Garden Journal week 26, 2026
Volunteer plants, deadpots, summer break, new in shop, what’s in bloom, heatwave prep
Letting Nature Help
Last week I mentioned that I’ve been tidying the nursery up by going through and clearing out dead pots. What I didn’t mention is that there’s something wonderful always happening in native nurseries like mine: many plants are growing that were not sown.
When I used to shop for plants more than grow them myself, I loved looking for any that came with “bonus plants.” The listed plant would be in the pot, sure, but there would be something a little extra as well. Because of that, some of my overwintered pots come with a bonus plant (or many), and I consider that a jackpot for the future gardener who buys it from me. I leave the good ones in for others to enjoy.
For example, last week at the Ambler Farmers Market, a lady asked me which plant would make a good gift. I don’t remember what the actual plant was that I sold to her, but I do remember that it came with two amazing bonus plants (the names of which she wrote down to tell the giftee). One was a Hylotelephium telephioides and the other was Phemeranthus teretifolius. Two wonderful and rare Pennsylvania species were included for free. It’s a BOGO in the best way.
Incidentally, some of my dead pots aren’t actually dead. Sure, the plant that I intentionally sowed and potted into it died, but they’ve been replaced with at least one if not more other native plants. Thanks to this, I was able to restock nearly a full flat of Viola palmata (which I’d sold out of), as well as adding a few species that grow in my garden but I hadn’t intended on selling. Instead of deadpots, I call these nature’s consolation pots. “Sorry. The plant you initially grew here died, but here are some wonderful alternatives. Technically, it’s not a loss!”
I still end up composting some of the most common species. I really don’t see anyone requesting Erigeron canadensis or Ageratina altissima, but if you want those, I’ll keep an eye out for more. There will always be more—it’s guaranteed.
Just Added!
Hello, is it these you’re looking for? I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your smile… it’s all you’ve ever wanted.
Azure Bluets
Frequently hide among the moss, until tiny blue four-petaled flowers with yellow centers hover above them in spring.
Jacob’s Ladder
Cheerful blue bell-shaped flowers will reseed into a groundcover once happily established.
Starting A Two-Month Summer Break From Markets
Last year, I didn’t attend any market events whatsoever until September, which was a good idea as I’d just launched the nursery. Market events, as fun and helpful as they may be, take a lot of energy. I will still continue to come to them because sales help me and the events help others find out about my nursery. I’ve also really come to enjoy all of the people I’ve met at Ambler Farmers Market. There isn’t much time to chitchat during the market itself, except during set-up and break-down. Others who have staff are able to walk away and meet the other vendors, but since it’s just me running my own booth, I’m stuck in place.
That said, summers are tough. Some people like myself have no qualms about planting through the summer (avoiding actual heatwaves, of course), but most do. Otherwise, gardening has two main seasons. The biggest rush is in spring when everyone is sick of winter and eager for that “fresh start” to their gardening. People have big plans with their seed lists and dreams of lush, productive gardens full of colorful blooms and delicious, fresh produce. Then comes summer, bringing mosquitoes, wildlife eating their plants and the realization that weeds will show up no matter what you do. And the heat…. It’s time to go on a vacation (or indoors). The second season comes at the end of summer and into fall as the weather begins to cool and every garden center is filled with mums (Chrysanthemums, to be specific).
PS: Asters are better.
Few summer sales means there are too few to make tabling a cost-effective strategy. Although the fee is nominal compared to some others I’ve heard about, there’s still a fee attached to it every time I do an event there. If I had enough demand for in-person shopping, I’d continue doing it. That said, there absolutely is a direct correlation between the weather and sales, and that includes temperature. The hotter it is, the fewer people are willing to brave the garden.
Those who really want plants know that they can shop my nursery, at any time that isn’t winter. Once the order goes through, folks can schedule a time to come pick them up, at which point they may feel inclined to add to their order if they see anything that grabs their attention. Only one customer has ever left the premises without extra plants MagiKally making it into their car.
Either way, I’m still here. As much as I’d love to spend a week at the beach, someone’s gotta water the plants. While I do have a good and reliable friend who will water my plants in exchange for taking a few home, she has her own summer plans. I will be taking a few days off to celebrate my eldest’s birthday offsite.
You might enjoy shopping from my nursery more than you enjoy at my market booth. There is a far greater selection here than what I can fit in my car to stock my booth. Personally, I highly recommend checking in with me periodically, especially if there are species you’ve been waiting on. I am going to continue to list them, because as far as I’m concerned, it’s just another work day. I’d hate to have to tell you that they sold out before the markets pick back up. Nobody is getting any special previews. If it’s up, it’s up for everyone.
Only one customer has ever left the premises without extra plants MagiKally making it into their car.
What’s Blooming This Week
In addition to the majority of what was posted in last week’s journal post, here are the flowers which opened up this week.
Weathering The Upcoming Heatwave
It looks like next week will have temperatures hitting over 100 degrees right before the holiday weekend. Many people will be away on vacation during this time. I urge you—beg you—please make sure you have someone watering your plants while you’re away. Anything you have planted recently (this year), especially if they are trees or shrubs, should continue to be watered during heat waves. Any Plants you have in pots should be moved temporarily to shade. The hotter the weather, the faster plants go through water thanks to transpiration. Be sure to water them first thing in the morning so that they have access to the water they need througout the day.
Heat stressed plants rely more heavily on their food stores and shut down photosynthesis. Heat also causes damage to plants. Using up their food stores reduces their chances of surviving the winter. Stress also reduces a plant’s ability to withstand attacks from pathogens and pests. Yes, planting correctly sited native plants does indeed reduce your watering needs in a normal climate. Planting seed-grown, climate-adapted species increases the chances that your plants will make it through tough weather like this. However, all of this applies only once plants are established. Nothing planted this spring will be established yet.
If you are local to the nursery and need someone to come water your plants, send me a message.