Saturday, March 21, 2009

Welcome to the NEW Sterling Gardens newsletter!

Welcome to the NEW Sterling Gardens newsletter!
In the coming months, we will be posting an array of ideas, articles, information, and insights that we hope will help you discover fun new ways to enjoy and share the beautiful world of flowers and plants.
We look forward to helping you make your world a brighter place,
one bloom at a time!

Check out these bloomers!
Spring is almost here. And those bulbs you planted last year are almost ready to pop! If you’re planning to harvest blooms from your own floral garden, here are a few tips for keeping those beauties beautiful as long as possible.

  • Soak ‘em. Flowers from the Narcissi family – daffodils, jonquils, paperwhites – can exude a gelatinous substance when first cut that is harmful to other blooms. After a few hours, these flowers are ok to mix with others, even if re-cut.
  • Strip & wash ‘em. Remove any leaves that might be below the water line and then rinse under tepid water (around 100 degrees F).
  • Cut ‘em. Remove at least 1-inch from the end of the stem using a sharp knife of pruner. Note: this does not apply to hyacinths!
  • Feed ‘em. Cut bulb flowers do best in nutrient solutions formulated to replace elements lost when cut from the bulbs. They also have less sugar (to reduce leaf yellowing). Standard flower foods may not feed as well, but they do provide protection from stem-clogging bacteria.
  • Chill ‘em. Prepare your solutions with cold water! It will keep the blooms from opening too quickly.

Having trouble with your bloomers? We’re happy to help!

What’s the dish?
Get out of that beanbag chair and switch you lava lamps to “on.” Because terrariums are back! No longer limited to gigantic plastic spheres on funky shaped stands, the new shape of indoor mini-gardens is limited only by your imagination (and what’s lying in your recycling bin). Any clear glass container will work: pickle jar, fish bowl, old beer mug, etc. And for you floral artists, consider “plantscaping.” It’s like outdoor landscaping, with indoor plants (and you don’t even need a wheelbarrow). Layer the bottom of your terrarium with any number of design elements: soil, sand, gems, river rock, moss, excelsior, or wood chips. Set your plat atop your base design, and voila! Living art.

Want to learn more about making your own mini-garden? Check out our terrarium workshop, April 21st.



Put on a happy vase!
Behavioral studies conducted at Rutgers University indicate that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings or life satisfaction, and affects social behavior in a positive manner.





It’s easy bein’ green!
If you can recycle a soda can, why not flower pot?
We’re always happy to plant your new purchases in your old pots. Just let us know how we can help.
And throughout the month of March, bring your
gently-used vases and receive a free gift!

Bloomin’ Bargains

- Through March – tulips are on special:
bunches $9.95, arrangements $24.95

- Print & clip!

Growing you!
Spring is springing. And that means it’s time for our spring classes to begin. Let your creativity blossom in one (or all) of our fun workshops!
And remember, your interests are our passion. If you have an idea for a class, let us know. You might see it in the next newsletter!

“Tiptoe Through the Tulips” – Tuesday, March 24th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Trade in your winter blues for a bunch of spring purples, yellows, and reds by learning how to arrange a simple, yet clever vase of fresh tulips. (Cost: $15.00)


“Contemporary Bulb Garden” - Tuesday, March 24th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This is NOT your grandmother’s dish garden (unless your grandmother is super cool, in which case it’s exactly like her dish garden)! Learn the tricks to creating a stylish European inspired garden for using bulbs such as hyacinth, daffodils, and tulips, you’ll design your garden, and witness the transformation from sprouting bulbs to glorious blooms, right inside your home. (Cost: $30.00)

“Silk Spring Design” - Tuesday, April 7th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Create a wonderful, airy, silk arrangement that will fill any room with contemporary spring cheer. (Cost: $30.00 )

“Design and make a Terrarium” - Tuesday, April 21st, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Create a miniature living garden that’s perfect for a desk, sideboard, or kitchen counter (a super groovy complement to any avocado-colored appliances). (Cost $30.00)

To register for a class, call 920-725-9966 or stop in the shop.
We’re located at 533 S. Commercial Street in Neenah.
All classes are held in our shop.
All classes are hands-on and you will take your creations home with you!
We need a minimum of 5 people signed up for the class.
½ of the class cost is required in advance (to purchase supplies).
Sorry no refunds.


What’s “coming up?”
  • March 17th - St. Patrick's Day – we’ve got plenty of green for you!
  • March 20th - Spring Begins!!!
  • April 2nd – Ladies Night Out at Sterling Gardens
  • April 20-24th - Administrative Professional Week


Don’t be a stranger!
Whether you’re looking for something special, seeking advice about the perfect floral gift, or just in the mood for a free sample of our own fresh oxygen (made every day right in our shop), we’d love to see you.

Until next time, remember:
Sterling Gardens helps you live, grow, and flourish.
Because we’re the bloomin’ best!

Visit Sterling Gardens

Sterling Gardens Fall '07 Newsletter

Fall '07 Newsletter

Once again we cannot believe how quickly this summer has gone by! Soon the crisp fall air will settle upon us, and that mean lots of new things are in store at Sterling Gardens.

Store News
-----------------
Take advantage of our FALL Planting Sale!

Saturday, Sept. 8th and Saturday, Sept. 15th

Bring in your Patio Pots and we will plant them for FREE when our product is used.
A beautiful time to decorate with rich, warm colors. Now is the time to change your patio pots to Falling Leaf colors.

Fall Hardy Mums, Kale, and Aster will be arriving soon!

8" Hardy Mums are $6.95 or 3 for $17.95
9" Hardy Mums are $8.95
9" Kale are $8.95
8" Asters are $6.95


Sterling Gardens has scheduled our fall and winter classes.
Sign up soon before they are full!

Tuesday, October 2nd, 6:00p.m. - Make a Halloween Door Swag
You will make the perfect Halloween decoration for your door with an artificial pumpkin,
berries, leaves, and a crow.
$25.00

Tuesday, October 16th, 6:00p.m. - Make a Silk Cornucopia
Your fall dining table will look complete with this Cornucopia sitting in the middle of it.
$25.00

Tuesday, November 13th, 6:00p.m. - Make a Winter Door SwagThis wonderful winter door swag will have a pair of ice skates as a part of the decoration. Please supply your own ice skates.
$25.00

Tuesday, December 4th, 6:00p.m. - Outdoor Christmas PotsFill and decorate 2 outdoor pots with fresh greens, ruscus, or berries and bow.
$35.00 for set of 2

All classes are held at Sterling Gardens from 6:00-7:30p.m. We need a minimum of 5 people signed up for the class. One half of the cost needs to be paid in advance. Sorry, no refunds due to supplies being ordered ahead of time.


UPCOMING EVENTS AT STERLING GARDENS

Days of Indulgence - Oct. 18th, 19th, and 20th
Look for special events happening in our store. We will have special stations set up to indulge your senses!

Holiday Open House - Nov. 9th, 10th, and 11th
Special sales, Door Prizes, and Refreshments. Come see the wonderful transformation of the store to welcome the holidays.

Sterling Gardens

Sterling Gardens May 2007 Newsletter

The busy season of spring is upon us all and Sterling Gardens is here for your gardening needs.
Our Garden Center is opening Monday, May 7th. We offer the most unique Plants in the Area! Healthy, productive plants are our number one concern.

Our plant quality and selection is second to none!
Beautiful Annuals & Perennials
Hanging Baskets & Pouches
Colorful Patio Pots
Custom Designed Containers
Guaranteed Sturdy Rosebushes
Garden Giftware

All of this available at our Garden Center - just in time for Mother's Day on May 13th.

Garden Center Specials:
50% off all outdoor ceramic pottery
50% off unique outdoor gazebos and arbor
50% off miscellaneous outdoor garden decor and decorations.
Saturday, May 19th Bring your pots in and have Sterling Gardens team plant them with our plants and soil. Labor is Free!

We look forward to seeing you during the Planting Season.
The Sterling Gardens' Team
533 s. commercial street neenah, wi 54956
(920)725-9966
www.sterling-gardens.net