THE WHEELS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
I was traveling for work last week. While sitting at one of the airports I passed through, I caught myself doing a little reflecting. Here were my thoughts...
First of all, flying is pretty amazing. That we can just buy tickets to fairly economically and fairly easily travel by air to almost anywhere we want to go is really nothing short of amazing... despite flight delays and computer failures!
Second, smartphones own us. I don’t think that one needs much of an explanation.
And third, whoever came up with the idea of putting swiveling wheels and a handle on luggage was a genius! How did we get by before that travel-changing innovation?!
The trip was nice. We got to visit several of our nursery growers and got to see what crops are looking like for this fall. They are impressive! And we can’t wait to stock them for you at the store.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
Some of those plants have already begun to arrive, and a lot more will be rolling in as we move into our fall planting season. It’s already starting to look a little different around here and it’s going to change a whole lot more over the weeks to come. All part of the beautiful cycle of inventory that we get to bring to you throughout the year… and at just the right times, thanks to our growers!
I’m glad to be back home now and even more glad to be seeing nice temperatures in our forecast. Hopefully, there’s more of that to come. We’re due for a nice fall!
We’re going to be closed this coming Monday for Labor Day, but we’ll be open all weekend leading up to it. If you’re ready to start something new or finish something old. Come see us!
—Cameron Rees
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED
A thriving lawn can connect individuals and families, and encourage other gardening practices for homeowners who take pride in having a green thumb. But to cultivate a great lawn, you’ll need to find the right type of turfgrass.
So, what is the right type of grass seed? Well, generally there are 3 major factors that I focus on when choosing the right grass seed.
Factor #1: LEVEL OF SHADE
This means the level of sun exposure and shade the grass is able to withstand. Some seed types, like tall fescue, will grow great in full sun and still hold up pretty well in partial shade. Others like Bermuda grass won’t settle for anything less than full sun exposure.
Factor #2: WEAR AND TEAR
What type of “traffic” will your lawn see? Do you have small children who plan on enjoying the lawn, playing in the water, and running around? When you select grass seed, consider the hardiness of any variety carefully. You want a grass that is tough enough to handle the foot traffic your family will give. Tall fescue is a good choice here too.
Factor #3: MAINTAINABILITY
Last, but definitely not least, think about how much you will need to do to maintain your lawn over the years. A turf grass germinates quickly and grows thick and lush, but you must water and fertilize regularly. Tall fescue is valued for its adaptability to a wide range of climates and its tolerances for cold, heat, drought, and shade. For these reasons, many Kansas residents choose to have tall fescue grass on their lawns.
And all that explains why we focus on tall fescue here at Skinner Garden Store. We carry a five-variety tall fescue blend that’s been selected for improved characteristics and overall adaptability to NE Kansas conditions. It’s also been tested to be free of weed seeds and other unwanted grass seeds, also known as “other crop” seeds. Trust me, you don’t want those in your seed blend.
Anything worth having takes hard work and patience. So, get started today making your lawn the envy of all your neighbors. Stop in and ask any of our helpful staff to help get you what you need, and if you have questions, just let us know!
—Melissa Anderson
inside skinner’s employee gardens: TERRI CURRANT
Have you ever wondered what the employees at Skinner Garden Store do with all the beautiful plants they buy and take home? With each different gardener comes a different personality, different style, and different techniques. We thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peek at some of the work that the Skinner employees do, tending to their own gardening passions.
Today, it’s the home garden handiwork of cashier, Terri Currant. Terri’s landscaping features a spectacular, terraced rock garden and water pond. Outstanding! Plus, check out the welcoming aesthetics of her front walkway area and the functional gardens that blend her home’s foundation and outdoor jacuzzi into the surroundings.
If you have questions about any of Terri’s plants call, email, or message us… or just stop by the store and Terri or another team member would be happy to talk with you. Enjoy!
