STAY TUNED...

The Bucks County Garden Center blog will resume in the spring with new postings. Thank you for reading and for your comments!!

Lynn

Styer Orchard Inc.

A bountiful harvest comes to Bucks County after the 4th of July and Styer’s Pick-Your-Own farm is ready to provide you with a healthy picking of fruits and vegetables. Styer Orchard Inc. is a 107-acre pick-your-own farm operated by the Field family in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.

Fruits and vegetables are their specialty and here you can find fresh juicy peaches, red ripe tomatoes, and the season’s finest sweet corn, all in one place. In addition you can pick asparagus, apples, plums, cherries, pumpkins, grapes, eggplants, and more when they are in season.



The farm relies primarily on word of mouth and has a devoted customer base. Families return regularly to pick their produce for the week. This week customers are picking tons of sweet corn and peaches. The Field family showed me today’s freshly husked white corn that they decided to immediately eat right off the cob! In fact, even their dog, Jasmine has learned the art of picking the corn, husking it with her paws and eating it…cob and all, according to the Field’s.




The Field family is friendly and knowledgeable about all kinds of produce, growing techniques, insecticides and pesticides. And they use minimal applications of these products to assure the healthiest fruits and vegetables are made available to the public. They also host several school tours throughout the year and teach students about the complexities of growing vegetables and the process most crops go through before getting to the market.

It is interesting to note the variety of each crop they grow. For instance, Styer’s produces about 30 different varieties of apples. According to allaboutapples.com there are over 100 different varieties of apples in the world, including Macintosh, Fuji, Gala, Rome, Pippin, Niagara, Jonathan and Rambo.



If you like very fresh fruits and vegetables, now is the time to head over to Styer’s Pick-Your-Own. The prices are very reasonable and they will take you out to the fields via a wagon pulled by one of their farm tractors. Bring the whole family to help you pick!


Styer Pick-Your-Own is located on Styer Lane just off of Woodburne Road. They are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can also call them at: 215-702-9633.

Seasons Garden Center

As summer officially arrives, I am reminded of my trip last Friday to Seasons Garden Center in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Nestled away in a forest cove, across the street from the Delaware River, a quaint and park-like garden center greets all who travel River Road from Washington Crossing to Yardley, Pennsylvania.

Bill Piestor, the Operations Manager was welcoming and curious about my interest in the shop. He told me that his son Dave has been the sole owner of Seasons Garden Center for the last eight years. The original owner was Mr. Polka, who still lives on an adjacent property behind the structure. Bill guided me through the intricate layout of perennials, annuals, nursery stock, and other popular garden items.



The Garden Center prides itself on its deer resistant shrubs and perennials that have proved beneficial in the popular deer havens of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Seasons is also a good choice if you are looking for container plantings, butterfly attracting plants and flowers and exotic nursery stock.
















The staff at Season’s Garden Center is friendly and helpful. Certified Master Gardener, Kelly Strycharz-Thompson is knowledgeable on a variety of plant subjects and writes a regular column in the “Washington Crossing Current.” This month you can read her article, “Blueberries: In-Season and Right in Your Own Back Yard.” The publication also includes coupons to apply to your blueberry, raspberry and blackberry plant purchases.


A drive down River Road must include a stop at Season’s Garden Center. Walking through the garden is inspiring, but inside the gift shop you will also find a nice collection of Guy Wolff Pottery. These beautiful, early English inspired flowerpots have gained popularity with Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey and will surely be a welcome gift for a special friend or garden lover.



You will find Season’s Garden Center at 1069 River Road in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. They are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Or call them at 215-493-4226. They offer an appealing collection of plants, flowers and gift items. I plan to return soon to stroll through the elegant garden areas stocked with seasonal delights!

Marrazzo's Manor Lane Florist

This evening I was led to Marrazzo’s Manor Lane Florist, located on Yardley Road in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Once again I have to thank my insider’s for their tips! Marrazzo’s Manor Lane Florist is so much more than a florist. A beautifully landscaped nursery and garden center, gift shop, landscaper and tractor/mower dealer, Marrazzo’s will surely excite every gardener’s palette.

When I entered the gift shop I was surprised of how much it resembled an elegant arts and crafts studio. Many types of professional arts and craftworks could be purchased at competitive prices. The two young women at the counter told me they were open to 8:00 p.m., so I would be free to browse and take pictures. I was intrigued at the depth of the gift shop and wandered off to an area in the back that sold new lawn tractors and other outdoor equipment.



When I made my way out of the gift shop, I was led through several nicely trellised walkways to the formal-like gardens. Many colorful, hanging baskets and garden planters were adequately placed throughout the garden area.



As I made my way closer to the sound of garden fountains, I realized that was not what I had heard. It was an entire area devoted to aquatic plants such as water lilies, lotus and other tropical and bog plants.



Marrazzo’s offers a fine selection of landscaping merchandise and has a team of experts to help you get the job done right. You can also find a good selection of indoor houseplants located just off the gift shop.




Visitors could spend most of their day browsing through the gift shop and florist area. They even sell gift cards and gift wrap! This worked out perfect for me since I was looking for a gift item and a card too.



The Marrazzo’s Manor Lane Florist delivers their floral creations to areas as far as New Hope, Pennsylvnia and as far as Princeton, New Jersey.



You can visit the Marrazzo’s family owned garden center at 1301 Yardley Road on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You won’t leave empty handed.

New York Times Article

Gardening is in the news today with the New York Times. Read the feature below and learn how gardeners can prosper in today's dwindling economy:

inhttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/dining/11gardehttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/ding/11garden.html?ex=1370923200&en=246efa869452f130&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Please visit your local garden center for details on how to start your own garden today!

Geerlings Garden, Gift and Patio Center

Geerlings Garden, Gift and Patio Center is located in Buckingham, Pennsylvania, about 6 miles west of New Hope, Pennsylvania. It is a 45 year-old family owned and operated business originating in Wrightstown, Pennsylvania. The Geerling family came directly from Holland and began selling flowers to the local farmers markets. Their business has grown tremendously since then and they not only sell flowers but they also sell vegetable bedding plants, nursery stock, houseplants, garden statuary, pottery and more.




According to the garden center manager at Geerlings, many people do not know the extent of services they offer. At the rear of the garden center a very large landscaping business has developed. They offer hardscaping, mulch, shrubs, garden ponds and fountains. Many people find it deceiving as they approach the center off of Route 413.



Inside there is a delightful gift shop where an array of home decorating accessories can be purchased. The selection of patio furniture includes some of the more stylish products usually found only in high-end patio stores. Visitors could spend a good deal of their day wandering through the abundant displays.


Geerlings is a one stop garden center offering planters, fertilizers, pesticides, gardening tools, gloves, other useful products that serious gardeners need to create their masterpieces. In addition there is a nice selection of houseplants including a variety of orchids, African violets, clematis, ivy, ferns, tropical foliage, and aloe.





Located on Route 413 in Buckingham, 2 and ½ miles south of Route 202, Geerlings is open year round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. During the holidays they also sell live and artificial Christmas trees and poinsettias, grown directly on their farm.

SUBURBAN HOME AND GARDEN RESOURCE GUIDE

A home and garden magazine published in Bucks County, P.A., Suburban Home and Garden is a monthly publication that primarily serves as a resource for advertisers to showcase their products and services. In addition, they supplement their magazine with informative home decorating and gardening articles that are written by their staff writers. It is a beautiful, glossy, full-color, free publication mailed directly to homeowners. I recently talked with Editor-In-Chief Ms. Stephanie Arasim Portnoy, who offered further details on the magazine, it’s circulation, and future plans.


Q. When was Suburban Home and Garden conceived?
A. The magazine began in March 2006. It is an advertorial publication.

Q. When did you become Editor-In-Chief?
A. I started with the publication one year after they began.

Q. Who is your biggest competitor?
A. I know of some others, but not as competitors. They are Philadelphia House and Home, Bucks County House and Home and others.

Q. How is your publication marketed?
A. It is marketed to homeowners in Bucks County with incomes over $150,000 a year.

Q. What is the current circulation?
A. It is about 50,000.

Q. Who is your target audience?
A. Middle to high income, both male and female.

Q. Has the home mortgage crisis impacted you distribution?
A. No. I haven’t noticed it.

Q. What is the affiliation with Phillywired.com and South Jersey Magazine?
A. They are published by the same publisher, LLC. We are working on getting our own URL for Suburban Home and Garden.

Q. Where is it printed?
A. Out of Mechanicsburg, P.A.

Q. Will you add more garden center and landscape design info?
A. There is more in the South Jersey Magazine because there are more in that area.

Q. Town homes and Condo’s are a large part of Bucks County. Do you plan any feature articles specific to these structures?
A. The home remodeling articles apply to all types of homes, but town homes have their own grounds maintenance services.

Q. Can an individual subscribe to your publication?
A. Yes, they can send an email to stephanie@southjersey.com.

Gasper's

An upscale garden center in Richboro, Pennsylvania, Gasper’s offers a world of options for landscaping, living and gardening. Somewhat off the beaten path, a short ride from Newtown, customers can enjoy magnificent specimens of nursery stock, annuals and perennials, and a variety of koi. As I walked into the garden showroom I immediately heard the sounds of numerous garden fountains, both large and small. I especially liked the smaller options for condo and townhome living.

The greenhouse style entrance was the setting for small garden accents including birdhouses, aquatic merchandise and a variety of patio planters spilling over with beautiful geraniums, petunias and ivy.

Val, the garden center manager was favorable to me capturing my visit on my camera, so I continued to the outdoor garden area. I was astonished at the large quantity of fine nursery stock and diverse garden statuary. I honestly have never seen so many gargoyles in my life! In addition, Gasper’s had several garden ponds fully stocked with koi. They were graded and priced to sell according to size. Below you will see the medium sized koi.



Back inside the garden showroom I encountered an area devoted to birdhouses and birdbaths. Eventually, I entered the “Aquatics” area – which turned out to be a deluge of accessories for your home fountain and pond needs.


When I approached the register area where Val was working, I asked if he had any brochures or materials that I could read about. He graciously handed me their landscaping DVD that showcased their outstanding design concepts and expertise. Click here to see a preview of that DVD: http://www.gasper.net/dvd.asp

Gasper’s Garden and Landscape Design Center is located about 4 miles east of Newtown, Pennsylvania. The Garden center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is rare find and has everything you need to create a perfect outdoor garden!

Shady Brook Farm

An impromptu visit to Shady Brook Farms on Thursday became an enlightening experience after meeting family owner and farm manager Paul Fleming. He explained to me the history of Shady Brook dating back to 1913, when his Great, Great Grandfather of Andalusia, PA started the farm. Eventually the family purchased more land in 1965 in Middletown Township, PA and it has now grown to over 130 acres and they continue to grow. Today, in addition to the market specials, Shady Brook also offers pick your own specials on Strawberries, Raspberries, Peaches, Apples and Pumpkins. This weekend the strawberries are ready and waiting to be freshly picked!



When you visit the farm you will be welcomed with an oasis of beautiful hanging baskets, overflowing potted flower gardens, and landscaping accents. I walked into the market and was amazed at the abundance of fresh produce, the deli at the back of the building and to my surprise, a great new ice cream shop, “Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream”. The students who worked at the counter were eager to give away free samples of their freshly made flavors. I must say that the chocolate is “to die for.”



This is a great place to bring the whole family and enjoy all that Shady Brook has to offer…their website is up to date and presents a full listing of events and activities throughout the summer. There is also a winery and a bakery on the premises. Don’t miss this unbelievable family business that offers something for everyone!


Shady Brook Farm is located at 931 Stony Hill Road in Yardley, PA. They are open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check out their website for current events: www.shadybrookfarm.com.

Fairless Hills Garden Center

My 2008 Garden Center Tour began with a tip from a knowledgeable insider. She suggested I visit the "Fairless Hills Garden Center” in Fairless Hills, PA. One of the easternmost communities of Bucks County, I decided to make this my first stop.

As they say, "never judge a book by its cover." The Fairless Hills Garden Center offers more variety and better prices than any garden center I’ve recently visited. The staff was helpful and friendly and open to my desire to record my visit through my camera lens. As I entered into the fenced in garden area, my senses were pleasantly awakened with a fragrant mixture of rosemary, anise, cilantro and other herbs offered at just $1.00 per 3” square pot or mix and match a tray of 18 for only $15.99. Despite the rain, there was a constant flow of new customers, grabbing one of the readily available large garden carts and strolling through the wide-open aisles of annuals and perennials. As I made my way past the herbs and vegetable plants, there was an area of sizeable, attractive pottery. The pots were perfect for planting an accent plant in and placing on a patio.




Once the rain started to come down in buckets I headed for the enclosed greenhouse area in the back. Here you can find more garden accessories than Blockbuster has DVD’s. Potting soil, mulch, containers, hanging baskets, brackets, statues, hoses, weed killers, flags, hooks, fertilizer, and more! Women especially will love the pink pastel garden hose. Beyond the accessory aisle, I walked into “landscaping heaven,” abundant with small shrubs, birdbaths, patio tomatoes, azaleas, rhododendrons, tropical foliage, other nursery stock. It was in this area that I discovered my find of the day; a beautiful window box overflowing with pink geraniums, ivy, and dracaena spikes for only $18.99!

Feeling pleased that I didn’t keep on driving down Lincoln Highway and having found such a bountiful garden center, I paid for my purchase and drove over to the Luk Oil station to fill my gas tank. Although it was not a bargain, they did offer full service, which is a rare experience in Pennsylvania.

The Fairless Hills Garden Center is a family owned business located at 636 E. Lincoln Highway (next to Wilson Meats) in Fairless Hills, PA. They are open 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Log onto their website at: http://www.fhgardencenter.com (it could use some updating) or you can call them at: 215-428-2550.

Next stop: Gasper Garden Center in Richboro