Oooh… The plant Department!

    Every store that has a plant department calls to me when I walk in… It’s like a putting all the candy up front for the kids to walk by and expecting them not to want to buy some. I suppose that’s the point, but it’s not just about buying the plants it’s about having a place to put them. Of course it’s also about having the time to plant them, and if you’re a very conscientious gardener it’s about knowing if the plant you’re putting in your yard are healthy for you and your family and your pets.

    But of course local stores getting in there yearly supply of plants cared less about what you do with them and more about you buying them. it is then up to us to be discriminating and by the plants that are going to look best, live where we want to plant them, and not harm us or our pets. This is why I have occasional postings on here about different plants and as I continue to learn and study will post more about common plants that are harmful to cats and dogs which are the most common pets of gardeners.

    Of course, while you’re in the garden department you may come across the plant similar or identical to one you have in your yard and learn something. I have plants similar to this one in my yard save the fact that they are solid in color and not speckled.

Even some of the big box stores have gotten in on the explosion of gardening enthusiasts seeking to add beautiful edibles to their garden space. Sam’s had quite a display of fruit plants this year which I happen to know come from pretty good nurseries. If you happen to shop at Sam’s I would recommend looking into the bushel berries, they’re smaller blueberry plants that can be put in a large planter pot and used as decoration as well as food.

All in all, although the temptation is great when faced with a vast display of beautiful plants, I recommend doing some research and when being faced with the candy store of plants, and buy strategically. But also remember also, you can buy some of those gorgeous Flowers like the Dahlia pictured above because they attract pollinators as well as making lovely additions to your landscape.

And as always, building a self-sustaining life is not easy, so I hope you find the inspiration and encouragement you need in this publication to begin your journey to a healthier and more beautiful self-sustaining life.

With Love,

The Upstate Gardener/Crafter

PS. Sorry for the late post, it’s been a crazy week!