Did you know...

Fertilome lawn care 4 bag program-save 20% when you purchase all 4 bags at Sandy's Back Porch. PLUS - We’ll store it for you and call you when you need to put down your next bag.

We've been working on improving our Plant Display Signs! They are easy to read, color coded and tells you what you need to know including: sun/shade, size, bloom season, bloom color and special features.

Earn one Back Porch Buck for every $10 you spend in April and May. Then, bring back your Back Porch Bucks during the entire month of July and Save!

Each Back Porch Buck is worth a dollar when matched with a U.S. dollar. Back Porch Bucks can be used for purchases with some exceptions: sale items, special orders, gift cards, returns and out-of-stock items.

The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. 
~Hanna Rion

God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done. 
~Author Unknown

No two gardens are the same.  No two days are the same in one garden. 
~Hugh Johnson

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. 
~W.E. Johns

The grass is starting to green and now is the perfect time to cut your lawn using the lowest setting on your mower. Hard to believe with all this rain that we actually suffered last summer from a drought. For patching those spotty area we’ll help you decide which seed is right for your area. New lawn starter fertilizer helps germination time and is highly recommended. Try our new product of "Grass Fast" matting instead of straw. We've added several new organic products this season: Espoma organic lawn food, Espoma rose food, Pharm-solutions certified organic insecticides and fungicides, just to name a few.

Upcoming Event:

Spring Open House - Saturday, April 19
Store Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

After the long Midwest winters, we’re ready to celebrate the Spring!  Oversized, one-of-a-kind hanging baskets, perennials, plus a splendid selection of garden accessories, tools, pottery and gifts in the shop.

Plus, stay for FREE Classes - Open to All!

11:00 a.m.  Herbs - Nancy Davis, Master Gardener, will show you how to use fresh herbs in your kitchen and also how to design herb containers.  She'll demonstrate how to put together three different types: a strawberry pot, a tri-level, and a complimentary design.  She's also going to share a few of her favorite recipes with us (French cheese dip-Yumm).

12:00 noon Soil Testing - A representative from Alvey Labs will be here to discuss the importance of soil testing and the mechanics of taking a soil sample.  A very important step when planning a new bed or diagnosing problems

1:00 p.m.  Container Gardening - Sandy will discuss container gardening and what is takes to create a striking container that will be the talk of your neighborhood.  She'll present some gorgeous, new plant material and how to use them by following the "Thriller, Fillers, and Spillers" guidelines. She takes the guess work out of designing a fabulous arrangement!

2:00 p.m. Hanging Baskets - Sandy is excited to show off the new Angel Moss basket liners and how they will help your basket make it through our hot, dry summers.  She'll show you the necessary steps to make your basket a blooming success for the entire season.

Quick Tips:

	Fertilize acid loving plants (rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, hollies) now with holly-tone, an all natural acidifying fertilizer.
	Top dress beds with a 1 inch layer of mushroom compost, being careful not to cover the crown of the plant.
	Use root stimulator any time you plant (trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals) to reduce the stress of transplant shock and develop new roots quickly.
	Mow grass on the lowest setting to take off winter kill.  Then apply fertilizer with crabgrass control (you won’t be able to seed in these areas as the seed won’t germinate)

Garden Gadgets:

Radius Garden tools. If you are a “shovel-holic” (like our Steve) you’ve got to see this one-ergonomic with a stainless steel one piece shaft.

Muck Boot clogs -cute but practical garden shoes.

Many customers have asked about outdoor clocks and I finally found a line that I’m proud to sell.

My favorite is the lily pad with toads. Bronze or copper finish, these clocks are sure to be a favorite with all gardeners.

Gnomes just waiting to decorate your yard.

We’re also very excited about the new angel moss hanging baskets and liners. They hold more moisture than the traditional coco liner. A real plus in July and August. I understand Walt Disney World started using these exclusively because of their water retention ability.

Ultimate Container Mix - recommended by P. Allen Smith - Professional quality growing mix specially formulated for hanging baskets, large containers and outdoor planters. Contains water saving crystals and a slow release fertilizer. Just $6.95 for 1 cu. ft, or $9.95 for 1.8 cu. ft.

2004 West Blvd. — Belleville, IL 62221
(618) 235-2004
www.sandybackporch.com
We're less than 4 miles from I-64 & Greenmount Rd. off Carylyle/IL-161.

Contact Sandy Today!