With so many new faces in town, I thought it might be nice to get to know our local nurseries a bit better. Hoping to visit with them all in the next month or so. Shopping local is ALWAYS a good idea. From my time in the nursery business I can tell you, 99% of customers with plants problems would begin by saying, “I bought this plant from (insert the name of a big box store). Buying your plants from someone with local knowledge and experience gives you the best chance to succeed. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Vickie and Liza from Workman Farms to ask them about their nursery.
1) Tell me about the history of Workman farms in Fallon. How has the business changed over the years?
Workman's have been farmers in our valley for many generations, originally farming out in the tough soils in the Soda Lake part of town. In 1964, they officially began as a produce stand, growing a variety of vegetables to meet the need of an expanding town. Vickie Detomasi jumped into the family business when she was just 18. Her daughter Liza tells me she inherited the plant gene and got on the payroll at age 11. The hardworking, super creative, knowledgeable mother-daughter team run the nursery and the quilt shop these days.
(2) As a gardener, I think we're lucky to have several great places in town to buy plants. I've always loved your nursery for the vast selection of hard-to-find perennials. What would you say makes you different from the other nurseries in town?
Liza tells me they are focusing on buying bare roots that they plant up themselves. When bare roots have a chance to "grow up" in our environment they become hardier for our area. They "can up" roses, shade trees, shrubs, fruit trees and vines as well as berries and grapes. The variety and selection of bare roots is usually greater than what standard growers offer as well.
(3) What is your favorite part about working in the nursery business? What do you find the most challenging?
They both enjoy watching the plants they care for grow and bloom (and find happy homes). The gals also enjoy the challenge of testing out different species to see if they will thrive in our environment.
(4) With so many new folks building new homes here, if you could give advice to a budding high desert gardener what would it be?
No matter if you are growing houseplants, an orchard or an ornamental garden, Liza encourages starting with a small selection of easy to grow plants. She believes as you gain experience and confidence, you should then expand your yard or collection.
(5)What would you say our greatest challenges are, gardening here in Fallon? Weather is a usually one of our biggest challenges. This April for example, was cooler than normal and it took most plants a little longer to leaf out.
(6)If you could only recommend three trees for our area, what would you choose?
For a large flowering tree that does well here, a Catalpa would be first on the list. An easy to grow, small, ornamental tree would be a Flowering Pear (our Maine Street trees) and for shade, it’s hard to beat an Ash.
(7) What is your favorite plant? Least favorite?
Favorite-The very hardy easy to grow perennial-Nepeta (Catmint). Least favorite-Tree of Heaven.
(8) Over the last year it seems like more folks planted vegetable /food gardens. Are you still seeing that trend?
Definitely.
(9) What do you tell people our last frost and first frost dates are? Have you seen that change over the years?
Usually, mid-May for the last frost date but sometimes it can freeze in June. The first frost usually happens mid-October. We have seen the frost period average change over the years, we have gained almost a month and a half of growing season.
(10) Anything you want to add? Or any extra advice/tips you want to pass along?
"Water during the winter if we are having a dry year. Big box stores don't always get in plants that work in our environment so if you aren't sure look it up. Don't give up."
Jaime Sammons carries a pair of pruners in her glove box – just in case, and believes you can be a gardener even with a single plant container on your porch.
Comment
Comments