The past weekend was a perfect weekend to spend some time outside. I hope all Mothers' had a memorable day with family and friends. I sure did.

       The gardening season continues and we still have lots of beautiful color in stock and a new tropical shipment from Florida due in this week.

       Join us at some of our fun filled events listed below. I myself cannot wait to learn how to make wine this Saturday, with Harvey Jasper! (We carry beer and wine making supplies now!) I hope to see you soon. Enjoy the cooler temperatures this week.

Sandi

By Sandi McDonald

       No backyard bird feeding station is complete without feeders to attract those tiny flying jewels, hummingbirds and the equally beautiful orioles.

       In the wild, hummingbirds have two major sources of food: flower nectar and small insects, such as gnats and spiders, which provide protein. They pick their insects from flowers or grab them out of the air as they dart around looking for nectar. Hummingbirds readily use a nectar feeder, and since ninety percent of their time is devoted to finding nectar, you really should have one or more of these specially designed feeders in your yard. 

       When you shop for a new hummingbird feeder, look for capacity. Choose a feeder that matches the number of hummers available to feed in your area. Large sizes may be tempting, but it's better to start with a smaller feeder to reduce waste and the likelihood of the nectar going bad.

Click here for more.

By Sandi McDonald

       Many annuals, perennials and wildflowers that grace our gardens also exist to feed the birds. Some produce seeds, some produce nectar and some have the added benefit of attracting butterflies, too. As you improve and diversify your own bird-friendly backyard, you help an environment that is being decimated by population growth and urban development. Planting to attract birds isn't difficult, and the rewards can be enormous.

       Watching the birds up close, you learn about their amazing interactions with native plants you've provided. And you discover more about the birds' needs for breeding and feeding, space required for territories, what's necessary for nesting and for stopovers during migration.

       Annual flowers are prolific seed producers, with the added benefit of almost-instant color to brighten your view. Try easy-to-grow bird-favorites such as cosmos, marigold and zinnia. A single zinnia seed head can keep a goldfinch busy for some time cracking open one seed per petal.

Click here for more.

    

       This month the Pot Shop will be doing a special demonstration on  May 17 (Noon-Close), on Raku, a 12th Century Japanese artistic technique! Come in and check out how it's done, and what it is! See the picture for an example!  

 Open Thursday and Friday's from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM!

       We're so grateful for our loyal, and consistent vendors! Thank you all! We'd also like to extend an invitation out to any NEW Vendors who may want to come out, as well! There is no set up fee! We offer a fun, relaxing, environment with the most beautiful ambiance in the area! There's no better place to stop on Thursdays or Fridays!  

We even had one Vendor Selling Morel Mushrooms!  

This is a Farmers' Market you don't want to miss!

  

       Are Bag Worms and Tent Caterpillars feeding on your trees and taking over your yard? We have what it takes to help you get rid of this problem! Stop by today for products to help STOP THE PESTS!!!

Click here for a printable article on control of these pests.  

Life Styling with Whole Food 

Wednesday, May 14 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm 

       Christine Abrell, a specialist in whole food education from Carlsbad California, will give a presentation showing how real food can help people live their lives more abundantly and on purpose. Learn how we are 'over-wired' and yet 'underfed', explore the food and disease connection and the truth about 'epigenetics', identify simple tips and tools that empower more vitality and passion in everyday living, see how good science can make good sense in whole food nutrition, discover that Lifestyling with whole food is fun, especially if you keep it Real! Free to attend. Please call 636-238-6729 to register. Click here for a printable flyer. 

Healthy Living Presentation Featuring the Tower Garden and Juice Plus+  

Thursday, May 15 from 6:00-7:00 pm 

       75% of all chronic disease is preventable with good nutrition! You can control your food's growing environment, use of pesticides and non GMO foods. You're in control of your food from seed to harvest right in your back yard! Please RSVP to Sandi McDonald at 636-299-8452.

Wine Making 101 

Saturday, May 17 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

       Come learn all the basics to get started on making your own wine at this class by Harvey Jasper! Click here for a printable flyer. 

Gardening with a Twist 

Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 pm

       Enjoy some wine and light snacks while planting a beautiful make and take seasonal container garden. Leave the mess for us to clean up! $30.00 workshop supply fee. Please call 636-239-6729 to sign up.

Visit our event page at  http://www.hillermann.com/events/  

anytime to view more coming events at Hillermann's.

  

Washington In Bloom -  

Yard of the Month Contest

       Enter the Yard of the Month Contest! Washington In Bloom is offering the contest in conjunction with the America In Bloom program. The contest runs May through October. Judging will be done the first week of the month. Judging will be based on front yard areas only. Enter through the Washington Parks Office.

Click here for an entry form.

Amitage's Greatest Perennials

and Annuals App

       Dr. A's app is brilliant, with a plethora of plant varieties and constant additions and upgrades. Photos, videos, Dr A's recommendations for the best plants and even great garden centers to visit. Interactive, informative, and, intelligent--download it today!

Click here for the app.

Featured Adoptable Pet 

       Hello, my name is Jaycie. I am a very happy, wiggly, 9 month old little girl. I am only about 15 pounds and won't get much bigger. I need a happy home with some activity as I have lots of energy. I have cute curly black fur on my back. I would love to have someone shower me with love.  

Wiggles and smiles, Jaycie