Spring is officially here...even if the weather says otherwise!
Come in and visit our garden center for all you planting and gardening needs!!!
Plan a trip to Ballek's with some friends!
We offer workshops and lectures
to groups of 5 or more.
Bonsai, living wreaths, orchids, and flower arranging to name a few...call ahead for more info.
Come in and Visit...We're open 7 Days a Week!
Ballek’s is a family business with old-fashioned values of quality and service. Our garden center is located in the center of the farm that has been in the family since the 1660’s. Our stewardship of this land underlies our commitment to preserving and enhancing the beauty of nature through gardening.
Ballek's has always tried to set an example of "green" living and sustainable use of our resources. We support local businesses and organizations
as much as possible. In keeping with our vision we have recently undertaken a major investment in solar energy. Currently we are producing all of our electricity with photovoltaic panels (And putting the surplus back into the grid) and meeting our hot water needs with solar thermal units. We are very excited to set a precedent of locally produced electricity!
For Information on Solar Panels Contact Bob Ballek 203-931-5560
- Grandma's Note -
Gazanias...
Another frost tolerant annual that can take the heat of the summer as well, planted in April it can still be flowering in October. They need rich soil, good drainage and full sun.
Thirty-some years ago I flew to South Africa to attend the 10th World Orchid Conference, which was planned to coincide with the "Blooming of the Veldt" (one of the 7 natural wonders of the world when daisies bloom petal to petal forming a carpet of rainbow colors).
We boarded the plane in Athens in the sweltering heat expecting the same in Johannesburg. It was a night flight, 17 hours, as South African Airways was banned from flying over the rest of Africa, and must stay 200 miles out over the Atlantic. The pilot woke us to say that we must circle the airport until the snow was shoveled off the runway! We all laughed heartily until we looked out the window to see the white below. 14" of snow had fallen during the night!
Needless to say, the "blooming of the Veldt" was delayed, but I still became intrigued by "African Daisies". Most of them only bloom in the cold of the spring, but not the Stalwart Gazanias who stand up to almost "frying" heat of summer on the Veldt (a high rolling plain). Each blossom almost closes at dusk and unfurls at dawn for several weeks in the cold and several days in the heat. They have large blossoms, 3-5" across, in cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, burgundy, plain or striped.
With full sun, good drainage and ample food they give joy all three seasons.
