A Few Days Away

I had a chance to get away to Portland for a few days, and it was a good opportunity to recharge before we head into the holiday season. One of the highlights was the International Rose Test Garden. Even this late in the year, there were still plenty of roses blooming. We also spent time at the Portland Japanese Garden, where I particularly enjoyed the bonsai and the Japanese maples. It’s always interesting to see plants you know well growing in a completely different climate and setting.

After spending most of the year thinking about plants from a production standpoint, it’s nice to spend a few days simply enjoying them, and I came home with a few ideas of my own. Back at the greenhouse, we’re moving into a different season. Our outdoor growing is winding down, we’re getting ready for colder weather, and the poinsettias are beginning their transition toward Christmas.

This week we’re talking about what the first frosts of fall actually mean for your mums, taking a closer look at how poinsettias work and how to care for them, and exploring why marigolds became such an important part of Día de los Muertos.