The Year I Became a Gardener

The Year I Became a Gardener

You may think it odd. My family has owned a garden center for more than 70 years, and I have worked there for about 50 years. But this year, 2020, is the first year I became a real gardener. I am not alone. Millions of people, forced to stay at home by the Covid-19 shutdown, and possibly inspired by the … Read More

Smith’s Gardentown Named to Top 100 in U.S. for Fourth Year

Top 100 in U.S. for Fourth Year

Smith’s Gardentown Named to Top 100 in U.S. for Fourth Year For the fourth consecutive year, Smith’s Gardentown of Wichita Falls has been named to the Top 100 Garden Centers in America by Garden Center magazine. Smith’s moved up from #86 in 2018 to #79 for 2019. “This is a great achievement for our employees and our loyal customers in … Read More

I’ve done exactly the same thing…why isn’t it growing?

Why is it not growing?

We hear it every day: “I watered this plant exactly the same way I water the other plants. Why is this one dying?” Or a variation on the same theme: “I have always taken care of this plant exactly like this. Why is it dying now?” In both cases, the reason the plant isn’t thriving is because you are telling … Read More

MORE GOOD REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL. Please read this Blog!

Shop Local at your local garden

I know this is an unpopular opinion. But can we stop buying plants from Costco? Or any other windowless wholesale club or grocery store? Consider buying plants that are sold outdoors, that are not wrapped in plastic/kept in a cart, from a garden center with a knowledgeable sales staff. If you went to your independent garden center and there was … Read More

The Answer No One Wants To Hear

The Answer

“Doc, what’s wrong with me?” No, not the answer to that question. It’s not quite so dire. But no one wants to hear the answer to this question, either: “What kind of grass will grow in the shade under my trees?” The answer is, there is not a grass that will grow in deep shade. Period. Sure, some box stores … Read More