Thrive Greenhouse

09/23/2026

Plantpeddler Inc. - Young Plants hosted Variety Day 2026 on Aug. 7, a day the grower said was focused on "testing the best in the Midwest."

The annual event in Cresco, Iowa, highlighted over 1,500 varieties of vegetative annuals in large containers, hanging baskets and beds from a global array of breeders.

At Variety Day, participants had the opportunity to vote for their favorite three varieties. Begonia Waterfall Encanto Pink, part of the 2027 Plantpeddler begonia program and bred by Beekenkamp Plants, came out on top.

This year’s Top 25 was a diverse genetic blend, with overall domination by hanging baskets selections at 19. Calibrachoa had the highest number of winners at seven. There were also several multiliners in the top 25.

Find out the full results at the link below:

https://www.greenhousemag.com/news/plantpeddler-variety-day-2026-results/

09/22/2026

09/22/2026

🍂Happy Autumn Equinox!
🎋"Solstices and equinoxes mark the four movements in a celestial score. The older I get, the more I aspire to tap into the symphonic song of nature. To harmonize with the flow of seasons, the cycles in our landscapes, and the larger universe...
The autumnal equinox falls between 21 and 24 September, as the Sun heads southward, crossing the celestial equator. In Celtic tradition, this equinox was celebrated as Mabon, which featured the building of an altar laden with harvest fruits and vegetables—an offering to the goddess or mother earth and a cue for people to count their blessings. In the Old and New World, harvest season and cooler temperatures typically led to more foraging, butchering, and baking. Late-harvest grains were made into seasonal breads, cakes, and b**r; nuts and late-season fruits were turned into pies, c***r, and brandy. Harvest festivals brought people together around a common table to celebrate the abundance of the season, the landscapes they shared, and community.
Gardeners and farmers are perhaps tied to these cycles as much as any of us can be, living in the modern world. And as a gardener still crafting a life and livelihood from the land, I am touched and heartened by our human impulse to mark the seasons together with earthly and celestial rites and rituals that help us celebrate our circles around the Sun.
🍁(from an essay on seasonality in my "Heirloom Gardener" book)

09/21/2026

09/15/2026

09/14/2026

Some of my favorite combos this year! I usually keep them out until October. 😀

09/12/2026

If you are looking for BIG mums make sure you go over to BlueBird Greenhouse. They are beautiful! She has single colors and multi colored. I picked up a couple yesterday. 😁

09/12/2026

If you’ve never tried Mandevilla & dipladenia put them on the list for next year! They are high impact, low maintenance, drought tolerant.

09/11/2026

Love this. In memoriam of all lost that day.

09/10/2026

This is what it looks like when you don’t water because you think it rained enough. 🙄🤷🏼‍♀️ We all do it!