Pike Nurseries - Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

 

It’s a pumpkin palooza at Pike Nurseries!

This October, the Southeast’s favorite garden center gets a jump start on fall traditions with pumpkins varieties in all shapes and sizes.  The experts recommend planning ahead for a pumpkin’s use – whether carving or cooking.  Carving pumpkins are desired for their nice shape and smooth surfaces, whereas cooking pumpkins are known for their flavor and texture.  The centerpiece for fall décor, long-lasting heirloom pumpkins and gourds are used for seasonal displays in homes, gardens, and tabletops throughout the season.

When selecting a pumpkin or gourd, the experts at Pike Nurseries recommend looking for a firm option without cuts, soft spots, and darkening bruises or blemishes – all signs of rot that will make the pumpkin decay more quickly – and avoid carrying them by their delicate stems.  Gardeners should look for deep orange colors for the skin and green for the stems.

Pumpkins Varieties

No matter the purpose – carving, decorating, or cooking – there’s a perfect pumpkin for the job.

• Classic Orange
  The tried-and-true carving pumpkin is a classic staple of the season!  Look for individual pumpkins free of imperfections on at least one side that make a hollow sound when tapped.  Large pumpkins will maximize creativity and give more of a canvas to work with for jaw-dropping Jack-o’-lantern designs – from scary to silly.  Pike Nurseries makes decorating at a discount simple with the All-You-Can-Carry Pumpkin Challenge, where guests are invited to carry as many medium-sized classic orange pumpkins as possible for only $24.99!  Pike Nurseries employee-owners will be social distancing, so shoppers are encouraged to bring a family member to help stack.

• Heirlooms
  Heirloom varieties are perfectly imperfect, offering a trendier approach to decorating.  These popular pumpkins tend to be flatter on top, making them ideal for stacking and have unique characteristics such as deep ribs and a variety of colors from white to gray-green to sunset red.  Mix and match small and large heirlooms on tabletops, stoops, or around fall container gardens for a festive display!
   
• Gourds
  These relatives to the pumpkin offer a wide variety of options that enhance any display. With hundreds of types, including swan-necked, ridged, and bumpy, gourds are a must-have for table and front door décor.
   
• Knucklehead Pumpkins
  Create a creepy aesthetic with varieties that have naturally occurring flaws like wart-riddled and bumpy skin, resulting in a devious display!  These can easily be added to traditional pumpkins or heirlooms in unique fall accents or used as unusual carving pumpkins.
   
• Pie Pumpkins
  Don’t forget to grab a few for recipes!  While most pumpkins are edible, the smaller ones are favored for pies and other pumpkin-flavored sweets because of the higher sugar content and thicker, softer flesh.  Pie pumpkins are ideal for roasting, desserts, soups, and more seasonal dishes – offering a nutritious treat without the tricks!

31 Days of Pumpkins

Pumpkins come in different shapes and sizes, lending to a vast range of uses and personalities.  Simple Do-It-Yourself projects can transform pumpkins into festive indoor and outdoor arrangements.  The experts at Pike Nurseries have outlined a few of their favorites to help get started:  

• DIY Decoupage Pumpkins
  Families can use the colorful foliage of fall clipped from the garden to create stunning decorated pumpkins.  Consider color and texture when choosing leaves and pick a collection that will complement each other.
   
• DIY Succulent Pumpkin Planter
  Succulent lovers can incorporate this waterwise plant in an heirloom pumpkin craft!  Since the pumpkins won't be carved, this long-lasting DIY can grace porches or tables from Halloween to Thanksgiving.
   
• DIY Pumpkin Topiary
  Decorators can play with different sizes and shapes of pumpkins to create a topiary that’ll fit the designated space and décor style.​​​​​​​
   
• DIY Jack-o-Plantern
  Gardeners can create a pumpkin planter by cutting open a pumpkin and planting favorite fall flowers and foliage inside! Be sure to read the recommended care instructions.

For more information on tips from the pros at Pike Nurseries, please visit pikenursery.com.

Pike Nurseries - Annual Christmas Garden Party!

Customers are invited to celebrate the spirited season with Pike Nurseries’ annual Christmas Garden Party on Thursday, December 1 from 4-9 p.m.  Happening at all store locations, attendees will enjoy light bites, complimentary “Poinsettia” cocktails, and seasonal savings throughout the store with 20% off the purchase of regular priced items (excluding gift cards, pine straw, propane, sale items, services, and sod). Whether guests are looking to deck the halls with festive décor or garnish with fresh greenery, Pike Nurseries has the best selection of Christmas trees, accessories, and more to make homes feel merry and bright! WHAT: Annual Christmas Garden Party at Pike Nurseries Celebrate the season with festive fun, complimentary treats, holiday discounts and more! WHEN: Thursday, December 1 4-9 p.m.* *Pike Nurseries’ Lake Oconee store location will host the event from 3-7 p.m. *Food and drink service will end one hour prior WHERE: All Pike Nurseries locations Visit www.pikenursery.com for local store information. COST: The event is FREE to attend.  Guests will enjoy 20% off each purchase (offer valid on all regular priced items excluding gift cards, pine straw, propane, sale items, services  and sod.  Limited quantities are available with selection varied by location). INFO: For more information on the Christmas Garden Party or other events, visit bit.ly/PikeNurseriesEvents. For more information about Pike Nurseries, please visit www.pikenursery.com. Visit Pike Nurseries on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Pike Nurseries - Tree-Mendous Deals During Busiest Shopping Weekend of the Year!

‘Tis the season to shop smartly! Pike Nurseries invites customers to ring in the year’s busiest shopping weekend with boughs of deals and discounts.  From fresh-cut Christmas trees and gorgeous garland to festive houseplants and holiday décor, the neighborhood garden center is filled to the brim with special savings for shoppers during Black Friday Weekend. Fresh Cut Christmas Trees  Pike Nurseries’ Christmas tree forest is stocked with the best selection of fresh-cut Fraser Firs, Silvertip Firs, Noble Firs, Nordmann Firs, and snow-flocked trees to spruce up any home for the holidays.  During the annual shopping holiday, the garden center’s most popular Christmas tree, the 7-foot Fraser Fir, will be on sale for $34.97. In addition, the quick and easy Christmas Décor Package (on sale for $69.97) will help customers kick-off the decorating process with a fresh-cut 7-foot Fraser Fir Christmas tree, one fresh, fragrant 24-inch mixed wreath, and two florist quality 6.5-inch Poinsettias. Pike Nurseries offers tree stands free with a rebate; customers who return the stand in January will receive an in-store credit for its original price. For an additional cost, busy shoppers with too much to do during the shopping weekend can count on Pike Nurseries to bring Christmas right to the doorstep.  Associates will be on-hand to answer questions regarding Christmas tree delivery. Lifelike Christmas Trees & Wreaths Homeowners looking for convenience can choose from one of Pike Nurseries’ carefully designed lifelike Christmas trees.  Each of these trees come pre-lit with LED lights for a brilliant, energy-efficient display and hinged branches for easy set-up, take down, and storage. All lifelike Christmas trees will be 40% off regular price.  For example, the 7.5-foot Mount Vernon, which includes 2,002 tips, 1,000 LED warm white lights, a 59-inch base, a 10-year warranty on the tree, and three-year warranty on the lights, will be on sale for $347.99.  Additionally, all lifelike wreaths will be 20% off regular price. Holly Jolly Houseplants Perfect for any home during the holiday season, houseplants like Christmas Cactus (three for $10) offer beautiful blooms in red, pink, white, and lavender, while Orchids (starting at $14.99) produce elegant blooms that will last well into the winter.  Another favorite and a Christmastime staple are Poinsettias, which come in the traditional bright red, white, pink, cream, and the brand-new gold variety, offering a unique element to traditional décor. 6.5-inch potted Poinsettias are available for $10.99. Cool-Weather Color Pike Nurseries’ wide variety of cool-weather loving plants, flowers, and shrubs make garden prep easy and fun.  Colorful Pansies and Violas ($.87 cents each) contrast the season’s deciduous foliage, whereas Ornamental Cabbage and Kale ($4.97 each) provide great texture for the garden.  To ensure these plants stay healthy and happy, Pike Planting Mix ($5.97) should be used, as it contains a slow-release fertilizer and mycorrhizae to enhance plants ability to absorb water and nutrients. Ornaments and Décor  Whether customers wish to add to an existing collection or are interested in choosing a new style, Pike Nurseries’ wide selection of ornaments and décor offers plenty of options to get homes ready for the holidays.      Specialty collections include the nature-centered Rustic Woodlands set, filled with forest creatures, pine cones, and shimmering acorns; the snow-inspired Light Frost collection with glittery trimmings and playful Arctic animals; and the Classic Christmas assortment, which includes traditional silhouettes of red, green, and gold. For indoor and outdoor needs, energy-efficient LED twinkle lights (starting at $59.99) are guaranteed to make spirits bright. For more Black Friday deals and discounts, stop by any of the 17 Pike Nurseries store locations in Georgia and North Carolina (the new Matthews store is now open!) or visit www.pikenursery.com.

Target Kids and Family Deals - Kids Swim, Baby Gear, Bikes, and More!

There are so many Target deals!

I am going to try and combine a few of them for you.  Here are are some related to kids and family.  Enjoy!

• 25% off Kids Swim!
• **FREE** $40 Gift Card when you spend $250 on baby gear, feeding, and nursery!
• 20% off all Schwinn and Mongoose bikes!
• BOGO 50% off Boys' and Girls' shorts

*This post contains an affiliate link, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link or make a purchase using the link.  When you make a purchase, the price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. By using affiliate links, you are helping to support our website in a small way.  We appreciate your support!

Pike Nurseries to Give Away 2 Million Ladybugs during weekend event (April 23-24)

Gardens everywhere are buzzing with more than just bursts of color and beautiful spring flora.  With warm weather comes the return of many seasonal insects as well!  Instead of trying to rid the yard of all these creepy-crawlies, there are actually some beneficial bugs that play an important role in keeping plants healthy and strong.

To celebrate of one of the most beloved of these “good” bugs, Pike Nurseries is hosting its annual Ladybug Weekend on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 at all store locations!

The garden center will give away 2 million ladybugs (one free 150-count packet per purchase) to arm customers with a little ladybug luck to keep gardens vibrant and well-balanced this season. Supplies are limited, so guests are encouraged to fly over to their local Pike Nurseries store early before their luck runs out!  The garden center is also offering a **FREE** four-pack of color annuals for any families with children who come dressed in a ladybug costume (one four-pack per family; annual selection varies by store).

As part of the weekend event, Pike Nurseries is also hosting two complimentary “Beneficial Bugs” customer classes at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, and Sunday, April 24, at all store locations.  Guests will learn the difference between “good” and “bad” bugs, how certain insects (including ladybugs, praying mantis, hoverflies, and more) can act as a form of organic pest control and how to attract these beneficial bugs to ensure their gardens are healthy and free of plant pests. There will even be fun ladybug coloring sheets available after each class for children to take home and enjoy!

Customers are also encouraged to build the ladybug buzz on social media over the weekend!  Those who share photos of releasing their ladybugs in the garden on Instagram or on the Pike Nurseries Facebook page using the hashtag #PikeLadybugs will be entered to win a $100 Pike Nurseries garden gift card!  Last day to enter is Sunday, April 23, and one lucky winner will be selected randomly.

In honor of this buzzworthy weekend, the experts at Pike Nurseries have released some ladybug fun facts to help horticulturists of all levels connect the dots between these little bugs and their big reputation in the gardening world!

• LadyBeetles: Ladybugs are actually members of the beetle family, so they are sometimes referred to as “LadyBeetles.”
  
• Ladybug Legend: Legend has it that the Ladybug got its name from European farmers in the Middle ages, whose crops were being devoured by damaging insects. To save their crops, the farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary. Soon, ladybugs appeared and ate all of the harmful insects! The farmers named these little insects “our Lady’s Beetles,” which eventually became “Ladybugs.”
  
• Lady Luck: Many countries consider a ladybug to be a sign of good luck.
  
• Beneficial Bugs: Because ladybugs are natural enemies of aphids and other pest insects, many gardeners and farmers use them for organic pest control instead of chemicals.
  
• Little Bug, Big Appetite: A single ladybug may eat as many as 5,000 aphids in its lifetime!
  
• International Insects: Over 400 types of ladybugs live in North America, and over 4,500 in the world!
  
• Plain Jane: Different species of ladybugs have different numbers of spots, while others have no spots at all!
  
• Not Just Red: Ladybugs come in many colors, including pink, yellow, white, orange and black.
  
• Defense Mechanism: Ladybugs make a special chemical that smells and tastes bad, so predators won’t eat them.

For more information on ladybugs, visit pikenursery.com/pages/connecting-the-dots-ladybug-fun-facts.  For more information on Ladybug Weekend, visitbit.ly/PikeNurseries_LadybugWeekend16.

ABOUT PIKE NURSERIES

Ever committed to its customers’ gardening success, Pike Nurseries takes pride in taking the guesswork out of gardening.  Offering superior knowledge, quality, and selection in a friendly, caring environment, Pike Nurseries has been an Atlanta icon for over 50 years.  Founded in 1958 by Pete Pike, its ability to adapt to market conditions and community needs has made it a respected Southern institution.  As Atlanta’s oldest garden chain, Pike Nurseries has 16 retail locations in the Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC, areas.  Now led by CEO Mike Kunce, Pike Nurseries looks forward to continued growth as it keeps Atlanta and Charlotte beautiful, one landscape at a time.

For more information, please visit Pike Nurseries online at www.pikenursery.com.

Visit Pike Nurseries on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Pike Nurseries - Gardening Classes and Events in April

Spring has officially sprung!

To help customers welcome the season with bright blooming color, pretty perennials and fresh fruits and veggies, the experts at Pike Nurseries are hosting a variety of FREE classes and events all month long!

Whether they’re harvesting tasty tomatoes, learning about beneficial bugs, or planning out a beautiful flower bed, guests of all gardening levels will learn expert tips and tricks for a successful spring season!

                                             

Annual Spring Garden Party

Friday, April 1 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at all Pike Nurseries store locations*

* Pike Nurseries Lake Oconee hours for the Spring Garden Party are 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Springtime is here!  To help customers celebrate the start of the season, Pike Nurseries is hosting its annual Spring Garden Party.  Guests can enjoy complimentary wine and light appetizers along with storewide discounts on a variety of plants, gardening accessories, and more. Whether guests are looking to plant trees and shrubs, fertilize flowering bulbs, reseed the lawn, or purchase summer bulbs, this event is the perfect opportunity to stock up on all spring gardening essentials and plant the seeds for a successful growing season!

Planning a Spring Garden Class

Saturday, April 2 at 9 a.m. at all Pike Nurseries store locations

A beautiful flower bed begins with thoughtful planning!  Having a visual idea of what to grow and mapping out a plan is key to achieving a successful spring garden.  During this free class, guests will learn the basics of flower bed planning and design, when to use different fertilizers, which plants thrive best together in both sun and shade and more.

Growing Great Tomatoes Class

Saturday, April 9 at 9 a.m. at all Pike Nurseries store locations

Tomatoes are packed with disease-preventing antioxidants and anti-aging properties, which can help reduce cholesterol, improve vision, and manage diabetes.  As if their nutrition value wasn’t enough, homegrown tomatoes are a safe, economical food source and taste better than their store-bought counterparts.  During this free class, guests will learn about the many varieties of tomatoes and tips for planting and caring for them.  With fresh advice from Pike Nurseries, these ruby-red favorites will be ripe for the picking – whether they’re stacked on sandwiches, tossed in salads, cooked in sauces or enjoyed plain!

Growing Azaleas Class

Saturday, April 16 at 9 a.m. at all Pike Nurseries store locations

Known as one of the hallmarks of Southern gardens, Azaleas showcase stunning spring blooms and add instant interest and bright color to any landscape.  During this free class, guests will learn how to grow and maintain these easy-care shrubs to ensure splendid blooms for years to come.

Annual Ladybug Weekend – Pike Nurseries is giving away 2 million FREE ladybugs!

Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 at all Pike Nurseries store locations

Just as landscapes are springing back to life, many seasonal bugs are returning as well. Beneficial bugs, like Ladybugs, actually help keep plants healthy and strong! In honor of these beloved bugs, Pike Nurseries is hosting its annual Ladybug Weekend and giving away 2 million FREE ladybugs (one free packet per purchase) to help customers maintain a healthy, happy garden this spring. Supplies are limited, so guests are encouraged to fly on over to their nearest store location before they’re all gone!

Beneficial Bugs Class

Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 at 9 a.m. at all Pike Nurseries store locations

Not all bugs are bad! As part of Ladybug Weekend, Pike Nurseries is hosting an informational free class to teach guests difference between “good” and “bad” bugs, and how certain creepy-crawlies (including ladybugs, praying mantis, hoverflies and more ) are actually beneficial to the garden. 

Edible Gardening in Containers and Raised Beds Class

Saturday, April 30 at 9 a.m. at all Pike Nurseries store locations

Even high rise dwellers can reap the benefits of home-grown edibles! There are a variety of fruits, veggies and herbs that can flourish on the porch, patio or any small sunny space. Guests will learn expert tips and techniques to make the most out of their limited areas. With professional advice from Pike Nurseries, even urban gardeners who are short on space can enjoy big rewards in a delicious, economical and fun way! 

For more information on the FREE gardening classes and events offered at Pike Nurseries, please visit http://www.pikenursery.com/pages/pike-classes-events.

ABOUT PIKE NURSERIES

Ever committed to its customers’ gardening success, Pike Nurseries takes pride in taking the guesswork out of gardening. Offering superior knowledge, quality and selection in a friendly, caring environment, Pike Nurseries has been an Atlanta icon for over 50 years.  Founded in 1958 by Pete Pike, its ability to adapt to market conditions and community needs has made it a respected Southern institution.  As Atlanta’s oldest garden chain, Pike Nurseries has 16 retail locations in the Atlanta, Ga. and Charlotte, N.C. areas. Now led by CEO Mike Kunce, Pike Nurseries looks forward to continued growth as it keeps Atlanta and Charlotte beautiful, one landscape at a time.

For more information, please visit Pike Nurseries online at www.pikenursery.com.

Visit Pike Nurseries on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Target - Current Promos - BOGO 50% Clothing and $40 Gift Card Offer for Baby!

Target currently has a few good promos out.  Take advantage of them.  They expire in ten days!

• BOGO 50% off clothing, shoes, and accessories for families
  
  
• **FREE** $40 Gift Card when you spend $200 nursery furniture, bedding, and crib mattresses (promo code NURSERY)

Enjoy and happy shopping!

*This post contains an affiliate link, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link or make a purchase using the link.  When you make a purchase, the price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. By using affiliate links, you are helping to support our website in a small way.  We appreciate your support!

PIKE NURSERIES - Tremendous Tuesday Special - Crape Myrtles! Plus Other Upcoming Events!

Tomorrow's Tremendous Tuesday offering from Pike Nurseries are these beautiful Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtles.

A 3-gallon pot (normally $30) will be only $20!

*Rewards member exclusive offer valid Tuesday, July 9, 2013 only on 3 gallon Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtles. Limited to quantities on hand. Click to view rewards program details.

Other upcoming Pike Nursery events:

• Summer Rose Care **FREE** Class - Saturday 7/13, 10AM
  
  
• **FREE** Potting Party - 7/13, 7/14 - Bring an empty pot or choose a new pot and let Pike Nursery associates help you plant either an indoor or an outdoor container garden! (*Complimentary Pike Potting Soil & E.B. Stone Sure Start. Plant materials and pottery available for purchase.)

PIKE NURSERIES - Tremendous Tuesday Special - Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea!

Tomorrow, you can snag this beautiful 3-gallon Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea for only $19.97!

These plants are normally $34.99!  This is a great deal!

*Limit three (3) per customer.

Pike's Nursery Memorial Day ICE CREAM Fun!

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If you have a Pike's Nursery near you, come and celebrate with them for Memorial Day.  

On Friday, June 4th, they will be having **FREE** Sweets & Fantastic Savings at all Pike locations from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

They will be scooping **FREE** ice cream while you scoop up savings!

Check their facebook page for more details or follow them on twitter!