Fairy Tales and Gardening Trends

I just returned from the Independent Garden Center trade show in Chicago. I went to visit our American Beauties licensed growers and to check out the latest trends. I recall last year the colors of pots and other products were very “in your face” but the pallets of colors seem to be softening somewhat this year. There is also a definite trend toward Asian design. I can certainly see the connection between the implied serenity of the artwork and the spirituality of gardening for many people.

What really jumped out at me this year were fairy gardens. Now, I grew up on fairy tales and I like fairies as much as the next guy but I always thought fairy gardening was kind of silly. Since it was impossible to ignore them, I started to take a closer look at he displays. Many were incredibly intricate; some even had trains running through them. The ones with vegetable gardens in them won me over. I probably won't build one in my yard but I will encourage the children in my life to give it a try.

We’re always talking about how to reach the next generation in this business so why not start kids off young. With a good dose of fresh air and imagination required, fairy gardening might just be what the doctor ordered to combat nature-deficit disorder.

Bringing life to your garden!

Have fun out there!  

Peggy Anne

Note to Self - Market Viola walterii 'Silver Gem' to the wee folk!

He Said, She Said

What Garden Writers Think About Native Plants and Organic Gardening Products

We three amigos are just back from the National Garden Writers Symposium in Pittsburgh. We had a fantastic time catching up with old friends and making new ones. Everyone loved the booth and our groovy giveaways that included; worm castings from Organic Mechanics, compost tea bags from Suståne Natural Fertilizer, a swamp milkweed plant from American Beauties Native Plants and a great reusable cotton bag with our slogan "Together We Can Make a Difference."

We asked garden writers to tell us why native plants and organic gardening products were important to them and their readers. One lucky winner was drawn from from the fish bowl full of answers and they won a Monarch Release from The Liberty School and Butterfly Farm & Garden - thank you so much for the donation Liberty School!

The answers were quite interesting. We'd also love to here from you! Write to us here or on Facebook.

I'm off to the next trade show!

Bringing Life to Your Garden

Have fun out there!

Peggy Anne

In no particular order….

Safety, no harmful pesticides, peace of mind, for edibles and cut flowers.

Sustainable landscapes provide a circle of life relevant to flora and fauna.

We built the finest greenhouses in the world – we love supporting these products.

People are afraid of the health risks on humans from chemicals.

I’ve been gardening organically for many years. When I lecture or publish, I emphasize the importance of using native plants to support wildlife especially for winged creatures.

I work at an organic botanical garden and have adopted that lifestyle at home.

It takes a whole ecosystem to grow a healthy garden.

If you look at a map of where monarchs have been most affected Iowa is one of the hardest hit. We have a group called The Monarchs of Eastern Iowa that’s doing a lot of work. Iowa used to be covered with native plants – we need more!

Sustainability is important because we must be thinking about how this world is affected by our actions.

I am a school instructor. My students are very interested in sustainable living, urban agriculture etc. !!!

First, do no harm!

More awareness for organic sustainability to protect local bees, plants and animals.

Better in every way.

No/less contamination from man’s hand on this land.

We live atop the Edwards Aquifer in Texas. Native plants help us conserve the water supply and organic products help us avoid polluting the aquifer.

We need native plants and organic products to protect our soil.

Better for the environment and future generations.

Promotes healthy soil, healthy, happy people and healthy, vibrant plants.

There are too many pollutants in the environment. We need to be more organic.

Greater success in the garden = greater happiness!

As a teacher I find it important to teach student about biodiversity

Preserve natural heritage.

People like choices. Native plants are gaining interest as more people become aware of them. Earth – diversity – sustainability makes a better planet for us all.

We need to pass information along to everyone on how to sustain our earth!

To feed pollinators!

Because they are part of a system that keeps us and other creatures alive.

Oh, they are SO important. I have grandchildren and pets and I don’t want to risk their health. Also, I LOVE native plants!

Native plants encourage native birds and butterflies.

Contamination of the ground.

Passing along this planet to my kids in a way I want to pass it on…

They are part of helping people to feel they are being part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Also, people are very interested in avoiding materials that could make them, their kids or pets unwell.

Birds, bees and butterflies!

Because they sustain the same web of life that sustains us – because without them we might as well -  Pave Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot!

Just one world, we must take care of it.

In general they work better in our climate and soil.

As the head of my town’s conservation council, I am forever promoting milkweed for monarchs. As the owner of a large design / build firm, I try to encourage natives to all my clients. And, as a blogger I try to push natives to all.

I can’t think of any reason why NOT being organic could be acceptable as normal gardening. Everything is connected. We gardeners need to sustain life from the soil to the treetops!

Sustainability is cool stuff  - no to inorganic chemicals.

Because our children need a cleaner planet.

Because they support our ecosystems.

To protect and preserve butterflies and other pollinators.

Sustainable is the new way.

Many people today are concerned about the safety of their children and neighborhoods; they want to be sure their gardens are doing good for the world.

Because we are trying to educate homeowners on the importance of inviting pollinators to our neighborhoods.