Colony Floral & Greenhouse

09/10/2025

Today!

09/08/2025

09/03/2025

As we enter September and summer wanes, flowers and gardens are boosted with the cooling temperatures, especially night temperatures. Flowers are in the height of their glory so I'm sharing a few of my planter combos.
The picture on the left is the planter south of the greenhouse. I planted Henna Coleus, Stonehenge Rose Bronze Leaf Begonias, Pink Angelonia and Cranberry Vinca. The begonias started a pastel pink but, in the sun, became much darker in color, which I like.
The picture on the right is a planter in my backyard. One of my tried-and-true favorites Red Head Coleus, Whopper Red Bronze Leaf Begonias and some Dusty Miller that was all but crowded out. Red Head Coleus never disappoints, and in the sun the color is almost neon. Hybrid coleus varieties get huge, so if you have a lot of space to fill remember them for next spring.
What were some of your favorite flowers this summer?
Winter hardy mums will be arriving soon so stay tuned.

08/23/2025

Who likes watermelon? Me, me me!
It's watermelon season and my friends Randy and Nadia at Harness Homestead in Unicoi Tennessee are in the middle of their harvest and have asked me to share a few watermelon gardening tips with you. Randy prefers Crimson Sweet Watermelon over other varieties he has tried mainly for... it's sweetness.
Though Randy will credit me for sending him the seed, it's really his knowledge and diligence that has produced a high-quality product along with the fresh certified seed.
Watermelons are not only delicious, but also have many health benefits such as, significantly increasing body hydration, reducing blood pressure, increasing blood flow, aids in digestion from the fiber, helps ease sore muscles after exercise, and promotes health in eyes and skin. When purchasing a watermelon, look for yellowing on the underside of the fruit, and a dull not glossy skin. Only refrigerate watermelon after cutting it because refrigerating them whole will stop them from ripening resulting in a less sweet melon.
When growing watermelons plant seed right after frost and make sure you have plenty of room. They prefer well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Melons like sun for at least 80 days and fertilizer heavy in phosphorus and potassium (the last 2 numbers.) Water deep 1-2 inches a week and reduce water as they ripen to increase the flavor. Randy has shared with me to not pick your melons right after a heavy rain or watering, the excess water will dilute the sugars in the melon, if it does rain, you must wait 3 days to pick them, and did you know that bees are responsible for pollination? Even more reason to provide for and protect the bees that are vital to growing our food.
So, if your fortunate enough to live near Harness Homestead in Unicoi Tennessee, stop by and buy a delicious watermelon!

08/22/2025

Autumn is just around the corner and it looks like we may be getting a taste of it next week!
Just in time, a new shipment of fall and winter Milkhouse Candles have arrived.
As always with Milkhouse, these candles are a clean burning mix of soy and bees wax with a no lead wick. The reason I like this company so much is their unusual, highly fragrant scents.
This year enjoy the scents of; Carmel Cold Brew, Hello Fall, Fireside Flannel, Fraser & Mint, Silver Birch, Victorian Christmas, Farmhouse Christmas and Many more! AND...look at these spooky cool skull candles! The scent is Unmarked Grave, an earthy scent of wood, spice and amber.
Stop in and see what's new!

08/20/2025

I like bright bold colored flowers, and these will knock your socks off! These new coral roses are just beautiful!
The cooler is full of grab and go arrangements sure to make any lucky recipients' day.
There are many price ranges of arrangements available or let me wrap a loose bouquet for you to put in your own vase. All bouquets come (or go) with a free greeting card.
Stop in, new merchandise is arriving, fall arrangements are being designed and maybe...just a hint of Christmas very soon!

08/18/2025

A little late in the day but here is an update on the poinsettias.
It's 12 days after planting and overall, I'm pleased. the roots are to the sides of the pots and peeking through the bottom, the color is good due to regular fertilizer. One area of concern is their growth. I don't believe the cutting grower is applying growth regulator like they used to before I get them, that coupled with the hot nights is causing them to stretch. Nights that don't cool off can not only cause them to stretch, but it can also cause heat delay. I have already made an application of PGR or Plant Growth Regulator otherwise known as dwarfing, when normally I only have to make this application one time the middle of September. I had this scenario last year and ended up dwarfing them 5 times to keep them under control. I'm hopeful the prediction for a cool front on Friday comes true, while the days may still be in the 80's it looks like the nights will be in the 60's, that's good. Did you know that most plants do their growing 30 minutes just before sunrise up to three hours after?
Every year is different and that's what makes this crop so interesting.

08/08/2025

The little poinsettias are now snug in their pots, I stayed late the day they arrived and got them all planted to help alleviate the stress on them, especially in this heat. It never fails to be in the 100's every year when they get here! Not to worry, they are enjoying a cooling mist for 2 seconds four times a minute (regulated by a time clock) and I already gave them something to eat...fertilizer lol. The roots look great on them, which is what is important now.
It won't be long, and we'll be celebrating the most wonderful time of the year!

08/06/2025

It's beginning to look a lot like...well, you know!
Let the poinsettia 2025 season begin! It's year 40 of me growing them, before me it was my dad for 24 years.
Merry Christmas!