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Here
in Central Alabama we have had gorgeous weather so far this spring. In
traveling around the state, I have seen some of the older, smaller
mom-and-pop nurseries closed. I guess you’ve got to retire and enjoy in
your own yard what you’ve been selling to others for all those years.
I’ve
also noticed some of the older nurseries redecorating and adding new
merchandise and new nurseries popping up around the state. Just a couple
of weeks ago, I visited my friend Johnny from Montevallo. He has been a
wholesale grower for many years and finally decided to open a retail
nursery.
His
wife, Anita, has had an antique shop in Montevallo for years, so the
location was ideal. The problem was that Johnny had been talking and
planning this project for too long! I remember asking him in January of
2006 when he was going to open and he said, "Hopefully by
March." …Which became April, May, June; then maybe by fall….
Cedar
Creek Nursery on Highway 119 finally opened in March of 2007. When I
stopped by his nursery, he was swamped with customers. The nursery really
looks great! I told him that and he said that he wasn’t finished, but
you could’ve fooled me! At least the doors are open! He has hundreds of
beautiful roses in full bloom and ready to plant plus a lot of unusual
herbs that you don’t find everywhere.
Mother’s
Day is on the way and that is a great time to give Momma a rose bush from
your local Quality Co-op or independent retail nursery. Shop early so you
won’t miss out on the best stock.
Everything
is blooming like crazy right now. You know my Alabama Grown Wave petunias
didn’t even die in the winter here and are as showy as can be? Of course
my weeds are producing seeds too. That reminds me; you’d better get down
to the Co-op and find out which color Ferti-lome® bag you should be using
this month.
Get
ready, friends, it’s going to be a great summer. Watch your water
conservation and be sure to check that your automated irrigation system is
properly calculated.
If
your local radio station isn’t carrying the gardening radio show Home
Grown Tomatoes yet, call them and request it!
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