Pass-along Plant, A Case of Mistaken Identity
This photo is from 1985, a year after we moved into our Bethesda home, and a year after I planted a “pass-along” plant, a gift from a coworker. He told me it was Marsh Marigold, and that’s also what I…
Discover the World of Orchids
Discover the World of Orchids February 17, 2023 – April 30, 2023 United States Botanic Garden Conservatory The United States Botanic Garden—yet another place I’ve never been. How can that be? With this exhibit, I’m hoping to make it there finally. I’ve…
Larry Hurley’s Photo Of The Week: Houseplants
Anyone can grow tropical plants indoors, you just need to be aware of the plant’s needs. Some are easier than others. I’ve never been able to successfully grown weeping figs or fiddleleaf figs in the house. They are, after all, large-growing trees that…
Stephanie’s Top 6 Super Bowl Commercials
Did You Watch The Super Bowl? Like many, last Sunday, we had the Super Bowl on in our house. And yes, my team won. If the Ravens could not be in it this year, I decided to go for another…
Larry Hurley’s Photo Of The Week: An Orchid for the Garden
I hope you have had a chance to visit one of the orchid shows around your area this winter. They are always a nice change from the cold, and bring thoughts of tropical travels. So many kinds and colors! You…
Photo Of The Week: Where do new perennials come from?
Where do new perennials come from? Many are grown in tissue culture by specialty growers. One that we worked with a lot when we were growing perennials at Behnke’s was Terra Nova Nurseries, in Oregon. They have an extensive breeding program for…
The Secret Behind Valentine’s Flowers: Not All Roses Are the Same!
Today, while putting this email together, I thought about Valentine’s Day coming up. It was fun at Behnke’s when Evelyn, our Florist Shop manager, would have all the roses and carnations arrive so everyone could start putting bouquets together. She…
A Tropical Break From The Cold
It’s winter, and I’ve been having “snowbird” thoughts of times spent in warmer climates. One photo is from Bangkok, Thailand. It was not only warm, it was very hot and humid, and this from a guy who was living in Maryland…
Stephanie’s Peace Lily
One would have thought I would have had a Peace Lily after all these years. But one would be wrong. I am the one Behnke with a brown thumb, which is not from planting. Years ago, after killing so many…
A Walk Down Memory Lane
This week, one of Behnke’s Best, Steve Gerwin, who worked at the Beltsville location in the 1970s (and possibly the 80s), shared a wonderful memory on our Behnke Alumni page. I wanted to share it with all of you because…
Larry Hurley’s Photo Of The Week: New Year’s Resolution: Lose Weight!
I’ve published this before, but hope you all don’t mind seeing it again. This photo was taken December 3, 2001, in my Maryland back yard. And no, it’s not photoshopped, it’s not AI, etc. Well, maybe cropped a little…
The Heart of Our Family: My Father in law, Marshall Fleming
Over the years, I have written many times about my father in law, Marshall Fleming. I have been blessed to live next door to my in-laws for most of my marriage and it has been wonderful. I grew up next…