How To Keep Your Fraser Fir Fresh All Season Long

Native to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, the Fraser Fir tree is considered one of the most commonly bought Christmas trees to grace family’s homes all season long. And it’s a tree that most of us want to enjoy all season long, and maybe a bit after Christmas has ended? So let’s go through how we can keep our trees fresh all season long, shall we?

Did You Know?

Did you know that North Carolina produces the majority of Fraser Fir trees, and that each tree takes about seven to ten years to grow to be 6 or 7 feet tall? But these beauties, if given enough time, can grow to be 50 feet tall (is anyone’s living room that tall?). Named after the Scottish Botanist John Fraser, these beautiful dark green trees give off an amazing scent that embodies Christmas and often is the reason many of us haven’t switched to artificial trees. And in 2005, the Fraser Fir became the official Christmas Tree of North Carolina.

When Choosing Your Tree

When choosing your beautiful tree, remember to feel the needles and make sure that they are not already dry. Doing so can save you a huge heartache and give you peace of mind in knowing that it’s a fresh tree that will last you all season long if you care for it properly.

It’s also very important, when choosing your tree from our lot, that your tree gets a “refresh”. We at Garden Valley, always provide a fresh cut at the trunk before we install it to your stand. This opens up any “clogged cells” in the tree and provides an open channel for it to receive water.

Keep It Watered

When you get your beautiful tree home, fill the stand with plain tap water and keep it filled throughout the season. Not only does this keep your tree fresh all season long, but it will also help to prevent any unfortunate fires that may occur… because bonfires are meant for OUTDOORS.

We welcome you to stop by one of our five locations and pick out a fresh Fraser Fir Christmas tree. Our trees are coming from the northwest region of North Carolina, and buying with us directly supports those farmers who have had it tough these past few years. We also have wreaths and garland to “deck” out your house even more!
We’d love to be a part of your Christmas experience this season. And while you’re here, don’t forget to enjoy some hot apple cider, and maybe you’ll even see a rare siting of our good ole shop dog, Tappy.
Have a Merry Christmas season, and we hope to see you soon!

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 follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook 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

The Easiest Two Ingredient Apple Pie Recipe, Ever

We’re going to go ahead and say you’re welcome ahead of time, because this apple pie recipe is going to be saving you a TON of time and energy this holiday season. With only two ingredients, this mouth-watering apple pie is going to leave you and your guests going back for seconds (and only you will know how easy it was to make).

We’ve got you covered, so here’s what you need to do:

First, we’re going to need you to go to the grocery store and grab a pie crust of your choice.
Second, head over to Garden Valley Farmers Market and grab you a jar of Apple Pie preserves. If you need a reminder on where we are located again, click here.

Second, roll out the first half of your dough and line the bottom of your pie dish with it.

Third, fill with one and a half to two jars of our delicious Apple Pie Preserves. Super easy.
Top off your filling with the second portion of your dough.
Then, place your pie in the oven and bake at 450 degrees for 45 minutes.

Remove from oven, let cool,
and then cut into the most deliciously mouth-watering apple pie
that you are ever going to taste.

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 follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook 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

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The Easiest Two Ingredient Apple Pie Recipe, Ever
Servings: 6-8 PEOPLE
TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR (15 MINUTES PREP)

INGREDIENTS

Pie Crust
Apple Pie Preserves

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Roll out the first half of dough and line the bottom of pie dish
+ Fill with one and a half to two jars of Apple Pie Preserves
+ Cover apple pie filling with the second portion of your dough
+ Place pie in oven and bake at 450 degrees for 45 minutes
+ Remove from oven, let cool

10 Flowers That Can Withstand The Heat

If you have hot summers like we do, here in Burlington, North Carolina, you understand that not all flowers will measure up to our hot summers. Some flowers just won't hold up to the hot sun, and are too delicate for the heat, like Foxglove, Stock, or Sweet Pea. BUT fear not, because there are still some BEAUTIFUL flowers that THRIVE in the heat all spring and summer long… even in August. Here are some great suggestions for your flower garden that you can plant all summer long:

Marigolds
Marigolds are a very hardy flower that LOOOOOVE the sun. They are beautiful and full of color and make a great addition to any garden, but can also be used as a cut flower for some mixed arrangements. Did you know that Marigolds can also be used to add some "tang" to your salads. That’s right, they’re edible and delicious.

Hibiscus
Hibiscus is one of our favorites here at Garden Valley. If you’re in need of a show-stopping plant with huge blooms that doesn’t whither away in the heat, Hibiscus is definitely THE ONE. They’re beautiful and will leave a lasting impression to you and your friends and family all summer long!

Sunflowers
Sunflowers are so easy to grow! And when you think of sunflowers, don't you think they just embody summer? These beauties need LOTS of sun, and some can even grow over 16 feet tall!!! Sunflowers also attract bees and birds and were even used by Native Americans to cure skin ailments.

Zinnias
Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow and develop. They are also great because they are deer-resistant and may even help to keep other flowers safe because of it. Zinnias are, of course, beautiful in your garden or pots, but would also look beautiful in bouquets or arrangements for your home.

Geranium
Geraniums are colorful, easy to grow, and very fragrant. They are a great summer flower and one of our most popular at Garden Valley Market. Did you know that Geraniums are toxic to those pesky Japanese Beetles? And they can also survive inside during the winter if they have enough light.

Salvia
Known for it's healing properties, Salvia loves, loves, LOVES the hot and dry weather. They also attract the beautiful Hummingbird as well as Butterflies. Did you know it's a relative to Sage?

Petunias
Petunias are one of the most popular flowers, and for good reason. They come in a wide variety of colors and are a GREAT way to add some color to your garden or container. And they bloom all season long, so you can enjoy them both in spring and summer.

Verbena
Verbena is a charming flowering plant that blooms from spring to fall. With very little maintenance, this plant will add a beautiful addition to your landscape, flower boxes, pottery, and even a hanging basket. They LOVE the heat, and with a little bit of care, can transform your home from boring to charming in just a few easy steps.
You can read about how to take care of them here.

Lantana
Lantana is just a bright and beautiful flower that's tolerant of both drought AND humidity, which makes it so special. Also, butterflies LOVE Lantana. If you want to add more butterflies to your home, you need Lantana. It's also deer and rabbit resistant, allowing your blooms to actually stick around for longer than a day. Anybody else feel us on that?

Begonia
Begonias are an elegant choice, full of colorful blooms and character to make your home or office sparkle for many hot months. Thriving in part sun, these beautiful flowers would be the perfect welcome to any entrance, and the perfect peaceful addition to any back patio.

So if you live in a hot climate, like we do here at Garden Valley Farmers Market, you understand that not just ANY flower can be grown here. Choosing flowers that are hardy and can withstand the hot temperatures will not only save you some money in the long run, but will also save you some frustration, and keep you enjoying the flowers all season long, even into our hot August. Stop by one of our locations in North Carolina, and pick up some heat resistant flowers to add to your flower garden. We'd love to see you!
What are some heat loving flowers that you love to plant?

Warm wishes,
Your GVFM Team

Our Top 8 Indoor Plants And How To Care For Them

If you’re looking for easy ways to add some beauty in your home that will not only make it more beautiful, but also reduce stress and filter your air, then we HIGHLY recommend you come to Garden Valley Farmers Market and pick out some of the many indoor plants that we carry. Not only do they provide a warm, personal touch to your home’s decor, but they also remove toxins in the air and release fresh oxygen for you to breathe and enjoy.

Here are our top eight indoor houseplants that we recommend you add to your home
and how to care for them:

Bird Of Paradise
Light. Direct sun through a window or door
Soil. Well draining potting soil
Water. Water when surface of soil starts to look dry

Rubber Plant
Light. Bright, indirect light (can accomplish this by shielding the plant with a sheer curtain)
Soil. Well-draining and well-aerated soil
Water. In growing season (summer), keep the plant moist (Droopy leaves means that it needs more water)
You can also learn more about them here.

Succulents
Light. Succulents LOVE sunlight and need AT LEAST half a day of sunlight, depending on the variety you choose
Soil. Repot in a succulent soil
Water. Water heavily, but not often, making sure the soil is dry between waterings

Hoya Tricolor
Light. Bright, indirect light. Hoya also loves humidity, so it’s the perfect plant for a bathroom that has natural light
Soil. Well-draining soil with a perlite or pumice mix
Water. Less is better. Hoya hates overwatering, so make sure the soil dries out between waterings

Split Leaf Philadendron (Monstera Deliciosa)
Light. Bright, indirect light
Soil. Peat based potting mix
Water. Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. You can also mist the leaves to create humidity, which mimics its natural habitat)

ZZ Plant
Light. These like indirect, moderate light, but can also survive in low light conditions (perfect for offices)
Soil. Not picky
Water. Only water when the soil has dried out (yellow leaves means too much water)

Pothos
Light. Do well in either bright/indirect light, as well as low light
Soil. Any potting mix is fine
Watering. Allow soil to dry out before watering again

Snake Plant
Light. Grows faster in bright light, but also does well in low light conditions
Soil. Well-draining cactus soil will do fine
Watering. Prevent overwatering by allowing soil to dry out

CAUTION: Even though these plants can be so beautiful, they can also be harmful and toxic to your pets and children. Please remember to research and take this into consideration when choosing your indoor plants.

And as a general rule of thumb, if you are going to repot your plants, remember to choose pots that have drainage holes in them (or drill your own) in order to prevent root rot. It’s also important to choose a pot that’s only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the nursery pot. This will allow room for growth but will not engulf the plant.

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 follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook or our Instagram. And if you’re wanting to check out our other blog posts or needing more inpsiration, 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