A Zone for Zen

A garden is a great place to relax. Of course, knowing that I need to start weeding can be a distraction, but forget all that for a moment! I spotted these Asian inspired garden features in Cleveland at the APLD Conference. Features can be big or small - but they all add calm to a garden space. Is this umbrealla a treasure only found in Bali or a fabu shop? Think again - it is from Pier 1! And before we take it too seriously, be funny - like this meditating frog from Campania. He makes me smile and relax at the same time. How about you?

If you have time to read a blog, you have time to friend the GMG Facebook page -- and get in on some interesting conversations! Already a friend? Well, just leave us a comment.

Kathleen at GMG.

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

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

Martha Says -Grow Your Own

Are you ready for spring? I know I'm officially counting down the days until March 20th (40 as of today!). To really get myself in the planting mood, I love perusing all the latest special gardening issues that come into the office.

I was so excited when we received Martha Stewart's Special Gardening Issue, especially since Campania's lightweight containers are featured in a small-space gardening article.

The author, Stacey Hirvela, did a great job explaining and showcasing the types of vegetables that are suitable for containers as well as window boxes. Thanks to Stacey, I now have all the know-how to start planning my own container garden!

Check out the article below and don't forget to pick up the latest issue of Martha Stewart, which will get you spring inspired!

-Stacey

GMG

The Big Time for Four Garden Media Group clients: Better Homes & Gardens

Public relations is an oxymoron -- an uncontrolled discipline. Until you actually see something materialize either in print, on air or online, you just never know if your hard work and perserverance will pay off.

But for four Garden Media Group clients, our wonderful staff's hard work paid off big time this month: Better Homes & Gardens. The magazine has a paid circulation of some 7.6 million! That translates into about 25 million readers -- and that doesn't count all those people reading it in their doctor's office. And its online reach is more is about 2 million. WOW!!!

The hot new 'Pink Lemonade' blueberry from Briggs Plant Propogators was a full page in the magazine and a great offer in the BH&G GardenStore.

Costa Farms, the largest grower of indoor plants in North America, got a nice plug for its O2 for You Houseplants with a Purpose educational campaign.

And the new SimpleGarden from Fertile Earth was featured in a full page spread about gardening indoors. Looks like it might be in a few upcoming books as well.

And Campania, one of BH&G's favorite container and outdoor accessories companies in the world, another hit this year.

A big thanks to our good friends at BH&G!

And way to go to the ever persistant Stacey, Lynne and Karen.

Suzi, Garden Media Group

Accessorize Inside this Winter

Those beautiful planters on your deck or patio were a sight to behold this summer. Overflowing with brightly colored flowers, they brought you pleasure all summer long.

But now that the colder weather is starting to set in do you need to unplant them and store them out of sight where no one can enjoy them?

Of course not! Just bring them in to use as accent pieces during the holidays and winter months.

Here are some fun ways to use planters indoors from the folks at fine garden accessories manufacturer Campania International:

• Fill a cast stone urn (or small birdbath) with fruit such as apples or pears and set it on your table as a centerpiece when you are entertaining guests. Remember to use felt coasters on the bottom of your containers to easily move them from table to table.

• Keep an interesting large cast stone planter by your door to catch umbrellas or gloves, mittens, hats or other winter paraphernalia tossed by your kids as they race into the house.

• Create your own indoor water garden by adding plants such as spider lilies, taro or water lettuce to a glazed or lightweight container.

• For parties, fill an empty lightweight container with ice to keep beverages cold.

• And of course planters can hold plenty of magazines and newspapers.

With a little creativity your planters and garden accent pieces can be versatile and elegant enough to bring indoors for four seasons of enjoyment -- and an extended life.

-Stacey

GMG

Over the Top! And Don't Stop!

At GMG we love color. In your garden you can paint a picture with color, and don't forget to pot up colorful containers to add height to your space. I just love this fountain from Campania - because it creates an atmosphere of relaxation through bubbles and trickles. Keep in mind color, sound and height when you are garden planning.

Next week I am attending the APLD (http://www.apld.org/) conference in Dallas, and I will take a ton of pictures - and video too!

Kathleen :) GMG

Tips for Protecting Your Fall Landscape

As the crisp fall air ushers in a new season, many gardeners may be left wondering: what now?

Here at GMG we asked a few garden experts to weigh in with their tips on the best things you can do this fall for a fabulous garden next year. Check them out and let us know your favorite tips!

Plant now, bloom later

Judy Nauseef, president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), suggests planning ahead for next spring. “Fall is the time to take stock of your garden and plan for next year,” she advises. “You can see what worked and what didn’t, where you have holes and what needs to be replaced or moved.”

“Once you know what you want to add, plant new perennials and shrubs in the fall, and you will have larger, stronger plants with better blossoms next spring,” adds Nauseef.

Everything’s coming up roses

“Fall is an excellent time for planting, and roses are no exception,” says Steve Hutton, plantsman and president of The Conard-Pyle Co.

According to Hutton, establishing roses in the fall is easy. “The weather and soil conditions are better in the fall, as opposed to spring when it tends to be cold, muddy and wet.”

Frost protector

No matter what you’re growing, a sudden frost or freeze is deadly, spelling doom to your garden and landscape. Protect your lush flowering baskets, vegetables, herbs and favorite plants from Jack Frost with FreezePruf. This non-toxic spray can increase a plant’s tolerance to cold and protect home gardens from damage caused by cold.

This means gardeners can get a couple more weeks of growing and harvesting – at least two weeks earlier in spring and two weeks later in the fall. Sounds good to me!

Deer-proof your garden

Winter months are some of the deadliest times for deer destruction in the garden. "Deer are creatures of habit and stay near a good food source – like your backyard," says Dave Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation. "A lush garden or lawn is a magnet for hungry deer and rabbits, especially in the winter.”

To keep deer out, look for all-natural products, like Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent, that use taste and scent aversion to turn animals off your plants and make them unappetizing to common garden-munchers.

Winterize your accessories

According to the “garden accessory connoisseurs” at Campania International, a little care will help your garden "art" last for generations. Cast stone planters and statuary should be raised off any surface, which freezes and thaws. Terra cotta planters, which can absorb moisture and are subject to winter freeze-thaw cycles, should be stored indoors for winter.

If your planters are left planted outside over the winter, raise them off the ground so they will drain and not freeze to the surface. To winterize both cast stone and terra cotta accessories, simply place them on two pressure-treated wood strips, making sure not to block the drainage hole.

Happy Fall!

-Stacey

GMG

Sneak Preview

Each summer I'm fortunate enough to attend Campania's annual sales meeting, where the unveiling of their new product catalog/supplement takes place. The handing out of the catalog is by far the most exciting aspect of the meeting. It's also fun to hear everyone oohing and aahing over all the beautiful new designs.

This year consumers and retailers alike won't be disappointed with the selection of products being introduced. One of my favorite collections is their Garden Terrace Collection, which was designed to meet the consumer's desire for smaller products for their home and garden.

Here's a sneak peak of some of the items that I've already fallen in love with. From new "mini" fountains in various sizes and shapes to really cool contemporary linen glazed planters, Campania has something to complement all tastes and styles!

Look for these and their other new products this fall and next spring at retail garden centers nationwide.

-Stacey

GMG

Make a Splash in Your Garden

I'm thinking about taking the plunge and adding a small cast stone fountain to my city garden this month. With so many options out there, I decided to ask our friends at Campania International to put together a few simple tips to help me choose my perfect fountain.

Here's what they said I should keep in mind before heading off to my local garden center:

What’s Your Style?

The most important consideration to keep in mind when selecting the right fountain is the overall style of your home and garden. Whether you have an urban, contemporary or country garden, the fountain should be compatible with your personal style and the aesthetics of your house and garden.

Consider Your Space

Whether on a patio or in the landscape, a free-standing fountain can be a mesmerizing focal point. The size of the fountain that you choose will depend on the size of your garden space.

Although fountains can take center stage in the landscape, you might also consider nestling your fountain in a secluded corner of your garden. Tucked away among the plantings, the fountain will not distract from the overall composition.

What’s Your Desired Outcome? Dramatic or Zen?

If creating a highly dramatic effect is your desire, the classic choice is a larger two- or three-tiered fountain as a focal point for your landscape.

If you want something Zen, look for a more soothing effect in water gently cascading over a cast stone ball. For dramatic night-time illumination, look for freestanding wall fountains with lighting components.

I'll be sure to keep you posted on my selection. In the meantime, check out Campania's website to get inspired --campaniainternational.com.

-Stacey

GMG