Bring a friend to an Evergreen Wreath Workshop this weekend.
Hello, again!
There are a few men in our small industry that I consider mentors. My Grandfather, Orie Johnson and Dad, Harold Johnson are the main two in my life. They were what I refer to as Salt of the Earth people. My brothers Wes and Linden and I not only learned our crafts from them, but each of us have had fulfilling careers in horticulture because of these men. Another such person for me was Bob Heifner from Heifner Nursery & Garden Center in Topeka. These men would help anyone, not only with life lessons, but however they could in industry - sharing what they knew from years being in the garden center business. I remember Dad giving Harrison Prescorn who operated Gamble’s Hardware a block from our store - our closest competitor - advice on how to sell lawn fertilizer. Dad suggested that Harrison fertilize his portion of the lawn in front of his store at Indian Hills Shopping Center to show how much better his lawn looked. Orie shared his knowledge of truck farming with Spencer Ring, from whom we’ve all bought fresh tomatoes at the farmer’s market for years.
It was probably almost 30 years ago when we had a short supply of fresh Christmas wreaths. Knowing that Heifners made their own wreaths, we ordered some at the last minute from Bob. Driving up after work, I picked up a load of wreaths from Bob. Upon arrival at the nursery, I found Bob back in a shed making wreaths. I can vividly remember today Bob teaching me the art of Christmas wreath making. For those of you who were fortunate to know Bob, I’m sure you can hear his unique voice and the manner in which he would graciously teach me.
From those days years ago, we have loved passing on the craft of wreath making to those interested in learning. We have shared the craft in workshops for years. We have a couple opportunities left to take one of our workshops. This Saturday at 3:00 pm or Sunday at 1:00 pm come and learn the craft. You may sign up online at Johnsonsgarden.com.
For those wanting to decorate at home, we have an abundance of fresh cut evergreens for making your own Christmas decorations in your patio planters, around windows, mailboxes or anywhere. This year we are also making our own porch pots for our customers for the freshest containers possible.
Another industry person who was a great influence for many was Ken Whittington. Ken worked for Gard'N-Wise, our local lawn and garden supplier. Ken loved teaching and sharing his knowledge not only with our employees, but with our customers as well. A rosarian, Ken worked the stores on Mother’s Day weekend in our rose department, and he led workshops on drip irrigation and many other topics. Ken and Jean had kept a multi-generation Christmas cactus in their household. Ken shared cuttings of that O’Tinery Christmas cactus with many.
While I don’t have a piece of Ken’s plant, I recently visited with a mutual friend who still enjoys her O’Tinery to this day. We do have a great selection of Christmas cacti in our stores that are ready to brighten your home for the holidays and many more to come. Come pick one up today. For a short time they are $5.00 off our 6” pot sizes.
Back again this year is our BOGO Gift Card promotion for the Christmas season. Buy a gift card for $50.00 and receive another one for $10.00 for FREE! Ends December 24, 2025. Both Christmas cacti and gift cards are much-appreciated gifts.
I hope you’re savoring the start of the Christmas season. Another repeat Christmas tune I’m sending you is from Al Green, The First Noel. I’m sure you’ll remember his soulful voice - enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
