All Things Green
Growing your own food is becoming very popular for many reasons. First, it just plain tastes better! It’s cost effective, fun and so gratifying to harvest your own vegetables or fruit for homegrown meals. But sometimes you are limited by the amount of space you have to grow a garden and that is where foodscaping fits in. “Foodscaping, is kind of a hybrid between farming, gardening, and landscaping, says Matt Masten, Store Manager at the Eagle Zamzows. It uses the beauty of plants themselves while providing sustenance for your family. And we all know, right now that is so important.
There are lots of ways to incorporate herbs, fruit or vegetable plants into your landscaping. Many people utilize containers or pots and grow fresh herbs, tomatoes, or peppers to make their own salsa. Salad greens, kale and broccoli are all easy to grow as well and look great mixed in with your border plantings, shrubs and even around trees. All types of lettuces are easy to grow and you can have a continuous supply for your salads. Kids love to help in the garden so let them be involved in the decision process of what types of plants they want, teach them what is required to maintain a healthy garden and harvest the fruits of their labor. You may even get the pickiest of eaters to try new things!
Houseplants are also having a moment. People are flocking to Zamzow’s 13 locations around the valley to buy plants for the sunny spots in their homes. Succulents have been popular for a couple of years because they are easy to grow and require little effort. Indoor plants can improve the air quality and your mental and physical health. Plants like aloe vera can help with first aid and wellness. The most Instagrammable plant I think is the Fiddle Leaf Fig which is known for helping with concentration and memory. Plop one in the corner of your office and get even more work done!
So, I asked Mike what would be the best advice to someone just moving here. He offered up the suggestion is to be patient and test your soil. The soil here is typically clay-like and alkaline but with just a few amendments, your lawn and garden will be beautiful in no time. I’d say that was sage advice (pun intended).
Mike went on to add, “It’s important to plan your garden, taking in account the amount of sunlight, spacing and whether you want to do annuals, perennials and/or vegetables.” Tomatoes do really well here he said and very popular with their customers
His favorite flowering annuals are Dusty Millers and Coleus are great for adding color to your garden. But you can stop by any Zamzows and ask anyone in their gardening department for suggestions and advice. They have such a wonderful selection of plants, trees and shrubs the possibilities are endless for you. Zamzows has been helping the Treasure Valley since 1933. They are a fourth-generation family owned business that is dedicated to helping people be successful gardeners, proud lawn caretakers and even knowledgeable, caring pet owners. Matt was very enthusiastic about the fact the ownership and employees are always trying to improve and learn, and in turn, teaching their customers to ensure you are successful in your gardening endeavors. Personally, I love the fact you can bring your leashed dog into the stores and they are welcomed and even given a treat sample. Plants, animals and a good old-fashioned store makes for a great day for everyone!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Zamzow’s Lawn Program, probably what they are best known for. Zamzow’s has developed an all-natural, pet safe fertilizer program that will improve your soil health and green your lawn up. The 5 step program covers all your fertilizing for the year. Matt says their customer’s green lawns are the best advertisement for them. You even get a 10% discount on all lawn and garden products for that year. Green lawns and more money to buy plants is a win-win!
For more great gardening tips, go to www.zamzows.com for more great tips, classes, or event talk to one of their many experts. Happy gardening everyone and can’t wait to see what you grow!
