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!

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