Florals by Chloe Winchester Lawry of Supposey Wedding Florals
his year's theme—The Green Thumb Issue—focuses on all things planted and flowering and is dedicated to all you black thumbs out there (ourselves included). We hope everyone learns a few new tricks and gets inspired to finally go for that backyard garden or at least buy a new houseplant or two. Just know that if you grow anything tasty or pretty, we expect you to share—deal?
March 13, 2014
7
by Sarah McCartan
Arc Gateway plant nursery / photo by Samantha Crooke efore beginning your spring gardening projects, consider paying a visit to an area plant nursery, which not only helps you grow your own garden, but also provides the opportunity to give back to a community dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc Gateway plant nursery began in the 1960s as a therapy and education program, and first opened for commercial sales in 1988. A community cornerstone, the nursery provides work opportunities for 32 developmentally disabled adults, with the guidance of two full-time supervisors, a part-time supervisor and a nursery manager. Whether you are in the market for some basic bedding, annual blooms or
other seasonal selections to supplement your home garden, or are in need of some supporting plants to fulfill a commercial landscape project, the nursery offers a diverse variety of plants and resources to meet your gardening needs. “We offer plants to your typical home gardener, but we also provide plants to local landscaping businesses and even local plant nurseries,” Darlene Bonelli said. Bonelli recently came on board to serve as the new nursery manager. She holds a degree in horticulture/ landscape and nursery management and has nearly a decades worth of experience in the field. “Many members of our staff are very knowledgeable about the plants we carry, and we have staff members who have received professional training in horticulture,” she said.
Beginning your planting endeavors by consulting with a nursery such as Arc allows you to brainstorm ideas and talk through the elements and variables specific
to your garden space before getting your project underway. This allows you to make your garden undertaking efficient, cost-effective and ultimately, over time, a full-grown success. “It’s always a good idea to consult with your local plant nursery before beginning any garden project,” Bonelli said. “Sometimes we find things in magazines that we would like to implement, but oftentimes the plants they suggest do not grow in our climate.” Plus, a nursery can help outline the necessary prep work that needs to be taken to get a designated area ready to plant, considering elements all the way down to the soil itself. “There are many things one must do to prepare the area where you plan to create a garden and nursery professionals can provide you with that information,” Bonelli said. “We want to see our customers’ gardens grow, so we are always happy to give plenty of advice.” Before you get too carried away, keep in mind that timing is everything. A trip over to Arc can help break down exactly what should be planted and when. “It’s a great time to prepare planting beds, but its best to wait until April to plant anything flowering,” Bonelli said. Speaking of spring, the nursery is currently in the process of gearing up for planting season. As far as shade-loving annuals go, the garden stocks varieties including impatiens, begonias, and periwinkle, as well as many sun-loving annuals like marigolds, salvia and zinnias. If you have a desire to kick off an herb garden, Bonelli provided a rundown of
“We want to see our customers’ gardens grow, so we are always happy to give plenty of advice.” Darlene Bonelli
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Womanswork gardening supplies, sold at The Dove Garden Gift Shop / photo by Samantha Crooke inweekly.net
“The individuals we serve are always eager to assist you in carrying and loading your purchases and have a way of making sure you leave with a smile.” Bonelli
the types of herbs to expect to find at the nursery, including, thyme, oregano, parsley and basil. If you have your heart set on a garden filled with vegetables, the nursery confirms several varieties coming soon. “We know we will carry tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, but are not sure when they will be ready for purchase,” Bonelli said. The nursery also stocks a selection of larger fruit-bearing bushes and trees for the planting, such as blueberries, pears and crab apples, as well as citrus trees including Meyer lemons, limes, grapefruit, satsumas and navel oranges. “The individuals we serve are always eager to assist you in carrying and loading your purchases and have a way of making sure you leave with a smile,” Bonelli said. Of course, along with any bountiful, inviting garden comes the appropriate finishes. Situated directly off the drive to the plant nursery is the Dove Garden Shop. Once you have selected your plants for growing, this is a prime stop for functional accessories. The store carries gardeninspired items including recycled planters, decorative pots, gardening gloves, small tools, yard ornaments, wind chimes and birdhouses. If you have any questions before making your way to the nursery and garden shop, the staff welcomes you to call ahead. And be sure to visit arc-gateway.org for updated news and latest hours.
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The law is in place to defend the liberties of the people. Make it accountable. When injustice speaks, how will you answer? Experience. Integrity. Justice. Served.
ARC GATEWAY PLANT NURSERY
WHERE: 1112 E. Fairfield Drive WHEN: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., MondayFriday (Additional Saturday hours during spring) DETAILS: 469-0849 or arc-gateway.org The Dove Garden Gift Shop is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.
March 13, 2014
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Ready to plant? Of course, local nurseries are always an invaluable resource. But we also compiled a basic planting calendar to help get you started.
Crop
010 1
Days to Maturity
Spring Planting Dates
Seed/Plants 100 ft.
Distance Between Rows
Distance Between Plants
Depth to Plant
Asparagus
2nd season
Jan. 15-Mar. 15
50 roots
3 to 5 ft.
1½ to 2 ft.
6 in.
Bean, bush
50-60
Apr. 1 - May 1
½ lb.
3 ft.
2 to 4 in.
1-1½ in.
Bean, pole
65-75
Apr. 1-May 1
½ lb.
3 ft.
6 to 12 in.
1-1½ in.
Bean, lima
65-75
Apr. 1 - June 1
1 lb.
2 to 2½ ft.
3 to 4 in.
1-1½ in.
Beet
55-65
Feb. 15-Apr. 1
1 oz.
2 to 2½ ft.
2 in.
1 in.
Broccoli
60-80
Feb. 15-Mar. 15
100 plants
2½ ft.
14 to 18 in.
Cabbage
65-80
Jan. 15-Mar. 15
100 plants
2½ ft.
12 in.
Cantaloupe
80-90
Mar. 25-Apr. 20
1 oz.
4 to 6 ft.
3½ to 4 ft.
1½ in.
Carrot
70-80
Jan. 15-Mar. 20
½ oz.
2 ft.
2 to 3 in.
½ in.
Cauliflower
55-60
Mar. 1-Apr. 1
100 plants
3 ft.
12 to 18 in.
Collard
55-70
Feb. 1-Mar. 20
½ oz.
2½ ft.
8 to 16 in.
½ in.
Corn
80-100
Mar. 15-June 1
¼ lb.
3 to 3½ ft.
12 to 18 in.
2 in.
Cucumber
60-65
Apr. 1-May 15
1 oz.
3½ to 5 ft.
3 to 4 ft.
1½ in.
Eggplant
75-90
Apr. 1-May 15
50 plants
3 ft.
2½ to 3 ft.
Kale
50-70
Feb. 1-Mar. 10
½ oz.
3 ft.
10 in.
½ in.
Lettuce
60-85
Jan. 15-Mar. 1
½ oz.
2 to 2½ ft.
10 to 12 in.
½ in.
Mustard
40-50
Jan. 15-Apr. 1
½ oz.
2 ft.
1 in.
½ in.
Okra
55-60
Apr. 1-June 1
1 oz.
3 to 3½ ft.
6 in.
1 in.
Onion (mature)
100-120
Jan. 1-Mar. 15
300 plants or ½ gal. sets
1 to 2 ft.
3 to 4 in.
¾ in
Peas, garden
60-80
Jan. 15-Feb. 15
1 lb.
2½ ft.
1 in.
1½-2 in.
Peas, southern
60-70
Apr. 1-Aug. 1
½ lb.
3 ft.
4 to 6 in.
1½-2 in.
Pepper
65-80
Apr. 1-June 1
50 plants
2½ ft.
1½ to 2 ft.
Potato, Irish
70-90
Jan. 15-Mar. 1
1 peck
2½ to 3 ft.
10 to 14 in.
Potato, sweet
90-150
Apr. 15-June 15
100 plants
3½ ft.
12 in.
Radish
25-30
Jan. 15-Apr. 1
1 oz.
1½ ft.
1 in.
½ in.
Spinach
40-45
Jan. 15-Mar. 15
1 oz.
1½ to 2 ft.
1 to 2 in.
¾ in.
Squash, bush
50-55
Apr. 1-May 15
1 oz.
3 to 4 ft.
2 ft.
1½-2 in.
Squash, winter
85-90
Apr. 1-Aug. 1
½ oz.
5 ft.
3 ft.
1½-2 in.
Tomato
70-85
Mar. 25-May 1
50 plants
3 to 4 ft.
2½ to 3 ft.
Turnip
45-65
Jan. 15-Apr. 1
½ oz.
1 to 2 ft.
1 to 2 in.
½ in.
Watermelon
80-90
Mar. 20-May 1
1 oz.
10 ft.
8 to 10 ft.
1½ in.
5 in.
inweekly.net
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by Jessica Forbes rating contest, and presentations about safe bicycling and bicycle commuting. “Streets without trees and attractive landscaping simply are not appealing— those are streets people just want to race down in their cars so they can get through it as fast as possible,” Wagley said. “Add trees and everything slows down and becomes more pleasant.” Some strides to improve the city’s bikeability have been made by local government; the redesign of Main Street in front of the Community Maritime Park incorporates trees, wide sidewalks, bike lanes and is a treatment Wagley said he hopes more streets will receive in the future. Other recent planning improvements in Wagley’s estimation include converting one-way streets (such as portions of Palafox and Spring streets downtown) back to two lanes, and Councilmember Megan Pratt's Complete Streets Program. However, there is still a long way to go. “We still don't have a comprehensive or really focused and energized effort yet,” he said. So, the Funky Bike Fest is just one way bike enthusiasts hope to get others invigorated about the probike (and pro-street side greenery) cause. The inaugural event was held at Palafox Wharf in 2013, but moved this year to the Belmont-DeVilliers intersection to bring the festival into the city and its neighborhoods and to celebrate the revitalization of the historic district just northeast of downtown. “We want to make Pensacola a safer and more pleasant place to ride a bicycle,” Wagley stated of the vision behind the festival. “The Fest is a fun way to draw attention to that and to bring together people who can work together to help us get there.”
ould more trees along streets lead to more bicycles in town? While the link may seem tenuous at first, local bike advocates believe street designs that incorporate trees can make Pensacola more bike-friendly and literally more green. Well-planned landscaping as part of roadway design is another way to incorporate plants into our surroundings to improve quality of life. Some say with more trees and enhanced landscapes in a community, people are more likely to get out and about— and slow our roll, so to speak—as a result. “Rows of trees along streets are an absolute necessity for making our city more bike and pedestrianfriendly,” explained Christian Wagley, an environmental and green building consultant who also happens to be an avid bike commuter. “Trees narrow the field of view for drivers and thus make them slow down, which helps cyclists feel more comfortable on the road. And shade makes the riding much more pleasant for most of the year here.” Wagley, along with others involved with 350 Pensacola, the local chapter of the international 350. org movement, are organizing the WHEN: 1—5 p.m. Saturday, March 15 second annual Cool the Panhandle WHERE: DeVilliers Square, 321 N. DeVilliers Funky Bike Fest. Creating a more St. bike-friendly city is just one of the COST: Free many bike-related interests that will DETAILS: 687-9968 or facebook. be represented at the festival, which com/350pensacola will include live music, a bike deco-
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“Add trees and everything slows down and becomes more pleasant.” Christian Wagley
COOL THE PANHANDLE FUNKY BIKE FEST
March 13, 2014
11
DOVE GARDEN SHOP Plant Nanny Self-Watering System Tues.-Fri. 10-5 Sat. 11-3 1020 E. Fairfield Dr.
by Joani Delezen sion for ten minutes or a heavy misting is best. Helpful hint: If you immerse them, let them dry upside down, so they can drain. Improper drainage will promote the growth of mold. Also make sure you use a simple fertilizer mist* to replenish the plants essential nutrients.
All proceeds benefit people with disabilties.
Crotons:
should be keep moist, and it should never dry out. Especially when potted, plants dry out quickly. A light watering weekly with proper drainage is key.
Ivy: This comes in many varieties and
is easy to care for with many of the same steps as the others listed. The basics for all of these house plants are simple: Keep the soil moist, but well drained. Find a happy spot with filtered light, no direct sun. Lastly, pay attention to your plants. Most house plants die due to lack of care.
A very easy-care house *Supposey sells fertilizer mist at their plant that looks great office inside The Wedding Studio. You'll also any time of year. They fi nd succulents, air plants and terrariums for come in six main varieties purchase there too—like the awesome ones with diverse leaf shapes featured on this week's cover. Make sure you and bright, pigmented check them out next time you're downtown colors. They can double (like for Gallery Night on Friday, maybe) if as an outdoor plant. The you haven't already. unique leaves make this plant great for cuttings. The waxy coating helps to keep hy130 S.Palafox dration at a max. Monday—Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 12-4 They can last up p.m., closed Sunday to two weeks in Supposeyflorals.com fresh water.
THE WEDDING STUDIO
photos by Samantha Crooke o matter how much we read about them, water them and maybe even talk to them, there are still some of us out there who have a hard time keeping plants alive. And we here at the IN know from personal experience that it's not for lack of trying. Sometimes it's actually the opposite—like overwatering. Or too much sunlight. But black thumbs be damned, we want to learn to be better plant people. So we asked one of our favorite floral pros, Chloe Winchester Lawry of Supposey Wedding Florals, to give us the lowdown on some durable house plants that those of us cursed with poor juju might be able to keep alive. Here are her top five suggestions:
Succulents:
These plants come in all shapes and sizes. We've grown over thirty varieties in our Supposey cutting garden. Succulents are known for easy care, but with a common misconception— don't over water. Gower's tip: Break off the healthy leaves on the bottom of the bloom at the base. Plant in moist dirt/ sand mixture, and they will regenerate a new bloom. Seriously, these babies multiply like bunnies.
Black thumbs be damned, we want to learn to be better plant people.
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Air Plants (Tillandsias): These funky eye-catching plants are epiphytes, and collect moisture through their foliage from the air, with no soil. They're known for only needing water about every two weeks. Depending on the size and type, full immer-
Cactus:
First off, cactus can suffer from sunburns just like people. The balance is to find bright light, but not direct. The soil inweekly.net
by Jessica Forbes
n some ways, keeping a plant alive can seem like a bit of a hassle, at least for those of us who have a hard time remembering to water things—especially at work. But it might be worth keeping a watering can handy at your desk if you want to be more productive and less "sick." Cerys Heroman, a landscape designer with Heroman Services Plant Company, is a sixth generation horticulture specialist working in a family-owned business. Though their family has been in the plant business for 187 years, the Heromans are part of a tradition. They are also focused on the future of landscaping, one avenue of which is creating healthier, more productive workplace environments by bringing more of the outdoors into offices and businesses.
Founded in Louisiana, Heroman Services moved its headquarters to its Pensacola office—which has been open for over 10 years—six years ago and began working to get the word out locally about the benefits of interior landscaping. “The reason we focus so much more on commercial versus residential is [because] we spend most of our time in the work environment,” Heroman said, who explained the benefits of maintaining indoor plants aren’t purely aesthetic—numerous studies have concluded that having plants in commercial environments decreases absenteeism and increases job performance and satisfaction in workers. “The biggest benefit is to get rid of something NASA has actually termed as ‘Sick Building Syndrome,’” Heroman said. “In North America, about 20 to 30 percent of all of our buildings are considered sick buildings.” Everything from carpeting and drywall to doors opening and allowing outdoor air toxins in can contribute to the pollutants indoors, which are recirculated through central air and heat systems. “You’ll find that people who have these so-called sick buildings, their employees complain of eye, throat, and nose irritation, an increased amount of headaches, dry skin, difficulty concentrating and overall unpleasantness,” Heroman said.
“If you have one plant for every one hundred square-feet of room, you can reduce Sick Building Syndrome up to 12 percent within 24 hours of installing the plant.”
Lamb Shank
HEROMAN SERVICES PLANT COMPANY
“You dont have to be a foodie to eat good food. Come for an appetizer and stay for the experience.”
Like us on Facebook and see our ever changing menu : Type by Chef Blake Rushing March 13, 2014
ments. “People perceive malls, shopping The good news is that plants act as natucenters and organizations that have plants ral air filters that are relatively inexpensive as higher end,” Heroman said. “They are and effective in improving indoor air quality. willing to spend more money because they “If you have one plant for every one feel like these places are more top-notch. hundred square-feet of room, you can They feel more comfortable, and they feel reduce Sick Building Syndrome up to 12 quite a bit less stressed.” percent within 24 hours of installing the From malls to hospitals—where indoor plant,” Heroman said. She recommends one plants have proven to reduce the length medium-size floor plant or two to of patient stays—the benefits of interior three small plants in an office landscaping have become a message Heroto produce similar results. man and others at the company are happy Even if a building isn’t to spread. “sick,” plants have also Heroman Services offers interior proven to increase landscape design ranging from table arproductivity on basic rangements to full-on landscape design of typing and coma building, as well as exterior landscaping prehension tests, services, container gardens, green walls according to studies and green roofs. “We’re your one stop Heroman refershop, basically,” Heroman said. enced. “When they In 2013, one of Heroman Services’ did the testing with main outreach efforts was a plant giveplants, the person’s away and informational event in downtown timing and accuracy Pensacola during National Indoor Plant increased by 12 percent,” Week, which is held in September. This she said. year, Heroman Services is planning on There are monetary savings developing an awareness event as well. In associated with plants as well. Plants the meantime, they encourage everyone to naturally cool buildings, which helps comget on board, add a few plants, and have a panies save on power bills and they also are healthier, more pleasant indoor experience. effective for noise reduction, which can decrease auditory distractions. And if anyone needs further bottom-line specific data, the organization Green Plants for Green Buildings, which Heroman Services is a provider, reports the return on investment for plants in businesses 440 E. Heinberg St. is on average 334 percent, which is 936-6969 mainly attributed to a 14 percent heromanservices.com reduction in absenteeism. Plants can also drive sales in commercial and retail environ-
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