Here we are in White Rock, with the warmest January temperatures ever on record, and there are no garden centers open, except for a year round, hot sauce selling, train running, gift shop oriented, no plants in sight behemoth. Seriously, where are the plants?
We gardeners are cruising the streets, trolling the alleys, peering over fences for the first sighting of the crocus, and finding it.
But there is no where for us to purchase seeds, wander aimlessly, and joyously, smelling the roses. We are waking with visions of sugar snap peas dancing in our heads, and no where to buy them.
I know that It’s a tough competitive world out there for garden centers, and nurseries of any size. Their share of the garden plot is getting skimpier, and they are fighting harder for it every year.
Many of the garden centers around here have either succumbed to the poor economy, or decided to hibernate for a extended season. This may have made sense last year, when we were buried under two feet of snow for a extended period of time. This year spring has dropped in early, and decided to stay awhile. She is a welcome guest.
We are standing at the doors and drooling like fools, waiting to spend our money, and there is nothing to buy. Everyone has signs up promising to reopen soon. How soon? When the lilacs are blooming? The way we are going, that might be next month already.
Don’t tell me to purchase online, I want to fondle the new green leaves of the budding shrubs. I want to smell the soil around the rhubarb roots, feeling my mouth pucker as I remember the sharp sour taste.
To shorten the winter months, I would love to be able to purchase a flower in a 4 inch pot, but there are no longer any growers selling them.
I don’t want a huge six inch over bloomed, days left to survive, pot of daffodils, that every corner store offers, I want green stalks and sweet whispers of yellow.
I want a promise, that spring is here, whispering soft breezes, and green colors to me. So where are all the garden centers? This has got to be the biggest business mistake you have ever made. Open up, the hoards are at the doors, and we want our plants!
Jen
There aren't many days around here that you can't find a garden center open and selling something year round, even if it is liriope grass. Not having a center open to even just browse has got to be hard on a gardener. Maybe they will listen to you!
ReplyDeleteYou are making me long for Spring too. So many of our long-time nurseries closed over the last two years. As you say, it is harder to find places to wander through and feel and smell the plants. These are such pretty images you have shared today. I wish you a good week and keep pounding on the doors of those nurseries!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is just so timely, Jen! We feel your pain, with money burning right through the hole in the pocket onto our white as snow because of cloth covering leg! The businesses cannot make quick adjustments and have to wait until all threat of frost is gone or they can lose big bucks. The majority of customers do not buy when the planting time is best, like now, for trees and shrubs, they want to see things in bloom. Totally bass akwards, but so mass marketing goes. One has to order online, and even then they don't ship until the lilacs bloom anyway. You should be finding seeds though at the big box. The best selection for them is online however, and they ship right away. Superb photos, BTW!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Our weather has been switched. Arkansas is getting snow again.
ReplyDeletePatsy
Unfortunately it is still cold and wintery here. I have seen some seed packets and bulbs for sell. I guess that will have to do for now.
ReplyDeleteJen:
ReplyDeleteCan I get you a decaf whilst you wait? Trust me, I'm twitching just like you! I don't want to bite the bullet and head to the big purple apron, but I might have to if I can't find a pot of blue Hyacinth soon..... 'that's bouquet, Hyacinth bouquet!' Do you know the British serial, 'Keeping Up Appearances?'
They could get double the money from me because I would likely kill off anything I brought home and have to buy it all again.
ReplyDeleteSoon Jen, very soon.
What a shame about your garden centers! I understand not wanting to buy online - it's so much nicer to shop for plants that you can pick up and feel. I hope spring comes soon for you!
ReplyDeleteAfter working for small independents for so long I know that they are begging for the customers.
ReplyDeletePrimroses are overflowing in the corner stores, sad, sodden, and half dead after the 3rd day. Granted I am a little frustrated at not being able to purchase seed trays anywhere.
But I am thinking of printing this off, and nailing to the front door of some nursery's with a gardening trowel. What do you think?
Jen
I feel ya girl. It is still too cold to play in the dirt here. I had to have something green this weekend so I bought blue hyacinths.(sp)
ReplyDeleteJen, on-line shopping for plants is, regrettably, now a necessity for us becaue our garden centres don't carry much of what we want. And they don't open until the first week of April. It teaches us patience - but it isn't easy.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos (as always, of course)!
G'morn, Jen ... what a tease!
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's
Have a beautiful week.
Hugs, Marydon
Fabulous photos! Can't believe you're having such balmy weather... we have more snow and Arctic weather forecast!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI agree, getting a plant in the mail just doesn't compare. They are so much larger and healthier in person.
WOW WOW WOW...gorgeous shots..garden centers are the only thing open all the time here, even Sundays and NOTHING is open in Norway on Sundays! But the selection is limited in the winter..will be fun in the next couple months when all the spring stuff arrives..in the meantime I can admire your GORGEOUS shots!!
ReplyDeleteI will certainly agree with you here... there were far more garden centers where I lived in Ohio than there are here in KS. It seems there are only the big-box stores, such as Lowe's or Walmart, and of course they only sell the common varieties, and like you say, those that are already half bloomed!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to look at the catalogs, but even more glorious to walk through a greenhouse with the smell of dirt heavy in the air. Oh how I miss that!
(Very beautiful photos, as always Jen!)
That's strange all of our nurseries are open and overflowing with fruit trees, berries, veggie starts...come visit me and we'll go shopping together. I need some raspberries and rhubard! Kim
ReplyDeleteSTUNNING photography!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that none of the garden centers are open where you are. Sometimes you have warmer winter weather than we do in North Carolina lol. Well, hopefully something opens up soon for ya! :)
ReplyDeleteThat does seem strange not to have any around there. I know if I couldn't even just go look at them right now I'd be going crazy. I did try to buy some garden soil today and no one has it down here right now. I hope you're able to find some plants soon. I would think those garden centers would be anxious to open their doors for all the gardeners up there.
ReplyDeleteFlowers in the nurseries around here are pretty scarce too. I have hear it has been unusually warm in Canada. It sounds so strange to hear them telling of hauling in snow for the Olympics. That would have been something they would have never dreamed of when asking for the winter Olympics to come there. Very strange weather.Ohio could loan you all some snow. I wouldn't mind a bet Jen. LOL!
ReplyDeleteWe are a little luckier here...some nurseries have plants for sale...but they are rare. We are getting your snow right now...Yikes. Btw, this is a beautiful post!! gail
ReplyDeleteThe title of this post snagged me immediately. I have been having visions of sugar snap peas, LOL. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite local garden center has stayed open all winter, but without much to see. But since they are locals, I really do try and support their decision, and you've made me realize they probably need to be applauded for keeping going, employing knowledgeable locals, and selling seasonally appropriate items. Maybe I ought to go and buy a pot of bulbs, myself. I wish I could send you one!
Meanwhile, though, that photo of daffodils is exquisite. You really are talented.
Actually, I was too busy admiring your beautiful header and all the gorgeous macros. The colours are well toned and I can't take my eyes off the pictures!
ReplyDeleteWe have a beautiful nursery in my area that is open year round, so we are lucky. This time of year is hard for gardeners.
ReplyDeleteJen, I feel your pain! :)
ReplyDeleteLast weekend I did go to a garden centre and found myself with a latte hanging out in the tropicals section listening to the water features. Oh, the moist warm air, the green...just what I needed!. It will be a long time yet here before we are into spring stock in the garden centres so the tropical section will have to keep me going for now. :) Hang in there!
Amen, Jen! Our local garden center always has a sale immediately after Christmas, then closes till March. I often forget to buy some bulbs to force for Jan/Feb. There are so many other things to think of in Oct/Nov... :(
ReplyDeleteAs always, your images are so very beautiful!
had a hard time deciding if this post was a poem or not. loved it,lots of sensory info.
ReplyDeletethe pics are a hoot. luv'em too. :-)
we feel ya. always had a soft spot for gardening,
which can be a year-round hobby with some
planning. and, yeah we remember the frustration
we'd feel when businesses kept us waiting for warmer weather.
had fun with your post,
be back for more.
thank you.
..
.ero
Those photos are divine, I'm satisfied, for my glimpse of spring, just looking at them. I hope your garden centers open soon.
ReplyDeleteI know you said you don't want to order online, but you might like this since it's for a good cause! Through this link you can purchase Botanical Interest seeds (at their normal prices) and 25% will benefit and orphanage in Kenya (Open Arms International).
ReplyDeletehttp://joyisaverb.blogspot.com/2010/01/seeds-for-cause.html
Portland Nursery is open... worth the drive! :-)
Heather
Nothing open here till at least Mid April..and you can't plant til June first..but it is fun to look and I may have to do that one day soon. Everyweek I photograph the flowers in the grocery store..you know the bunnches of flowers..I have decided that they have no imagination anymore:)
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, what stunning shots! Loved the cheerful yellows and advent of spring rt here via your blog :):) Btw which flower is this?
ReplyDeleteIt has been FAR too long since I have come to visit your blog. I am always blown away when I see your photography! You truely capture the essence of the flowers!
ReplyDeleteThe other day Bernie and I went for a walk out Semiahmoo Spit. I was enjoying the view of White Rock and you and your lovely blog came to mind!
I share your feelings about the flowers. I have just been amazed by our spring weather around here. Its so beautiful!
Enjoy spring and all her beauty!