WHO LOVES YA, BABY?!
I’m bald.
Now, I’m not Kojack bald (if that reference doesn’t mean anything to you, you may be too young... Google it...it will make sense), but let’s just say, the grass is pretty thin up top.
I used to have hair. I even sported a mullet for a brief period in my younger days... but that was back when mullets were cool. Trust me, they used to be seriously cool! Nowadays, they’re more “funny” cool.
But now I definitely need to wear a hat to keep from sun-burning the roof. I didn’t go bald all at once. Things up top have just slowly faded away over the years.
Ironically, just because you’re bald, doesn’t mean you don’t still need to get haircuts. And that brings me to the point of all this nonsense. My hair person just retired.
I can’t remember exactly how I ended up in her chair for the first time. I think it was a referral from a friend, but it was so long enough ago, that I can’t even remember. Regardless, she has been cutting my hair for over thirty years and now I’m on the hunt for someone new.
Growing up, Mom used to take my brother and me into town to the barbershop. We went to one in North Topeka and our guy was Smiley. I’m not sure how he got his nickname, but I can make a pretty good guess.
I was a little small for his chair, so he always had to put his booster in it for me. I remember the chair had a padded footrest. I couldn’t reach that either.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
I haven’t been to a barbershop since those childhood days, but now that I’m looking for a new person to keep me looking presentable, I think it’s time to hunt one up. As I’m sure my wife would confirm, I’m not the best at embracing change, but it looks like a little is coming my way.
I bet I won’t need that booster seat anymore.
We’re still plugging away at the nursery. We’ve been having some hot and humid days, but fortunately, those have been balanced out with some pleasant days and the occasional rain. The world outside is still pretty lush and green. It’s hard to complain about that.
It’s still okay to plant. Remember, as long as you can keep things watered, things will be fine. Don’t let the month on the calendar detour you.
—Cameron Rees
pollinator gardens
What is a pollinator exactly? A pollinator is an insect that moves pollen from the male anther of the flower to the female stigma of a flower. The movement of pollen must occur for the plant to become fertilized and produce fruits, seeds, and young plants.
A pollinator garden contains plants designed to attract and support pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Most pollinator plants are annual and perennial but there are also some shrubs that act as pollinator plants. Pollinator gardens benefit the entire ecosystem, including humans, wild animals, and insects. Without pollination, life would simply not exist.
If you are wanting to create a pollinator garden here are a few steps to creating the perfect one!
Choose an appropriate site: Most pollinator plants like a sunny location. If you don’t have a full sun area don’t fret, most pollinator plants will tolerate partial sun also.
Select native plants: Try to pick a variety of plants with different bloom times, providing pollinators with a longer bloom time will provide them with food for as long as possible.
Water and Weed: Water your garden regularly and keep weeds from the garden to ensure they will not take over and choke out the pollinator plants. Avoid using pesticides if possible, some pesticides can hurt the pollinators visiting your garden.
Your pollinator garden can be a work in progress, adding plants each year that you find at your local garden center. Plant away and watch the garden come to life with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
—Misty Brown
“THYMELY” ADVICE:
japanese beetles
It’s that time of year again.
Have you noticed those shiny green metallic beetles beginning to emerge from their home? Yep, Japanese Beetles are starting to show their colors and that means it’s time for you to get yourself something to protect those precious ornamental plants and shrubs.
With adult Japanese Beetle’s being one of the most destructive insect pests of plants, landscapes, fruit tree orchards, and more, waiting shouldn’t be an option. Adult Japanese Beetles are active on warm days, preferring to feed on plants exposed to full sun throughout the day. They begin feeding at the top of plants and work their way down as food is depleted, leaving destruction in their path and a lacey remains. When seeking new host plants, they especially love to visit plants that have been visited by other Japanese Beetles.
Early management of these pests is crucial to prevent plant damage throughout the season. Things like traps or insect control sprays are just the ticket to help get a handle on these insects. We recommend Fertilome Spinosad Soap. This is a very effective treatment and it’s organic.
If you’re not up for spraying, a good old-fashioned trap will do the trick also. Keep in mind that your Japanese Beetle traps work by attracting them to the trap, which will result in an influx of insects in your yard and garden. When using, we recommend that you place them on the farthest side of your yard as to minimize any resulting damage.
What every way you decide to tackle these feisty buggers, stop on in today and let one of our knowledgeable staff get exactly what you need.
reward buck$ reminder!
Don’t forget! The summer redemption period for redeeming your Skinner Buck$ is going on now but ends tomorrow, July 3rd! Freedom to splurge! Happy 4th of July!
