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| Connie's Blog- The seasons of Selmi's | |
| June 26, 2008 |
Wow, the season went fast... The greenhouse is almost cleaned out- but we've got some great deals on the rest of the spring lawn ornaments and decorative items. Most of our gazing balls, birdbaths, and garden do dads are 20% off. The first question is; When is the sweet corn ready? We're not sure, but it will be a little late. Maybe around July 15th is our hope. But We do have it- just don't let any of those rumors get out that we don't! Our Cubs and White Sox items are sure going fast- if we don't have it, it's about 5 days wait to get what you want. The flags, magnetic koozies, and decals are #1 sellers. The summer wedding season is heating up- don't forget to get that special wedding gift at Selmi's Black Sheep Gift Shop. We offer so many unique items, the ones that the couple will always remember- you gave to them. Stop in and we'll wrap them up for free too. Summer parties and gourmet food gifts go together- take a special hostess gift when you go from Selmi's. YUM! |
| May 8, 2008 |
Mother's Day and more at Selmi's! Our Proven Winners planters are ready to make you a Proven Winner to your mom. The hanging baskets are in their prime, and if you can't decide, come in for a Gift Card in a beautifully wrapped box to make mom say "wow, thanks!" The Black Sheep has great gifts for every occasion, but especially at Mother's Day, graduation, and dance recitals. If you have a little dancer in the family, say "congrads" with the Isabel Bloom "Grace" statue. Moms will also love "Sunshine" - the newest addition to the larger statues. We also just got a new shipment of "Nambe" and "Mariposa"- metal and crystal wear for entertaining. Any bride and groom would appreciate and remember for a lifetime a gift from our collection. The June weddings are coming up fast- and we can make your choice for a long-lasting gift simple. |
| April 20, 2008 |
This is the day the Lord has made! What a great day! The greenhouse is just glowing- now that the sun is shining! The geraniums are starting to pop open, and we can see the 12 new variety's colors. It's really something special to walk in right now, before they all get picked over- and this year, it seems like it will be picked over earlier than ever. The 6 day forcast is above 45 every night, and 70's in the daytime. Our Open House is next weekend, and I predict alot of hanging baskets will just be picked up instead of "saved" for Mother's Day. When the weather's this nice..... well, what's to stop you? Our shipment of new lawn ornaments came in Friday, and already my favorite pieces are sold.... we still have a beautiful St. Francis birdfeeder, some angels in different poses for the garden, and CUTE (and funny) cat statues. New flags, new brackets for your deck railings, and new flag poles are selling well. Hummingbirds will be happy in our area this year- the feeders are really pretty. Isabel Bloom for Mother's Day- order yours early, we can have it gift wrapped ahead of time, and beat the rush. The new "Sunshine" is perfect for all the kids to give mom. |
| April 1, 2008 |
All greenhouses are open! We are about to finish planting the last batch of seedlings, there have been 4-5 shipments a week for the Black Sheep, and the wedding dates just keep filling in. Here's what's up at Selmi's this week: We are just starting to see a little color on the geraniums- this is important, because there are 10 new varieties this year that we haven't even seen before. I'm excited about the new Proven Winner varieties- we'll have to see how they perform, but if it's anything like the rest of the Proven Winners Brand, we'll have some of the best geraniums ever. We'll be tagging hanging baskets for "pre sales" anytime you want now. Just pick them up before Mother's Day and we'll babysit til then. Wedding plans? We are almost booked for the summer weddings- but just in case, give us a call. We may be able to help with your rental needs. And if you are getting married in November- February, call now, just to book the date. The Black Sheep is filling up with wonderful gifts for 1st Communion, Confirmation, Sympathy tributes, and of course, Mother's Day and Graduation. We just got a shipment of the #1 game in America- Rush Hour. We have the new styles with Trains and Safari Animals too. Refills for your existing game are only $5.00. Great gifts for boys from 3-10 yrs. old! We also just got some great musical characters for new babies and Mother's Day. One of my favorite items is the fold up sun hat- great for gardening or traveling. |
| Wednesday, March 18, 2008 |
We're half done planting... It's been awhile again, since the update- there's so much to remember! Of course we've been plugging along, transplanting all our favorites- petunias, marigolds, tomatoes, peppers, and so much more. Our main greenhouse is almost full, with the biggest to fill next week. You should stop in to see the progress as the plants start their major growth spurt. We helped out with flowers for the prom show at the Starlight Theatre the other night. New designs, new accessories- we can't wait to show you what's going on for spring ideas for Prom. Katy and Connie attended the Illinois Florist Association Convention last weekend. Katy's goal of participating and competeing for a couple floral design scholarships proved to be more successful than she could ever hope. She was 2 for 2 on the prize money- and can't wait to go find out even more wonderful ideas to use on her bridal, prom and homecoming designs. Katy is always trying to dream up the extra touch to make her designs stand out from the rest. Connie attended seminars on Sympathy designs and motivating our staff. Lots of new ideas to implement in many ways. Tomorrow we will welcome the Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting at 10:00 am. Stop in for our special this week- any of our hearty soups will be 10% off. Taste the difference - delicous, simple, homemade, and hearty soups at Selmi's. |
| Monday, February, 18, 2008 |
The 2008 Greenhouse Season has begun! Today we open up the greenhouse, getting ready to plant the seeds and cuttings for the spring season. It's always exciting for us here- because the next 3 months we get to see a pretty fast result from our hard work. Stop in this month and see what we do to grow for you. The transformation is always amazing- God's hand is most apparent, from the micro-seed to the full blooming plant, we get to see first hand the wonder of nature. Don't hesitate to come in and feel the warmth during the coldest days of spring. Get a little spring fever like we do, and start planning your outdoor spaces now. We love to sit and talk about the new Proven Winner's plants (while we're transplanting), as well as our favorites from last year. Come in and let us know what you loved about your garden last year. |
| Thursday, February 7, 2008 |
Valentine's Day! You can't miss with a Valentine's Gift from Selmi's! We have some of the best chocolates you can get- fine Dark Chocolate, cashews and chocolate, and so much more. Our gift baskets are already for you to pick up or we can deliver for free. Just call Selmi's, and we can arrange to deliver any of our gifts to your Special Valentine! Isabel Bloom has new items for the occasion, Time Mugs, Mikasa Vases filled with roses, jewelry, fine Mariposa hearts. We can help make you look great! |
| Tuesday, February 5, 2008 |
What a great Bridal Show! We were so excited to see so many at the Bridal Show Sunday! Lots of great venders, and we hope you enjoyed our little sample of services and flowers at Selmi's Booth. We are now taking appointments for summer, fall and winter weddings, so give us a call for yours! We'll set up a personalized time when you can meet with Katy Selmi-Downs for flowers and rentals. After you speak with Katy, then Katie Flynn will show you what our new Black Sheep Gift Registry has for you. |
| Saturday, January 19, 2008 |
The Bridal Show is only 2 weeks away Now is the time to become "a Selmi Bride"- we make sure our brides get a free ticket to the Sauk Valley Bridal Show (Selmi's will purchase your $5 ticket). All you have to do is come in, tell us your wedding date, and see what Selmi's can do for your wedding. No purchase neccesary- we just think you'll be surprised when you come in! Our Bridal Registry offers unique items that you can't find in other stores in our area. Katie Flynn will help you select from Lennox, Mariposa, Nambe, Isabel Bloom and more. Nicole Allison will show you our amazing selction of Bridal Accessories - from country themes to Cinderella, and everything in between, we have cake tops, guest books, ring pillows and so much more. Katy Selmi-Downs' special way with flowers will create a "dream-come-true wedding"- and she'll help you enjoy your day more, because you can leave everything in her super-organized hands. Come and see our booth at the Sauk Valley Bridal Show. Selmi's has so much, and you'll find our staff willing to listen to your needs and wishes. |
| Friday, January, 2008 |
Our First Week Open in Rock Falls It's been a great week- we're so happy to see so many of you here! The comments have been so nice- we think we have a great new look- and you do too. Keep checking back- this will be where you hear about our new items first. And speaking of new items- we just got all this in new this week: Mariposa, Door County Coffee and Tea, Abdullah Chocolates, South Bend Cupid Crunch and Valentine Cherry Chocolate Pretzels, Fontanini Nativity pieces, new inspirational journals and plaques, and Oprah's favorite cookies- now in lemon and key lime. Next week we'll pick up at Isabel Bloom- so order before Wednesday, and we can get it on the order. The new Friendship Heart and Together pieces are perfect for Valentine's Day. If you haven't figured it out, Easter is in March this year. So order your Easter items real soon- so you can get them out for decorating. |
| Wednesday, December 26, 2007 |
The Black Sheep is on the move! We started the big move today- bittersweet on one side of the river, and excited and happy on the other... except for the sore backs tonight. Katy, Janice and I got so into the moment that we worked tonight for 4 extra hours. I think it's going to fit- maybe..... give us a few more days and it'll be ready to show off. Joanne and Margo are looking for excuses to "go back to work"- so you'll probably see them in and out of the shop off and on. The brides are already calling- the engagements from Christmas will keep us busy this month, we can see already. If you are a "Selmi Bride" this year, stop in in January for your free Bridal Show Ticket. Sauk Valley Newspapers has one of the best Bridal Shows- we think! Mark your calendars for February 3rd. Don't forget to sign up for the Selmi's new "Black Sheep Boutique Bridal Registry". The merchandise will be shipping in daily- with lots of one of a kind items. A gift from the Black Sheep is sure to delight any new couple. |
| Saturday, December 22, 2007 |
Merry Christmas everyone! It's right around the corner- if you need a last minute gift certificate, just email me.... we will arrange for pickup. The next few days we relax, and then the moving party begins. The new inventory is arriving, and we'll bring all the wonderful gifts over from the Black Sheep starting Wednesday. Call or email if you need anything. Then get ready to visit us on the week of January 7th for refreshments, always lots of food tasting and a look at our newest merchandise. The Valentine Sports baskets will be made up, along with perfect gifts for your sweetest persons. See you in the 2008! |
| Friday, December 14, 2007 |
My Christmas Shopping was so easy this year! 1. The gift wrap is the most important thing that the Black Sheep does! A gift wrapped from there means all the world to the recipient. (and I mustn't forget the sticker!) 2. It's hard to keep up with Isabel Bloom- you never can tell who will come in for what next. So, I've ordered one of everything to make sure our first day at least, will be fully stocked. We'll try to keep ahead of the demand- but if there's really something you want, call and let us know (or email) 3. The next biggest thing we need to do- is keep the website up to date. That's my job- many of our specials will be highlighted, and eventually there will be links to almost everything we'll have in stock or can order. Then you just let us know when and what you need by phone or email. We'll do what we can to help you get the perfect gift for everyone. 4. We'll be delivering your orders to your home, or to the recipient's- just give us a day's notice. Our sympathy line will make beautiful memorials- call for free delivery to local funeral homes. 5. Gifts can be purchased anywhere, anytime- what make the
Black Sheep Boutique special is the people, the one of a kind
gifts, and again, the service and gift wrapping. Please come
to see us after January 7th- we intend to keep up the tradition
of the Black Sheep and wish Joanne the best in her retirement
(but she'll be on call for our busy seasons- she promised!) |
| Thursday, December 06, 2007 | Black Sheep Gifts is moving to
Selmi's The news is out- Selmi's is purchasing the Black Sheep Gift Boutique! We are moving the shop to Selmi's over Christmas break, and will reopen on January 7th here at the old farm house, along with Katy's Bridal Shop. There's so much to tell- we're so excited about learning the business as it is- for Joanne and her sisters have created a wonderful tradition for many of you in Sterling. We intend to keep the same free gift wrapping service, delivery to the local area, as well as shipping to your friends and relatives. Just call if you can't get to Rock Falls, we'll be able to help you out with your last minute gifts. But more important, is the merchandise that the Black Sheep carries. We will continue to sell, Isabel Bloom, Willow Tree, Nambe`, the wonderful chocolates, delicious gourmet foods, as well as many new lines. We will be exclusive dealer in the area for Fontanini Nativity, Fox Run Craftsmen kitchen, and much more to come! |
| Monday, November 19, 2007 |
Great Christmas Gifts 10. Your favorite sports team items- flags, garden flags, rain gauge, pencils, keychains, car decals, beverage tumblers. Any guy would love a Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Illinois, Notre Dame, or Iowa flag! 9. Gazing Ball and Base 8. Stepping Stones- inspirational, welcome, spring 7. Flags and Garden Flags for Spring 6. Inspirational Items 5. Little Children Statues 4. Mikasa Vases 3. Angel Statues and Figurines 2. Bridal Day Needs 1. Gift Certificates for any amount- for any season! |
| Thursday, November 15, 2007 |
Yes- we're still open.... So, usually by now we are getting ready to take off to somewhere
warm... but not this year! The young 'uns have decided to keep
us open year round now- so with that... you'll want to visit
selmi.com to see what's up! As the sign says in front of the
shop, "guess what's coming to Selmi's?" We got lots
of big news, right around the bend- so keep checking, it'll all
be laid out very soon. |
| Sunday, October 28, 2007 | Happy Halloween everyone! Well, it's just about Halloween - this is the last day for the horse and wagon rides, the corn maze will be picked on Monday, and the rest of the yard will be cleared out on Halloween Day. We will be getting the grave blankets ready for delivery in November, and many brides are scheduled for appointments for Spring Weddings. Give us a call for you wedding appointments, as things are booking up for the summer of '08 already. Thanks again for a great Fall Season! |
| Thursday, October 18, 2007 | Only 2 weekends left til Halloween! Looks like a wonderful Saturday coming up- don't miss the chance to come to Selmi's for your family fall tradition! The wagon ride, haunted house and corn maze is just $5 for all 3! And we're also doing a drawing on Halloween Day for $200... so hurry in this weekend! And if you just want to play outside and see the animals, we've set up a donation can for Whiteside County United Way. If you love Selmi's in the fall, please consider donating... we made $800 + last year! Thanks! |
| Saturday, October 06, 2007 | Hope the heat doesn't keep you
away! It's going to be a big weekend- and the weather looks great too! Just a quick note on our pumpkin prices... you can buy a whole wagon load of pumpkins for only $20.... it's almost too good to be true. If you try hard enough, you can get up to $26 worth in a wagon, and that includes the biggest and best of the crop! Don't miss the good ones! |
| Sunday, September 30, 2007 | Selmi's is open now for the Halloween
Season Pumpkins, Indian Corn, Carving Supplies, and way more! Selmi's is now open weekends for the Treasure Hunt around the farm and all the other traditional fun for Fall. We've tested out the run of the farm Saturday, so today should start out very well. Casper and Bob, the draft horses already know their way through the haunted corn field. The Haunted House is full of Super heroes and villains. The Scarecrow Factory is up and running, and the Bears are on the BIG SCREEN TV today in the "Little Pumpkins Theatre". Come out and have great time today- the weather's wonderful and you won't miss a play of the Bears/Lions either! |
| Friday, September 21, 2007 |
Halloween and more... The School tours are filling in, so call or check on line for our open times www.selmi.com There's still room for your Private Party... rent our party room for $50 and then add the $5 Scavenger Hunt per person. I'll try to update a little more... but also remember the annual Pumpkin Cruise-In on Oct. 14th. Twin City Cruisers and friends will be out in classic style! |
| Sunday, September 02, 2007 |
It's Fall! For the meantime, Selmi's will have great canning tomatuntil frost, we have a bumper crop of watermelons right now (only $3 each) and the fall decorating items are starting to come in from the field. Pumpkins, Indian Corn, Gourds, and corn stalks will get your place ready for the fall. We're making weather-proof bows for you lamp posts and mailboxes. We have all the newest Pumpkin Masters Carving Supplies, as well as new lights and strobes for the inside of your pumpkins. Come and see us in September for all your decorating needs. |
| Friday, August 17, 2007 | We've got a Granddaughter! Forgot to update this- this week has been so busy! Marykay Elizabeth was born Monday night 8 lb. 8 oz, 21 inches long. She's been welcomed home by her 2 borthers Tate and Andrew. Here's the gang at home... |
| Thursday, August 09, 2007 | Now Taking Orders for Canning
Tomatoes Wow, this heat is bringing on the tomatoes- so, while they're hot... call us to reserve yours! The price this year is 25 lbs for $8- that's only 32 cents a pound! WOW! If you are at a farmer's market, email us your order, so we can bring enough with us for you too! Just visit the website, and hit the eamil us button... we'll have them all boxed up and ready! PS- Katy's got her next baby appointment today- we'll keep you up on any news! |
| Wednesday, August 01, 2007 | Send us your "Sweet Corn
Smiles"! Ok, here's the newest idea- we've been taking pictures of the family eating Selmi's sweet corn and smiling from ear to ear... now it's your turn! Send us a picture of your "Selmi's Sweet Corn Smile" and we'll post it, and email you back a coupon for $1 off your next dozen corn! WOW! Offer good, one photo per family until the sweet corn is gone.... so let us see you smile from ear to ear! .. |
| Sunday, July 22, 2007 | New Sweet Corn Picture Here's the newest grandkids picture... love the JD tee shirts! And Andrew's dimples! |
| Friday, July 20, 2007 | Rockford will get a taste of our
corn Saturday! Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping How exciting! We will be represented at the Perryville Farmer's Market in Rockford by Katy and Kurt tomorrow- July 21st! Get ready Rockford- for the best sweet corn you've ever had! Jusy look for the very pregnant daughter (8 months) and son in law with the blue pickup- at least they'll be close to the hospital if needed! The market is very new, right across from the Sam's Club- not sure how fast it will sell out, but they talk like it's fast. They'll also be bringing up green beans and tomatoes. Hope you can make it! |
| Monday, July 16, 2007 | Second Crop to Start Wednesday
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping The second... and best... crop of corn is due to start this week. We've got 8 more fields, due to start each week, but sometimes when the weather's hot they catch up with each other. |
| Thursday, July 05, 2007 | Fourth of July Rainbow over the
Rock River This is the view we got after the big storm came through and scared everyone off the river that afternoon. Double Rainbows! |
| Saturday, July 07, 2007 | Sweet Corn Season had Officially
Begun! Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping Finally----(not really- it's the earliest we've ever opened)-- the sweet corn is ready! Come and get it at the Northland Mall or at the home farm on Dixon Ave. Rock Falls.... the gang is all set up- we've got the corn, fresh green beans, zuchinni, and the wonderful Kentucky tomatoes that are really vine ripened and never refridgerated. We'll see you soon! |
| Tuesday, July 03, 2007 | Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you all have a great, safe day! We're trying to pick sweet corn, but it's just a few days away yet. Keep checking- we might have a little here at the farm on Saturday! |
| Saturday, June 09, 2007 | It's Saturday, and there's 1
wagon of flowers left... Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping I see it's been a week, so here I am, keeping you informed of the flowers sale progress! We have some really nice begonias, impatiens and white petunias left. The tomatoes are getting down to the Better Boys, Marglobes, Big Boys, and First Lady. Hot Peppers include the Hot "Selmi's Special Mexican Yellow", Cayenne, and Super Chili. We have 3 kinds of perennial grasses left, and some pacysandra. Geraniums should wind up today, a few pink and salmon left. We'll be open today until 5... then maybe a few hours Sunday. The girls (Katy and Nicole) take over next week on Mon.-Fri. from 9-5. Call if you have any last minute questions about availablility before you drive all the way for something special. www.selmi.com Have a great week- Connie |
| Sunday, June 03, 2007 |
Wow, I can't believe the greenhouse is almost empty! I'm getting started on my own yard, the new grass is growing well, with all the rain this week, we'll have a great stand! Now to keep the weeds out of the mulch, and the leaves and twigs off the deck... that's a full time job! The June wedding business is our biggest month ever, so we'll still be at the farm, Katy and Nicole and I will be helping to create bride's dreams! The schedule for the winter is starting to fill in, if anyone is talking weddings, tell them to call for a time to meet with Katy and see what she can do. My June blogs will most likely be all about the weddings this month, as Katy knows I love to spotlight her work. From flower delivery to the reception....It's dazzling! |
| Thursday, May 31, 2007 | Get ready, set GO! It's the Annual
Fill a Box Sale! Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping Well, Frank's getting ready to live in the fields for the summer... so he says "Clean Out the Greenhouse!" So... here's the story: Come on in, pick up a box at the doorway, then fill it with any Proven Winners, Geraniums, Vegetables, or Bedding Plants you want. Then pay just $10 cash for the whole thing! If you get geraniums, you can get up to $35 worth in one box! WOW! Offer is good until we sell out! It usually take 2-3 days for the best to go, but we'll be around next week too. (FYI- we will be closed Sunday afternoon June 3rd) |
| Sunday, May 27, 2007 | Here's the Latest Before- and
Now pictures! Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping Here's what we're looking at today in the greenhouse- after 4 months of hard work filling it up... |
| Saturday, May 26, 2007 |
What a wonderful day of rain! We're starting the clean up process at the greenhouse- tomorrow starts the 15% off your entire purchase in the greenhouse... that's good on anything, but only with cash... can't afford to add on the credit card charge and the discount too! Anyway, there's plenty of impatiens, petunias, begonias, salvia, moss rose, marilgolds, celosia, geraniums and much more... come on in - even on Memorial Day! We're open 8-6 every day- hopefully by next Saturday we'll be sold out. |
| Tuesday, May 15, 2007 |
An Unadvertised SPECIAL! See you Soon! |
| Friday, May 11, 2007 |
Happy Mother's Day Weekend! Well, I think that we are in the peak of planting! And the rest of the vegetable gardening is happening now. The beautiful tomato plants are leaving quickly- we've still got 15 varieties. Our pepper choices are still over 10- but after this weekend, there'll be slim pickin'. Everyone who gets our special "Mexican Yellow" variety- they are really nice plants this year. They are "heirloom" peppers, short, yellow and HOT- brought from Mexico about 70 years ago and saved year to year by 4 generations of Selmi's! The customers drive up to 2 hours to get them! But, as I say- after this weekend, they'll be out, I think. Guess it's time to start my morning... if you have planted- the bad news is we need to getting to the watering! If you haven't, the good news is come to Selmi's- we're ready for a great weekend! |
| Sunday, May 06, 2007 |
Mother's Day Ideas And even better- there's a coupon for 15% off this week only, on any flag, lawn ornament or stepping stone! You can't miss! Click here for your coupon. |
| Tuesday, May 01, 2007 |
Perennials are the Rage! A great perennial bed is beautiful--- but you have to plan, you can't just pick up something at the garden center and watch it bloom. This is very hard to do because most places will have a big pot of blooming delphinium or rudbeckia and you go plant it and think there's a whole summer of color ahead. Most of the time you should want the smallest plant, with the least amount of blooms. The point of perennials is for them to come back- but they won't without a good root system, one that digs down deep into the ground (with lots of summer to get that done). Here in Illinois we have -20 degree nights in the winter- makes it realy hard to keep a lot of things. Rock Falls,Sterling, Dixon are in the 4/5 zone- which makes it even harder. One plant that needs to be in now is the garden mum. The "Big Box Stores" bring them out in September,October, but that's just for viewing- they rarely come back because they haven't been able to "dig in with their roots". When you plant our garden mums, the first thing you do is take off the flowers (we only let the flower so you can see their colors). That will force them to root well, then take off and grow 24" sized plants the first year, and they will also bloom in the fall. Over the winter, I just let them dry up, go out in April and break off at the ground level, being careful to not pull on them. Pretty soon you'll be digging them up and moving them around because they are so thick. Selmi's has many more perennial tips from the clerks- they can help you plan out a full color, many season flowering perennial bed. The biggest con of a bed such as this is the weeding- it's impossible to spray for weeds because it'll kill all the plants if it "drifts". So it's out on your hands and knees and pull! But then, that's why people garden- so they can be close to the earth, get down on their knees aften and pray! Here's a partial list of what we have here at Selmi's- Hens and Chicks, Rudbeckia, Columbine, Delphinium, Lavendar, Hostas, Iris, Lilies, Lily of the Valley, Clematis, Garden Mums, Asters, Double Dianthus, Lysmachia, Lamium, Perennial Geranium.... and many more. And again, the University of Illinois Extension comes through with great tips, pictures and more about Perennials. |
| Tuesday, April 24, 2007 | Time to Plant the Cool Weather
Flowers It just keeps getting better! The 10 day forecast get us up to May 3rd... all above 40 degrees. So I'm starting the next phase of the flower beds- the rest of the cool weather ones. You will find that when you plant these earlier, they will get a better root system because they aren't getting cooked as soon as they go out. Here's the list of those that can be planted now. Flo wers: Pansies Petunias Snapdragons Daisies Bacopa Marigolds Geraniums Vinca Vine Fern Spikes Most Perennials Here's a beautiful shot of a bed of the new annual Phlox by Proven Winners. It's heat tolerant, dought tolerant, and mounds up like the petunia, without the legginess. Try a small bed of it this year, and you'll be asking for it next! |
| Sunday, April 22, 2007 |
Another Great Day for Planting! Today's word is about our Open House next weekend. We'll be showing the Bridal Shop, taking Prom orders, tagging hanging baskets for Mother's Day and filling your custom orders this week. You'll find if there's something sort of exotic, now's the time to pick it up- we're so busy that first week or two in May that the smaller crops of grasses, certain color geraniums, bacopa, and nemesia will almost be sold out. Our perennials are really nice right now- iris, hostas, astilbe, columbine and lots more at great prices. We'll have refreshments on April 28-29, door prizes, and the best thing, our coupuons on the internet will begin. Don't forget to print out the coupons to be used for the month of May before you come in. The Cash and Carry (no credit card) next weekend is worth 15% off a hanging basket or combo planter. What a great deal! An example of our $20 hanging baskets are in the photo- for only $17.00 each! |
| Thursday, April 19, 2007 |
Growing Vegetables in Containers- you could start now!
"Most vegetables grown in the backyard can be grown in containers, although container diameter and depth need to be considered. The plant density (number of vegetable plants per pot) depends on the individual plant space requirement and rooting depth. Vegetables require full sun, except for the few that are grown in partial shade. Plants grown in containers need frequent watering because the containers dry quickly. Watering on a daily basis is necessary to provide adequate moisture for plant growth. "Nutrient solution can be made by dissolving soluble fertilizer such as 10-20-10, 12-24-12, or 8-16-8, in water following label directions," he said. "The nutrient solution is applied once a day when the plants are watered. Vegetables grown in containers can be still be attacked by
insect pests and disease." |
| Friday, April 20, 2007 |
Yea! It's Beautiful Today! The most obvious flower to plant now is bacopa- we have white,
blue and pink this year. If you go to the following link, you'll
see a very pretty example of the recipes you can plant this week. Come and see us this week- you'll have the whole neighborhood talking about your flowers this year! Oh yeah, here's our planter last year.... with trailing verbena! It's great for the heat and bright sun! |
| Sunday, April 15, 2007 |
Easter Lily care Easter Lily Tips |
| Thursday, April 12, 2007 |
Time to plant Early Veggies For even more information about Illinois gardens, pests, diseases,
and landscaping: Selmi's veggies have been out in this cold for a few weeks, so they are tolerant down to 30 degrees. They even got a dose of the snow this morning! Come on by and get some really strong plants- just be sure to keep the bunnies away- they love them too! |
| Wednesday, April 11, 2007 | Hummingbird Gardens Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping The question has come up- what to plant to attract hummingbirds? This is a subject near and dear to me. I don't even have a feeder around and I can generally see them hovering around my flowers any given night, when in season. The formula is pretty simple: the flowers need to be in the pink-red shades and have a somewhat long "throat" for the best results. Here are the plants that I typically plant for hummingbirds- For the shade: Red salvia, red or hot pink impatiens, blue torenia (shade), snapdragons. For the sun: Red or pink petunias, red salvia, snapdragons. There are alot more- some perennials, but they don't bloom all summer like the annuals, so you don't always have them blooming at the right time. My favorite time is when the snapdragons are blooming in the greenhouse, the side windows are open and the hummingbirds just fly right in, pop their beak up and under the "snap" and get their fill. I try to always put the snaps by a window so they can come and go as they feel comfortable. We just stand back and admire their craftiness! Good luck welcoming these awesome little creatures! |
| Friday, April 06, 2007 | Gardening and Proven Winners
Current mood: creative Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping Well, it's spring- and I've decided that there's nothing here about gardening with the best plants available... Proven Winners. I help my husband with our greenhouse in Northern Illinois and we are a "Proven Winner's Certified Garden Center". We have most of the varieties of Proven Winners... until the sell out very quickly in May. I have been so excited to check out their website every week because they have so many ideas! I tried many last year for sale in our greenhouse, and have gotten so many compliments about how long they lasted, how easy they are to grow, and how beautiful the combinations are. So, for my very first Blog of my life, I'm suggesting that you go to the provenwinners.com website and start planning your spring plantings. Then, if you are close to Rock Falls, visit us soon for home grown, quality, disease-free plants. My next blog will be about quality... and how we do it here at Selmi's |