IT SOUNDED LIKE A WARZONE
It was a full-on blizzard, I was in Kansas City, and it was time for me to head home.
This was the scene 29 years ago.
It was late October, and one of the earliest snowstorms on record had moved in while I was presenting a talk to the Johnson County Master Gardeners.
It was just raining when I arrived in KC. The temperature was above freezing...but just barely. The weatherman had predicted the precipitation, and he had said the temps were going to be hovering around the freezing mark, but I don’t remember a lot of talk about snow.
In today’s world, everything would have already been shut down, and activities would have been cancelled, including my lecture. But back in the good old days...when weather like this was more of a nuisance than a threat...we just pushed through it.
So, I made my drive to KC, not too worried about the drive back home.
But during my afternoon session, that rain turned to snow and the temperature hit the freezing mark. All that rain turned into the big, wet, fluffy flakes of snow. By the time I completed my talk and headed back to my truck, there was a thick carpet of white covering everything...and it was coming down fast!
I warmed up my truck, cleaned off the windshield, and headed west.
It was slow going and definitely one of those white knuckled drives I’ll never forget, but thankfully, I made it home safely.
When it was over, we were under 8 inches of snow. It wasn’t the biggest snowfall we’ve ever seen, but given it was only late October and the trees were still covered in leaves, it left a mark.
That wet snow was sticking to everything it landed on, including all the leaves that trees hadn’t dropped yet. All that extra weight did a number on things. I can remember standing on the front porch that night and listening to the sounds of the destruction. All the breaking branches sounded like a warzone!
That storm sticks with me because it was unusually early, it was fairly destructive, but most importantly, because it was only days before Kim and I were to be married.
When we had discussed selecting our wedding day, I only had a couple of requests...1) we needed to avoid our busy season and 2) I didn’t want to get married when it was hot outside...I didn’t want to spend our wedding day sweating away in my tux!
That’s how we ended up with a fall wedding.
It all seemed like a great plan...but we hadn’t anticipated a record-setting snow event only days prior!
As luck would have it, the next day, sunshine and warmer weather returned, and the snow quickly melted away. By Saturday, the ground was a little soggy, but the snow was gone, and our special day went off without a hitch. We’ve got lots of outdoor wedding pics to prove it!
It was a beautiful fall day, I got to marry the woman I loved...and I didn’t spend the day sweating away in my tux. Life was good!
And life is still good, 29 married years later.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
We haven’t seen snow yet this year, but we’ve still had crazy weather to deal with. Unseasonably cool weather to start September, unseasonably warm weather all the way to mid-October, dry stretches, wet stretches, and some annoyingly windy days thrown in there for a little extra fun...you know...just typical Kansas weather!
It’s been “fall” for a while now, but until recently, it just hasn’t felt like it.
Although the weather has messed around with the onset of fall colors, we’re finally starting to see the changes. Hopefully, we’re still in for a good show!
Just like 29 years ago, the weather still does whatever it wants to do...and we just get to deal with it.
Ain’t it fun?!
—Cameron
WINTER FUN PREVIEW!
When you come into Skinner’s in the next couple of weeks, you will see some changes happening. The winter season is quickly approaching, and we are getting ready! I know Halloween just passed, and we haven’t even had Thanksgiving yet, but we have to start somewhere, and sooner is always better than later, right? Poinsettias and Christmas Cactus will be showing up soon, along with some super cute Christmas decor! We will have several varieties of fresh roping, some pretty cool wreaths, and lots of fresh greens. You will start to see fresh Fraser Fir Christmas trees being hung in the greenhouse.
The Winter Porch Pot classes will start soon! If you haven’t signed up, do it soon! Classes are filling up quickly! Classes will be held on Friday, November 21st at 1 pm and 3 pm, Saturday, November 22nd at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. A Sunday, November 23rd class is also available at 12 pm & 2 pm. This class will consist of a 12” pot with all the greens included to make a fabulous porch pot! I have also added an additional class on Saturday, November 15th. If you can’t make it to one of the classes or wish to do yours at home, we will have everything you need in a take-away kit! Call us today at 785-233-9657 or email me at mistyb@skinnergardenstore.com.
plant FALL COLOR!: beautiful options for your yard
IT’S TIME TO WINTERIZE!
Well, it’s beginning to feel a lot like winter is creeping up on us! Shorter days, cooler temps, and north winds tell me that it’s about time to start thinking about preparing my grass for the winter.
Even the most established grass needs a little winter prep, and Fertilome Winterizer is that prep. It’s a late fall fertilizer designed to help lawns store more food for winter survival, and to encourage thick and rapid growth and rooting in the spring.
Think of it as you're paving the way for lush, healthy spring turf.
You'll also notice your yard will look much better during the winter months and green up much better in the spring. In my opinion, it’s the most important fertilizer you need for your lawn.
Timing is extremely important. Late October through November is ideal in our area, so that means now is the best time.
…WHAT IF IT SNOWS?
White weather in the forecast? That’s fine!
Applications made before the snow will still be 100% effective. The snow covering your lawn will have no negative effects on the fertilizer. It will still be available as warmer weather returns, the snow melts, and your lawn resumes growth.
And while you are winterizing your lawn, don’t forget to winterize your landscape!
Right now is also the best time of the year for the application of Fertilome Tree & Shrub Food. Although trees and shrubs are losing leaves and showing signs of shutting down for the year, their roots are still actively growing and loading up on vital nutrients necessary for next spring’s growth. Fertilizing now is the best way to support that growth next spring.
We here at Skinner Garden Store are here for you and any questions you may have. Stop in today and let one of our outstanding staff members help you with your fertilizer needs.
—Melissa Anderson, Store Manager
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