LATE SUMMER double issue
TWO SCOOPS PLEASE!
There were several annual events growing up that were a staple part of our church and the surrounding community...the watermelon feed, the fall bazaar, and my favorite, the ice cream social.
Those ice cream socials are a distant memory, but a couple of weeks ago, I got a chance to relive a little bit of that past.
A childhood friend of mine reached out recently to see if I’d be willing to participate in an ice cream social she was coordinating for her folk’s retirement home, asking me if I’d be willing to help out by bringing a batch of my mom’s peppermint ice cream.
Growing up, homemade ice cream was a special occurrence. Sometimes it was at our home, sometimes it was at my grandparents’ or a friend’s house, but the homemade batch was always shared.
Mom made a variety of different flavors, but peppermint was what she was best known for. It’s a simple recipe, but it was always good, and since I was a kid, it has always been one of my favorites.
Well, my friend pulled it off!
At 6 o’clock on a Friday evening, a group of childhood friends took over the lobby of the retirement home. There was a line of us scooping ice cream...and there was a line of residents there to enjoy it. We served up homemade chocolate, chocolate chip, peach, two versions of vanilla...and of course, I was there serving up my mom’s peppermint.
It was a lot of fun, and it took me back to the old days and all those ice cream socials from my childhood. What great times!.
We ended up serving ice cream to anyone and everyone at the retirement home that cared to join us...and that was a bunch of people! We ran out of a few flavors...chocolate and peach were the favorites...but there was plenty of the other flavors to go around. No one went home hungry.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
And the most important thing... I didn’t mess up mom’s recipe!
Let’s face it, ice cream is never bad...but when it’s summer, and it’s hot, it’s the best!
Sorry, no ice cream to offer anyone out here at the store, but if you’re looking for a little break from the grind of summer, you’re still invited to stop on by. Sometimes a garden stroll is just what you need.
And you can always stop somewhere for ice cream on the way home!
—Cameron Rees
WHAT’S NEW?… Pottery!
We have some really fun and ornate Talavera pots and containers at the store right now. Perfect for your container gardens or houseplants. We also have tons of other styles, from farmhouse chic to mid-century modern. There is a pot for every porch or patio!
“THYMELY'' ADVICE: POWDERY MILDEW CONTROL!
You made it through the Spring, survived the push of devastating insects, and now you’re noticing that something just isn’t right with your plants.
You may be seeing a white substance covering your leaves, or some of your plants have dark brown spots. Sometimes with the changing of weather and the rain, plants can be affected by fungus. One of the more common is Powdery Mildew.
Powdery Mildew is noticed by white to gray, powdery spots, blotches, or mats that can appear on leaves, stems, and buds. It may look like the infected leaves have baby powder dusted on them. This is caused by spores from fungi carried by the wind. Once the spore lands on a host plant, it will germinate quickly and start a new infection.
Powdery Mildew most often forms on plants in areas where there is dense foliage and where damp and stagnant air can get trapped. The first sign of infection is often white circular spots on leaves, which can later curl and fall off prematurely. This can weaken the plant and, in some cases, cause it to die.
Luckily, there are effective Powdery Mildew treatments that can help fight the disease. Fertilome F-Stop Copper Fungicide is a great on-the-spot treatment to help stop and prevent the spread of this type of disease and fungus. Fertilome F-Stop is another great treatment for fungus, especially if the areas infected are in the lawn. Treat infected plants regularly with
these types of fungicides, or you can also try a preventative treatment option before Powdery Mildew even forms.
Stop in today and let our staff get you exactly what you need to ensure your success.
—Melissa Anderson
CATCHING UP
We had a fun outing the other week.
We were in Olathe at the Tall Trellis Brew Company, enjoying a live outdoor performance of the Blaine Younger Band. We were joined by a number of family members along with a good friend.
So, why did we go over to Olathe, Kansas to catch a live music performance?
It was the band...more specifically, the band’s namesake, Blaine Younger.
You see, it boils down to family. Blaine is a cousin of my wife’s...and you’ve got to support family!
We got our first chance to see Blaine and his band perform live last year at the Happy Basset Brewing Company, here in Topeka, and we instantly became fans.
(Breweries seem to be a regular theme for me, don’t they?!)
Since then, their music has been a regular part of my Spotify playlists. I was looking forward to getting another chance to hear them live.
Judging from the overflowing parking lot and the long lines at the beer counter, we aren’t the only ones...it was packed!
Despite the large crowd, it was a great time. The weather cooled off just enough to make things comfortable; of course, the music was great...and the icing on the cake the beer was good and cold.
If you haven’t heard of them, and you’re open to musical suggestions, check them out and let me know what you think!
-—Cameron Rees
wHAT’S NEW? bOULDERS!
New at Skinners...two new loads of boulders!
These beauties may not be as sexy as Misty’s flowers, but they have staying power!
Perhaps you have a difficult spot, can’t seem to keep a plant alive, or nothing seems to finish the spot; these lovelies can do the trick.
These stones may have moss or lichens on them, magically changing with rain. Others are shiny, have a flat side for parking your arse (you know, your backside!) to enjoy your garden up close, or simply a change of texture in the landscape.
Remember, a well-placed boulder will always look good and never need watering or pruning.
Come check out our new selection!
—Brian Buhler
SUMMETIME PESTS
Summer… welcome to your yearly fighting off of all things creepy, crawly.
There are a few well-known favorites that first come to mind when I think about the insect activity during the summer months.
The first one, bagworms! Oh yes, these buggers are out and causing damage if left untreated. We typically find them on evergreens, shrubs, trees, but are not selective about where they set up home. Treat with Hi-Yield Garden & Farm Insect Control.
Second one, (my personal favorite) Japanese Beetles. These iridescent small green beetles are mating during the June & July months. While they do this they can feed on up to 300 or more plants, causing widespread damage from top to bottom of plants. Take care of these guys with Fertilome Spinosad Soap. If you would rather not spray, you can always set traps, but keep in mind these will draw lots of beetles, so set them up away from your desired plants.
Another typical pest we tend to see during the summer months is the famous Tomato Horn Worm. This once tiny caterpillar loves to feed on the foliage and causes lots of damage. They can grow to up to 3 to 4 inches and typically lay their eggs on the underside of leaves. Using a Fertilome Caterpillar Killer with BT is the best course of treatment for these beauties, and best yet, it’s organic!
Spider Mites are another pest we see. Well, technically you might not “see” them...they are almost invisible to the naked eye...but you’ll definitely see the damage they cause. Spider mites feed on the underside of leaves, sucking the juices out of individual cells, leaving the appearance of tiny dots, called stippling, and areas of the plant looking pale and sick. For these, use Fertilome Horticultural Oil.
Ants are sometimes an issue in gardens. Ants are typically not an issue, but sometimes they cause problems. The fix, Fertilome Come and Get It.
There are a wide range of insects that you will come across during your time in the garden. If you would like some more information on any insect, stop into Skinner Garden Store today and let our staff tell you all about them.
—Melissa Anderson
crapemyrtle
Want lots of flower color in the heat of the summer? Plant crapemyrtles!
Crapemyrtle thrives in our hot weather, blooming heavily through July and August. Although often seen as a small tree in the south, they won’t get that big here. Our winter temps keep the top part of the plant killed back, keeping them smaller and more shrub-like. Most plants will be in the 3-5’ range, but actual size will vary slightly depending on the variety.
Plant them in areas that receive lots of sun and be patient in the springtime. They come out of winter dormancy mulch later than most of our other landscape plants, sometimes not emerging out of the ground until late May or early June. Just give them time!
MORE NEWS, eVENTS & aNNOUNCEMENTS
FALL KICK-OFF PARTY WEEKEND - Information will be coming soon regarding our Fall Kick-Off weekend. Keep an eye on your email inbox and our Skinner Garden Store social media! Follow us on socials and sign up for newsletters to get Skinner news as soon as it is released!!!
