Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

I just got back from a trip to the Carolinas. Both of them actually. First stop was to the Asheville, NC area where the 15s volleyball team that the hubby coaches played in a tournament. (They placed 3rd out of 28 teams! You can read more HERE.) Then we wandered down to Rock Hill, SC and visited with my kid sister for a smidge. That gave us the excuse to  check out the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, a wonderful place I learned about a few years back. If you are ever in the Charlotte, NC area – you’ll want to plan a stop. And if you are a member of the American Horticulture Society, you’ll enjoy free admission!

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron sp.)

I have yet another story of how dangerous gardening can be. At least for me …. THIS time it involves a trip to an Urgent Care in South Carolina! Last Wednesday night I had been clearing an area of ivy (Hedra helix), knowing full well that poison ivy had been sighted there last year. I was covered with long sleeves and gloves and only saw one vine that remotely looked like PI. However, itching on the bottom of my forearm started in a 2 inch patch on Thursday morning. Friday evening it advanced to about 4″ long with raised blisters. Saturday, the blisters started leaking and my bottom of my forearm was swollen. Sunday, the redness started moving to the top of the arm from wrist to elbow. Monday: Urgent Care and steroids. Sigh… I think I’ll have a scar for a while but at least I am on the healing side of the equation now.

Ladies’ Night Out

Knollwood Garden Center is holding a Ladies’ Night Out, Tuesday, April 26 from 6-8 pm. Bruning’s Wine Cellar and Christopher’s Catering will be on site. I stopped in at Knollwood today and found it bursting in a riot of color so Tuesday night should be fun!

Hosta Auction

The Miami Valley Hosta Society is holding its annual plant auction on Tuesday, May 10, at  at Polen Farm (5099 Bigger Rd., Kettering, OH). The preview starts at 6 pm and the auction begins at 6:30 pm. About 150 items for your gardens will be auctioned off. They include many hostas, other plants and garden art donated by members and garden centers.  The night is free and open to the public so bring a friend. Call (937) 833-3278 with questions.

Sales alerts

Grandma’s Gardens: Thursday-Saturday, April 21-23: Impatiens and begonias are $11.99/flat.

Meadowview Growers: Thursday-Saturday, April 21-23: Petunia flats: buy one, get one half price.