Memorial Day is when we remember and honor those who are serving and have served in the United States armed forces. I was asked to re-share what I wrote last year about the men in our family who served. 

When I was a little girl, my grandmother, Rose Behnke, had a very large map on the dining room door of Vietnam. She would mark where Uncle Roland had been while flying C130's. He would also send us eight-track tapes (on large reels) with wonderful recorded messages home. In his early years he helped with the Behnke business. He entered the U.S. Air Force through the Aviation Cadet Program in 1953 and graduated with the class 55-Q. His first assignment was with the Strategic Air Command as a B-47 co-pilot in Lincoln, NE. He flew many planes during the course of his years in the Air Force including the C-119, T-39, T-6, C-130, B-25, and the C-47. He was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals for flights while in Vietnam. He continued his Air Force career until he retired in 1976. After he retired he returned to Behnke Nurseries for many years, serving as President until he retired once again and moved to St. Mary's with his wife Ele.

Uncle Will joined the United Stated Marines when he was 18. He went to boot camp in South Carolina and then was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. From there he was deployed to South Korea and served until 1957. He  returned to California where he still lives with his bride of 50 years, 5 children, and many many grandchildren. The photo above was taken in December of 1953 or 1954 in Korea, Inchon Harbor. 

Uncle Albert joined the United States Air Force and served from 1971 to 1975. He was stationed in England. His brother, Roland had the honor of swearing him into the Air Force.

Then there is my cousin Mark Behnke (Roland's son) who joined the United States Air Force in  1989. Mark flew the AC130 during his time in the military, and then also returned to Behnke's where he set up our I.T. department, and was later President of the company. He is an aerospace engineer, and lives in Maryland with his wife and 3 children.

My cousin Carl Behnke's son, Benjamin Albert Behnke, (Roland's grandson) joined the United States Army 2 years ago. This past year he has been stationed in Iraq. 

We are all so very proud of Ben and all the other men and women who serve our country.

 - Stephanie Fleming, Behnke Nurseries

 
Check Out What We're Excited About
Echinacea
SUN!
Though the next few days promise to be cooler, we still seem to be staring Summer in the face.  Get ready for the sun with summer-flowering perennials.  Click here for our list of five favorites. 

MEMORIAL WEEKEND!
 All active and retired American Veterans will receive 10% off all regularly priced items, Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Just show your military I.D. when you check out.

TROPICALS!
It's going to be a nice, long weekend.  Really relax by surrounding yourself with hibiscus, mandevillas & jasmine for a backyard paradise.  
Click here to learn about blending tropicals into your landscape.


Vegetable Plants are on Sale!
25% Off!


Click the link above to see all this
week's great deals!



Garden Club Special:

25% Off Clematis

Must be a Behnke Garden Club
member to get this special price.
To join, Sign Up Here!
Or, sign up next time you are at Behnke's.

Members enjoy special weekly sales and coupons.Plus, extra specials and news via
snail mail. Membership is FREE! 





Bee Balm
A Few Perennials: 
Plant Ahead for Summer Color
~Larry Hurley, Perennial Specialist 

Once again, Larry Hurley comes through with some timely thoughts on five different groups of perennials you should consider to, plant ahead.


 Arranged Marriages 
(of flowers, of course!):
Choosing a Florist for Wedding Flowers
~Evelyn Kinville

Know someone who's planning a wedding?  
Evelyn shares some great tips for picking the perfect florist for the big day.



Jessica's Garden:
There's Nothing Like a Little Dirt Therapy
~ Jessica J. Crawford


Jessica indulges in some "dirt therapy."  See what she's planting and making (like chive flower salt) in preparation for a delicious summer.

 




Guest Blog:
A Purposeful Garden
~ Emily Stashower


Learn why Emily is making the transition from planting for pure aesthetics to incorporating native plants and those that will attract wildlife into her garden.

 



Coming Up...
 

free talk: Easy Herbs: Preserving & Cooking

Saturday, May 30, 1:30pm
w/ Behnke Blogger Jessica Crawford

 
Herb container
 free talk:  Growing Herbs in Containers

Sunday, May 31, 12noon
w/ Carol Allen

 
free talk: Growing a Kitchen Herb Garden

Sunday, May 31, 2pm

 

Saturday, June 6, 9am to 3pm

A day of education & fun, including:
- "Grow Your Best Tomatoes Ever" a free talk 
by radio show host, Mike McGrath 
- free wine tasting
- 2 free talks by Carol Allen 
- & MORE! 

 



Check out our Events Calender for a full list of talks and events.

Behnke's Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 9am to 7pm
Friday: 9am to 8pm
Saturday: 8am to 7pm 
Sunday: 9am to 6pm 

MEMORIAL DAY:
We will be closing early at 6pm on Monday, May 25. 

 

11300 Baltimore Ave.  Beltsville, Maryland  20705

301-937-1100  |  www.behnkes.com  | [email protected]