Monthly Archives: October 2024

Winter Offerings at Oak Street

We’re exploring new plant and planter options this fall and winter since we aren’t clearing the nursery area for Christmas trees this year. For any of you who missed the news, we made the difficult decision not to offer trees this holiday season, and the owner and our fearless leader, Billy Angell, sent out an email last month with a personal message to everyone.
If you missed it, you can read the announcement here.
We’ll offer everything else we always have had though, including wreaths, garland, greens,mantelpieces, arrangements, berries, and more for your celebrations!
One thing we’re excited to bring in for fall and winter are more planters than we’ve ever had this time of year. Our supplier out of Pennsylvania offers the highest quality cast stone pots, and you’ll find them displayed across the front and throughout the shop. Can’t haul a pot home? We deliver!
We’re also changing things up in the greenhouse for the holidays too. This year our Santa display will be a gingerbread house with all the trimmings. Everything will look a little different this year!

Our ribbon display is coming together too. We’ll post on our social media accounts when it’s set up for any of you who’d like to shop a little early for your ribbons and bows.
November is right around the corner and with it one of our favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. Please be thinking about containers you might want to use on your table and bring them in at least a couple weeks prior.
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you soon.

A Message From Billy

I hope you’re all enjoying the beautiful fall season. With the holiday season quickly approaching, I wanted to be sure this message got out to everyone. After much thought, we made the announcement to our email subscribers and are uploading it to the blog just in case anyone missed the original post.

I wanted to let you all know how much I’ve appreciated your patronage over the past 48 years I’ve been in this business, almost 35 of them in Crestline Village. (And no, I’m not retiring!)

But this message is to let you know that after much thought and many sleepless nights, I’ve decided that Oak Street Garden Shop will no longer sell Christmas trees beginning this year. What a difficult decision this has been! Over the years, we’ve enjoyed providing the most beautiful trees, and we have so many wonderful memories, including being shown pictures of your decorated trees, the holiday jewel in countless living rooms, each and every one of them described as the “Best Tree Ever.”

I still have the drawing one little girl made, addressed to me, that hung on the tree she and her family had picked out after hours. Attached to it was a handwritten note asking, “Please, Mr. Angell, save this tree for us.” I proudly had it laminated and hung it in my office. How special finding that was, and how good it felt to know she will probably never forget that Christmas either.

Or the customer who each and every year would browse the trees on Thanksgiving Day (their special tradition). We always knew to look for their tree the day after Thanksgiving… and there it would be, the red luggage tag with their name on it, affixed as high as they could reach.

It’s truly been 48 years of happy memories, but I won’t deny that the last few years, due to labor shortages, it has become more difficult. I could also see it wasn’t as happy an experience for you either. I know no one wants to stand in line to pick out a tree still wrapped on the ground, no matter how pretty you know it will be in the end, or wait in line for hours while trees are drilled.

The stress of this carried over to me and my staff, and, unfortunately, the holiday season became longer and harder each year. We always prided ourselves on the precision with which sales and deliveries were carried out, and I knew that we had come to a point where a decision had to be made.

However, the good news is that we will continue to offer the most beautiful wreaths, garland, new products, and mailbox decorations just as we always have. We hope you’ll still look to us for all of that and more this holiday season!

We’re also excited that we’ll be able to, for the first time in so many years, truly have a fall season in the nursery. This means that in addition to everything we’ve always carried through autumn and winter, we’ll also be adding more shrubs, natives, and interesting plants for your fall garden. We are having fun planning this new avenue!

I’ll end this by thanking you for coming along with us as we enter a new chapter in Oak Street Garden Shop’s almost 35 years – we can’t do any of this without you! I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but now I’m ready to pass the Christmas tree baton to a new generation.

With much appreciation,

Billy Angell

Seasonal Selections and Confections!

It’s been fun seeing all the decorated front yards around town dressed up for Halloween. We love being a part of your celebrations, and if you have any need for more pumpkins and gourds look to us for inspiration!
In the greenhouse we have sweet and savory for you. A new shipment of Ginger Clark’s We Bees Working honey has arrived, as well as the perennial favorites, Cheese Hooies from Logan, Alabama. The hooies go particularly well with football parties!

Many of you are beginning your fall planting, and we want to point out the many complimentary leafy plants available to add to the usual pansies and violas. Just a few include frilly-leaved ornamental kales and the beautifully colored cabbage selections. Include in your plantings the chartreuse colors of the many carex grasses and acorus, rich reds of mustard greens (They’re edible too!), and perennial red veined sorrel, and you’ll have a varied and gorgeous winter palette even when flowers aren’t in bloom.

So many of you commented this past spring on the blooms in the O’Neal Garden across the street from the shop that we donate to the city of Mountain Brook and maintain. Did you know you can also have the larkspur, poppies, and bachelor buttons that shine in it March through May? We have the seeds available for many of them now. The key to this winter garden is to sow the seeds when the ground is cold, so wait to plant until after the leaves fall — November. We’ve sown these as late as January for spring bloom.
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you soon!

The Best Bulbs to Plant in Fall for a Gorgeous Spring Display 🌷🌼

Fall might seem like the end of the gardening season, but it’s actually the perfect time to plan for a breathtaking spring garden! Planting spring-blooming bulbs in the fall gives them the cold dormancy they need to thrive when the weather warms up. Here are the best bulbs to plant in Northern Alabama this fall to ensure a stunning display next spring.

  1. Daffodils

A classic favorite, daffodils (Narcissus) are one of the easiest and most reliable spring bulbs. They come in a variety of colors—yellow, white, and even pink. Daffodils are deer-resistant, making them a great choice for Alabama gardeners. Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in well-drained soil for the best results.

  1. Tulips

Tulips provide bold, vibrant color to any garden. While they can be a bit trickier in warmer climates like Northern Alabama, choosing heat-tolerant varieties like Darwin hybrids or Species tulips can give you great results. Plant tulips 6-8 inches deep in well-drained soil for a striking spring display.

  1. Grape Hyacinths (Muscari)

If you love fragrant flowers, hyacinths are a must! These early bloomers offer rich, heady scents and a range of colors from deep purple to white. Plant hyacinth bulbs 3 inches deep in groups for maximum visual impact and fragrance.

  1. Lycoris (Surprise Lillies)

Lycoris, often called Surprise Lilies or Spider Lilies, add an exotic touch to the garden with their tall, striking blooms. It’s not too late to plant Lycoris bulbs—they prefer sunny spots and well-drained soil. Plant them with the top of the bulb about 5 inches below the soil line and 1 bulb per square foot, and they’ll reward you with gorgeous, unexpected blooms when you least expect it.

Tips for Success

  • Plant bulbs in well-drained soil to avoid rot over the winter.
  • Choose a sunny spot for the best blooms come spring.
  • Add a little bulb fertilizer when planting to give them a head start.

Plant these bulbs now, and when spring arrives, your garden will burst into life with color and fragrance! 

On the Changing Season and Plant Selections

Wow! The temperatures this week are perfect for working outside. If you aren’t able to get a jump on your fall planting though, don’t worry. We will continue to offer the best plants for the season.

Fun fact:

Our growers are like farmers. They have “crops” of plants that they plan to have ready for certain times. Always ask if you don’t see something you’re looking for! That grower might simply be “between crops”!

If you’re not quite ready to plant your pansies and other winter flowers yet, try to give yourself a break and do things in stages. Perhaps you have planters that are looking bedraggled—get those summer plants out of there and add fresh potting soil so you’re ready to go when your schedule allows. Do the same things with beds, and your life will be a little easier!

Have you gotten your classic Jack O’Lantern yet? Come see us! We have gorgeous, big Jacks ready to go on your porch or front steps to welcome Halloween!

We hope you all have been enjoying the O’Neal Community Garden across the street from the shop. As you’ve probably noticed, it’s beginning to “go down” for the season. We will let the zinnias, cosmos, and the tall orange tithonia naturally die down so seeds drop into the soil for next year. This is the cycle of nature, and the pollinators are still enjoying it! We hope you’ve been as well.

It’s dry out there, and your landscape may be showing signs of stress. Stressed plants can exhibit all of the following:

  • Wilting leaves (Leaves not returning to normal the next morning)
  • Leaf edges looking scorched
  • Leaf drop
  • Branch dieback

We’re hoping for rain soon, but until then, continue to water existing plants slowly and deeply and make sure plantings are mulched. The cooling temps will at least help!

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you soon!

Autumn Planting Tips for a Beautiful Spring Garden 🌸🍂

Serious gardeners know that a gorgeous spring garden starts with fall prep! Here are our best tips to make sure your garden is ready to burst with color come springtime:

1. Amend Your Soil for Strong Spring Growth
Think you’re done after spring’s soil work? Think again! Summer’s heat depletes nutrients, so it’s crucial to keep adding organic matter like compost, soil conditioner, or PlantTone. Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden, and loose, well-amended soil helps plants thrive. 🍃 Pro Tip: Don’t toss those fallen leaves—shred them with your mower and use them as free organic mulch!

2. Watering: Keep Plants Happy Before Planting
If you’re not planting right away, keep your new transplants watered. For smaller plants in 4” pots or cell packs, water them at least once daily, especially in warm, sunny weather. As it cools down, you’ll need to water less, but be sure the plants stay moist until they go into the ground. 🌱

3. Fertilize the Right Way
Early in the fall, when the soil is still warm, you can use a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote. But as the winter months approach, switch to Calcium Nitrate, especially if you notice the leaves on your pansies turning a reddish hue. This ensures your plants stay nourished and ready to bloom in spring. 🌼

4. Mulch to Protect Roots
As temperatures drop, mulch becomes your garden’s best friend. A good layer of shredded mulch or pine straw insulates the soil, keeping roots warmer and protecting your plants as they settle in for the colder months.

5. Water Wisely After Planting
Once your plants are in the ground, give them a deep watering to settle their roots. Keep watering regularly while the transplants establish, but be careful not to overwater as the days get cooler. Overwatering in cold weather can lead to root rot and other issues.

6. Deadhead for More Blooms
Deadheading is a small task that makes a big difference, especially with pansies and violas. Removing faded blooms prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production, and instead encourages new flowers. Make a habit of walking through your garden once a week, and pinch off any fading blooms or forming seed pods. This simple step will ensure your garden is bursting with flowers all season long!

Planning ahead is the key to a vibrant, colorful spring garden. By taking care of your soil, watering properly, fertilizing at the right time, and staying on top of maintenance, your garden will be primed for success. Happy planting! 🌷🌼

In Time for Fall Planting: Shrubs, Camellias, Veggies & More 🌿

Fall is the second season of planting for gardeners, and the best time to plant many shrubs. We have some beauties in stock now!

sasanqua camellia

First and foremost, camellias! Two types of camellias are commonly found in area gardens: Sasanqua, or fall-blooming camellias, and Japanese, or winter-blooming camellias. We have great selections of both now. High shade, well-drained soil, and protected locations are perfect for these staples of southern gardens.
If your home is formal, a topiary plant can be just the ticket. We have some gorgeous boxwood topiaries of various sizes in now for just this purpose, and if you just want an evergreen shrub, the hollies, arborvitae, and junipers are lovely. Accent them with some pansies or violas, and you’ll have a stunning entrance to your home.

red lettuce

Fall is also vegetable planting time! With lettuce, arugula, kale, mustard greens, collards, broccoli, and more, you can have fresh veggies into the winter months. Come browse our kitchen garden and create your own potager!
Did you know we have Oak Street Garden Shop T-shirts? Available in all sizes, they are $25 and feature our very own Liam kitty on the back. We have a sample hanging at the front of the shop, so take a look next time you’re in.
Enjoy the fall temps this week and we’ll see you soon!

Embrace Fall with Pumpkins and Gourds: Your Seasonal Inspiration Starts Here! 🎃🍂

As the temperatures finally start to dip, we can’t help but smile and say, “We’re so lucky to work outside!” This is the time of year we’ve been waiting for—when pumpkins, gourds, and all those autumn decorating staples make their grand entrance.

For a classic and easy display, try grouping pumpkins and gourds along your front steps. Choose a mix of colors, shapes, and sizes to create a welcoming, layered look that draws the eye. Add in some potted mums or trailing ivy for extra fall flair. It’s an effortless way to showcase the beauty of the season right at your doorstep!

For something simpler, try stacking pumpkins in front of your home. Mix up the colors, or keep it monochrome for a clean look. Add some moss between the layers for an extra touch, and suddenly you’ve got the most welcoming entrance in the neighborhood!

And let’s not forget about those mini gourds—they’re perfect for cozy spots like your bedside table, coffee table, or as part of a fun tablescape. Surround them with angelvine or moss, and you’ve got a beautiful, nature-inspired display.

Whether you’re creating gifts or centerpieces, there are endless ways to get creative with the various sizes, shapes, and textures of gourds and pumpkins. Pair them with organic accents like lichen, branches, or even other organic elements for a personal touch. (One of our favorite customers even brings us fallen acorns to use—talk about thoughtful!)

And, yes, our succulent-topped pumpkins are back! If you’re local and want to grab one, give us a call. They won’t last long! 🌿🎃

It’s Already October!

Welcome to October and fall—the transition to cooler temps and, hopefully, more rain. This is the time of year we all enjoy being outside in the garden!

Pansies and Violas

We have the first shipments of pansies and violas in stock now, and the selection of these hardy winter flowers will only increase as the weeks go on. They are considered “cool season” bloomers, which is why we plant them in the fall for blooms now and the promise of a splash of color next spring. Gardening always gives us something to look forward to!
Now is a great time to remind you that we will have more shrub offerings this fall. The first shrubbery shipments arrive this week. We’re excited to give you more fall planting options this year and will offer more details in the next email.
Another harbinger of fall is the beautiful variety of pumpkins and gourds displayed out frontthat we’ve mentioned on our FB and IG accounts. Swing by and get a collection for your front steps or porch—we have everything to make your home fall-ready!

Decorated Pumpkin

Finally, speaking of pumpkins, we’re having great fun creating our annual decorated pumpkins. They’re truly one of a kind and make great gifts or a wonderful complement to your seasonal décor. Come by and pick up one we’ve made, or choose your own pumpkin and let us design one just for you.
Have a great week and weekend, and we’ll see you soon!