Some of you may have noticed that we have a new ad on the site. At left, you'll see "Wayside Gardens".

This is not, strictly speaking, an advertisement, but rather our first affiliate partner. When one of our readers clicks on the link and actually places an order, we get a small commission from the sale.

We have decided that only a very few sites, those that offer the best value and that we can recommend wholeheartedly, will be listed.

So why Wayside Gardens?

I love gardening (it's hereditary), and since we moved into our very own house with our very own yard after some 6 years in an apartment.... I've enjoyed exploring what will and will not grow in Florida.
Bananas YES! Apples no.
Peonies no. Calla Lilies YES!

I have made the rounds of a number of mail-order garden supply companies, so I have a wide range of experience in their responsiveness, product quality and customer service.

Wayside Gardens are not the cheapest, but the value for dollar spent there is extremely good. From the dozens of small orders I've made since we moved here (shhh, don't tell Alluvian how many) Wayside has had the best products, the coolest plants that I've not seen in other places, and the finest customer service I've experienced thus far. They became my particular favorites by offering an extensive selection of gorgeous Clematis, a family of flowering vines that will grow in most places in North America these days, if you choose the right varieties. I am absolutely besotted with the species, and have 7 of them already. I hope to add to their number as years pass.

Ok, so gardening may not be what first comes to mind when you think of the gamers you know, but I figure if I like it as much as I do, then maybe there are a few more closet green thumbs out there!

So, if you've not yet purchased something for your mom for Mother's Day (I highly recommend Clematis appropriate to the growing zone she lives in), or if you're looking for something neat to spruce up your own yard, windowsill or porch, consider ordering from Wayside Gardens.

If you are nervous about choosing a gift plant, you can get a gift certificate instead. On the site, click on "Online Catalog" at the top, and on the new page, you will see "Gift Certificates" on the left menu. The gift certificates are nicely boxed with a color catalog included - if you're in a hurry, they can send an email gift certificate instead.

Again, if you order after following the link on our site, we get a small commission!

(the photos in this blurb were taken by Wren on her visit here in March - you can see more of her photos at her SmugMug photo site)

Brasse the puppy also loves gardening - she enjoys digging holes and eating the hibiscus blossoms that drop.