<!--DIV {margin:0px;}-->Well...we are just a couple weeks away from the begining of our growing season at Murphy’s Gardens.  Soon our empty greenhouses will be bursting with seedlings and baby plants.  I can hardly wait.   Meanwhile, I have been busy studying new plants and techniques, pouring over seed catalogs, updating our website and brochure and finding my desk under a mountain of paperwork!

In the same week this January, our family suffered two great losses – Paul’s Mom and my Dad lost their battles with cancer.   While this has saddened our family beyond measure, we are so thankful for the love and knowledge they left us.    My first memories include planting potatoes, picking strawberries and hauling compost to the garden with my Dad.   Both Paul and I  grew up on on small farms where our parents  farmed and/or gardened their whole lives.    In recent years, they continued to  help us in the greenhouse occasionally and were always interested in what was growing in our gardens.    We are reminded, how gardens heal the soul.  Just thinking about the miracles in nature, helps lift the grief.   How blessed we are to be able to care for God’s creation.  Thanks Mom and Dad for instilling these values in us.  
 
And so, we go on.  We added a 7th greenhouse last fall to allow for even more growing room this year.  My husband is quite the greenhouse building pro!    This new greenhouse will be used for plant production, but will be opened up for retail later in season.   

Several new perennials, shrubs and even a limited line of trees will be added to our plant offerings this year. Our Hosta selection has quadrupled and we expanded our Daylily collection a bit for those that collect those plants.     

The USDA has revised the plant hardiness map.  http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/Downloads.aspx  
In Galena, we are solidly in Zone 5a.  All of our perennials and shrubs are this zone or colder.  All have been tested either in our gardens or have been grown in Midwest nurseries, so you can trust that our stock can be reliably grown here.  Of course, it is not only cold hardiness that affects a plants health – soil type, watering needs and care are very important factors as well.    This is why you have to pay attention to more than the hardiness zones when purchasing a plant.  We can help you with all of that!

While you’re dreaming and planning for this year’s perennial garden additions, there is a wonderful website with detailed information on many of the perennials we sell.   The more you can learn about a plant’s needs the more likely you are to succeed with it.  Check out:  http://www.perennialresource.com
With this mild winter, we are all anxious to start some seeds, but a word of caution, do not start them too early!  Last frost date is around May 10th, so count back the weeks according to the transplant days on the seed packet.  For instance, tomatoes should really not be started until early April!   It is better to have a sturdy, small seedling than an older leggy one.   I will be presenting a seminar on Seed Starting on March 25th at the Highland Community College facility in Elizabeth.  Stay tuned for more information.  

Tentative opening weekend for Murphy’s Gardens is April 14th (unless it is still snowing!)   You can always find the latest info on hours either on this website, or by calling our store  815-777-4273.   

If you need plant advice or are looking for a particular plant this year, please send me an email: lori@murphysgardens.com  and I’ll be glad to help.  

Facebook friends enjoy a more up-to-date schedule than our regular email mailing list and also enjoy exclusive specials through-out the year.  So if you haven’t already, “Like” us at Murphy’s Gardens Greenhouse & Garden Center.   We post tips, photos & gardening info all year and fans say they love the updates!   

Think spring & we’ll see you soon!

Lori
Murphy's Gardens