Top 5 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Carefully curated for mom, here are

Garden Valley’s Top 5 mother’s day Gift Ideas

1. hanging baskets

With so many colors, textures, and light options, hanging baskets make the perfect gift for any mom. She’ll be looking at these every time she pulls up the driveway into her home, and, of course, will be reminded of how amazing of a child you are for gifting her these.

Some of our favorites…
For sun, we love the classic Petunia or Million Bell hanging baskets. The more sun, the better! All they need is an occasional dead heading to encourage new bloom growth. But don’t forget to water!
For shade, we love Fuscia! They thrive in those shady places that don’t receive any sun, and their unique blooms easily bring joy to the hearts of those who witness them.

You can read more here about keeping your hanging basket beautiful.

2. houseplants 

If you want your mom to enjoy a plant every second of every day… get her a houseplant. They’re easy to care for once you learn their needs, and make a great option for the mothers who don’t have a lot of outdoor space. Our staff at Garden Valley LOVE houseplants and would be happy to help guide you in picking out the perfect one.

3. pottery

Speaking of plants… Your mom is going to need something to put those gorgeous plants in. We hand select our pottery pieces every year, and they will make such a beautiful addition to your mom‘s home. Go ahead and get her the piece she’s been eyeing but not buying. She’ll love it, trust us.

4. Hibiscus

This year‘s hibiscus crop has been absolutely beautiful! They’re healthy, vibrant in color, and would make the perfect addition to your mom‘s summer plant collection! Plus, they thrive in warm, humid conditions, making them the perfect selection for North Carolina Summers.

5. a shopping spree

If you REALLY want to make your mom happy… treat mom to a yummy brunch/lunch, and then surprise her with a shopping spree to Garden Valley. We have so many gorgeous things at our stores that will put a huge smile on your mom’s face. But what really makes the moment special is the time spent together walking through the stores and having those easy, fun conversations. Because no matter what physical gift you get your mom, the memories and little moments like that… those are what she really wants.

*BONUS*

Gift certificate

We do offer gift certificates as well, so if you’re completely stuck on time, this is a great option! Maybe with this, she can finally buy that item she’s been saving up for!

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Thank you so much for joining us here. We offer a huge selection of pottery, plants, produce, and soil, making it a one stop shop for you this Mother’s Day! For more information on what Garden Valley Farmers Market is about, you can visit us here. If you’re wanting to visit with us, come by any of our five North Carolina locations. If you’re wanting to follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. We’d love to have you join us in our journey of planting better, eating better, and living better.
With love,
Your Garden Valley Farmers Market Team

Growing the Herb Garden of Your Dreams

Do you love herbs? Well we do too! Herbs not only add delicious flavor to your favorite recipes, but they also have medicinal, homeopathic properties that your grandmother has been using for ages. Whether you’re adding fresh rosemary to your chicken recipe, or infusing your freshly squeezed lemonade with lavender, we’ve got all of the tips and tricks ready for you to start the herb garden of your dreams.

How to Choose Your Plants

Before choosing your herb garden plants, we recommend you start small, and then work your way up from there. Learn to “get the hang” of growing herbs before committing to a HUGE garden. Because herbs do have different needs than other plants, and while normally easier, they can sometimes take some getting use to.

Here is some info and a few examples of how we use our favorite herbs:

Rosemary: promotes increased concentration and digestion, but also a delicious addition to chicken.
Basil: known for it's use in italian cuisine (especially pesto), rich in antioxidants, and fast growing.
Mints: have many varieties. Can take over a garden, so they are best grown in containers. Also make great teas.
Oregano: is DELICIOUS when infused in honey or butter.
Lavender: is also great for teas. Also fun to make DIY lavender bath salts and candles.
Parsley: makes a fresh addition to salads and meats.

Perennial Options

If you’re wanting some perennial options (a plant that will remain more than one year) specific for our zones in North Carolina (6a-8a), here are some great options for you:

Catmint: cats LOVE this plant (if you don’t like cats, don’t plant this herb).
Also yummy as a tea.
Rosemary: (Rosmarinus Officinalis) looks beautiful and smells amazing. Can be used for not only culinary purposes, but also for decorations at Christmas.
Silver Thyme: has a pretty pink blossom in the summer with slight lemon-scented leaves.
Chives: grow back even bigger every year, and have a pretty purple flower.
Oregano: will return if you cut it back in the fall and cover with mulch.

Choose Your Pots (Or Beds)

If choosing pots, remember that the larger the pot, the larger the crop. For example, mint grows like CRAZY, so if you’re wanting a lot of mint, we recommend planting in a larger pot. If growing in the ground, keep in mind that some plants are more invasive than others, so protect the more delicate plants by keeping the invasive herbs away from them.

Use High Quality Soil

Start your herb garden out on the right foot by choosing a good quality soil. Daddy Pete’s Soil is a great organic option that we carry at our stores in North Carolina, which we mentioned here in this post. And remember, you are most likely going to be eating these herbs, so try and avoid spraying them with a chemical fertilizer. A great alternative to chemical fertilizer would be mixing in some compost to the soil when planting.

Watering Needs

Herbs are not like houseplants or succulents because they need a moderate amount of water every day, depending on the specific herb. And usually the best time to water is in the early morning, which allows the sun to dry the water from the leaves and prevent mold and mildew growth. Be careful not to overwater, as some herbs tend to gravitate toward root rot (like Sage).

Choose Your Location Wisely

Some herbs like a cool, shady spot, and some like a hot, sunny location, so remember to check the tag of your herb before planting. Another tip to keep in mind, in regard to location, is this: keep your herbs easily accessible. For example, you don’t want to be running through a summer rainstorm (or maybe you do) to go and cut the lavender from the garden that you forgot to get earlier that day.

Give It A Haircut… aka a pruning

We like to think of pruning herbs as “giving them haircuts”. If you trim the TOP of your herbs, more will grow back in its place, creating a full and healthier plant. You also want to cut from the top of your herbs, not the bottom. The bottom leaves are the sturdy base to your herb, so don’t cut those gorgeous leaves. And remember to trim often, because some herbs tend to die after blossoming like Cilantro. The leaves age, dry up, and fall off, leaving you with a twig and no leaves, which is sad and disappointing.

Do you enjoy planting herbs and using them in your recipes? If so, what’s your favorite herb and what recipe do you use them in? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Please note: we truly hope you’ll come visit with us, and we would also love to see your gardening photos as well, so tag @gardenvalleyfarmersmarket in your posts, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #gardenvalleyfarmersmarket and show us your herbs!

And lastly, if you find this information helpful, we’d love it if you would support us by sharing with your friends.

Happy Herb Planting!

Thank you so much for joining us here. For more information on what Garden Valley Farmers Market is about, you can visit us here. If you’re wanting to visit with us, come by any of our five North Carolina locations. If you’re wanting to follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook, Youtube, or our Instagram. If you’re wanting to earn rewards and be easily connected with us, download our new App. And if you’re wanting to check out our other recipes and blog posts, or are needing more inspiration, follow us on our Pinterest. We’d love to have you join us in our journey of planting better, eating better, and living better.
Much love,
Your Garden Valley Farmers Market Team

Our Top 10 Gifts for Mom

If you don’t know what to give Mom this year for Mother’s Day, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Even though it was very difficult to narrow down, we’ve put together

Garden Valley’s Top 10 Gift Ideas for Mom:

1. Million Bell Mixed Hanging Basket

These beauties are filled with vibrantly stunning colors that will leave the mother in your life absolutely SPEECHLESS! 

How to care for: Million bells like FULL SUN, so place in a sunny location. Water when hanging basket is light in weight. As a general rule: every other day during cooler days, and every day during the warmer days. To get rid of dead blooms- shake the hanging basket a few times and blooms should fall off. You can also trim the bottoms of the basket to encourage healthy new growth.  

2. Succulent 

With a variety of shapes and sizes, it might be hard to decide which one to get. They make the perfect addition to any covered, outdoor spot or any window that receives bright, indirect light. 

How to care for: They need about 6 hours of sun per day. If the succulent has never been in direct sun, gradually introduce it to full sun, or provide a sheer curtain to protect it from the harsh light. Water soil directly until water drains through the bottom of your pot. Make sure that your soil dries thoroughly before watering again. Too much water can send these plants spiraling down fast. Soil is also important for succulents, and you’re going to want to choose a Cactus mix, which we have available at all of our locations. 

Jenna Marie Visuals

3. Monstera

With show stopping, giant leaves and beautiful, big branches, these indoor plants are sure to leave her jaw dropping for DAYS. 

How to care for: Monstera needs bright to medium indirect light, and does not like intense, direct sun. Water once every week, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. 

4. Herb Garden

Has the mom in your life been talking about how she wishes she had an herb garden? Well this would be the perfect time to pick out a large pot and grab a few herbs to fill it with. Fill with Rosemary, Parsley, Lavender, or any other herbs she might enjoy cooking with. If she needs to learn how to start her own herb garden, you can find more info here.

5. Overall Planters

Okay, how DARLING are these overall planters?! Not only will your mom love them, but they’ll make a great addition to that landscape that just needed “something interesting”. Grab her favorite flower to fill the planter, and this gift will for sure make your mom forget all the things you’ve ever done to disappoint her. 

6. Tea Roses

With a beautiful assortment of bloom colors, you will never go wrong with these stunning flowers. 

How to care for: Tea roses need plenty of sunlight, at least 6 hours per day. Water every week, sometimes more depending on your soil and if it’s in a pot or the ground. When watering, avoid getting blooms and leaves wet, as this can cause diseases. To prune old blooms, cut to the last leaf on the stem. Prune the entire plant during the dormant season, which is winter/late spring. 

7. Rieger Begonias

From creamy yellows, to vibrant pinks and reds, the blooms on Rieger Begonias are sure to leave Mom feeling happy and joyful this Mother’s Day.

How to care for: These begonias like a place with partial shade. If growing indoors, place in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. These begonias like well draining soil. Make sure that the soil dries well in-between waterings. 

8. Butterfly Bush

If you want Mom to feel super special this Mother’s Day, you’ll definitely want to consider the Butterfly Bush. And they hold true to their name, because these bushes will attract butterflies from all over your neighborhood! They bloom from Spring to Summer, but their ever-green foliage is beautiful even without the blooms.

How to care for: Butterfly bushes like full sun or part sun with well draining soil, so remember this when planting. When newly planted, make sure to water often until the roots have taken hold. After this step, water only when there are big dry spells between rain. 

9. Mixed Container

If you’re low on time and don’t know have a clue on what Mom would want, maybe take a look at our beautiful mixed containers. Absolutely no work for you, and you get to enjoy the beautiful mix of flowers and foliage all season long!

10. Garden Valley Gift Certificate

And if all else fails and you’re just completely stuck on what to give the mom in your life, a Garden Valley gift certificate is always a good option. Give her the gift of shopping at a beautiful store full of beautiful plants, and you can’t go wrong this Mother’s Day.

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Along with gorgeous flowers, we also offer a huge selection of pottery and soil, making it a
one stop shop for you this Mother’s Day!
Let us know what you got Mom this Mother’s Day by using

#gardenvalleyfarmersmarket

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NEW NEW NEw

We now have a new app that features a loyalty program to earn points for future purchases, as well as a to-go produce ordering feature that allows for easy ordering and pickup! Download today and start being inspired!

Thank you so much for joining us here. For more information on what Garden Valley Farmers Market is about, you can visit us here. If you’re wanting to visit with us, come by any of our five North Carolina locations. If you’re wanting to follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook, Youtube, or our Instagram. And if you’re wanting to check out our other recipes and blog posts, or are needing more inspiration, follow us on our Pinterest. We’d love to have you join us in our journey of planting better, eating better, and living better.
Much love,
Your Garden Valley Farmers Market Team

Herb Infused Olive Oil

Want a super easy DIY to satisfy your cravings until Spring comes? Well, we’ve got the perfect solution for you: Herb Infused Olive Oil. You’re welcome. This oil recipe makes the perfect gift, is super easy to make (but looks like it’s not), and will bring so much flavor to your next dinner. 

IMPORTANT: you want to make sure that you choose a high quality olive oil, as this is the main ingredient. Second, you want to make sure that you’ve prepared for everything to be completely dry- bottles, utensils, herbs, etc. If not, mold can settle, and that’s no bueno for your recipe. 

You can use any herbs for this recipe that you want, and can even mix them, but for this recipe we will be using Rosemary. If you are using fresh herbs from your garden or pots, remember to dehydrate them before beginning. See below on how to do that. If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, you can always buy dried herbs from the store. But remember that we open up soon, and will have ALL the fresh smelling herbs ready for you!

Dehydrating your herbs: 

• Cut your herbs to the size you want them in the bottle

• Wash any dirt off, then dry them with a paper towel

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your sprigs on it

• Set oven on lowest temperature and “cook” for about 1 ½ to 2 hours

How to Make Rosemary Infused Olive Oil

Add about 2 cups of your olive oil together with about 3 to 5 sprigs of Rosemary into your pot. Then heat over a medium temperature for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let your oil cool. Once your oil has cooled down, you can strain and store in a jar that allows you to close the lid tightly. You can even add a few sprigs of Rosemary to your jar for a pretty aesthetic. This oil will last for about 3 months and needs to be stored in the refrigerator, but with how easy it is to make, you’re probably going to be making more very soon anyways. 

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Rosemary Infused Olive Oil
Total time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 Cups Olive Oil
5 Rosemary Sprigs

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine your oil and Rosemary sprigs into a pot
2. Heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes
3. Remove from heat and let cool
4. Strain oil into a jar with a tightly closed lid
5. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 months

Rosemary is a great herb that lasts all year long in central NC, so don’t forget to pick up one for yourself when we open, which will be VERY soon.

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Thank you so much for joining us here. For more information on what Garden Valley Farmers Market is about, you can visit us here. If you’re wanting to visit with us, come by any of our five North Carolina locations. If you’re wanting to follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook, Youtube, or our Instagram. And if you’re wanting to check out our other recipes and blog posts, or are needing more inspiration, follow us on our Pinterest. We’d love to have you join us in our journey of planting better, eating better, and living better.
Much love,
Your Garden Valley Farmers Market Team