This is basically a tour of the Armstrong Garden Center in Claremont (735 E Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711). I made a trip here last month and also created a video of the items I purchased.
I picked up some small fairy garden accessories, including a new baby, and some new colorful flowers and foliage. I spent more than I would have liked to, but it's hard to contain myself when surrounded by such beautiful things!
Earlier this month Armstrong Garden Centers hosted a class on the topic of growing succulents and cacti. This class took place at multiple locations but we attended the one in Claremont.
Just moments before taking this picture, staff opened these gates. We were not the only car parked in the lot, awaiting for the clock to reach 8:30 am.
I was so in love with this arrangement. I would love to have a similar display in my yard. At a certain angle, the middle of these flowers have a lilac hue.
Above is a video I had my grandson put together showing many of the plants, supplies and decor I saw during my very first visit.
Our instructor John Burke introduce himself promptly at 9 am as he passed around some literature to those in attendance, space out under shade umbrellas. John explained that he went to school for Horticulture and would be happy to answer any questions throughout the lecture and after, even if it was off topic. Our literature included a breakdown of talking points on succulents and cacti including reasons to grow, requirements, prep and care.
I was happy to learn a few new things about one of the largest plant groups (succulents). Due to a terrible slew of fires in our area in the past week, John made it known that succulents and cacti are a very resilient plant and can often be fire resistant, making them a smart option to border your property line and possibly save your house! He stressed the importance of visual watering, being sure to saturate the soil (for potted succulents, water will need to leak from the drainage holes) so that the roots can have access to the water.
Overall, I was very pleased with the class and the nursery selection. I look forward to attending more classes in the future. My granddaughter and I filled out the survey for the class and spent another hour exploring the plants and supplies. We each made a purchase and used our 10% off coupon received during the class and I learned that Wednesday is senior discount day! That was great news since I only brought enough cash with me to purchase necessary items for my garden but a few decorative things caught my eye that I'll need to return for.
My granddaughter purchased these two succulents to put in her garden. I have quite a bit of the succulent on the left, but this particular cutting shows variegation in the leaves whereas my plants are a solid, darker green. I've never seen the succulent on the right before, but it sure has a unique look and shape to it.
Here is the arched path that takes you to the house on the hill, just beyond this ticket booth. This post is a continuation of the Myrtle Creek Nursery tour.
My granddaughter and I each traded 5 american dollars for 5 Curious Gardens bucks that can be used inside to purchase many things to help personalize your garden.
Here are some of the unique containers that can be purchased and used in the workshop. I purchased the one on the bottom shelf. I called beforehand and asked if we were able to bring our own container and decorations, which they were fine with, so my granddaughter brought her own container.
There were so many items for sale to accentuate your container garden ranging from colorful stones and pebbles, many styles of fairies and animals, houses, plants and more! Here is only one of the tables with a few plants that were on display.
This large example of a container garden sits right at the entrance of the Curious Gardens which I'm sure is meant to inspire and peak the curiosity of any passerby.
There were so many small fairy gardens spread throughout the grounds and the house. I found it hard to not stop every five feet and take a photo!
The workshop is held in a nice size room with rows of working surfaces, chairs and tubs full of soil. The walls are adorned with decor that inspires creativity and reflects the unique character found inside the house. The woman on the left in the red is the Fairy Godmother (Debra). She is integral to the Curious Gardens experience as she guides guests through the house tour and encourages them to take in the inspiration scattered throughout and to meet her in the work space area when they're ready.
This garden is what I created. While I did bring my own decor and accessories, I didn't end up using any of them since I found all of these unique pieces in the Curious Gardens shop. I was sold on these sprite looking beings the moment I saw them. I was amazed at the range of suppliers they stocked as evident by the many styles of fairies, animals and decor including this natural-looking door that I've hidden amidst moss and corkscrew greenery.
This container garden was created by my granddaughter. Both pieces were purchased in the Curious Gardens store, as well as the colored stones, moss and plant. Of the items they have for sale, I'd say the container and moss are the best deals in this workshop. We each purchased a basket of moss (which included multiple colors as well as sticks) and the moss my granddaughter didn't use in her creation went to my larger container which worked out perfectly.
Here are two young participants that shared the work space with us that morning. Their creation can be see on the table next to them. The Fairy Godmother had some great suggestions for this work of art but was put together with these tiny hands!
Here is another creative little participant in the workshop. Her art is contained within this natural container sold in the Curious Gardens shop. It could easily blend in to her garden at home! Before we left the Gardens, we took advantage of the air conditioned tea room where hot tea was offered and had a conversation about gardening with some other guests of the house who stopped to admire our creations fresh from the workshop.
As I said, I couldn't stop taking pictures, so below is the slideshow of the majority of my pictures within the gates of the Curious Gardens. I also want to thank all participants who allowed me to take photos to share the experience with my followers. If you see yourself in any of the pictures below, please feel free to comment with how you felt about your experience at this workshop.
I was able to ask Emma the cashier a few questions to quench my curiosity about the building that houses all these magical things. The house was built in 1972 and based on a 1600s plantation home. The house was used for special events and tea parties before the fairies moved in at the end of March 2018. However, the fairy workshop is not new to Myrtle Creek Nursery and had been held elsewhere on the grounds for a few years. The popularity of fairy gardens and the workshop caused them to grow from the two vendors they began with (which focused mainly on farm animals) and move up to the house on the hill. I want to give a final thank you to Myrtle Creek Nursery and encourage others to experience what they have to offer - make sure you set aside a whole day though because there's so much to explore! If you'd like to learn more about this business, visit their website HERE.
My granddaughter and I took a short road trip to Fallbrook, CA earlier this month to visit Myrtle Creek Nursery. She had been seeing advertisements for it on Facebook and decided we needed to make a trip during her Summer break. I'm not one to say no to a trip to the nursery, even one that is 60 miles away.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by an employee in the parking lot who gave us this map when he found out it was our first visit. Have you been to a nursery that required a map!? The weather was hot when we arrived at 10am. It was hotter when we left around 3pm. I'm hoping the temperature is a good enough excuse for the fact that we were only able to appreciate 50% of this map and I also hope to return when the weather is cooler.
From the parking lot we made our way through the large area and many tables where they have plants of many sizes and varieties. I had to stop at this tree just outside the gift shop to take this photo. If you click to enlarge, you will see some lovely potted succulents with an overflow design. I'm keeping this in my catalog of "things to try" for my own garden.
This lovely area is the carriage house, right next to Cafe Bloom. There are so many natural elements in this area, from the seating to the wall decor. I especially love this picture since I was able to capture the outdoor seating area and fountain in the mirror.
There is quite a lot of seating throughout the nursery (which was a blessing for me), but the most beautiful seating was at Cafe Bloom. Here you can enjoy fresh, healthy food that include salads, crepes, sandwiches, daily specials and made to order food truck specials!
And if the atmosphere wasn't quaint enough, our food arrived in a basket, bringing me back to the days of picnics. I enjoyed the turkey club on a pretzel bun and my granddaughter ordered the melon salad with mint vinaigrette, both from the Farm to Table menu.
This was posted inside the cafe, encouraging patrons to visit the lovely house on the hill. No need to sway us, we're on our way! And I'll save that experience for another post.
To learn more about Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens & Nursery, please visit their website, discovermyrtlecreek.com
This is a reminder that my very first Fairy Garden class will be taking place in a few days. I'd also like to announce that there WILL be prizes given out to participants - as if the incentive of making your own Fairy Garden wasn't enough. If you read my blog and attend the class, please come up and say hello. I will be available after the class to answer questions and am open to general chit chat. If you are unable to make it to the class but are in the area, please visit Sunshine Growers Nursery to view my Fairy Garden display.
Sunshine Growers Nursery, Yucaipa, CA
WHO: Hosted by Grandma Sandy for anyone who purchases a minimum of $10 at the nursery WHAT: Halloween-Themed Fairy Garden Class WHEN: October 10, 2015 @10am-12pm WHERE: Sunshine Growers Nursery at 34017 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa CA, 92399 MORE: Contact Sunshine Growers Nursery at (909) 797-9210
Hello readers! I realize that the internet is vast and that there may be a lot of miles between us physically but I'm hoping there are some of you within my immediate area. In October I will host my very first Fairy Garden class at Sunshine Growers Nursery. You will be required to purchase a minimum $10 but the class is free and you are encouraged to bring any existing items from home that you'd like to use in a fairy garden scene (a container is suggested although these are also sold at the nursery). I have done a business write up of this nursery before (CLICK HERE) and will again say that this place has absolutely everything you need to start a fairy garden. WHO: Hosted by Grandma Sandy, anyone who purchases a minimum of $10 at the nursery can participate WHAT: Halloween-Themed Fairy Garden Class WHEN: October 10, 2015 @10am-12pm WHERE:34017 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa CA, 92399 MORE: Contact Sunshine Growers Nursery at (909) 797-9210
Phone: (909) 797-9210 Fax: (909) 790-3421 Store Hours: Monday through Saturday 7 AM - 5 PM Sunday 9 AM - 4:30 PM OPEN ALL YEAR Great selection and friendly staff
This is my favorite Nursery but it takes 40 minutes to get there so I only visit every 2 or 3 months. With that being said, I end up buying about 30% of my nursery needs here (the remaining majority is purchased at big name businesses). The staff is very friendly and knowledgable. On a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best, I give it a 10. This is the only location I have visited but there are two other locations.
OTHER LOCATIONS: 1508 Taber Street Corona CA, 92881 Phone: (951) 736-6000 Fax: (951) 736-6655 Store Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 AM - 5 PM Sunday 9 AM - 4:30 PM OPEN ALL YEAR ALSO
13130 S. Milloken / Hamner Ave. Ontario CA, 91761 Phone: (909) 923-7277 Fax: (909) 923-7796 Spring/Summer Hours:
Monday through Saturday 7 AM - 5 PM Sunday 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Spring/Summer hours are from the 1st Sunday of March through 3rd Sunday of November. Winter Hours are: Monday through Saturday 7 AM - 5 PM CLOSED SUNDAYS
What you can expect to find at Sunshine Growers Nursery:
Fruits and Nuts; Semi Dwarf and Standard ALL Varieties of Trees, Shrubs, Flowers (Annuals and Perennials) Grapes, Berries and Vegetables Pots (an endless selection of pots) Sleeping Stones Nanny Baskets They have a great selection of anything for a fairy garden, including - you guessed it - fairies! In November there will be a new delivery of fairy supplies.
Bulk materials you can expect to find at Sunshine Growers Nursery: Top Soil Compost Half and Half: Half topsoil and Half compost 70/30 mix of Topsoil/Compost Planting Mix Nursery Blend Topper/Seed Cover Cedar Mulch White Rocks SodPLEASE COME VISIT MY FAIRY PAGE AND MY BLOG www.facebook.com/GrandmasEFG grandmasefg@gmail.com
