Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2005 PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html Garden Tips April 2005 Marty Johnson, President, Johnson's Garden Centers & Kansas Certified Nursery Professional Fifty is Nifty Fifty is nifty, but so is getting over 500 birthday cards. If you were one of my 500 closest friends to take part in my 50th birthday bash and you brought in a card for me, thank you. It truly was fun reading all of the birthday cards that customers brought in on February 23rd. I think that the best part was realizing how lucky I am to have a life-long career in a family business. Cards were brought in from customers who shopped with my grandfather Orie Johnson, and father Harold, for many years. There were also cards from people who were celebrating their birthday on the same day. The words of encouragement that "the years ahead are the greatest years" were appreciated. It also reminded me that the customers of Johnson's really do enjoy their shopping experience at our stores. And no, there will not be another sale in 50 years! Johnson's Employees The reason that people enjoy Johnson's is our employees. Four generations of Johnson's employees have been here to serve you with your lawn, garden and landscape needs. Our employees really do love their jobs. We employ those who love to garden, and it is their passion. Our people have more than a "computerized gardening course" given by the University of Georgia, as the big box stores do. We employee Kansas State University Horticulture graduates, as well as Kansas Certified Nursery Professionals. In every issue of Johnson's Garden Talk we feature a valued Johnson's employee. If space would permit, we would feature each employee at Johnson's. Come by our stores this spring to meet the staff at Johnson's and to make a new friend to be your new gardening buddy. Johnson's Warranty Plant warranty? In a recent issue of the Wichita Eagle newspaper, our store was listed as having only a six month warranty on our plant material. Yes, if you install a plant from our nursery department we will replace the plant within a six month period of time. But, plants installed by our nursery department are warranted for a one year period of time. What the newspaper article also failed to mention is that when nursery stock is planted with MYKE TREE & SHRUB with mycorrhizae, a beneficial fungus, we will warranty the plants for a five year period of time! This product is only $10.98 and is enough for several plants, depending on size. Stop by to pick up a copy of our 2005 Plant Guide which has all the details. 2005 Plant Guide For many years, Johnson's Plant Guide has been THE plant guide for gardeners in the area. Customers eagerly await the arrival of the new edition each spring. Many landscape professionals "borrow" it for their own resource on plant material. Schools, universities and garden clubs use Johnson's Plant Guide as well. Customers can be seen in the store daily with their well-worn copy, shopping in every department. Stop by our stores to pick up the area's best Plant Guide. Glazed Asian Pottery For years we have dabbled in the pottery business. This year, we jumped in with both feet. Jeremy thought that if we wanted to offer our customers a good product at a better price we needed to order a 45 ft. container of pots directly from the source. We have done just that and we are now in the glazed pottery business! Stop by any location, including our Flower Markets, to see our great selection of Asian pottery. The selection will vary some by location so check out each store's assortment.