Every year I travel down south, I manage to stop by my all-time favorite flower shop. It’s located in Smithfield, North Carolina, about three hours from my home. This year I was able to visit it twice!! 🙂
DeWayne’s is the perfect place for any gardener to visit. From the girl who just wants one potted vine to sit on her window ledge in the kitchen, to the green thumb who spends all weekend toiling in their fronts and back yards, weeding and pruning to get just the right look.
They’re doing an overhaul in the store and I couldn’t be more excited. You want it? They carry it. And not only do they carry plants, trees, shrubbery, and flowers…they carry clothing, flags, bags, fountains, and jewelry. Yes, jewelry. How much more perfect can you get? It’s a good thing they aren’t located closer to me. That’s all I’m saying.
Did I mention bird houses, little hot air balloons that twirl in the wind, and souvenir-type things? Little signs that say the wittiest things. Of course it takes a seasoned shopper only a few hours to muse around at everything, and still something will be missed.
Anyway, I got me the “Tom” plant pictured above. Not named after Tom in “Waking Amy”, I assure you. I first found this type of plant at the Thomas Jefferson home in Charlottesville. It has a distinct smell and I love the little bundles of flower petals it produces. I especially love the pink ones. They were too small this go around. The sweet potato vine next to it, I purchased because it reminded me of my trip to South Carolina. The house we stayed had a few on the front porch. I enjoyed caring for them my week there. They have a vibrant green color and can stretch for miles. No, I don’t know if they actually produce sweet potatoes. I guess I’ll find out!
Earlier in the year when I ventured to Beaufort, I stopped into the flower shop and picked up some of these. Every year I border a section of my walk with impatiens. They add nice color and burst out, filling in all the naked little areas of mulch.
I try to save a spot in the shade for the coleus. On my first trip to the store, I purchased two. One of which got taken down by a rather oversized dog who was determined to nap in that particular area. I can’t blame him, it’s the only shady spot out front. But still…my poor coleus. So on the second trip, I got more. I’ve since blocked the entrance to said “cool spot”. He must slumber in the back on the hotter days.
And don’t you love this new little purply thing? I’m not certain of the name. I left the spike outside with it, but it promises to grow extremely fast. I can’t wait. And you shouldn’t either. If you’re going to be on I-95 anytime soon, check on exit number 97, I believe. You won’t be sorry!
