Once again, the following is basic information, primarily for the inexperienced or "new" gardener but may be helpful to anyone interested in purchasing the right plants for his/her "space", whether it's a large yard, small flower bed or container garden.  It's all about the light; when it arrives, when it leaves and how long it stays.  The sun has all the power over which plants you should choose, that is if you want your plants to thrive.

The following are some basic tips about which plants grow best in different types of sunlight and/or shade:
Full sun (at least six hours a day) - most lawns, vegetables and flowers as well as many shrubs and trees.
Light shade (four to six hours of sun) - certain vegetables and herbs (lettuce and mint), several flowers (impatiens and daylilies), some shrubs (hydrangeas and rhododendrons) and trees (dogwood).
Heavy shade (less than four hours of sun a day) - ferns, spring wildflowers and ivy are some of the best and hardiest plants requiring little sun.

First, observe your space for several days.  Record the sunlight hours and pay attention to the sun/shade ratio.  The next step is to go to a garden center where you can talk to experts about your space and ask for suggestions about which plants to purchase.  Don't buy plants just because you think they look beautiful in the garden center.  You want to take home plants that will look beautiful in your "space" and will last throughout the growing season or in the case of perennials or trees and shrubs, for many years to come.

Check back soon for Basics of Gardening - Part III - That "dirty" word called soil.

This is the first in a series of very basic information for the beginning gardener.  It will probably also help any gardener who wants to be successful and productive with his/her time and effort.  After all, the end result of your gardening should make you more comfortable, healthier and grateful.

The following is a list of essential tools every gardener should own, regardless of the size of the garden:

Absolutely Essential Tools:

1. Garden Hose - Purchase a hose that has a lifetime guarantee.  Choose one long enough to reach your entire garden.

2. Lawn Rake - Bamboo or metal are the best rakes for gathering up lawn clippings, leaves and small rocks

3. Shovel - The best tool you'll own is a round-nose shovel.   You'll use it for scooping, digging and turning your soil.  Make sure you choose a weight and length that is comfortable to handle.

4. Trowel - You'll need a hand trowel when you are doing close weeding and transplanting seedlings.  Be sure you buy one that is light and fits your hand comfortably.

5. Pruners - A good pruner will easily cut woody stems.  Use them to clip flowers, groom shrubs and trim trees.

6. Gardening Gloves - Your gloves should fit well and be thick enough to protect your hands yet allow you to manuever small objects.  Look for a pair that is machine washable.

Check back for The Basics of Gardening - Part II - Plants and Light

Mother's Day is just around the corner and we know how hard it is to come up with just the right present for your mom every year. For your shopping convenience, we are giving you several gift ideas you can easily purchase online and have mailed to your mom's address if you wish.

Some of our suggestions for you are:
Mothers Garden Stepping Stone - buy here
Mom's Diner Thermometer - buy here
Flower Pot Cakes - buy here
Ceramic Wall Pocket - buy here
Wine Case - buy here
Mother's Day Flag - buy here

If you plan to shop at our Ghent or Pembroke Mall store, we will be happy to wrap your gifts for you.