The holiday season is full of tradition that we follow year after year and pass down from generation to generation. But where do they come from? What is the purpose of hanging mistletoe and kissing under it? Why do we use mistletoe in the first place?

Mistletoe has been long revered throughout European history. In early folklore, it was considered to promote fertility and life. It also protected against poison. In ancient, pre Christian eras, it was collected during the summer and winter solstices. It was hung from ceilings by the bushel to ward off what were believed to be evil spirits. In Scandinavia, it was believed that mistletoe could provide fertility. It is believed that this idea is directly linked to its place in Christmas tradition.

Today, Mistletoe is hung form the ceiling during the wintertime as a holiday tradition. In 18th century, if a lady stood under the mistletoe, she could not refuse a kiss. If no one chose to kiss her, she was not expected to get married within the next year. If someone was kissed under the mistletoe, it could be a sign of romance or friendship. If the girl remained un-kissed, she cannot expect not to marry the following year. In England, many people burn the mistletoe on the 12th night of Christmas in following of old traditions. Today, kissing under the mistletoe is a fun tradition for families all over the world!

We hope you share this festive tradition with your friends and family this year!

At Whispering Springs, we love the holidays! The lights, the music, the time with family and friends, making memories that will last a lifetime! However, before we all start to deck our halls, it’s important to remember a few safety tips to ensure that your holiday season is not just jolly– but safe too! Here are a few safety tips for decorating your home for the holidays:

Oh, Christmas Tree: Your Christmas tree should not be anywhere near your fireplace, a radiator or heating ducts. It is also never a good idea to place a tree near a door or hallway as someone may trip and it could pose a potential fire hazard. Remember, fire retardant does not mean it isn’t at all flammable. It is also critical to be sure that your tree is secure in its stand! Make sure you follow all directions for artificial trees and stands for real ones.

photo via pixabay

Check your lights: If you’ve purchased Christmas lights to be used indoors or outdoors make sure they have a holographic “UL” label. This label indicates that the lights have been tested for safety. Red tags on your lights indicate indoor and outdoor usage while a green tag means the lights are just for indoors. It is also important to make sure that you are mindful of the wattage levels your lights can handle, especially if multiple extension cords and power strips are being used.

Feeling swamped trying to get your home ready and buy gifts? No problem! Check out Whispering Springs for all of your holiday gift needs!

The holidays are sweet, memorable times for you and your family. The smell of home cooking, the fireplace burning and the smell of your spruce Christmas tree fill your home. While this a time to make sweet memories, the best way to ensure that you can make the most of your time off from school and work to be together is to make make sure your home is safe for the holidays. That said, here are some plant safety tips for your home.

Poinsettia: Poinsettia are lovely holiday plants that make amazing gifts! Though they are not necessarily lethal if ingested, they may make people feel sick, however, they can be lethal for pets. If accidentally ingested by a small child, the sap from a poinsettia flower may cause unwarranted skin reactions such as rashes or itching. 

Mistletoe: If you happen to find yourself under a Mistletoe, you know you might owe someone a kiss. However, this sweet holiday plant can be extremely dangerous if ingested. Be sure to keep it away from small children and pets as all parts of the plant can cause serious reactions.

Christmas Trees: Oh, Christmas Tree! While these are one of the namesakes of the holiday, it’s important to take care as the trees and lights can be dangerous. When you bring your tree home, be sure to keep it away from your fireplace and heaters as a safety precaution and also to prevent your tree from drying out! Make sure your stand fits your tree to ensure that it doesn’t fall!

Ready for the holiday season? Great! For all of your holiday plant needs, come see us at Whispering Springs. Happy Holidays!

If the weather over the past few weeks are to serve as any indication, this Winter may be a cold one! Here are some tips to help keep your plants safe when temperatures nosedive and the weather turns:

• If an extreme dip is expected, give your garden a good watering a day before if the soil is good and dry. Moist soils will retain heat better than dry ones! Whatever you do, do not overwater. Overwatering can cause root disease and rot.
• If temperatures are to drop below 20 degrees, be sure to cover your cold-sensitive plants. May sure your covers go all the way to the ground and are secured down with bricks or rocks. This will help to retain heat and moisture during the cold winter nights. Your plants will be fine if left covered for a few days at a time. Check on them periodically and be ready to cover them again if needed.
• If you have itty-bitty plants, you can cover them with mulch or pine straw to help them keep nice and warm.
• Gardeners be aware of the temperature and weather conditions each day! The weather can be unpredictable as it is, so its best to be prepared for any and all conditions that could be brought on by Mother Nature!
• Tip: Vegetable gardens can be damaged more than other plants during extreme cold. Be prepared and take as many precautions as possible so your crops are not ruined.

Need more cold-weather gardening tips? No problem! Stop by and see us at the nursery or contact us with any questions you might have about your garden or landscaping!

The holidays are right around the corner and we know you’re starting think about your list of people to buy for. It’s tough! How do you know if they’ll like it? If you’re not sure what to buy them, a house-plant might be the perfect option! It’s a great statement to any home-decor and can make a home feel that much more like a sanctuary. Here are some great plants that make awesome holiday gifts:

Orchids: Orchids are a gorgeous plant to give as a gift. Given the right light and care, they can last for over 5 weeks and will continue to bloom for years to come. Each variety of Orchid is going to require different amounts of light and humidity. Generally, Moth Orchids are the easiest to grow and require the least amount of maintenance. 

Christmas Cactus: Christmas Cactus is a great option for someone who can care for the plant. It is less expensive than many other plants or floral arrangements. Christmas cactus needs a lot of indirect sunlight as well as regular watering. These plants are very resilient and could be the start of a great tradition, many are passed down from generation to generation as long as they are well cared for!

Succulents: Succulents are a wonderful gift as they don’t need very much attention. Aloe Vera is a gorgeous option that can grown to be nearly three feet tall. This plant does best in bright light.

Tis’ the season! Ready to start checking names off of your holiday gift list? Come and see what’s in store for the holidays at Whispering Springs Nursery in Jasper, GA.

As the cooler weather and shorter days roll in, it’s important that your lawn and garden are ready with nutrient-rich mulch. Mulch is not only good for your garden’s overall health, it’s also good for its looks. Mulch can create a lovely, neutral backdrop to your gardening efforts. Here are a few of the options you can use for your lawn and garden:

Leaves: The leaves are falling and are probably covering your entire lawn. Perfect! Fallen leaves are a great mulch. Shredded leaves will help prevent weeds from germinating as well as help your soil retain moisture. Avoid using too much, though, as compacted leaves can actually rob nutrients from your landscape.

Grass clippings: Untreated grass clippings are a great mulch. Grass is nitrogen-rich which is exactly what your soil needs. Grass, when applied correctly, will also help to preserve the natural moisture in your soil .Tip: If the clippings aren’t totally dry before they’re applied it can begin to rot. Make sure your grass is totally dry before you apply!

Compost: Compost is made from the natural food waste from your home.  For example, coffee grounds and eggshells are great options to use in your composting regiment. Because composting means you’ll be creating less waste, you’re also doing a great deed for the environment!

These options will not only keep your garden looking its best, but they’re also right in your yard!

For more information on what the best mulch options are for your garden or landscaping in Jasper please contact us here. 

Choosing the perfect pumpkin is tough! You only buy them once or twice a year so you want to make sure you get it right first (and maybe only) time. Stressed? Don’t worry, here are a few tips to help you keep your cool while searching through the patch.

• Be Firm: Be on the lookout for a firm-feeling pumpkin. Mushy ones or ones with soft spots need to be left behind.
• Spot Spots: Pumpkins with even the tiniest of blemishes are a no-go. These marks could be a sign of potential bug infestation.
  

  photo via flickr

• Orange you glad?: You will be if you go for the pumpkin that is the most orange. While pumpkins come in many different colors, when it comes to the orange variety you want to make sure it is orange all over. Other discolorations may be a sign that your pumpkin is less than perfect and could be damaged.
• Shape matters: Pumpkins can be all different shapes. If you enjoy roasting the seeds after carving a pumpkin, you will want to look for the most round options out there. The less round a pumpkin is, the fewer seeds it will have inside!
• Follow your heart: Choosing a pumpkin is like picking out a new friend! Go with your gut instinct. If your little one picks out a less than perfect pumpkin, embrace it! Each pumpkin is unique!
• Get a handle on it: The handle on your pumpkin should be firm and dark in color. Anything else could be a sign of early rotting.

Now, you’re ready! Grab the red wagon and a cup of hot chocolate, it’s time to get your perfect pumpkin!

One of the best things about each new season is finding new and exciting ways to bring the outside in. The best part about fall is the change of colors and brisk, cool air. Bring those lovely feelings from the outdoors in with some of our favorite decorating ideas:

• Pinecones are a versatile and lovely little statement that can be used throughout your home. As they start to fall more often, take your favorites and spray paint them fun, metallic colors. Silver and gold will be gorgeous all the way through the Winter season, too!
  

  photo via flickr

• Think outside the pumpkin! Decorate with different seasonal squashes too! From Butternut to Acorn, each type has its own specific look (and flavor, might we add) that are lovely to be used in your festive centerpieces.
• Get crafty. Have a scratched up pumpkin basket? Paint it black with matte black paint and voila! You have yourself an adorable, original, chalkboard pumpkin. Repurpose this little trick to house your favorite fall mums on the front porch!
• Bust out the paint! Instead of making a mess with dangerous knives, consider painting your pumpkins to match your own unique style.

Decorating and getting crafty is much easier after you’ve gotten a little inspiration! Decorating your home for fall is a great way to spend time with your family while enjoying the iconic weather.  What about fall inspires you the most?

While it seems that the best time to plant things is in the height of the warm and long, sunny days however, quite the contrary is true for trees and shrubs. Planting trees and shrubs in the fall is one of the best ways to promote strong root development and growth. Tree planting is best done between the months of September and November. Once temperatures drop drastically in the late fall it is advised to not plant as it could harm the overall plant health. Planting trees and shrubs in the fall is beneficial because the conditions are great for growth and you’ll have a jumpstart on the season and how you want your garden to look once they begin to grow.

The cool, wet weather is best for tree growth. Your tree will require less water and will absorb more since it won’t be lost to evaporation due to the heat.  Consistent, cool temperatures are great for helping with root development too. Though it may be cool outside, the soil stays warm long after temperatures drop. This coolness will help roots grow. Additionally, planting a tree in the fall will make it stronger and more able to survive long periods of drought and dryness. 

Besides the strength and growth benefits, planting your trees and shrubs in the fall will enable you to choose your plants based on what will complement your fall foliage best. Some great options for fall include: maple, , horse chestnut buckeye,  spruce, pine, sycamore, linden and elm.

For more information about planting trees and shrubs during the fall or how to get the most out of your fall gardening plans, contact us or stop by today!

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in North Georgia. From the leaves changing, to the crispness in the air, there is so much inspiration during this time of year, it’s a time to bring what’s beautiful outside, to the inside of your home. Be sure to get your home and family into the Fall spirit this year with these brilliant decorating ideas:

• Fresh flowers are a great way to liven up your home year-round. Try sunflowers and alstromeria for your table this Fall. Keep the leaves below the water line and change the water every few days to maximize the life of your flowers.
• Pressed leaves, foliage and flowers are beautiful decorations for your home as well as a great way to bring the outside in! Press your favorite finds and then frame them for an added DIY touch to any room.
  

  photo via: freedigitalphotos.net

• You won’t need candles for this fresh, Fall-festive project. Suspend leaves from a low hanging chandelier for a centerpiece that will wow your guests. You can check our more directions here.
• Use your vegetables, seriously. Pumpkins, dried artichoke and even squash can be added to your table as a centerpiece, mantle or front door for an added, festive touch.
• Decorate pumpkins! Pumpkins can be carved or painted for a versatile decoration that can be used inside or out.

Bringing the outdoors in is what Fall is all about. Don’t be afraid to play up the colors, holidays or celebration of all things rustic and natural! For more information about decorating your home for Fall, be sure to visit our nursery or contact us today.