Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2007
PDFfile available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html

September/October 2007

Garden Tips
Marty Johnson President, Johnson's Garden Centers & KS Certified Nursery Professional

Letter From a Customer
    This summer, I received a letter from a long-time customer, Homer
Keith, who recently sold his house and moved into an apartment. In his
letter, Homer said:
     "I regret to inform you that I am no longer able to enjoy gardening
and yard upkeep ...
    ... I am in the process of selling my home, and have moved into an
apartment. I started visiting Johnson's when Harold Johnson was managing
the center. Orie was still busy in the outdoors. I could always depend
on Johnson's for good products and good advice when needed."
    When our newsletter editor called to talk with Homer, he said the
thing he misses most of all about moving is his gardening. He's been
gardening all his life ... since he was a little kid.
    He said he remembers Harold and Orie, my dad and grandfather, and he
has good memories of shopping at Johnson's and receiving helpful advice
at our store.
    Homer's gardens consisted mainly of peppers, tomatoes, onions and
cucumbers. He would freeze what he could use in a year's time, but 3/4
of the produce he brought to Johnson's for donation to the Kansas
Foodbank Warehouse through their "Plant A Row for the Hungry" program.
 "I haven't bought a tomato at the grocery store in 15 years" Homer
proudly commented, noting that homegrown tomatoes taste SO much better.
     "I've appreciated Johnson's through the years" Homer said. Well, we
sure do appreciate Homer ... and all our customers!

Plantskydd Plant Protectant
    On a recent conference that Nancy, Jeremy and I attended in Chicago,
we attempted to find some new items for the stores that will make your
gardening experience better. We look for products that may be new, or
something that is tried and true.
    One category that more and more of our customers are interested in
is animal repellents. We carry several products currently, but we are
realizing that to have better success in repelling rabbits, deer,
raccoons and other pesky critters it is important to change your
repellents regularly.
    We found a new product from Sweden called Plantskydd Repellent. It
was initially developed in Sweden in 1991 in response to commercial
forest plantations being decimated by plant-eating mammals. The forest
industry needed an animal repellent that could last through severe
weather and meet Sweden's strict environmental laws.
    Plantskydd's long-term effectiveness is attributable to the tenacity
of its 100% natural, vegetable oil binder in sticking to plants, even
under severe snow or rainfall conditions. It lasts up to six months over
the winter and three to four months in summer. The Swedish name for the
product "Plantskydd" translates as "Plant Protection." We are currently
stocking both a liquid and granular product. For more information go to
www.plantskydd.com.

Looking to Fall
    I hope everyone had a successful year in the garden. From the cold
April weather to the summer that was moist, cool then hot, I think
everyone is ready for fall. Be sure to stop into our stores. Our fall
garden mums look great. We have our Dutch bulbs in stock, as well as
winter-hardy pansies ... everything you need for fall gardening.