The Great Zinnia
There was a Great Gatsby, Alexander the Great, the Greatest Boxer of All Time, Mohammad Ali, the Great Wall of China and yes, the Grateful Dead. But in my humble opinion, the Great Zinnia takes the cake.
Let me make my case for the Great Zinnia. We’re talking about the hardest working flower in the summer garden, just to get you up to speed here. They’re great because they are low maintenance, heat and drought tolerant and come in bright colors. I think they’re the best flower a smart gardener can put to work in their gardens.
We grew zinnias at Maple Rock this year as a trial and found them incredibly easy and beautiful. Lots of people come to High-Hand and ask for a great summer blooming plant. I never thought of zinnias. Can’t tell you why. Actually I think my mind is so fixated on perennial flowers (a flower that comes back year after year) that zinnias got dropped out of my vocabulary. Zinnias are an annual, meaning you will have to plant them every year. But don’t let this discourage you because I guarantee they will provide the least amount of work and the most happiness in your garden.
Zinnias work fast. If there is an easier flower to grow, I’d like to know about it. Since they are an annual they come up from seed very quickly. If you’re a basic gardener this plant fits your requirements.
Plant them in full sun and lots of summer heat and in just a few weeks you’ll have flowers powering up. No perennial can claim that speed. They come in every color. Since they’re fast growing and low maintenance they make cut flowers.

Did I say they make great cut flowers? Ask these folks if they do.
We might have a Zinnia pop up day at Maple Rock. A date to be announced soon. We have a few left after the last pickings. There’ll be no fanfare. Just bring your clippers and a picnic lunch and your own toilet paper in case the outhouse runs out.
Keep an eye out on Instagram, Facebook and our website to keep up to date on the pop up. I’m thinking the 3rd week-ish of October.
What other great things are happening at High-Hand? Check out Crazy Dory’s great classes this fall.

Would you like to create your own Harvest Wreath? Join us Saturday, October 6th by clicking here for tickets.
Here’s all the information you need to know.

The greatness continues.
Saturday, October 13th, Pumpkulents. What’s a Pumpkulent?

This is a Pumpkulent. A great holiday centerpiece can be yours. Enjoy the Autumn season by creating a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. We supply everything you need including treats and mimosas. Class is $65 plus tax. Sign up for one of the following classes:
Three great dates to choose from.
Click here to sign up for Saturday, October 13th, 2018, between 10 and 12.
Click here to sign up for Saturday October 27th, 2018, between 10 and 12.
Click here to sign up for Saturday November 3rd, 2018, between 10 and 12.
Or sign up by checking out our classes and workshop page on our website.
A great cause Saturday, November 3rd at 5:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening with Major David Holen, Army Retired. He will speak on behalf of K9s for Warriors. We’ll have amazing pups for adoption at the kissing booth. Tickets are $25. Hors d’oeuvres and spirits available. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. Proceeds will benefit K9s for Warriors and Pets for Vets.
It’s almost 100 degrees today and it’s officially Fall. The Great Zinnia doesn’t care and neither should you. Fall is a wonderful time for planting. Don’t tell anybody, but I plant all year round. I don’t want that secret to get out or I’ll probably get ran out of town.
One other little secret. We will be having a Name Your Own Price Sale coming up on a weekend in October. That’s when we comb the nursery for all the things we’d like to find homes for and you get to name your own price. We’ll announce it on the various channels. Stay tuned.
October is here. See you at High-Hand Nursery.
Scott
Ssssshhhh.
