Valley View Farms

Seeds!

2012-02-01T13:53:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, we mentioned that the time to get seeds is early in the season to get the best selection. Well, the time is NOW!

Donna

You can't believe the number of seeds that Donna Steele has organized and placed in our seed racks. And, not surprisingly, many gardeners have already been in to take a look at the tremendous variety offered.

Vegetable Seeds Galore

Close to 60 sunflowers, more lettuces than one can imagine, Asian vegetables and organic and heirloom seeds fill two aisles. We love that Donna arranges them in alphabetical order by the type of seeds. That way, all of the tomato seeds are in one area and we can compare the offerings from Ferry Morse, Burpee, Renee's Garden, Botanical Interests, Livingston, Lake Valley, Baker Creek and Meyer seed companies.

A Small Section of our Seed Aisles

Brian, our garden shop manager and buyer, has brought in excellent seed starting potting mixes, heating mats, starting trays, mini greenhouses, grow lights and peat pots in many sizes. We even spied some live moss and mushroom kits.

Everything for Starting Seeds

We have seed starting seminars scheduled during the winter months; check our website for a list of events. So, it's ready, set GROW! See you in the seed aisles.

New Year's Resolutions for the Gardener

2012-01-02T12:19:00.001-05:00

Year after year, we make the same resolutions; lose weight, get organized and get more exercise. This year, I'm suggesting a bit of a twist by offering ideas for gardening resolutions. Here it goes!

Test the soil. Bring in a baggie to our garden shop and we will test it free for pH. Refresh your soil with organic matter by adding compost from your own garden or by the addition of Leafgro.
Purchase seeds early for the best selection, but be careful not to plant them too early. Most seeds take only 8 weeks or so to grow to transplant size. Bigger is not necessarily better. Check individual seed packets for information.
Sort and clean tools now. Donate tools no longer in use. Upgrade to ergonomic tools, like those from Radius, if it will make gardening more comfortable.
Speaking of which, start 'Spring Training' to get into shape for stooping, weeding, digging and the like.
Take some photos now of your garden areas to see the 'bones' of the garden. Look for ways to add vignettes, seating areas and, naturally, more plants.
Share plants and ideas with gardening friends. A group of us here at Valley View Farms visit each others gardens for inspiration and a chance to see what a great job each has accomplished. As a bonus, there are always plants to divide and give away.
Take the time now to read and attend classes about gardening. We offer seminars here in February, March and April. Go to the Grow It Eat It website for a schedule of vegetable classes as well. Our gardening resources have increased in the last few years with the addition of classroom space at Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore and The Baltimore County Agriculture Center in Hunt Valley.
Plant more pansies! Planted in spring or fall, they add smiles to every one's faces. If the ground is too wet, plant up some pots to set around the garden and front entryway to your home.
Add a bench, a piece of statuary, a bottle tree, a birdbath or some gazing globes. These little additions to the garden add a dramatic flair and keep the eye searching for fun.
Keep a journal. Last year's weather was unique, but I will soon forget why. (Drought in early summer, record rainfall in late summer). Journaling on a smart phone, through photographs, or the old-fashioned way, a pencil and notebook, will help with future challenges in you garden.

I might have a shot at keeping some of these this year. Happy New Year!

WBAL Radio Kids Campaign at Valley View Farms

2011-12-23T10:51:00.000-05:00

Scott Wykoff's Blog

Home > Scott Wykoff's Blog

Thursday, December 22, 2011

A Gift That Keeps On Giving

When it comes to Baltimore holiday traditions, there's nothing quite like the tradition of seeing (and hearing) WBAL's Kids Campaign broadcast from Valley View Farms. And being reminded once again of just how generous Baltimoreans really are.

For more than a decade now it is how countless Baltimoreans usher in the Christmas holiday.

And it all benefits the WBAL Kids Campaign!

Once again this year WBAL's Morning News with Dave Durian and Bill Vanko set-up shop in one of the East Coast's best Christmas shops for what has evolved into a Baltimore holiday family tradition.

There's no better time or place to experience the magic of the holiday season in Baltimore.

And how about the many folks who come out to say hi each year at Valley View Farms and support the WBAL Kids Campaign.

In just a couple of hours one morning this year the likes of MRI Global Search, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and RK&K Engineers donated tens of thousands of dollars. And like I said, that was just in a couple of hours.

That said, think of all the many other companies and organizations who also come-by to make donations over the course of the two days WBAL's Morning News does its thing at Valley View Farms.

Also, how cool is it to see individual WBAL listeners from all walks of life walk up to Dave Durian, Bill Vanko, Keith Mills, Malarie Pinkard, Johnny Goldsmith and the 'Piano Man' Brent Hardesty to give whatever they can to help their fellow Baltimoreans.

Simply put, every penny, nickle, dime and dollar that is donated to the WBAL Radio Kids Campaign at Valley View Farms and over the course of the year goes directly to the benefit young, economically deprived boys and girls in the WBAL Radio listening area as WBAL Radio covers all the administrative costs of the Kids Campaign.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBAL Radio Kids Campaign and to hear the stories of who benefits from the generosity of so many WBAL listeners across the Baltimore-area.

It's also neat each year to see listeners come out to Valley View Farms who renew their friendships with others they only see once a year during these live WBAL Radio broadcasts during the holiday season.

And how about all the great singing groups who get up early in the morning to perform at Valley View Farms on WBAL like from Calvert Hall High School, John Carroll High School and Sum Of Their Parts. Just to name a few.

I've talked to folks over the years who say it just wouldn't be Christmas for them and their families if they didn't come out to enjoy all the fun during the WBAL radio broadcasts at Valley View Farms in the days leading up to the big day.

And how about all the great food and snacks that Royal Farms (their great coffee above), Chef's Expressions and Miss Shirley's brought by this year! Not to mention the great folks at Esskay who have sponsored the broadcasts from Valley View Farms once again.

And if you can't make it out to see and hear all the holiday fun this year and you want to make a donation, you can mail your contributions to:

The WBAL Radio Kids Campaign
3800 Hooper Avenue Baltimore,
Maryland 21211

Thanks to all the generous contributions, hundreds of Baltimore-area boys and girls will have a very Merry Christmas and truly a Happy New Year!

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: Name: Scott Wykoff; Location: Baltimore, Maryland, United States

I joined the WBAL Radio news department in 2002. In my career, I've covered the September 11th terrorist attacks on the Pentagon, Cal Ripken’s Hall of Fame Induction, the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions, Barbaro's breakdown in the Preakness and shootings at the Capitol, the White House, and the National Zoo. Now, I'm thrilled to be working for WBAL Radio, covering BOTH 2008 political conventions. I'm honored to be the recipient of three national Edward R. Murrow awards from the Radio-Television News Directors Association.

View my complete profile

Steinbach Nutcrackers

2011-12-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

The Steinbach Nutcracker signing occurs on Friday, December 9th this year, from 4-8 pm. Valley View Farms' relationship with the Steinbach family goes back to the early 1990s.

In 2003, we moved many of the nutcrackers out to the greenhouse for some elbow room

Herr Christian Steinbach would visit for a day or two in December to meet and greet admirers of his wooden toy factory's work. Nutcrackers, smokers, small wood carvings and ornaments that had been on display in our International Christmas Shop were brought back by our customers to have them signed by Herr Steinbach.


Herr Steinbach signs a nutcracker as his assistant looks on

But, he did much more than that. Each piece was signed and often contained a personal message. He would stamp or draw little designs on the bottom of the nutcracker and then take the time to fix any minor imperfections he would see in each one. Herr Steinbach would then pose with each collector for a quick Polaroid photo. Dressed in his traditional lederhosen, he was quite the character.

Kathy, Tim and Herr Steinbach delight the audience during a raffle drawing

For the past several years, Karla Steinbach, Herr Christian Steinbach's daughter, has come to Valley View to carry on this tradition. Karla is the 6th generation to head the Steinbach company in Hohenhameln, Germany.

Karla chats with collectors as she signs

She dresses in traditional German clothing as well,and, seated at a desk in the International Christmas Shop, looks at home signing nutcrackers and speaking to today's collectors.

Karla keeps the Steinbach tradition going

It's nice to know that these traditions, much like the art and craft of creating a a nutcracker from the forests of Germany, continue. Stop in if you have the chance, to meet Karla and speak to her about her work. And, if you miss this year's signing, look forward with us, to next year.

John Hessler, City Planner Extraordinaire

2011-11-07T08:20:00.002-05:00

John Hessler manages Valley View's patio department for half of the year. He uses his artistic talent to create patio settings that people might enjoy on their porches and patios. But, by late summer, John switches hats as he begins to display our Department 56 Village Collection. John just finished designing and building the 11 different villages that we offer. The display sits in the center of our Christmas shop surrounded by over 100 decorated themed trees. John is a talented city planner---we've got an amazing 80 foot display as proof.

John Hessler shows us how its done!

I asked John which village is his personal favorite and he quickly answered "Christmas in the City". John's own collection includes over 30 buildings from that collection and another 30 from the North Pole series that he began collecting when his daughter Ashlee was just 3 months old. Ashlee is 20 now.
John is happy to share tips and techniques with customers everyday at the store. Every year we showcase John's talent during our Department 56 event, being held this year on the weekend of November 12th and 13th. We are also honored to have Department 56 Village artist Tom Bates with us on Saturday. Tom is the predominant designer of the Christmas in the City series, and also works on The Alpine Village, The Original Snow Village, and The North Pole Series. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet Tom and have him sign your Department 56 piece from 12-4 pm.

Tom Bates signing as Cathy Kramer talks to a collector

We are also pleased to have Ken Scwartz with us. Ken will be here all weekend to discuss the villages with collectors. Ken is the founder of one of the oldest Department 56 Collectors Clubs in the country. I'm pretty sure that between Ken and John, every possible question anyone may have about the villages, past and present, can be answered. Also, Cathy Kramer, our representative from Department 56, will be here to talk to folks about their village pieces.

Clockwise from top left: Tom Bates, Ken Scwartz, Kathy Foard, Cathy Kramer and John Hessler

John's display demonstration will be held this year on Sunday at 12:00. We'll all learn some great tips to make our villages more beautiful. I should mention that some of our most avid collectors work at Valley View Farms. Max Barton, whose mom and grandmother both work here, may be working as John's assistant.


John and his able assistant, Max

I would have added the photos of John's 11 villages, but photos just don't do it justice. Stop in and take a look yourself and meet John and the crew.

Planting Bulbs for Spring Color

2011-10-22T08:33:00.002-04:00

Planting bulbs identifies a gardener as a true optimist. Who else would plant brown orbs of varying sizes hoping for brilliant Spring color?

The cooler night time temperatures and frosty fall mornings mean it is time to plant. Valley View Farms still has a complete selection of bulbs including daffodils, tulips, iris, hyacinths, alliums and much, much more.

Many of the bulbs are deer resistant, in fact, all animals leave the toxic bulbs of the daffodils alone. Others would benefit from an application of Bobbex when they are planted to keep pesky chipmunks and squirrels away.
Choose an area that receives six hours of sun or more for optimum results. Plant in a well drained area as most bulbs don't like "wet feet". Add compost to the bed as you plant, but don't worry about adding a fertilizer right now. The best time to feed will be in the spring as the flowers fade.
In general, larger bulbs like tulip and daffodils should be placed 6-8 inches deep. Smaller, minor bulbs like crocus are fine planted just 3-4 inched deep. Planting them deeper may prevent some varmints from getting to them and allows for adding winter-hardy pansies over the planting bed.
Choose tools that are comfortable for planting. Bulb planters are great for planting individual bulbs. Look for an auger for the household drill to speed things up a bit. Because I plant my bulbs in clumps of 6-12 bulbs, I generally use my garden shovel for most planting tasks. Plant pointy side up, but don't worry if your not sure which end is up; the bulb will grow towards light regardless.

There are many good websites with wonderful ideas for planting. Click here to view the new website from the folks in the Netherlands called Dig, Drop, Done. They have some videos and a gallery for some added inspiration.
Planting bulbs is easy. Add them to your garden now and you'll be enjoying spring flowers for years to come.

Pumpkin Art

2011-10-06T12:49:00.001-04:00

We have some talented people working at Valley View Farms. One of our long-time employees, Carey Wilkerson, is especially artistic.

She personalizes Christmas ornaments in November and December, and creates hand-painted signs for all of our departments. This time of year, Carey also decorates pumpkins. Here are four of them that we presented to local television stations.

The ballerina pumpkin is painted pink. An added tutu and a tiara make this extreme makeover complete!

Talk about about a whopper of a hamburger;the burger and fixin's are made of felt. The lettuce is tissue paper. I love the sesame seeds made from pumpkin seeds. .

This scary pumpkin is painted black. Those eyes sure are creepy, but scarier yet are the roots. They are made from that spray foam found in the hardware store. Creepy!

My favorite decorated pumpkin is the puppy. Faux fur was used to create the adorable paws, tail and floppy ears. The puppy's muzzle is some type of clay. She is adorable!

Thanks, Carey, for sharing your creativity with us. Now when I pick out my pumpkins, it won't necessarily be for carving.

Fall To-Do list

2011-09-16T09:27:00.002-04:00

Calling all gardeners! Now is the BEST time for several tasks and projects for the home landscape. We've received plenty of rain late this summer. The soil temperatures remain warm even as the air cools. The timing is perfect for transplanting trees, shrubs, perennials and grass seed. And, if you're like a lot of us, most of the planting around the house was completed in spring, providing beautiful blooms and color in April and May but leaving the landscape a little bland right now.
Here, in no particular order, is a fall to-do list.

Plant pansies, mums and ornamental cabbage and kale for autumn color in pots and the garden.

Renovate the lawn; check our website for some seeding and fertilizing tips.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils and other colorful flowers.

Plant perennials, trees and shrubs. They get a chance to be well rooted in time for spring. Look for plants with colorful leaves, late season flowers and attractive bark. Consider trees and shrubs with berries, like pyracantha, hawthorn, beauty berry and various hollies. They are beautiful and the birds love them.

Protect houseplants and tropical plants. Be prepared to bring them in before the first frost. Check leaves and stems for insects; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap before moving plants inside. Repot plants in the spring if necessary.

Dig up summer bulbs like dahlias, cannas and caladiums. Store them in a frost free area and replant in spring.
Visit our water gardening department for information and a handout on how to overwinter your pond. Better yet, attend Tim's seminar on October 8th at 9 o'clock for tips from the expert.
Tidy up. Recent storms have left branches and leaves in the lawn and garden
Edge perennial beds.
Remove spent flowers from daisy-flowered perennials and annuals to keep them flowering for the remainder of the fall season.

Remove perennial weeds that have taken root in the garden.
Empty the compost bin. We'll be filling them back up with leaves in no time.
Keep a journal of successes and challenges in this year's garden. Take some photos to keep with the journal for reminders of the past season.
Clean bird feeders to get ready for any of our feathered friends that aren't flying south.

Mostly, enjoy the fall. We'll have all the gardening supplies you'll need plus everything to decorate your home for autumn. Pumpkins of all sizes, gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks,and other fall decorations are displayed in abundance outside.

Fall wreaths and garlands, many ornaments for Halloween and our famous Halloween shop are stocked up and ready for visitors.

And, if you want to take a sneak peek at our Christmas display, you might find our elves hard at work.

The Hottest Pepper in the World?

2011-08-22T15:02:00.000-04:00

Buddah's real name is Al Goldenberg. He is a renowned 'chilehead', hosting a website called I Love it Spicy. Buddah reviews chile pepper products, lets others know about upcoming 'chilihead' events and hosts a forum where other like-minded pepper lovers can meet.
Last week, Buddah stopped by Valley View Farms to talk with Kathy and Carrie about hot peppers. Buddah, along with other chile pepper aficianados, had watched the world's hottest pepper designation change at least 3 times last year, going from India, to the UK and finally to Australia. Peppers are measured in Scoville units. The Australian pepper was measured at 1,300,000 Scoville heat units, making it 300,000 units hotter than the Bhut Jolokia pepper. Take a look at the following chart for an idea of just how hot this pepper is. I can hardly handle Jalapenos!

Buddah traced the latest pepper, known as Trinidad Scorpion Butch T's Strain, to a garden center in Cockeysville, MD. You guessed it; the hottest pepper in the world was traced right back to us. It is our famous Trinidad Scorpion pepper! One of Valley View Farms' founders, Punkey Foard, collected several very hot peppers on his trips to Trinidad and Tobago during his winter vacations over many years. He took the seed to our greenhouses where we started growing Trinidad Hot Peppers as part of our vegetable transplant offerings a couple of decades ago.Though we've made the claim that Trinidad Scorpion is the hottest pepper in the world, it wasn't until Buddah's interview that we learned it may be recognized by the world's experts for its fiery heat.Click here to watch the interview in its entirety.
Thank you, Buddah. See you in April 2012 when our pepper transplants will be available once again.

Cherry Dazzle Crapemyrtle

2011-08-04T14:02:00.000-04:00

We've all seen the beautiful red, pink, purple and white blooms of crapemyrtles in many yards and landscapes.

Look closely and you'll notice interesting bark patterns on many of the large trees as well. Crapemyrtles, in both tree and shrub forms, will add color from July through most of September. As an added bonus, once established, they are drought tolerant in our area.

One of our favorite new varieties is called Cherry Dazzle. A dwarf, compact crapemyrtle, it grows just 3-4 feet high. Cherry red blooms add color to garden borders, containers and mass plantings. I love them in perennial borders where their rich, red blooms combine well with all sorts of plants, including ornamental grasses, echinacea, and liriope. Cherry Dazzle continues to add interest in the garden in autumn with its bright red foliage, contrasting beautifully with the rest of the fall garden and landscape.

You'll find many varieties of crapemyrtles ready to plant into gardens and containers now in our nursery. Our helpful signage will indicate height, width and care for each variety that is available.

Photos courtesy Gardener's Confidence Collection

Summer-Time for Vegetables

2011-07-16T12:34:00.000-04:00

Summer vegetables just can't be beat. And, what is more rewarding than harvesting them from your very own garden? The cool, wet April seemed to be perfect for many of the cool weather crops like peas, broccoli and lettuce.

Then, as summer temperatures soared, it was tough to keep up with the daily harvest of cucumbers and squash. More than one friend on facebook spoke of a record zucchini harvest. Lots of zucchini bread will be baking in kitchens all around Baltimore.

Now, the tomatoes and peppers are ripening, ready to add to salads and the backyard grill. And the eggplant; you've got to have these beautiful purple, lavender and white fruits for a proper ratatouille. Yum!

That beautiful yellow flower on top of the 4 foot tall plant will soon start producing okra, a necessity for any good gumbo, in just a little while.

Summertime is when our plates finally hold that perfect ratio of fruits and vegetables to meats and starches. It's easy to eat right when the food is fresh and tastes so darn good.
Herbs have been growing very well in the summer heat. Basil flavors vegetable and meats. And could we go without pesto when the basil harvest is so plentiful?

Enjoy the summer garden. Just think, by August 1st, it will be time for that second round of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and lettuces. What a great way to spread good nutrition into fall.

Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds

2011-06-10T09:43:00.002-04:00

Jan and Marian presented a seminar on attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Both women are experienced gardeners and, though they have been gardening for years, get excited by every hummingbird and butterfly that visits their respective flowers. Last summer, Marian noticed eggs on the Asclepias tuberosa, aka butterfly weed and Asclepias incarnata aka milkweed. A project was born! The Monarch butterfly eggs were collected and placed in a terrarium with a screened lid. As the eggs developed into chrysalises, the watch began. Marian and Jan took lots of photographs tracking the metamorphosis of the butterflies.

As the time grew near for the butterflies to emerge, coworkers and customers stood nearby to watch the first flights of these winged wonders. Marian and Jan told the story of this summer project with a slide show.

Hummingbirds are regular visitors to many of our staff member's gardens.

We have learned through trial and error which plants attract the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds. Most of us also use hummingbirds feeders to keep these diminutive creatures nearby.

And, our signs at Valley View Farms depict whether a plant is attractive to the hummingbirds and butterflies. We strongly suggest that little if any pesticides be used on or around the garden where hummingbirds and butterflies may be feeding.

The photographs were taken by Jan and Marian. Many were viewed during the seminar. They were fascinating! Thanks for sharing, ladies.

It's Wow Time!

2011-05-17T09:03:00.002-04:00

Maybe those of us that work in the garden center take it for granted. The colors here are unbelievable. Today I tried to go through the front gate and just look at the garden center from someone elses eyes. Here is what I saw on this slightly overcast day.

Pottery and beautifully planted containers greet everyone as they approach our entrances to both the outside and indoor sales area.

The outdoor pottery shed is full of pots for outdoor plantings for all sorts of beautiful plant pairings.

Azaleas are finishing their main blooming season. Three large plants are being installed in my own landscape next week.

Roses in a kaleidoscope of colors take up a huge area in our nursery. The Knockout roses, with their fantastic performance, are customer favorites.

Upon entering the greenhouse, table after table of bedding plants, annuals, tropicals and vegetables are displayed with easy to read signage indicating sun and shade compatability. Want to know if butterflies like it? It's on the sign.

Hanging baskets are grown in our farm greenhouses in nearby Hydes, Maryland. Should we run out, we are blessed to have some other fantastic growers ready to supply area porches and patios.

Step inside and see the adorable and witty t-shirts. Fun gift ware and indoor pottery are all around.

Kids like gardening too. Plenty of colorful tools are available in child sizes.

Patio umbrellas and cushions, tableware and more offer unbelievable color for outdoor home entertaining.

A walk over to the display ponds is a necessity to see the ponds and our demonstration butterfly gardens. Take a peek into the water gardens to see the koi. The kids love to help feed the fish everyday at 12:30.

It's easy to walk through here everyday and forget to take a look around. Take a few minutes and just enjoy the surroundings. I have; it's amazing.

p.s. Thanks to Marian for taking the great photos!

Ready, Set, Go!

2011-04-18T12:47:00.001-04:00

Our unseasonably cool April has slowed gardeners down a bit this year. Many of us, especially those of us out in the northern and western Baltimore suburbs want to get going with our container plantings and annual beds outside. Mother's Day may be the rule for tender annuals like impatiens and begonias, but many plants can go outside right now without worrying about low temperatures and frost.
Verbena is available in many colors. It is great to use as a trailing plant in a planter or as a very colorful groundcover that will bloom all summer. We use them in combination with geraniums and petunia in our farm greenhouse-grown hanging baskets.

Another hanging basket favorite is the Wave petunia. Burgundy Star was new last year. If performed well through our cool spring and hot summer in 2010.

The family of black petunias is new this year. Phantom, Pinstripe and Black Velvet have all garnered lots of attention from garden writers this year.
Many other annuals do well planted now and often blooming all summer long. Take a look at beautiful pink diascia, snapdragons, alyssum, dusty miller and all sorts of hybrid petunias. In the meantime, be patient. Warmer weather is just around the corner.

Spring To-Do List

2011-04-03T14:54:00.000-04:00

Finally, spring looks like it may be here to stay. Here is my to-do list for my next couple of days off. What's yours?

Replace foundation shrubs around the house. I'll be looking for deer resistant shrubs and maybe a few azaleas. I'll be using Liquid Fence to keep the animals away.

Deer-resistant plum yew

Add compost or Leafgro to all of my garden beds to get them ready for planting. Leafgro adds much needed organic matter to the soil, creating a healthy environment for growing.

Leafgro, our favorite soil amendment

Plant cole crops, like broccoli and cabbage. Lettuce, peas, onions and potatoes can go in now too. Wait a bit on tomatoes, peppers and eggplant unless you live in Baltimore city or areas south.

Cole crops and lettuces are grown by Valley View Farms

Plant spring-blooming trees and shrubs. A little color goes a long way to get spring started in the yard.

Nothing says spring like forsythia

Now is a great time to add perennials too. Beautiful pastels are especially valued for spring color.

Phlox subulata is great for slopes

Feed trees, shrubs, perennials and vegetable plants to get their roots, leaves and blooms ready to go for spring and summer.

Espoma is one of our lines of fertilizer

And, finally, get a head start on pesky weeds. Use Jonathan Green's Crabgrass Preventer and Greenup for a beautiful lawn. Use Amaze and Concern weed preventers to keep garden beds weed free.


Is that Scotty hiding behind the crabgrass preventer?

Weed preventers are a real timesaver

I will also take some time to stop and smell the roses, pansies and other spring flowers. Hope you have a fun and productive time getting ready for spring and summer.


I love, love, love pansies

Filming Commercials at Valley View Farms

2011-03-13T14:36:00.000-04:00

Whew! We just finished a week of filming twenty of our spring commercials at Valley View Farms. Our friends from WBAL TV spent the entire time checking lights, audio, all of our beautiful garden settings and our on-air "talent" while they rolled camera filming our thirty second spots.

Don and the crew from WBAL TV make sure the lighting and set are ready

So many people from Valley View Farms kicked in to make this year a success. Thanks to Andy, Matt, Andy, Jan, Suzanne, Mary Beth, Bonnie, John, Carlton, Brian and our adman Dick.

Suzanne is waiting for the "action" signal

And, thanks to our co-workers and customers who were so patient and "quiet on the set". Don, Jen, Sean, Dave, Steve, the three Mikes, Mark, Adam, Amy, Josh and all the folks at WBAL; thanks for making us look good. Stay tuned to WBAL all spring to see the results.

Dogs and bunnies steal the show

2011 Plants of the Year

2011-02-14T12:28:00.002-05:00

The National Garden Bureau has declared the tomato and zinnia as 2011's vegetable and flower of the year.

Profusion Zinnias

Both plants are very popular here at Valley View Farms. Our farm's greenhouse staff is growing 39 varieties of tomatoes this year from the diminutive Tiny Tim to the huge Beefsteak varieties.

Young Beefsteak Tomato Seedlings

Check out our website and click on each tomato variety to learn more about each plant's fruit size, disease resistance, days to harvest, and whether or not it is an heirloom variety or good for container gardening.

Our growers John and Vernon will also be starting several varieties of zinnias, including beautiful Dreamland Ivory, Red, Rose, Scarlet and Yellow. The farm will be seeding Profusion Cherry, Fire and Yellow varieties for late May and June gardens and planters too. Profusions are great in the garden, providing tons of color and are easy to grow. Or start your own seeds; we have over 50 varieties in the seed aisle to get things going.


Zinnia Seeds Galore

How to Make a Terrarium

2011-01-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

Terrariums can be easy to grow. Choose a glass vessel, preferably with a lid. (Plastic wrap will do in a pinch.) Depending on the size and height of the container, add an inch or two of gravel. Add an additional inch or two of horticultural charcoal. Charcoal acts as a water filter and will keep the little bit of water you'll add later from getting stagnant. Add a layer of potting mix. Again depending on the size of your container, levels will vary. I've used an old aquarium and could actually add hills and valleys to the terrarium landscape. In a smaller vessel, a couple of inches will do. Remember, the potting mix does have to be deep enough to satisfy your plants' root systems.

Now comes the fun part of terrarium making. Choosing plants for the terrarium can be a little intimidating. Look for tropical plants that don't get too tall or grow too wide. You'll have to match the plant to the container also. A tall glass container can handle a plant like a Norfolk Island Pine or a long-leaved dracaena. Wider glassware can be planted with groundcover-type houseplants like baby's tears and strawberry begonias. I love ferns; the humidity levels that terrariums provide are perfect for them. Also consider Venus fly-traps and other plant oddities that require high moisture levels. And, cacti and succulents can be grown in terrariums too; just keep the lids off and plant relatively high in the container.

Terrariums will not need much water. Do water the plants in initially, keeping any lids off until condensation disappears from the sides of the glass. I am amazed at how long terrariums can go without water. Do check to make sure the soil is moist, but not too wet and water when the soil surface is dry to the touch.

Stop in and take a look at the tremendous variety of small plants that can be grown in terrariums. You'll love the mini-violets and orchids for color. And stay tuned. We will be receiving some adorable accessories to convert your mini-glass gardens into homes for fairies and gnomes.

Terrariums

2011-01-23T08:52:00.001-05:00

We knew terrariums were going to be hot this year, so the Sun newspaper article and the episode on CBS Sunday Morning last week featuring terrariums did not take us totally by surprise. A few of us were around last time, in the 70's when terrariums and sand art gardens were big.

At least four of us have been on the lookout for cool glass vessels for planting, our bonsai grower has been busy potting up miniature plants and the garden shop manager had stocked plenty of charcoal and moss. So we are ready now, and good thing, because we've received eight phone calls during a cold winter's day from people who are ready to plant up some of these fun mini-gardens.

One of our inspirations is a book by Tovah Martin titled The New Terrarium. The book features all kinds of ideas for growing and displaying gardens under glass.
If you are interested in learning more about terrariums, stop in anytime and talk to one of our enthusiasts, or join us on February 5th at 11:00 am for a workshop. Visit our website and click on Events for more information.

Gardening Seminars for 2011

2011-01-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

Saturday, January 8th Seminar Held in Our Greenhouse

A snowy Saturday didn't stop people eager to learn about gardening, particularly bonsai, from stopping in Valley View Farms this morning. About forty participants, most here for the first time, enjoyed learning about the basics of bonsai from our guest speaker Martha Meehan of Meehan's Miniatures. We will continue to hold informational seminars about many forms of gardening in the coming weeks and months in our greenhouse and seminar area at the garden center. Click here to go to our schedule of events. The events page will be updated regularly with our featured speaker's names, times and titles of new classes.

Bonsai-Fun for the Whole Family

2011-01-02T14:52:00.001-05:00

This year, I gave a Bonsai tree to each of my nieces and nephews as a Christmas gift. Most were delighted, if not a little intimidated by the prospect of keeping a plant alive. They were also given a very basic book with instructions on how to grow Bonsai and a tip to attend the free class for beginners on January 8th at 9:00 here at Valley View Farms.

Vicky, Katie and Matt Florian with their Bonsai trees

A group of bonsai enthusiasts, led by Martha from Meehan's Miniatures, meets here on the first Saturday of every month. Seminars are held on various Bonsai topics allowing participants to bring their trees with them with any questions or concerns. The classes are open for everyone, but the cool thing is that a number of the people attend almost every month, and have for years. Seeing the projects that they are working on is a testament to their passion and commitment to growing these unique plants. The class is a great way to learn about Bonsai from not just Martha, but from many others who enjoy mentoring and supporting one another.

I hope to see a few of members of my family at this week's class, and, if you're looking for a fun, new hobby, please join us.

Valley View Farm's Grown Poinsettias

2010-12-17T09:13:00.002-05:00

We have had an extraordinary crop of poinsettias this year.

Our growers, John and Vernon, have out done themselves this year growing a beautiful crop of of plants in the Foard family farm greenhouses in Hydes, MD. One hundred red poinsettias are heading out this morning to an area elementary school. (Thanks for the order.)

Jan, Suzanne, Cindi and Nancy have displayed them and other holiday favorites like orchids,cyclamen and amaryllis in our greenhouse here in Cockeysville/Hunt Valley. Did I mention that they make wonderful hostess gifts as you head to parties this season?

Thanks to all of you who count on Valley View Farms for your holiday plants. We can't wait to show you all of our new plants for Spring 2011.
Have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas from all of us!

Christmas Traditions

2010-12-10T12:43:00.002-05:00

The lighted sign went up the other day. For forty-eight years Valley View Farms has been a part of the Cockeysville landscape. The Christmas Shop has been a huge part of Baltimore's holiday celebration for decades.

Traditions have become part of that landscape too. Greeting shoppers at the entrance is a pleasure as guest after guest recounts stories of how their parents brought them here as children and they are now bringing their kids (and sometimes grand kids) here to pick out a special ornament. Babies gaze at the lights in the ceiling and toddlers just stare in absolute wonderment. Older children look for an ornament that symbolizes their interests; they may choose a ballerina, fireman, or an ornament of Santa himself.

Three generations in the Christmas Shop

He wants crabs for Christmas

In an otherwise frenzied holiday season, we feel a sense of pride knowing that we have played a role in Christmas traditions.
This weekend will bring families out to choose the perfect tree, or maybe to get strands of lights for the house.

Netting the family tree for the ride home

Poinsettias will be sleeved in paper to protect them from the cold. Live garlands will be cut to specific lengths to drape over doorways and banisters. Christmas carols play over the loud speaker and people will find themselves singing along. Kids will be bundled up as they arrive and re-bundled as they go outside. Ornaments will be personalized for Grandma, Uncle Ed and the family pet.

Carey W. adds the personal touch

Everyone will stop and take a look at the village display. Couples will argue about whether or not it's time to get an artificial tree. At five, someone will go around and turn on the colorful outdoor light display.
Sometimes we take working here for granted. But, when you see the look of astonishment in someone's eyes here for the first time, the magic of Christmas returns.

Fresh Holiday Greens

2010-11-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

Years ago I would go to my father-in-law’s house to harvest greens for my holiday decorating. He had a beautiful assortment of needled and broad-leaved evergreen trees and shrubs from which I could cut and gather greens. Now in my third home, I’ve finally planted some of these wonderful trees and shrubs that don’t seem to mind a light pruning in early December. Added to that, some are cone-bearing, a huge bonus for Christmas decorating. Here are some of the greens in my backyard.

Junipers have a nice blue color with extra interest in the blue berries.

Cryptomeria japonicas are beautiful evergreens with soft, short needles. They are dark green and grow to about seventy feet in a pyramidal shape.

Cedars provide a wonderful fragrance and nice color to arrangements outdoors in containers or indoors in vases and boughs.

Hollies are wonderful additions to holiday decorating. The evergreen hollies are generally dark green with red berries. Winterberry holly is a deciduous variety, dropping all of its leaves in the fall leaving bright red clusters of berries perfect to use as an accent.

Spruces are nice to use in wreaths. Their branches are stiff and the needles short; needle retention is poorer than in pines and firs. They are great to use outside and will retain needles longer if sprayed with an anti-transpirant like Wilt-Pruf.

Mountain laurel is used extensively in the south. Use it indoors and out to complement needled evergreen branches.

Other evergreens are great too, and, eventually I may plant white pine, Southern magnolias and boxwood in the yard to use for decorating. In the meantime, Valley View Farms has all sorts of these and other greens available from Thanksgiving week until Christmas.

Here are a few tips to keep greens fresher longer.

Use clean, sharp pruning and lopping shears to cut the greens.
Put cut greens into a bucket of fresh water until ready to use. Crush the ends of the branches to allow for better water take-up.
Consider spraying with an anti-transpirant like Wilt-Pruf to keep greens from drying out.
Keep greens out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and candles.
Replace greens if they dry out too much. They may rehydrate with an overnight soaking in water.

Enjoy the colors and fragrances of the holiday season. And, make notes now to plant some of these remarkable trees and shrubs come spring.

Squirrel Busters and Other Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders

2010-11-11T15:03:00.002-05:00

So, how about you? Have you gotten tired of squirrels getting into the bird food? Admit it; they are fun to watch, but the birds don't necessarily want to share. Click on the video I found on YouTube above to see one way to keep the squirrels from getting the food. It is very entertaining.
There are all sorts of ways to thwart the squirrels. Our Wild Bird House, located over in the water garden area is an important stop to make to view all of the products to feed birds and discourage the non-feathery critters.
Squirrel baffels can be installed above and below bird feeder on poles to keep squirrels away from the feeding stations.

Spring loaded feeders that are set so that the feeder is open to smaller birds, but not the heavier squirrels and crows are available in several styles.

Several others keep the squirrels away with a combination of heavy metal mesh and the gravity spring-loaded stopper. Still one other feeder, the Mandarin, has a long roof line that keeps squirrels from reaching down to the platform feeding station. Who knew there were so many ways to keep squirrels out of the bird feeders?

John and Carrie, the Sunday Gardeners on WBAL TV 11, will be talking about squirrel proof feeders on their segment airing at 9:15 am on Sunday, November 21.

Get Your Best Guess In the Book by Noon on November 6th

2010-11-05T10:07:00.000-04:00

Matt, Andy and Tim have cut the pumpkin open

Tom Tasselmyer is a good sport. Every year on the first Saturday in November, Andy, Alan, Matt, and Tim cut open the BIG pumpkin (this year's weighs in at 1540 pounds and is named Rolling Thunder) as Tom rolls up his sleeves in anticipation. Tom then starts to scoop out pumpkin guts and separates the seeds from the rest of the pumpkin mush.

The Tasselmyer Family 2006

I should mention that Tom's wife Laurie and their sons Matthew, Andrew, Michael, and Stephen have each assisted several times from year to year. The Tasselmyers count out the seeds fifty at a time and place them in clear cups.

Gloves are optional

Cups contain 50 seeds each

As the crowd watches, cups are lined up on two tables. You can see everybody second-guessing their entries in the pumpkin book. You see, since Rolling Thunder's arrival on October 6th, people have been writing their best guesses as to how many seeds are in the monstrous pumpkin in a book. Thousands of names fill many pages. The winner will receive a $300 Valley View Farms gift card. Second place wins a $200 card and third a $100 card.

Here are a few of the entered guesses

Donna will be searching the book for the winner

So, how many seeds will be in this year's pumpkin? Unfortunately, we won't know until Tom's job is through. Stay tuned.

Haunted House and Halloween Fun

2010-10-18T10:53:00.002-04:00

The haunted house is free to those that dare to enter

I, for one, am scared! I go through the Valley View Farms haunted house to see what the people in our Halloween shop have put together, knowing exactly where the entrance and exit is before stepping inside. On weekends, watching kids get up the nerve to enter would provide an interesting case study for psychologists. Brave moms and dads offer to go with them. It is the moms' screams that can be heard through the greenhouse as they get about half way through the various 'rooms'.

It was really dark in here...until the camera flash went off

The younger children that aren't up to the haunted house weave themselves through a kid-friendly straw maze instead.

Parents watch kids meander through the maze

Going through the tunnel at the beginning of the maze

Family photo ops abound; many stand with the large 1540 pound pumpkin, others put their faces through the halloween board.

Aren't they cute?

And, many head back to the Halloween Shop to get their faces painted. Everyone seems to have fun.

Sara does face painting; all donations go to The WBAL Radio Kids Campaign

Happy 'Owloween' .

2010-10-18T08:42:00.002-04:00

The Great Horned Owl at Valley View

Kathy Woods joined us on a spectacular autumn day with an owl from her Phoenix Wildlife Center.
The Great Horned Owl was a hit with many of the people, especially the kids, who had stopped by to pick out pumpkins.

Kathy Woods with The Great Horned Owl

Kathy was joined by intern Melissa and Melissa's friend Brian. The three of them engaged the children and adults on various owl topics including what owls ate, (mice, skunks and other small mammals), how large a wingspan owls have (really large), and all sorts of other owl tidbits.

To keep up with all the happenings at Phoenix Wildlife Center, join them on facebook or check out their website for some fabulous photos of the animals at the center. Phoenix Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and return to the wild of native wildlife. Kathy and her group are also dedicated to the education of the public on wildlife issues. Thanks again to Kathy for making the day a special learning experience for so many animal lovers at Valley View Farms.

That's a Lot of Pies!

2010-10-05T20:37:00.001-04:00

Pumpkin characters created by Carey Wilkerson

Every year, Vally View Farm's owners Billy and Andy Foard and Matt Stromberger travel "up the river" in search of The Great Pumpkin. Back in 1989, Gordon Thompson had grown the largest pumpkin ever; it weighed in at seven hundred and fifty-five pounds and was featured on our stage in Cockeysville, MD garnering worldwide attention. Fast forward to Wednesday, October 6 when one of the largest pumpkins ever grown will be unveiled at Valley View Farms at 10:00 am.

You've got to see it to believe it!

We've sent out the press releases to our areas news organizations, so you're sure to see it on TV and hear about it on the radio, but nothing compares to meeting this Mammoth up close and personal. This gargantuan pumpkin has been named Rolling Thunder. Bring the kids and the camera, see other really, really big pumpkins and join in on the fun. We have a straw maze for young children and a scary haunted house for older kids and brave adults. And, we're celebrating fall with mums, pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and all sorts of other fall decorations.

By the way, this year's behemoth weighs 1540 pounds!

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

2010-09-25T14:40:00.002-04:00

The stink bug has been the subject of hundreds of phone calls for our staff members for the last several weeks. This accidental arrival to our country a little more than a decade ago has mushroomed in population and, while once just a nuisance pest, has become a significant problem in our agricultural communities. Peach and apple orchards are seeing severe losses.

One ugly, bad-smelling bug

We are getting most of our calls from homeowners dealing with infestations in their homes and swarms around their doors and windows. Stink bugs are not harmful to humans. They do not reproduce inside or cause structural damage. They do emit an unpleasant odor when they are squashed or sucked into a vacuum cleaner.

Before bugs make it inside the house, identify small openings around doors, windows, siding, chimneys and other suspected ports of entry. Use a silicone caulk as necessary. Also check for holes in screening and repair or replace them as needed.

There are a couple of insecticides that are labeled for use against stink bugs. We do not recommend the use of the insecticides inside the home. Sprays can be applied along the foundation, and around cracks and crevices outside the house. Please take precautions and read the pesticide label very thoroughly before using.

Bonide's Household Insect Control

We continue to seek advice from our suppliers and from the EPA to recommend the safest products available.

For information from University of Maryland Extension, click here.

Thousands of Mums

2010-09-17T10:14:00.000-04:00

Jumbo mums grown by Valley View Farms

Mums will be arriving daily from now until late October to help us celebrate fall. And celebrate we do. John, Vernon, Stacey and Barb planted about fifteen thousand mums at the Foard family farm in Hydes, Maryland back in late May. Over fifty varieties of mums will be shipped to Valley View Farms as they begin to bloom. There is bound to be a color for every gardener to enjoy.


Over 50 varieties!

Mums combine beautifully with many fall favorites. Ornamental grasses, heucheras, sedums and many other perennials grow well with mums in pots and in the garden border. Pansies are another fall fave that overwinter, returning in spring with large,colorful blooms.

Pansies are winter hardy

Choosing a mum is easy. I like them when the buds are just beginning to open. During the cooler days of autumn, mums can continue to bloom for about eight weeks. In pots, check them for water regularly. A small dose of plant food is good at the time of planting, and then again in early spring as they begin to re-emerge from the ground. Mums should be cut back in March, May and July to keep them compact and beautiful year to year. To help remember when to cut mums back, think of St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day and the Fourth of July.

Plant mums when buds are just starting to pop

Mums, pansies, ornamental cabbage and kale in addition to perennials and tree and shrubs are a great way to extend and enhance color in the fall garden.
Enjoy fall. Check our website for a list of events, gardening seminars and a look what's happening at Valley View Farms this fall.

Cole Crops

2010-08-28T13:08:00.002-04:00

Broccoli

Cole crop is a term used by gardeners when we are talking about plants in the cabbage family. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and collards are all spring cole crops that can be planted again in summer for fall harvest. Other crops that can be planted now include root crops, usually grown from seed, like radishes, beets and turnips. And, as cooler weather approaches, consider another crop of lettuce. Most of the leaf lettuce varieties and the smaller head lettuces have plenty of time to mature; in fact, the leaf lettuces can be cut and used three times before the end of the fall growing season.

Lettuces and cole crops in raised bed

To grow cool season crops, plant transplants in an area receiving at least six hours of sun for best results. Broccoli and cabbage need about eighteen inches to two feet between plants. Use a starter solution like Espoma's Bio-tone to get them off and growing. Most cole crops are known as heavy feeders, meaning that they use a good amount of fertilizer to keep them healthy and growing. Our garden shop offers many organic choices for plant foods, including those from Espoma, Dr. Earth and Bradfield Organics.
Cabbage family plants are sometimes targeted by imported cabbage worms or loopers. Spray with a natural product like Bonide's Thuricide to keep them from harming leaves as the plant is growing.
For more about planting vegetable crops, stop in and ask for our free Vegetable Planting Guide. It contains great tips that can be used in spring or fall. And keep that vegetable garden producing well into fall by adding cole crops now.

Sneak Preview: Heucheras

2010-08-01T13:01:00.002-04:00

One of the many upsides of establishing great relationships with growers is that we often get the first look at new plants. Andy Shelley, our perennial manager, visits our growers weekly to buy the best and, when practical, the newest perennials available. (For a funny photo of Andy, visit the Valley View Farms website.) New introductions are placed in our sales area as they arrive giving our patrons equal opportunity to try some really cool varieties. Our perennial staff, including Marian, Pat, Jan, Peggy, Jay, Max and Margie, go gaga over the new plants as they arrive every week.

Jan, Pat, Andy and Jay show off some of the heucheras available at Valley View Farms.

Heucheras are one group of plants that keep improving. The foliage colors are fantastic and the new plants' names are fun. Names like Midnight Bayou, Solar Power, Electric Lime and Autumn Leaves describe the heucheras beautifully. Take a look at this cool collage for an idea of the leaf colors available.


Photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nursery

Dan Heims, the owner of Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon, has been breeding perennials for years. He has over fifty varieties of heucheras listed in the nursery's catalog. Terra Nova supplies growers with starter plants; the grower then finishes the plant providing a healthy specimen ready to thrive in our perennial gardens.
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a very versatile plant, growing well in sun and part shade. Our staff and customers love that heuchera is at home in a garden bed or in a container. We also enjoy using them in combination with summer and fall annuals and perennials like mums and ornamental grasses.
If you're in the neighborhood, stop in and take a look at the many heucheras on our benches. Better yet, walk around the plant area and see which plants combine well with the stunning foliage. There are sure to be a few container gardens to inspire you. In the meantime, take a look at these container gardens from Terra Nova.

Green Roof Plants

2010-07-26T13:31:00.003-04:00

Are you ready for a green roof? There doesn't seem to be a better way to start a "green living" lifestyle.
Recently, we got a chance to visit Kruger-Maddux greenhouses in southeastern Indiana. Rob Maddux was growing sedums to be installed at an area elementary school.


Green roof plants in the foreground of Kruger-Maddux Greenhouses

We've seen green roofs in many areas of Maryland too, including the Edenwald Retirement Community in Towson, MD. Knowing that we should probably plant up some green roofs ourselves, we started on a much smaller scale. Our first project, pictured below, is a luxury birdhouse, featuring it's own version of a green roof.

Green Roof Birdhouse

The project came together easily. We started with a cedar birdhouse. Valley View Farms owner and resident builder Andy Foard added some shallow sides to the existing roof. Some roof flashing or thick plastic can be added as a cover over the roof to keep water from the top. Soil was added; we used a special mixture that we also use for bonsai. And, last but not least, we planted shallow rooted plants that should thrive. We used ajuga, artemesia, and some sedums. The sedums are especially good as they are succulent, needing little water, and have a fantastic range of colors and textures from which to choose. The birdhouse is adorable. Next up? Maybe a doghouse or a garden shed.

Recently Planted Garden Shed Roof in Landisville, PA

Watch us plant the birdhouse on The Sunday Gardener, airing Sunday, August 1st on WBAL TV 11 during the 9:00 am news segment.

The Hanging Garden Boxes of Edenwald

2010-07-18T08:39:00.006-04:00

Charles Tuley (the gentleman with the cap) had a vision. As a retired nurseryman, Charles saw an opportunity to bring gardening to other retirees at the Edenwald community in Towson, Maryland. He and fellow volunteers, (including Albert Keller, pictured with Charles) hatched a plan to display large flower boxes on the 4th level roof top terrace. The boxes are 4 feet long, 12 inches wide and 15 inches deep. They are displayed at waist level, making it easier for residents to plant. Mr. Tuley and his all-volunteer crew added irrigation to make watering easy. The results are phenomenal. Twenty-six boxes have been planted with a total of 230 plants featuring 130 varieties of flowers. All of the boxes feature the names of the artists that created each hanging garden and a list of plants included in each box. Vines were planted as a vertical element to use the existing back fence. Many of the plants were chosen during a trip out to Valley View Farms where the gardeners found plenty to choose from and some advice from Kitty and Melissa in the greenhouse. This blogger was invited to the open house yesterday. It was terrific! The experience really shows us how one person's vision can become a reality and made so much better by and for the community. Congratulations to all of you at Edenwald that made it happen!

Summer Shows

2010-07-17T08:26:00.008-04:00

Summer is a great time for all of us at Valley View Farms to catch up with growers, plant breeders and other garden centers. We ask each other how the season has been, what winning plants and products were hits and continue to look for ways to help people be better gardeners. Trade shows abound in the summer as owners and managers get a chance to preview new items for next year. We're lucky to have some growers that will let us trial perennials and annuals to see how they are accepted by our customers. Pictured above are three of the folks from Hillcrest Nursery in Millers, MD. Hillcrest grows herbs, annuals and perennials for us most of the year. Jimmy, Jim and Karen deliver to us as needed, helping us serve the community with fresh, healthy plants. The second photo is from the OFA trade show held in Columbus, OH every year. The show is attended by plant professionals from around the world. A black petunia is featured in the third photo. We may grow a few this fall with some purple pansies for all of the Ravens fans. What do you think? Will a black petunia sell this fall and next spring? We'd love to have your comments.

Hot, Hot, Hot

2010-07-04T12:20:00.017-04:00

A look to the weather forecast this week reveals that we're in for another hot spell! For those of us that garden, that can only mean more watering chores.
Container gardeners should check their pots daily for water. Flower and vegetable gardeners with garden plots can put a rain gauge out; most of the garden would like an inch of water a week. Water at the root zone to avoid splashing water on plants' leaves. Pictured above are Billy's beans being watered by a garden hose connected to a soil soaker hose with straw over the top to retain moisture. It is better to water early in the day to allow foliage to dry out before evening. Give plants enough water to encourage plants to root deeply; watering lightly will keep the roots too close to the surface causing them to dry out faster.
Most lawns will go dormant for the summer, giving us a break from mowing.
Check the garden center for all sorts of watering tools and supplies, from hoses and rain wands to automatic drip watering systems.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Panama Pacific Tropical Water Lily

2010-06-28T13:09:00.005-04:00

Tropical water lilies offer fragrance and beauty to the water garden all summer long. Varieties like Panama Pacific, introduced in the United States in 1914, bloom in a reddish-purple color not available in hardy lilies. Their stems extend up from the water's surface. The flower's yellow stamens contrast nicely with the purplish petals. The Panama Pacific's bronze-green leaves float on the pond, showing off it's saw-toothed edges.
The Panama Pacific is just one of the many water lilies blooming now in our ponds at Valley View Farms. Our large, informal pond has a gorgeous lotus just starting to open. The display ponds are located at the end of our entrance and are surrounded by an incredible butterfly garden.
We offer seminars in the spring and fall for water garden enthusiasts. Check our seminar schedule for more information.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Tropical Hibiscus

2010-06-24T12:10:00.004-04:00

Sizzling hot hibiscus colors mirror the temperatures outside this June in Maryland. Shipped to us from southern Florida, hibiscus thrive in our hazy, hot and humid summer environment. Treated as annuals or overwintered indoors as tropical houseplants, hibiscus put us in a Caribbean state of mind. It's no wonder it is often calls 'The Queen of the Tropics'.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the perfect companion to patio pots, poolside containers and sidewalk cafes. The flowers are everblooming with proper care. They'd love to have four or more hours of sun, although on extraordinarily hot days, hibiscus would enjoy an afternoon respite. Flowers last a day or two, but are quickly replaced with new ones. Hibiscus will bloom less in the winter with reduced light availability,
Hibiscus do well with regular watering. They do not like to dry to the point of wilt as the leaves will yellow and buds may drop off. In pots, make sure the soil drains well and do not allow the pot to sit in a saucer of water for more that several minutes. Outside, use pot feet to keep pots elevated from solid concrete and stone patios to allow for good drainage.
Fertilize during the growing season. Let hibiscus rest and discontinue feeding from late November to early March. Bring plants indoors before the first frost and treat them like houseplants.
Hibiscus are available in several shapes and sizes. Small plants are great for tabletops and windowsills. Larger tree-like standards make superb focal points at entrance ways.
Can't get away this summer? Bring the tropics to you with a gorgeous, blooming hibiscus.

GROWING GARDEN READY PLANTS

2010-06-11T11:00:00.010-04:00

We look forward to new plants arriving everyday at Valley View Farms. Many of our plants, including annuals, hanging baskets and vegetables, are grown in our own greenhouses at the Foard family farm in Hydes, MD. We are lucky to have a facility and dedicated growers working year round to bring great plants to our store.
Each season, we meet to adjust our growing schedule and variety offerings. The order will be tweaked as we visit plant trials in our region to see how plants grow in real world conditions.
"Growing our own" is just one of the many ways we strive to offer the best plants for area gardeners. Our managers and buyers visit growers weekly to keep our greenhouse,water gardens, perennial area and nursery full of healthy plants chosen with care for gardens throughout our region. Gardeners can continue to grow all of the plants knowing that they will perform well in their yards, patio pots and landscapes.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Black & Blue Salvia

2010-06-03T08:22:00.004-04:00

Pictured above: Salvia guaranitica 'Black & Blue'

Black & Blue salvia has rapidly become a favorite among area gardeners. This annual plant sports large, cobalt blue flowers above dark green velvety leaves that bloom all summer long. Its growth is vigorous and the Black & Blue is extraordinarily heat tolerant. The flowers grow upright on well-branched plants,allowing hummingbirds easy access to the nectar. Hummingbirds LOVE this salvia! I've enjoyed watching them dodge one another other to gain an advantage in reaching the flowers.
In addition to attracting hummingbirds, Black & Blue, like most salvias, also attracts butterflies. As an added bonus, salvias are deer resistant.
Plant Black & Blue salvias in full sun. Space plants about 12-18" apart, closer in pots and window boxes. They will grow to 24-30" tall in a terrific mounding habit.
Valley View Farms grows the Black & Blue Salvia in two pot sizes for spring and summer planting. It is just one of many beautiful and fragrant salvias, both annual and perennial,to grow in the garden.
Stop by Valley View Farms to pick up our informative handouts on gardening to attract hummingbirds and butterflies as well as our list of deer resistant plants.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Bonfire Begonia

2010-05-19T20:32:00.006-04:00

Bonfire begonias have attention-grabbing fiery red blooms. They are great in hanging baskets, growing beautifully in full sun or part shade.
We initially spotted Bonfire begonias at flower trial gardens a few years ago. They were introduced to the horticultural world by Anthony Tesselaar International, an Australian company that specializes in environmentally-friendly, disease-resistant plants.
Our grower, John Miller, grows the Bonfires in our greenhouses in Hydes, MD. Starting from a small plug, the begonias take about eight weeks to grow before they are ready to sell at Valley View Farms; but, believe me, this is only the beginning. These eye-catching plants continue to get bigger, blooming all summer and well into fall. They will grow in hanging baskets, window boxes, patio pots,and in the garden border. Like many begonias, the Bonfires will grow indoors as well, offering gardeners the option of over-wintering their plants.
Bonfire begonias are available in individually potted plants and in two styles of hanging baskets right now at Valley View Farms.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Knock Out Roses

2010-05-13T12:06:00.007-04:00

Knock Out Roses have changed the way we think about roses.
Not too long ago, growing roses meant maintenance; keeping diseases at bay and pruning regularly to keep new blooms coming. Bill Radler, the breeder of Knock Out Roses, has produced a new class of roses that will thrive in most of the country. Here in Maryland, they easily withstand the extremes of our cold winters and hot summers. They even put up with the humidity here in the mid-Atlantic area.
More importantly, Knock Outs look great. They provide the WOW power the garden is looking for. In our butterfly garden here at Valley View Farms, the roses engulf an old split rail fence and act as a backdrop for some of the other plants that attract the butterflies. In my own garden, I've learned to cut Knock Out Roses in early spring to keep them from getting too tall along the narrow pathway to my back yard. I wish I had more space so that I could plant a beautiful hedge in full sun along the property line somewhere.
Knock Out Roses are now available in many colors, including the original Cherry Red, Pink, Rainbow, Blush, Sunny (yellow), White and Double Knock Out Pink and Red.
Bill Radler is sure to continue breeding for more colors and disease resistance.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Raymond Evison Clematis

2010-04-27T12:07:00.010-04:00

pictured above: Clematis 'Evijohil' (Josephine)

When these beauties were introduced in 2004, they were hailed as "the next generation of clematis," boasting bold, long-blooming flowers, and showing no "tempermental" qualities as some clematis are rumored to do.

Well, they certainly have proven themselves to be "all that" since then, and we ADORE them. They truly are the longest blooming clematis, flowering from late spring into fall, with some blooms even lasting until frost. The colors are spectacular, and cover the vines from top to bottom.
Read more about them on the Raymond Evison (UK) site.

This blog writer personally has never had a spot of trouble growing clematis, but everyone tells me that these are "easier to grow", less prone to diseases and just all-around heartier than other older cultivars. It's the macho clematis. But pretty.

pictured above: Clematis 'Evipo 016' (Rebecca)

And one of the best qualities of these RE Clematis is that they have a compact growth habit of up to 7-9 feet when mature (with some only getting 3-4 ft), so you can grow them successfully in pots and smaller trellises. I love to grow them right in the center of my perennial borders on small ironwork or a shrub.

Right now we have a bunch of these beauties in stock and flowering: Rebecca, Rosemoor, Ice Blue, Arctic Queen, Josephine, Picardy, Franziska Maria and Bourbon. As soon as you see them, you'll want one, so come on in and pick yours up!

That's the man we have to thank for these lovelies, above. And here's a brief article about Raymond, his Clematis breeding and "his engagingly quirky nature", if you want to learn more.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Viburnum x burkwoodii 'Mohawk'

2010-04-08T08:39:00.004-04:00

Viburnum x burkwoodii 'Mohawk'

Burkwood Viburnum are some of the best all-around Viburnum--nice foliage, attractive, fragrant flowers, good upright, rounded growth habit, and all-around reliable plants. We love them!

But 'Mohawk' has to be one of the absolute best. It starts with clusters of glossy, dark rosy-red flower buds (tons of them) that open to white flowers with red blotches on the undersides of the petals. They're very, very pretty, no doubt, but it's the fragrance of this extraordinary shrub that is so spectacular. If only we had a little "smell-evision" on this blog.

This blog's author has two gorgeous specimens behind her large house that she can smell when she opens the front door. Truly one of the best smells on the planet.

It grows well in many exposures and soils, but performs best in sun, or in light shade where it's super hot. Grows to 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. You gotta plant one.

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Magnolia x soulangiana

2010-03-27T15:50:00.010-04:00

Magnolia x soulangiana
Saucer Magnolia (Sometimes called Japanese Tulip Magnolia)

An absolutely breath-taking sight in early spring when the large, tulip-shaped flowers open on bare branches, this gorgeous magnolia, is, in fact, one of the very first harbingers of spring, along with the bright yellow of forsythia and those happy. happy little crocus.

It's a relatively small tree--a great specimen for a larger yard--growing 20' to 30' tall, and can be multi-trunked or single-trunked. The flowers are various shades of white, pink and purplish-maroon, depending on the cultivar.

The only drawback to this tree's spectacular spring beauty is that the flowers can be burnt by early spring frosts, a depressing sight indeed. If they are lucky enough to prevail without a killing frost however, you will be blessed with a virtual carpet of pink as the petals fall off, as you can see here outside this blog author's very own kitchen window:

A nice cultivar that we recommend is 'Jane', smaller (growing to about 10 feet) and with a deeper purplish pink color to the flowers, which seem to persist extra long.

'Jane' blooms later than the larger M.soulangiana making it less susceptible to late freezes.

Grow Your Own French Fries

2010-03-19T08:49:00.012-04:00

Have you ever eaten a fresh, home-grown potato? If so, you know there is absolutely no comparison to potatoes from the supermarket.

How's this for yummy: baked potatoes with gooey cheddar cheese and fresh steamed broccoli; "new" potatoes sauteed with leeks and butter; maybe grilled fingerling potato salad with lobster and watercress; garlic-Parmesan mashed potatoes; homemade potato chips; and of course, everybody's favorite--french fries! The list of fabulous potato concoctions goes on and on. So imagine being able to walk outside and dig up a coupla spuds of your own-- as many as you need to whip up a delicious feast (of homemade potato chips) when the craving hits you.

Now that you are hungry for potatoes, why not consider growing the humble spud this year? Potatoes truly are one of the most popular vegetables in the home garden. And they are super easy to grow, storing well for months, and, like we said, they taste much, much better.

Valley View sells certified seed potatoes--Kennebec, Red Norland, Yukon Gold, Superior, Cobbler and Pontiac Red.

"What exactly is a 'seed' potato?" you might ask. It's not actually a seed, but was grown from one. Always buy certified disease-free seed potatoes. Planting potatoes from the grocery store is risky; not only may they harbor diseases, potatoes, like many grocery store vegetables, are often treated with a growth inhibitor to keep them from sprouting.

Growing potatoes is easy, as long as you start off with the proper potato-lovin' soil. Potatoes are aggressively rooting plants, and produce an abundant crop when planted in a light, loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. (Bring in a soil sample, and we will test your pH for free!)

Here's a great guide to planting potatoes:
http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/04/growing-potatoes-is-easy-and-so-rewarding/

To complement your potatoes, we also carry onion sets, shallots, and "cole crops" are here, too: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (Savoy, Flat Dutch, Golden Acre, Red Acre), cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi and Swiss chard. We have rhubarb, asparagus and horseradish. Next week look for 6 varieties of lettuce, peas and bok choy.

And for dessert: 4 varieties of strawberries!

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane'

2010-03-14T13:50:00.008-04:00

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane'
Witch Hazel
What we all need right now...

'Diane' is the most gorgeous red-flowering form of Witch Hazel, and has received a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit for being such a great plant.

At this time of year, when there is so little color in the garden, besides white, dirty white, gray-white, brown-white, stick brown, and the dark green of our tired, broken, snow-embattled evergreens, the unique coppery-red flower petals and their crazy zig-zaggy form stand out strikingly-- a true natural beauty and that bit of garden pizazz that we all need right now.

It's also a knockout in fall, when the leaves turn a lush bright orangey-red or yellow. And not only is it a beauty, but a smart multi-tasker--its fruit, flowers, and next year's leaf buds all appear on the branch simultaneously, a true rarity among trees.

You know what else is cool? The seed capsules explode at maturity in fall (about 8 months after flowering in late winter), ejecting the seeds with a snap to send them over 30 feet away!

Easy to grow, requiring only average, well-drained soil, in full or part sun, reaching about 12 feet with a vase-like spread. Remarkably care-free, and very resistant to pests and disease.

top photo courtesy of White Flower Farm

Have you ever had a white tomato?

2010-01-14T14:33:00.007-05:00

Well now you can grow your own, along with lots of other unique fruits and veggies.

We have received the bulk of our SEEDS for 2010! You know what that means?? Spring is almost here!

Well, at least it's closer than it was yesterday.

This year, we are focusing on having the best selection of heirloom seeds, so you can introduce some real variety into your garden and have fun at the same time. We just got our first shipment from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and boy, are they COOL! They are all open-pollinated seeds: pure, natural & non-GMO!

Stop in and check them out, and see what else we have to get you started...

Don't miss these upcoming Holiday Events!

2009-12-07T14:16:00.005-05:00

Weekends Now thru Christmas, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.—Our in-house artist Carey Wilkerson will personalize any ornament you purchase here for free! Carey will write the name of a friend, family member, even pet to add a special touch.

Tuesday, December 8, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.—Karla Steinbach will he here to sign Steinbach nutcrackers purchased here since her last visit in 2008. Meet Karla and be inspired by the work of six generations of German artisans now known world wide. Receive a free Steinbach ornament with the purchase of a Steinbach nutcracker!

Saturday, December 12, 10:00 a.m.—December Gardening Tips—Ideas for gift giving, including a list of Carrie’s favorite gardening books and authors and a summary of the gardening year will be on today’s agenda. Free Seminar

Saturday, December 19, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. And Wednesday, December 23 & Thursday, December 24, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.—Local artist Paul DeRemigis will sign his regional prints and demonstrate his work. The subject matter of his prints include skipjacks, lighthouses, Ocean City, M & T Stadium, Camden Yards, Memorial Stadium, Rehoboth Beach, & Fells Point to name a few. Come meet Paul and watch him turn your fondest area memories into beautiful life-like pictures.

Wednesday, December 23, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.—WBAL Radio will be here to broadcast their morning show live and kick off their annual fund raising event! Steve Rouse and Keith Mills will be your on-air hosts. All donations benefit the WBAL Radio Kids Campaign.

Thursday, December 24, 5:00 a.m. to noon—WBAL Radio’s Dave Durian, Steve Rouse, and Keith Mills will be here broadcasting live and accepting donations which will benefit the WBAL Radio Kids Campaign. Join us both days for fun-filled activities, special guests, music, food, and more

Let it Snow-- Let it Snow-- Let it Snow!!

2009-12-07T13:53:00.012-05:00

We had a very snowy Saturday, our first snow of the season, but it turned out to be a great day--very festive!! We had live entertainment (Scott Barrett and friends) and loads of Christmas cheer.

We have a fabulous selection of fresh cut greens and can make you a custom arrangement...Bring in a favorite pot from home, or choose one from our selection here.

Go "green" this holiday!! Don't miss this great holiday decorating seminar

2009-11-20T13:22:00.003-05:00

Decorating with Fresh Wreaths and Greens

December 5, 11:00am

Fresh wreaths and greens add color and fragrance to our homes each holiday season. Valley View’s very talented Pat Sherman will demonstrate how to display with greens, creating window boxes and urns for the entranceways, and using wreaths and live garland around doorways, lampposts and railings.

Hello and welcome to Valley View Farms' new blog!

2009-11-17T13:23:00.002-05:00

We are pleased to announce that we are launching a new blog on our website. On this blog you will find the latest happenings at Valley View, including events, escapades and everything else that's new and exciting here.

Right now, our Greenhouse is looking gorgeous, and we thought you should know! We have received glorious shipments of poinsettias from our farm, and we have loads of other holiday plants like cyclamen, ferns and orchids.