Author Archives: Brenda Powell

About Brenda Powell

I'm one of the owners of a family-owned retail nursery. I have a degree in horticulture from Oregon State University. I love to garden and read. My technically savvy but horticulturally challenged husband, Mitch, spends most of his time as slave labor in the garden. Thank goodness he adores me! My goal in this blog is to share my enjoyment of gardening, my love of nature, and my addiction to books. Did I mention I like to cook, too?

Creating a Beautiful and Productive Cutting Garden

  After “surviving” the wet, dark winter, I always look forward to planning out my flower garden with great enthusiasm. I’ve learned ( primarily through trial and error) some very important aspects to creating a full and complete cutting garden. … Continue reading

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Houseplants for Clean Air

This article was first published in Feb/March 2017 Willamette Living Magazine. Recently, there’s been a renewed interest in houseplants that improve air quality, with an emphasis on plants to help you sleep.  There are several reasons that plants help your … Continue reading

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Figs, Fig Leaves, and the Bible

At the nursery, we’re always busy.  In the spring, it’s a whirlwind of customers and plants coming in and going out.  When the weather slows down the sales, we’re still working away getting ready for next year.  We play catch … Continue reading

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Bonsai Comes Full Circle

It’s a funny thing about life and gardening, they return to their beginnings.  So it is with bonsai at Garland Nursery.  We have enjoyed a good relationship with Wee Tree Farm and then Wee Tree, LLC. since 1986, both separate … Continue reading

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Spring Beauties

Imagine it is late January or early February and you look out your window to see purple, white and striped crocus blooming in your flower bed.  Next come the daffodils spreading their golden cheer around.  In March, the parade of … Continue reading

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Growing Little Gardeners

Last week my husband and I enjoyed a visit from his daughter, her husband and two children. We love all of them and enjoy the limited time we are able to spend with them.  Being a grandparent is a joy. … Continue reading

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Gift Ideas: Christmas 2015

Let me be honest from the start, gift buying is not my favorite activity.  I either spend too much time trying to come up with the perfect gift and I get frustrated and buy a gift card or I wait … Continue reading

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Feed Me Seymour-A Blog

“Feed me Seymour. Feed Me!!!”  That’s what many of us think of when presented with the subject of carnivorous plants: a giant, alien-looking  plant that feeds on flesh and blood.  In the animal world a lion feasting on a gazelle, … Continue reading

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A Kitchen Garden is a Work in Progress

It’s that time of year.  It’s finally warm enough to plant the heat lovers in the garden: squash, cucumbers, and melons.  I’ve finally made it to the Saturday Farmer’s Market and there is an abundance of locally grown, yummy produce.  … Continue reading

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GOOD BUG/BAD BUG

Guest Blogger Sharon Knight As the weather warms and you’re able to get out into your garden more, you may be noticing that insects are getting out into the garden more too. Every garden has insects, and every garden needs … Continue reading

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