GUESTS - NOT PESTS!!  

       What emotion do you think Leslie (Greenhouse Sales) had when she spotted dozens of caterpillars on some of our parsley plants, anger? No, it was delight! Leslie knew that the caterpillars feasting on our parsley were actually the larvae of Swallowtail Butterflies! These colorful guests will eat their fill and then transform into beautiful butterflies that will help pollinate flowers and edible plants as they sip nectar from blooms. Besides, parsley is a hardy plant and there is often more than you need in the garden. It will come back once the baby butterflies are done eating and become beautiful flying flowers.

     There are good bugs and bad bugs in the garden. Research any that you are not familiar with or come ask us whether a bug in your garden is good or bad. We can help learn more about natural products for plant pests and problems that will be safer for good bugs and your family.

 

BEAT THE HEAT WITH EXTREME PLANTS

By Patty Lynch

       The dog days of summer here in the Midwest can remind one of the Sahara. Yet, some plants refuse to be taken down by Mother Nature. You could call them the Ultimate fighters of the horticulture world. These plants have stood the test of time and have been selected not only because they are hardy and easy to grow, but because they can withstand hot, dry summers better than most others. It also helps to choose plants native to our area because they adapt to changing climate conditions. Besides selecting drought tolerant plants, consider the soil. Conditioning the soil with organic matter helps to retain moisture.

       The following is a list of drought & heat tolerant (once established) perennials, trees, & shrubs...

Perennials

Baptisia - Blue indigo flower spikes in spring on shrub like plant 3-4' tall x 3-4' wide. Seed pods turn black in fall. Attracts butterflies.

Click here for more. 

Video from Garden Answer

Click the image to see the video. 

       No matter where you live, summer is a busy time for lawn care. To help with this, STIHL has great tips for keeping your yard healthy throughout the season. You can use a variety of STIHL tools to combat weeds, water accumulation, grass discoloration, and more. Whatever Mother Nature throws at you this summer, we have helpful lawn care tips for dealing with seasonal extremes.

Click here for more.

       Visit the Pot Shop in the Garden Center at Hillermann Nursery & Florist. Watch the artists at work creating one of a kind hand made pottery and browse our finished pieces! See pottery in all the different stages of creating, firing and glazing! Pick up handmade pottery for a unique gift or to add to the décor in your home.

       Pottery Classes: Learn to make your own pottery items! We can work with your schedule. Call us to learn more!

       Pot Parties: Enjoy a Pot Party with a group and make your own pottery item! Gather friends, family, scouts, a home schooled group, or any group for a fun activity! Pot Parties are just $25.00 per person and can host 3 - 12 people.

For more information,

call Carol at (636)221-5593 or Noreen at (636)584-3169

or send us an email to potshopathillermann@gmail.com.

Washington in Bloom 

Yard of the Month Contest

       Washington In Bloom is offering the Yard of the Month contest in conjunction with the America In Bloom program. Contest runs May through October. The judges will assess any area on the property visible from the street. We are looking for the best curb appeal (lawns, shrubs, flowers, and trees). To be eligible the property must be within the corporate limits of the City of Washington. Simply fill out this form and your residence will be eligible for the entire length of the contest.

       Enter the St. Louis Post Dispatch Great Garden Contest! Hillermann Gift Cards are among the several great prizes that are available.

Click here for more information.