Khal us Krazy

I have an apology to make. You see I recently realized that at one time or another during the past 16 years you entrusted us with your email address. You counted on us to write you and let you know what was going on at The Secret Garden. I was faithful. I wrote monthly. We had a good relationship you and I. But then I met a couple of new friends. They were cool and edgy and we started hanging out a lot. I don’t have to write them long letters, they don’t have time for that. Just a quick note or even a picture is enough. But over time I felt something was lacking and I realized I missed our lengthy correspondences. Facebook and Instagram are great, but a good letter really bares the soul and covers all the details doesn’t it? So here you go with a new email/blog post, after an unplanned absence, with all the juicy details.

This summer has been a very busy one at the store.  Not just busy with customers but busy with renovation projects. After almost 9 years at our “new” location, we’re working to make the Secret Garden experience more comfortable for everyone. Khal us Krazy but we’ve been adding DG (decomposed granite) to over an acre of pathways throughout the garden. This is transforming the look of the store as well as making it more comfortable and more accessible for those with strollers or wheelchairs. The difference is remarkable and speaking as someone who was walking on those awful rocks every day, it has made a world of difference. 

Have you strolled through the nursery lately? Newcomers to the store don’t even realize that we only started carrying plants 4 years ago. Khal us Krazy that we launched the new nursery during the drought years! But it was because of the drought and a belief that we should all be growing more sustainable plants in our landscaping that we focused on succulents, cacti and drought tolerant perennials. That decision has led us to where we are today. A destination nursery that draws succulent fans from hundreds of miles to shop our vast selection. If you haven’t been in for a while, Fall Garden Faire & Plant Sale (Sept 15/16) might be a good time to visit. All plants will be 15% off and Fall is a great time to plant. The cooler temperatures allow the plants to establish healthy root systems before the onslaught of Sacramento’s summer heat. 

Pssst....I’ll let you in on a secret because we’re old friends.....we’ve got some exciting new growth planned for this nursery department in the coming year. (Pun intended!)

The great Maya Angelou wrote “When you learn, teach.” Following that sentiment, we have continued to expand our workshop series. Last year we hired and trained two “outside presenters” who have been teaching our succulent workshops in breweries and wineries from here to Lodi. It’s a great program for us, as we get to meet people who may have never even been in the store ... YET! It’s also a great program for you too, as succulents go beautifully with a cold beer and/or a great glass of wine! Our in-store workshops are also still in full swing and there is always something fun to learn and do, from mosaic work to mandala rock painting and everything in between. So if you don’t use Facebook or Instagram where these classes are regularly posted, be sure to check out the website www.secretgarden-online.com regularly to see what classes we have scheduled.

So that’s it for now. This next month will be busy with workshops, Garden Faire, and we’re even throwing our daughter’s wedding reception out in the garden in October! Khal Us Krazy!

Thank you for being you,

Jennifer & Victor Khal

The Secret Garden

Needs and Wants

Sunday Morning, April 15 - This morning before work I was feeling extremely pensive. I was thinking back to when we were first opening The Secret Garden in early 2002 and our son (only 9 at the time) wanted to know how we were going to make a living selling things nobody needed. (He always was an intelligent and thoughtful child and I'm sure we'd had many a discussion explaining the difference between needing and wanting). And then my brain fast forwarded to the past few weeks when I've watched our store come alive with Spring color and with the heavy traffic of people through our gates.

I'm specifically remembering the lady who came in this last week to find a little something to celebrate her "cancer free" diagnosis just that morning. She said she knew she had to come here. Then there was the man who came in because he was missing his late wife and he wanted to walk through her favorite store to "feel her here". I'm remembering the young couple that got engaged during one of our succulent events because that's her favorite hobby. I'm thinking of the daughter, the mom and the grandmother who came in to have a playdate together at one of our workshops. These customers come to The Secret Garden because it a place of beauty, of nurturing, of positive energy that they need at that moment. 

So all this to say, that I'm feeling grateful that we have indeed created a business that does have something that people NEED. I'm thankful to my husband who works tirelessly beside me to maintain it. I'm thankful to our amazing team of employees who strive to deliver that extra something special every day. And I'm thankful to our clientele for continuing to support us. Our motto has always been "So Much More Than a Garden Store" and I'm feeling this morning that we've lived up to that. 

Thanks for letting me ramble....

jennifer

What? - How? - Why? and the Road Show Decision

As small business owners there is no shortage of grand ideas and plans. Trust me when I tell you that my lists have lists. It's true. Ask anyone who knows me and they will attest to me always having a notebook and a pen in hand, adding to or crossing off my list du jour.

I'm lucky in that I get to do this business with my husband of 34 years. Call us crazy, but it works. One of the things that helps in deciding which ideas to pursue and which to leave on the drawing table is to ask three questions - What? How? and Why? It's actually a terrific method for deciding lots of things, both personal and professional.

Take our decision to offer our already very successful in-house workshop series out on the road. 

What? Offer our attendees an opportunity to learn something new, make something fun and enjoy food and adult beverage at the same time.

How? It seemed rather a natural to partner up with other local business owners to the benefit of both businesses. We offer our customers an opportunity to be entertained and engaged in an activity while enjoying a cocktail and maybe a bite to eat. The food and beverage venue gets new clients who may have not otherwise frequented their establishment.

Why? This is where the answers get longer because there are just so many "why"s!

1) How many times have you looked at your partner and discussed "doing something" but didn't just want to go to a movie or out to dinner again. Our workshops have always offered something new to do, but by taking them out on the road, our attendees can enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine at the same time. Couples can hang out and experience a grown up "play date".

2) Partnering with other small businesses is for the common good. We have always had a philosophy at The Secret Garden to join up with others whenever possible. If we don't all stick together and help each other out, who will?  If small business doesn't succeed, then all we're all left with is Costco, Walmart and the likes. And while my family will certainly no doubt shop at both of those places several times this year, is that the only choice I want? Definitely NOT!

3) Being around plants is healing. Literally. Science has proven again and again that just having your hands in the soil is actually beneficial for your health. Having plants in your life reduces stress, improves your air quality, helps you sleep better, improves concentration, etc etc etc. Now I know these facts already and well, let's just say that the last time I watered my houseplants I counted 42! 

Maya Angelou was quoted as saying "When you get, give. When you learn, teach". I take that second part quite seriously. By taking our workshops on the road, we will be reaching more people. By making the workshops fun and engaging (with a nice cold beer) we'll get some involved that otherwise wouldn't have attended. By helping people learn more about plants and how to care for them properly, then they can be successful in caring for their plants. Then maybe they will continue to expand their knowledge and in turn help others see the value and importance of having plants in their lives.

I know it's a lot. But that's the major "Why". Because Plants Heal and because I'm saddened every time I hear someone say "I have a black thumb and I can't keep anything alive". So we're taking our show on the road, as they say. Terrarium Nites and Suds & Succulents events will be popping up in restaurants, breweries and wineries near you. So keep your eyes open and watch us bring "plant shenanigans"** to people all over town.  

See you soon,

Jennifer


** fabulous term borrowed from my friend Warren Keller at Warrens Garden in Lompoc.

It Takes A Village....Another Wordy Wednesday Ramble....

Last night, as I was looking for an email someone said they sent me, I wandered into my SPAM folder. There, among the sales pitches, I saw an email from the KCRA A-List Contest. It's been a very busy Spring. I had not even realized that the contest was underway. I followed the links and soon realized that without any fanfare or participation on my part, The Secret Garden was sitting in 11th place out of 32 contestants. Not bad, but not where I wanted to stay. I tend to be a little competitive. I like to be liked. Heck, I'll admit it, I like to win!

So I copied the link to the voting platform and posted a note on our Secret Garden Facebook wall asking for help getting me in the top 3. I watched a few people respond with a "Like" and a few made comments that they had voted. Awesome! When I woke up this morning I was impressed and thankful for my social media followers that they had indeed voted and pushed me up to 2nd PLACE! Wow! Double Awesome!!

All a silly game? Definitely not! Back in 2007 when this A-List Contest started we placed 3rd out of 10 entries. In 2008 and 2009 we placed FIRST with 18 contestants. The most important part of winning wasn't the certificate (although that's fun to have). No, the MOST IMPORTANT thing was how it drove our web site up higher in search engine results. A little mom and pop store like ours doesn't have the big budget to run ads that place you on top of the search engine page and our web site did not have the traffic history to get to page one in a search organically. BUT, by being part of KCRA's page, and being recognized as #1, well that made a HUGE difference.  

Ten years later there are 32 contestants. My original goal yesterday was to end up in the top 3. Today, after looking at the numbers that I'm privy to as a contestant, I see I only need 51 more votes to move into 1st Place....... 
51 votes!.......... I have 3900+ customers that receive emails. I have 2900+ Facebook fans, I have 1200+ Instagram followers........Imagine the possibilities.....Do you remember what I said about being a little competitive? We're not talking about needing 1000's of votes. We're talking about needing maybe 100. Please don't rely on the other customer to vote. I NEED YOUR VOTE!

And so I ask you....Would you be willing to do your part to support a local, small business by spending a few minutes voting for The Secret Garden in this year's KCRA A List Competition? 

And if you do decide to help us out, would you please also leave a comment about what you like about our store as well. It's one thing when I say something in print. It's 100 times more effective when YOU say something about us in print. Maybe you enjoyed taking a class, or attending a special event. Or maybe your daughter was here for a Girl Scout outing or your family found their Christmas tree here. Whatever good memory you have, we'd love for you to share.

I can't thank you enough for your help. Click here to cast your vote:

Remember, it takes a village to support a small business. You're my village!

Jennifer

Plants & People; Perfect Partners - Another Wordy Wednesday Ramble

In ancient times we lived with the plants. Then as we domesticated we moved indoors and plants were left outdoors. For most people through history, homes were too dark and cold to sustain plant life. It is said that the Emperor of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzer, was one of the first to formally domesticate plant life when he built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon for his wife.

So while in ancient cultures it was generally only the very wealthy who could have plants indoors, plant lovers today keep them not only for the sheer beauty, but also for their proven health benefits. Recent studies have shown that having plants in your home reduces stress, reduces air pollution, reduces allergens and reduces toxins.

Remember those grade school science classes where you learned about photosynthesis? And I thought I'd never use any of that information!

So quick recap - we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Plants and People; Perfect Partners. At night when photosynthesis ceases, most plants then respire like us, taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. However, a few plants, like orchids, SUCCULENTS and epiphytic bromeliads (AIRPLANTS) do the opposite. At night they take in the carbon dioxide you're exhaling and release oxygen. These are excellent plants to place in your bedroom to help refresh the air.

Plants also release 97% of the moisture they take in. They do this by releasing moisture vapor and thereby increasing the humidity around them. Studies show that simply by placing a few plants together in a room you increase humidity and thereby decrease the instances of dry skin, sore throats and dry coughs.

And what about claims that show plants reduce the toxins in your home? Studies show that plants do indeed remove up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours, according to NASA research. VOCs include substances like formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags), benzene and trichloroethylene (both found in man-made fibers, inks, solvents and paint). The NASA research discovered that plants purify the air by pulling contaminants into soil, where root zone microorganisms convert VOCs into food for the plant. Plants and people; Perfect Partners!

Do you need some Plant Partners in your life? Visit me at The Secret Garden and I'll help you get started.

Jennifer

Plant Growth Regulators - Another Wordy Wednesday Ramble

You know those tiny perfect 4" potted roses that are sold everywhere for Valentines Day and Mother's Day? Did you ever wonder how those roses got to look so perfect when your roses at home haven't bloomed out yet? And seriously do roses naturally bud and bloom when they are 4" tall? The answer to that question is NO, they don't. There is nothing natural about it.

So here's something you probably didn't know. Growers use an arsenal of Plant Growth Regulators to achieve the 4" blooming rose and others plant wonders. These regulators are synthetic hormones made to mimic the plants natural hormones. These are then administered to the plant for the purposes of rapid growth, or delayed growth, whatever the grower's needs may be.

Let's say you're growing a crop of plants that need to be ready for market in April. You need these plants to be fully leafed out and budding when the buyers need them in April. Relying on nature, even temperature controlled greenhouses, often isn't enough control. They won't be full enough or perfect enough in their 4" pot for the buyer to perceive them as worth the price. So in comes Plant Growth Hormone Regulators. The grower can play with how the plant grows by administering one or more "regulators" to achieve the end result he or she wants. Science controlling nature. Remember, a 4" potted plant needs to look full but not leggy, and be budded and ready to bloom. All with a root system that is approx 3x3".

So what's the big deal? Well, have you ever noticed that you take your 4" pot home and put it in the ground and nothing happens. The plant doesn't grow for a year or more. Then finally, if it makes it through the heat of summer and the next winter, then it starts to take off. This is because the plant has been programmed through these regulators to NOT grow. Remember, the grower wants the plant to stay little, compact and contained in a 4" pot, The plant doesn't know it's been purchased and put outside in the soil and sunlight and you're now ready for it to grow. It's doing what it's been programmed to do. Sit tight and stay cute.

Last summer I had the privilege of helping a customer landscape their front yard. They purchased all their plants from The Secret Garden. Six months after installation, I stopped by the house to take some pictures of the garden all grown in. The homeowner was thrilled with how everything was growing in nicely. All except three of nine guaras that lined a walk way. Hmmm, I wondered, why would those three not be doing as well as the others? Well it turned out that we hadn't had enough to complete the walk way and the homeowner had purchased three from another store. Different grower. Plant Growth Regulators? I'd bet my money on it.

Today I was talking to a grower of houseplants while purchasing for the store. We were talking shop and discussing different fertilizers and lighting conditions and generally geeking out on our passions. He asked me if I used "regulators" to which my replay was NO. Then he showed me some of his plants that were regulated against the same type of plant without use of regulators. The difference was extreme. The unregulated one was actually bigger but not quite as full. Beautiful in its own right, but not "Picture Perfect". And the color of the regulated one was so much more vivid. It looked like it was photo-shopped with a filter. I was momentarily intrigued. But that's where it ended. Because next he told me that if I was going to use it, we had to tent an area so it wouldn't stray where it shouldn't and we'd need to be fully suited up to not breathe the material or have skin contact. It's a known carcinogenic. Nope! Not at our nursery!

I'm happy to report that while we do grow a lot of our own plants, we only use organic fertilizers and no plant growth regulators. I'm ok with slightly less than picture perfect plant specimens because that's how nature intended for them to be. Love us or leave us, but we're choosing the non-carcinogenic growing options thank you.

There, I'll get off my soap box now.

Jennifer

Herbal Remedies from the Farmacy

Our ancestors knew which herbs and plants could cure a fever, settle an upset stomach, help with insomnia. While I'm no expert, I've been passionate about herbal remedies since my eldest had colic 30 years ago and my mother in law prescribed a tea made from sage and anise. I was skeptical, but 5 weeks of screaming baby had me ready to try anything. Her advice worked like a charm and I was hooked.

I do believe that holistic medicine is making a comeback. My own daughters, aged 23-30 are into looking up natural methods of everything from skincare to household cleaning. They're finding that not only does the natural method work, but it is often considerably less expensive and certainly safer to use.I think they're pretty smart lil chicks!

So let's go back to talking about herbal medicine for a minute. Wouldn't it be amazing if the plants that you grew right outside your own door could be dual purpose. What if that beautiful vine covering your arbor could help you fall asleep. What if that drought tolerant bush by the back fence could even cure athlete's foot. Well, they can.

If you know me at all, you know I love a Win/Win situation. Growing your own holistic medicinal cures is the perfect example of this in action.

1) I love dual purpose plants because they offer a WIN/WIN. In other words, I'll water and care for you and in return I'll get something other than just a pretty plant. One of my favorites is Passion Flower Vine. This fast growing, evergreen vine has a gorgeous flower that turns in to a fruit that's high in antioxidants. (Great in yogurt or tossed into a smoothie). The leaves of the vine can be dried and then used to make a tea that is a mild sedative. I like to blend the leaves with lavender and chamomile, also stress reducing sedatives. 

    

 

2) I also love knowing that I grow my plants without harmful synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. I don't have to pay money for the chemicals in the first place and I don't have to pay a premium for organic goods because I grow them myself. That's a WIN/WIN.

3) I'm pretty frugal (ask anyone!) and growing my own natural teas is the cheapest way to enjoy holistic health care. 

So you see it's a Win/Win/Win.

Stop in to The Secret Garden and pick up some plants to start your own FARMACY. Then the next time you're at the grocery store you can just walk past that boxed tea aisle and keep your hard earned money in your pocket.

Jennifer