by Tami Field, floral manager

Did you know: The history of giving your loved one Valentine’s Day flowers comes from the old-fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. Introduced in the 18th century by Charles II of Sweden, each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, making it possible to have an entire conversation using only flowers. Today, people continue to send flowers on special occasions or to express sentiments of love and admiration.

The history of Valentine’s Day, legend says, originated during the third century in Rome. During this time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. A young priest named Valentine was furious with this injustice and defied Claudius by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius eventually discovered Valentine’s actions and sentenced him to death (not quite the fate of those who fail to buy their significant others flowers on Valentine’s Day, but clearly a lesson to be learned from history!).

by Tami Field, floral manager

October already, can it be possible?  Our fall festival was a great success despite the early interruption of the weather, and we would like to thank everyone who helped.  

We have some exciting things coming up in the next couple of months and, with the holidays just around the corner, there will be some great gift ideas.

Maybe it’s the childlike nature coming out in “mature” gardeners, but whatever the reason, fairy gardens have become one of gardening’s hottest trends lately. Fairy gardens are miniature gardens constructed of diminutive plants and tiny accessories designed to lure fairies.

by Tami Field, floral manager

If you build it, they will come

As I mentioned in our last newsletter, on November 8, 2014 at 11am, we will be hosting a fairy gardening seminar here in our greenhouse. Whether or not you believe in fairies, you can create a garden for these mythical creatures.  Our own Bilye-Jo will be doing the presentation on creating and keeping  your fairy gardens fresh for the four seasons.  She will show you helpful hints and have accessories available to have a fairy garden for every time of the year.  The educational part of the program will run from 11 am to 12 pm. From 12 pm to 1 pm, she will be hosting a workshop, where you will be able to purchase a kit to make your own fairy garden.  The presentation is free and the cost of the workshop will be $40.00. This will include everything you need to start your own enchanted world.  Create a magical miniature garden that will enthrall kids of all ages and make a perfect holiday gift. We encourage you to bring your children with you for this seminar.  It will be a wonderful experience for you to do together with them.

by Tami Field, floral manager

Hi everyone…Happy September. Oh my, it’s almost Fall.  Be sure to save the date for our annual Fall Festival on Saturday, September 13.  We will have some fantastic crafters, music, food and so much more.  Our mums are in color and waiting for new homes.

When you are here, please take time to visit the ASPCA booth at the festival.  These loving pets need someone to give them the family they deserve.

We will also be offering some greate specials throughout the weekend so bring the family and come have some fun.

 Binleys will be offering some interesting seminars over the next few months. The first, a fairy garden seminar, will be in November. Complete details will be in our October newsletter. If there is a seminar you would like us to have, send us your ideas and we will do our best to present it. Dot has some of the other things happening that day, so read on to learn more.Thanks and I’ll be looking for you on November 8^th.