Quotation of the Week: "Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas." — Elizabeth Murray

From the Flower Shop

	Dracaena Deremensis (Dracaena Janet Craig)
Dracaena Janet Craig is one of our most popular houseplants, largely due to its ability to grow in lower light situations and tolerate dryness. Plants usually are potted up with 3-5 stalks per pot and can range from 2-10’ tall, and no more than 2’ wide per stalk. Their native habitat is Africa, Madagascar, New Guinea and the Canary Islands. These plants are primarily grown for their beautiful glossy foliage; however, it can also produce clusters of blooms that are dark red on the outside and white on the inside, although it is rare.
Light: Prefers bright indirect light, but will tolerate lower light conditions.
Water: Water thoroughly, and then allow it to go slightly dry betweens watering. Likes a fast draining soil mix, often planted with lava rock to help with drainage.
Temperature: Ideal temperatures are between 75-85 degrees during the day and 65-75 degrees during the night.
Fertilizer: Feed every month with a well balanced fertilizer, such as Peters All Purpose plant food 20-20-20 or a time release such as Osmocote 14-14-14.
Problems: You may notice dry or brown tips on the leaves; this is usually from too little humidity. Dracaenas benefit from misting the leaves, especially in the winter months when the furnace is on. A sudden loss of leaves can be caused by temperature changes, drafts, too much or too little water or poor drainage.
Tip: It is a good idea to keep the leaves clean as this helps to prevent insects from getting a foothold. Use a moistened soft cloth to remove dust.

Columbines

Need to brighten up a moist, shady spot in your spring garden? Consider some Columbines and you'll attract the hummingbirds as well. Their Latin name, Aquilegia, translates to "dove"... one look at the elegant spurred flowers will tell you why. The color range of Columbines is certainly one of its biggest attractions for gardeners. While all are worthwhile, look for the Songbird and Origami Series for a more compact plant with a long bloom season and the Winkie series for a more typical tall grower (24") with upward facing blooms. Keep in mind that the hotter your climate, the more shade Columbines will require. They like nice moist soil so adding a good amendment, such as Master Nursery Bumper Crop at planting and keeping your plants mulched is a good idea.

Try some and take flight with their beauty.

From The Garden Shop

Spring brings to mind splashes of color, although this year we’re getting splashes of rain. Where is Spring you ask? For now, it exists only in our minds. Oh, how we long for those days of endless sunshine, warm breezes, and a hint of jasmine cascading through the air. Aahhh. However, regardless of the weather, Easter arrives with the coming of Spring. Inside our Garden Shop, we’ve arrayed a darling assortment of Easter goodies. Whether it is bunnies, chicks, lambs, pastel ceramic pots, or Easter egg wind chimes, these indoor/outdoor ‘must-haves’ will bring fun and enjoyment to your Easter celebration. Orchard has something for everyone’s Spring festivities. Dress up your house from the inside out with beautiful flowers and accessories, or find the perfect hostess gift -we have an abundance of unique options. Remember, we’re still giving out Bonus Bucks through the end of April!

What You'll Need: 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 tbsp. sugar (or to taste) 1/2 tbsp. chopped fresh mint 1/8 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Step by Step:

In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, buttermilk, sugar, chopped mint and vanilla until smooth. Spoon strawberries into individual dishes and drizzle with the yogurt sauce. Yield: 4 servings