Gardening : Pros outweigh the Cons...

So, you're an expert gardener. You know the difference between a Pansy and a Petunia, a Helleborus and a Hemerocallis. You know what you like, what grows well, and what doesn't. You also know the effort it takes and the time needed to keep things looking nice in your yard or containers. You know about potential bugs or diseases, and you know how your pocketbook can be affected.

Or maybe you're not an expert. You have no clue what grows in sun, or what needs fertilizer and how much, or how much you should pay for a quality hanging planter. You have heard yourself say, "Huh, you mean you have to water those?" You don't know if pink goes with red, purple with orange, or what peppers are good for salsa. And maybe you simply don't care that you don't know.

Fortunately, both expert and rookie gardeners can benefit from what W.W. offers in terms of quality plants, helpful service, and a wide variety and selection. However, what experts and rookies may NOT know is that, in addition to what W.W. offers, gardening in general has much to offer. Ponder these questions...

Did you know that gardening is the #1 hobby in America?

Did you know that gardening can ease stress and anxiety like no other activity or treatment?

Did you know that growing something and seeing it flourish is one of the best ways to lift your mood, find satisfaction, gain confidence, and enjoy the outdoors?

Did you know that gardening is unmatched in terms of value... true, it is possible to spend quite a bit on plants, as it takes quite a bit to grow and sell them. But the benefits you receive in return during the season far exceeds the initial investment, especially if you plant perennials.

Did you know that even in economic downturns, gardening remains one of the most popular pastimes for households and individuals?

So, for you experts, maybe this is the year you revamp some of your gardens, or try something new, or get a friend interested in gardening. And for you rookies and newcomers, look forward to the good things that gardening can offer and enjoy your new found interest.

And for everyone, the next time when you feel down or just feel like you need something positive in your life, take a walk through our garden center. See the colors. Smell the scents. Take in the beauty that only the flowering and gardening world can offer. Maybe try that plant over there that caught your eye. Or ask if we have that flower your neighbor has. Or buy something for that special person who can't get out for themselves.

In all of this, you will soon see that the "pros" of gardening far outweigh the "cons". Enjoy the 2009 season!

Keeping the "GREEN" in W.W. Greenhouses...

You hear about it everywhere, "green," "Green," "GREEN!" Everyone seems to be jumping on the Earth-friendly bandwagon, and to a certain extent, that's a good thing. Taking responsible care of our planet is what we all have been called to do. If the changes we make in our habits and uses are based on facts (instead of marketing, political, and/or other reasons), it's a very good thing.

However, at W.W., being "green" is not just something we are doing because it is currently popular in our society. We have taken numerous steps throughout the years to be more efficient and responsible in all aspects of our operation. Some of the steps we have taken in the past include :

» Ebb/Flow Benching :: The benches we use in our garden center have shallow trays in which plants sit. Water is pumped into these trays, flooding the entire bench. The plants then "wick" the water up through the soil in their pots. After a set time, the water is then drained away to a holding tank where it can be re-used again. We began using these benches in 1995. Using this method cuts down on labor costs, water use, and disease (which keeps our chemical and spraying costs lower).

» Roof Vents :: In 1997, we installed roof vents in our garden center. The roof literally opens up when cooling is desired. Before roof vents, cooling was usually done with large exhaust fans which used a great deal of electricity compared to using roof vent assemblies.

» Energy Curtain :: Also in 1997, we installed an energy curtain in one of our greenhouse ranges. This "curtain" closes during desired times to trap heat in the winter months and evenings. By doing this, less natural gas is used to heat during the more demanding cooler times. The curtain also can shade the area in the summer time, keeping it cooler. Plants do not normally need as much moisture when kept cooler, so water use and irrigation labor is further reduced.

» Underground Heat and Efficient Furnaces :: It's a no-brainer to use the most efficient furnace available if you want to save energy. But by placing the ductwork of some of our furnaces underground throughout the greenhouse, we can direct the heat right under and much closer to the plants. By doing this, less heat is needed to get the same growing results from the plants. We have been using this heating method in one of our greenhouse ranges since 1997, and have updated our furnaces in 2004.

As in the past, we continue to make "green" improvements. Some of the steps we have taken recently and will take in the future include :

» Earth-friendly Pots :: We are increasing the usage of more bio-degradable pots. Realistically speaking, our industry still uses a huge amount of plastic, and will likely continue to do so for a long time. But using more Earth-friendly pots certainly helps (and looks cool, too!).

» Plastic Recycling :: We are always looking for ways to recycle the plastic film that covers our greenhouses. It is difficult to find a company that can recycle or use our plastic, but we keep trying. Look for a plastic pot recycling program from W.W. in the future as well.

» Biological Pest and Disease Control :: We are constantly exploring new ways to use Earth-friendly methods to control any bugs or diseases we encounter. Increased use of "good bugs" (e.g. predatory mites/ladybugs/wasps which feed on bad mites and aphids) have produced good results in recent years within our greenhouses. Organic-based products which control fungus, mildew, and other diseases are also being tested. These methods of control decrease the use of sometimes damaging and dangerous chemicals, which is especially important in a garden center setting.

» Organic Products :: We offer many organic fertilizer products, suitable for vegetables, roses, and any other annual or perennial you have. Try them sometime, you may like them!

» Paper Bags :: Service is something that has not changed at W.W., and we remain one of few garden centers in the area who package up your plants for you upon checkout. During checkout, we are increasing the use of paper bags to package up your plants instead of using plastic trays. Sometimes a plastic tray is needed for strength, but using degradable bags when possible instead of plastic is just another way we are helping to reduce landfill waste.

Now you know some of the things W.W. has been doing to be responsible in our community and world. Come join us at W.W. Greenhouses...

Miracle or Misfortune?

Potting soil or mix. It is likely the #1 bagged soil item that garden centers sell to their customers. Used for any container, pot, basket, window box, planter, and even to amend existing soil, good potting mix is essential for successful gardening.

We have said to our customers many times, all potting soil/mixes are not created equal. You usually get what you pay for. We have done numerous tests on the cheaper bags of potting mix you find (usually just top soil with a little fibrous material added), and the plant performance compared to good quality potting mix is significant... poor quality potting mix = poor plant performance.

So, for years we have sold our PGM, or Professional Grower's Mix. It is a balanced soil-less mix, and one that we and our customers have had tremendous success with. However, with the impact and marketing that Miracle Gro has had on the gardening industry, we have carried Miracle Gro's Potting Mix the last few years. It is more expensive than our own PGM size for size, but Miracle Gro has always been a good name (we have had good success with their other products) and customers are familiar with the brand and demand it.

But is it really THAT good?

As stated, we have had great success selling and using Miracle Gro's fertilizer and other products. But in the few years we have carried Miracle Gro's Potting Mix, we have had increasing complaints of poor plant performance when using it. Customers have complained that they have done everything they always do with regards to watering, feeding, conditions, etc... except for the soil they used, they tried MG's soil.

Now, to be sure, these complaints are few. The vast majority of people who have purchased MG's Potting Mix do not complain to us of any problems. Still, the complaints that do come to us are increasing in frequency, enough to warrant further testing.

That is where we stand right now with this issue. Miracle or Misfortune? Our own testing continues, in addition to working with numerous customers on tests comparing the two different mixes. We will post again when we know more facts.

Do you have praise or a complaint for Miracle Gro's Potting Mix? If so, post it, we'd love to hear from you!

When is it safe to plant?

We receive this question repeatedly throughout late April and early May when our temperatures are unpredictable. Problem is, there is no clear-cut answer. We have received frost as late as June in our area, quite a few times in May, and many times in late April. And because nobody knows when that last frost will be, it is impossible to say when it is safe to plant.

However, we can safely assume a few things :

• Perennials can be planted right away in mid-April when we open for the season. Our perennials, although a little "soft" due to being grown indoors, are hardened off quite a bit. We harden them off by keeping them as cool as possible during the night so that they will be better acclimated when our customers purchase them. They also won't be shocked so much by the cooler temps when our customers plant them outdoors after purchasing. As for the occasional frost that might occur, your perennials may experience some damage to the tips of the leaves or to developing buds/flowers. But that is the extent of the damage most times... they will simply grow new leaves and develop new buds/flowers.

• Annuals are a little more tricky. Usually what we recommend is putting your purchased annuals outdoors during the day (when temps are suitable, around 55 or above), and take them in at night. Do this for about a week while your annuals get acclimated to the cooler temps. Then, when temps are consistently above 40-45 at night, they can usually be planted. Of course, some plants like New Guinea Impatiens and other warm-loving annuals need temps consistently warmer (55-60 or above), so take care when placing them outdoors. And of course, be prepared to protect your already planted annuals if frost is predicted... bed sheets or a light blanket is best; plastic sometimes does not offer the best protection.

• Never leave your annuals in your garage or indoors for more than a day or two... even a day or two without direct light will cause many annuals to close up and cease flowering.

• Containers and hanging planters are easy to take in and out, which allows our customers to purchase earlier in the season so as to get the best "pick." Consider buying "movable" annuals earlier, and the rest of your annuals at a later time if you are worried about planting.

So, nobody knows when it is completely safe to plant in the spring. But following these guidelines can help you get the most out of the early season months, and not miss out on the better early selection.

If you haven't visited W.W., stop by today! And if you cannot visit, see what you're missing!

Gardening popularity fading? Not so fast...

Amidst the discouraging news we hear almost daily in the media about the economy (among so many other discouraging topics), you might think the world is coming to an end. Locally speaking, Michigan is near or at the bottom of most economic reports, with many businesses packing up and going elsewhere. And you really can't blame them; times have changed and they must do what they must do.

So with this sometimes bleak outlook, lost jobs, and personal finances being pinched, retail businesses do indeed suffer. However, although garden centers have felt the same pinch, gardening overall remains a popular hobby and pastime.

Why?

• There are few things in life that give the satisfaction of working in a garden or landscape. Evidence shows gardening to have strong therapeutic qualities. Working the soil, watching things grow and mature, being able to create something, and enjoying the outdoors are all activities that gardening enables you to do.

• Gardening can be pricey for larger-scale projects, but overall, gardening is relatively inexpensive. Not much money needs to be spent for a few containers, a vegetable garden, or a smaller area... all of which will last the entire season.

• Vegetable gardens are popular once again, thanks to the need to be as "natural" as possible. As food became cheaper, vegetable gardens became more scarce. However, with the recent surge in "all-natural" products, doing your own vegetables and herbs is once again gaining popularity, and with little money required.

• Gasoline prices continue to rise, sometimes causing people to change their travel plans. Staying home a little more gives them more time to take care of plants at home, with less money invested in plants compared to gasoline.


So, if you haven't tried gardening lately, do yourself a favor and check it out. Stop by W.W. sometime and see what you're missing. You will be surprised at the benefits... financially, physically, and emotionally.

Is "New" always better?

You see it every year, new plant varieties just discovered, bred, or introduced. There are loads of them each season, sure to be the next greatest thing in your garden. And they are hyped by seemingly every gardening magazine, gardening show on tv, and online gardening forum. "NEW!" it reads, "MUST HAVE!" they say, "BETTER than..." it promises.

So, is all of the hype generated on these plants justified? Or is it just marketing at its best trying to dupe you into buying more? Both, sort of.

For example, take Echinacea 'Sunset' PPAF. It was introduced and available for the 2005 growing season. It promised to be a breakthrough, an orange coneflower in a family of traditionally pink, surely THE plant to have. We saw it blooming in 2004, heard rave reviews by industry insiders, and we eventually pushed it as a unique and truly remarkable plant. However, it didn't pan out that way, at least not based on what we saw in our garden center. 'Sunset' was a nice plant, but when it was finally available to the public, it didn't seem like the plant it claimed to be. Even though it was worthy enough for us to sell, it wasn't really orange like the claims said - more of a pink with a little tangerine. Nor did it have the larger flowers like the other Coneflowers. It also wasn't as vigorous as some of the other "new" Echinacea in recent years. "New" in this case turned out to be something you actually could do without, contrary to what everyone was saying. (For those interested, the improved Echinacea 'Sundown' PPAF is a much nicer orange Coneflower, and is what 'Sunset' really should have been in our opinion.)

On the other hand, consider some of the new Heuchera introductions in the last few years. Some outstanding varieties have surfaced including 'Lime Rickey' PP16210, 'Peach Flambe' PPAF, and 'Caramel' PP16560. All of these Heuchera varieties continue to sell out for us, and also continue to perform very well in our ongoing trial gardens. You will not be disappointed with these, especially for an area with 4 hours or less of sunlight. "New" in these cases turned out be all that was claimed, outstanding plants that really were new and different, a must-have, and better than many Heuchera varieties.

So, just don't believe everything you see and hear when it comes to "new" plants. Most new plant varieties truly are worthwhile and are "the next best thing," but some are simply not.

Needs sun? Not so fast!

Throughout our experience of growing and selling perennials, and from increasing reports from customers, we are discovering a new trend in where you can position sun-loving plants.

Sun-loving plants have always been those that prefer/require at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or more. One would never think of putting a Daylily or Peony or Iris in a shaded area, it just wouldn't survive. Or at the very least, it wouldn't grow well.

However, it is exactly these types of plants that are now often seen placed in shady areas these days, seemingly doing just fine. In fact, many of these sun-loving plants seem to thrive even more than if they were in sunny areas. Why is this?

One reason would be lack of care. If a plant is not receiving adequate moisture that it needs in a sunny area from its owner, it would benefit from some shade until it does receive a good watering. Weekends away at the cottage, vacations, busy lifestyle and not being home a lot can make the garden less of a priority. So naturally, not having the sun beat down on an already stressed plant can make a big difference.

Another reason would be that planting sun-loving plants in shade has simply never been tried. If the label on pot says "full or partial sun," it can't possibly grow in shade! Not so for many plants. We have done many trial tests on typical sun-loving plants such as Daylilies, Salvia, Iris, Sedum, Peonies, and many other common perennials as well as annuals. We have found that the vast majority of them do well in shade, with just a few select types that might flower a little less or grow a little taller. But for the gardener with lots of shade, give a sun-loving plant a try and disregard what those labels say for a change...you may very well be pleasantly surprised.

One more reason would be the range of winter and summer temperatures in our area. We receive cold temperatures in winter, which usually requires a more winter-hardy cool-weather plant. Yet, when it comes to our West Michigan summers, we receive many days of very warm and humid temperatures, which cause those same cool-loving plants to suffer. Giving some shade to these plants lends a significant amount of relief for those warm summertime stretches, and also helps the plant to remain healthy heading into fall.

Obviously there are some exceptions, as there are plants that still do require direct sunlight. But if you have a shady area in your yard, give a sun-loving plant a try!