2020 Year in Review – Annual Color
Each year I love doing annual color plantings more and more. In the past, I used to hate annuals, but I have learned how much of an impact and statement they can make. With our ever-changing weather patterns, it can be difficult to choose annuals that will withstand heat, drought, flooding, and cool spells. However, […]
Annuals for Shade
Shade loving annuals can be a bit tricky, especially here in Northeast Kansas. Our summers can be hot and dry or hot and wet. These are difficult conditions for annuals, whether in shade or sun. Shade Annual Care Fortunately, we do have some annuals that will work very well in shade and thrive in the […]
Love ’em & Leave ’em!
I recently read to articles on the timeliness of articles when pertaining to horticulture practices for homeowners. One was too late and the other was just in time. I hope this one is just in time as the weather is getting colder and the days shorter. Now that autumn is really here, we begin to […]
A Stroll Through Jeryl’s Garden
Summer is far upon us now, and yet the gardens at Grimm’s are at their peak performance. Jeryl Grimm has a walk through her kitchen garden lined with annuals and some perennials for the enjoyment of her family and those who visit her. Around their house, Doug and Jeryl have planted many trees, shrubs, perennials, […]
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, this corner to be exact. When I think back on all the things that my mom has done for me and is still doing for me, I think also of the ways in which she has influenced my life. When I go home, we walk and discuss the […]
Brrr! It is Getting Cold Outside!
With our first frost this year, also comes our first freeze here in Northeast Kansas. Normally there are a few weeks in between these events. Being a maintenance foreman gets me excited in the fall for the first hard freeze. A killing freeze that knocks down annuals, kills the tops of perennials and allows for […]
What To Do About Autumn
As the rain beats steadily against the windows of our office, I sit and think about the upcoming season. This is my 6th season as the Maintenance Foreman at Grimm’s Gardens, I look forward to even more to come. Autumn always brings about a relief and dread. I love to see the colors of autumn […]
A Trip to the K-State Bedding Plant Trials
Every year for the last 7 years, I have attended the Annual Bedding Plant Trial Day in Olathe, put together by Kansas State University. This year, they had improved the trial beds and it was the best looking annuals they have had in my time. 6 Grimm’s Gardens professionals went to the trials, including Doug […]
Xeri-Pot Containers
The Xeri-Pot was a creation of mine during the summer of 2012 when the weather proved to be extremely dry and hot. It was so hot that the nights did not cool down, and often roasted plantings overnight. Annual plantings wilted and dried up quickly, providing for the opportunity to create something that could live […]