feeling is one of his legacies today. When I say contagious hospitality, I mean just that. Everyone is so warm and friendly it is catching. Everyone from doormen to bus drivers to housekeeping goes beyond gracious in their efforts to make your visit genuinely perfect.

We started with the wine tasting at Antler Hill Village and Winery, which used to be a dairy barn. We sipped white, rose, red - and even a Festival of Flowers wine and enjoyed every glass.

The next day we spent the morning touring the gardens and strolling the woodland paths. Designing George Vanderbilt's 120,000 acre Biltmore Estate near Asheville, NC was Fredrick Law Olmsted's last project. Olmsted wanted the grounds to feel like a park, to allow guests to be surprised around every corner and to see flowers, trees and shrubs they'd never seen before. He also wanted guests to think they were further South than they actually were so he planted lots of semi-tropical plants, grasses, bamboo and vines. The landscaping often takes a backseat to the castle, but for us, it was the highlight.


Well, almost. The highlight was getting a behind the scenes tour with Parker Andes, director of horticulture, who gave us a look at Olmsted's original plans for the Approach Road and explained to us Olmsted's "design intent" and how they are interpreting it for today's guests.

The original landscape design, as requested by Mr. Vanderbilt, was to draw the guests into the quiet solitude of nature and get them to relax unconsciously as they road in their carriages from the train station to the house. Mr. Vanderbilt requested that the drive take an hour so his guests could unwind from the journey and be in the right frame of mind for seeing the house for the first time.

Site paths were meticulously planned to delight and surprise guests as they traveled 5 MPH in horse drawn carriages up the three mile Approach Road. Switchbacks increased excitement and anticipation for seeing the house. There was even a rest stop for refreshments for both the two and four legged visitors.

Today, guests travel in coaches and cars and have a slightly different perspective on the landscape. Parker's challenge is to restore the Approach Road so guests traveling at 15 MPH can enjoy the same experience as a century ago - but a little faster. This means wider sight paths, ponds sculpted for more frontage and waterfalls angled slightly more toward the road are just a few examples of how Parker and his team are sustaining the Olmsted legacy.

A special thanks to LeeAnn Donnelly, Biltmore public relations, for making our stay extra special. The Biltmore Signature massages she arranged for us was out of this world!

If you've never visited Biltmore, you must put it on your bucket list. Both Olmsted and the celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt, who modeled the house on three châteaux built in 16th-century France, considered Biltmore their most outstanding projects.

And Katie and I would agree.

But be careful. You may catch a little Vanderbilt graciousness.

Suzi, Garden Media Group

Tiffany Comes to Biltmore This Summer

Have you ever seen a dragonfly with a 40-foot wingspan? How about one made entirely out of beautiful blossoms?

What, you haven’t? Well, either have I, but I will this summer when I take a family trip down to Asheville, NC to see Biltmore's Estate new Tiffany exhibition, which will celebrate the creativity and designs of

Louis Comfort Tiffany.

From fountains to walled gardens, the entire Biltmore Estate is going to be transformed into a living work of art. Most stunning and amazing are the “stained-glass” gardens inspired by Tiffany botanicals and dragonflies, a 6’ X 24’ “living” Tiffany-style lamp in the Winter Garden and a “living” stained-glass wall of plants and flowers. All this and 45 stunning Tiffany stained-glass lamps (see above) in an array of colors, shapes and sizes.

The exhibition, which is included in your estate admission, runs from July 1 – October 23 with estate-wide events planned for the whole family, including glass-blowing and stained glass demonstration and live music. Plus, the Biltmore gift shop will feature an array of Tiffany books and gifts.

Come see why Biltmore is the place to be this summer!

-Stacey

GMG

Lilytopia!

Lilies. Truly amazing plants.

This Friday, May 20th, marks the opening of a remarkable event at Longwood Gardens, in Kennett Square, PA, called 'Lilytopia' - that runs through May 30th.

Longwood's enchanting East Conservatory will be transformed into a "breathtaking showcase of the newest varieties of lilies developed by Dutch hybridizers." The dazzling display will showcase more than 10,000 cut stems designed by Dorien van den Berg, noted designer of the world-famous lily show at Holland's Keukenhof. Van den Berg will travel to Longwood from the Netherlands to oversee the creation of the display.

You can also vote in the Lily Idol competition and purchase bulbs from the beautiful displays to grow in your own garden.

I can't wait to go and let you all know what was my absolute favorite.

~Lynne
GMG
photos credit: Longwood Gardens

Garden Goods Prize Pack

Friends! The Garden Media Group has 3 wonderful garden gift packs to give away to our loyal readers, friends and followers! In 50 words or less leave a comment on this blog about why the special man in your life deserves our GMG Prize Pack.

This prize pack includes:

• Spot Gone! The natural, organic way to remove urine spots on your lawn! Keep the dog, lose the spots!



• Centurion loppers to clean up your space



• JAZ rose spray concentrate - a natural way to promote vigorous roots, shoots and blooms!



• The Biltmore Nursery - A Botanical Legacy by Bill Alexander. The history of the Biltmore Nursery and a complete 1912 Biltmore Nursery catalog.
  

Leave your comment below before June 9 - and you could be one of 3 lucky winners! Winners will be announced on June 10.

On a side note - I am getting ready for the Association of Professional Landscape Designers conference in Cleveland June 13-17. I will be tweeting, facebooking and blogging throughout the week. :) Kathleen at GMG

Biltmore for a Mothern Daughter Retreat

As you read this, my daughter Katie and I are indulging ourselves in the splendor of George and Edith Vanderbilt's style . . . and lifestyle by staying at the Inn on Biltmore Estate for a little mother daughter time before her wedding in June.

We may be touring the Vanderbilt's 250-room family home and country retreat in Asheville, NC.

Or maybe we're touring the Biltmore Gardens with director of horticulture Parker Andes, who is responsible for maintaining the natural beauty of the estate and its historic authenticity - inlcuding the estate’s 75 acres of gardens and grounds and the three-mile Approach Road, extensive woodlands and pastoral landscapes -- and a crew of 50 expert horticulturalists. We'll have a lot to chat about since he was landscape supervisor at Longwood Gardens in another lifetime.

Or maybe we're getting a behind the scenes peek at the Tiffany at Biltmore exhibition with the 6' X 24" living wall, the dragonfly garden and the Winter Fountain being turned into a living Tiffany lamp. This exhibition opens July 1 and runs through the end of October.

Or maybe we're having lunch with LeeAnn Donnely, one of Biltmore's many able PR professionals. She keeps us on our toes -- and laughing while we work.

Or maybe we're grabbing some Homer's Cookie Doh! with Rebecca Reed from Southern Living and her daughter Phoebie at the Ultimate Ice Cream on Charlotte St. in Asheville.

Or maybe we're having our massages together at the The Spa at Biltmore - after which we'll have a glass of champagne on the porch.

Or maybe we're feasting at the Inn on Biltmore Estate Dining Room on culinary delights harvested from Biltmore's fields, including seasonal vegetables, fresh beef, and lamb - hmmm my favorite -- all prepared by their renowned chefs.

Or maybe . . . well you'll just have to wait and see. But I can guarantee Katie and I are having a wonderful time at Biltmore - and you should, too.

Suzi, from Biltmore for the Garden Media Group

Friday the 13th: The Phobia...

Today is Friday the 13th!
Are you superstitious? If so, today you are probably throwing salt over your shoulder, not stepping on cracks in the sidewalk, avoiding walking under ladders and near black cats.

Did you know that you should always leave a room by the same door you entered in. Yes, that is supposedly a superstition. I just learned that one today. (Thanks Tracey!)

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed. "It's been estimated that $800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day".

I wondered what the Fear of Friday the 13th was called so I looked it up…yes, there is a list of named fears (if you need a diversion from work you can find it here) it is called friggatriskaidekaphobia...yep, I can’t pronounce it either!

Are you extra cautious today??? Looking over your shoulder expecting the worst (Kosmikophobia)? Avoiding flying (Aviophobia)? Or not making any major decisions (Decidophobia)? These are all fears crippling people today.

Also, did you know more than 80% of high-rises lack a 13th floor, many airports skip the 13th gate, and airplanes also have no 13th aisle. Italians even omit the #13 from their national lottery and streets in Florence address homes between 12 and 14 as #12 ½. Many cities do not even have a 13th street or avenue!

If you don’t have chills by now….read on….

If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck. For example, Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names. Have you counted the letters in your name yet????…I did…11…I’m safe.

Most still consider Friday the 13th to be a day of bad luck. This day occurs at least once, and at most three times a year. Lucky for us 2011 has only one Friday the 13th…so Enjoy it while you can! (And pass up the urge to pick up any coins that are heads down...you can never be too careful!)

-Karen
GMG

Pretty in Pink

Ah, Spring. My favorite season. Allergies aside, I'm always astonished with the rites of Spring.

For those of you who also count Spring as your favorite season,the sheer delight of a clear blue sky framing pink and white azaleas against flowers like gems draped in your landscape dripping with color, leaves a lasting impression. A time for renewal and discovery.

Frankly, I love discovery. A new plant, an unusual container, or garden art draw me like a moth to a light.

Maybe it's the right brain thing but I love the architectural form and sheer voluptuous volume of colorful ornamental shrubs. Take the new pink blueberry- Vaccinium 'Pink Lemonade'- from Briggs Plant Propagators, for instance. Wow.

Talk about a breakthrough plant! This beauty is a vigorous grower, shows off four seasons of color, grows about 5' X 5' and bears bright pink clusters of plump and juicy, sweet blueberries rich in anti-oxidants, from mid to late season. Berry heaven. Yay!

Pick em' and top them on cakes, make a pink blueberry pie, pink blueberry jam, or like me, unabashedly stuff them into thy mouth as you savor every morsel.

If you dare, leave a few behind for your feathered friends and enjoy the changing season as this beauty reveals orangey leaves in fall and reddish-brown twigs in winter that add color and charm to any garden.

Look for 'Pink Lemonade' at your garden center and wait patiently grasshopper for a season to bedazzle your garden awash in pink blueberries. You won't be disappointed!
~Lynne
GMG

Photos credit: Northcreek Nursery and Briggs Plant Propagators

Calling All Florida Gardeners

Do you want gorgeous color year-round in your landscape? Here’s a short video on Florida plants and flowers that will give you some great tips on drought-tolerant plants that will thrive in your hot and humid climate and add bold colors to your garden.

Plus, if you're interested in attracting butterflies to your garden, this quick video will show you how to create a beautiful butterfly garden that’s eye-catching, good for the wildlife and the environment.

Happy planting!

-Stacey

GMG

Gardens Are Our Field of Dreams

As I wandered around my yard yesterday thinking about the people who have gardened here and those who have helped me develop my own gardening skills and talents, I was grateful for many people.

My father was the first to introduce me to gardening when I was around 10. He and I planted a rose bush together outside the den window. It was a red climber. I often went out into the woods with daddy to help him - talk and watch is more like it - dig up and transplant wild dogwoods to our home. And he loved to vegetable garden when he was retired.

I didn't garden much again until I was a young mother and first time homeowner. I had a glorious vegetable garden I'd take my little baby girl to in the mornings. She sit in her port-a-crib and I'd weed. From my organic garden - I actually got used to squeezing slimy bugs with my bare fingers - I grew all the ingredients to make my own baby food - and pass on my love of gardening to my daughter.

Then I lucked out and got involved in the gardening industry as a professional. I have learned so much over the years from all the professionals we've been blessed to work with and new plants and products we've helped introduce.

The last 15 years of horticultural PR and buying a new home last year lead me to the path of finally being ready to have the garden of my dreams.

Most recently Fred and I were working with Jerry Evans, a landscape architect and friend from church who'd designed our church's memorial garden. At our first meeting about two months ago, he understood us and our house and created the most magnificent master plan for our 2 acres. It took our breath away. We were so excited. We were having such fun with him, looking at drawings, tweaking things here and there, walking around and marking out beds - and just sitting and talking. Unfortunately, Jerry died in an automobile accident on Friday. We are heartbroken, but his dream for our garden will live on in every flower and shrub we plant.

As I walked around this weekend and looked at yellow flags marking garden beds and patios, I couldn't help but think how gardeners live forever in their fields of dreams.

Suzi

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Still need some last minute Mother's Day gift ideas to show mom how much you care? Then here are some simple ideas, plants and cool garden products that you can find at any local garden retailer to brighten up her day.

• Orchids make perfect "living gifts" and are great if you're on a budget. They're easy to grow and the flowers keep blooming for months with little to no effort! Plus you can find them for under $20.

• Why not give her a coupon to her favorite garden center? Better yet, buy her a flowering plant and offer to help plant it in her garden.

• Is you mom an animal lover? How about a nice piece of cast stone garden statuary such as small bird, frog, rabbit, dragonfly (pictured) cat or dog that she can nestle among her plants? She'll think of you every time she's in the garden!

• Does your mom dig garden tools? Then here's a great idea from Centurion. Their new FlexBox has all the essential spring planting garden tools in one box. The kit includes a 10 gallon pop-up tub perfect for potting soil and collecting weeds plus three tools that make garden chores a cinch -- a trowel, cultivator and transplater. What more could she ask for!

Just grab a pretty basket, tuck in your pretty plants and products, tie it up with a pretty bow, and voila! ... gifts any mom will love!

Happy Mother's Day!

-Stacey

GMG

My Neighbor, the Social Climber

Lovely, inspiring and early to bloom -- that is my friend June's garden. When June moved in, she was smart enough to reach out to a landscape designer to figure out what she had and what she needed to create a dream garden.

I don't have a lovely fence to drape with spring blooms -- but I do have some large containers on my deck that I can use to mimic this carefree style. Here is the long and the short of creating the same look. Pick compact climbers, such as jasmine or clematis because they can handle the potted lifestyle. Finding a fab pot is easy with graceful cast stone from Campania International (I am crazy for urns!) Don't forget a trellis and twine -- these are all the support you need. Finally, don't let your containers dry out -- keep an eye on them and water them regularly!

Kathleen at GMG.