October / November 2006

Calm and deep peace, on this high world;
And on these dews that drench the furze,
And all the silvery gossamers
That twinkle into green and gold.
Calm and still light on yon great plain
That sweeps with all its autumn bowers;
And crowded farms and lessening towers,
To mingle with the bounding main
-- Tennyson

Speaking for ourselves, we are thrilled to see autumn arrive, in all its glory. The cooler temps and shorter days bring such calm and anticipation. The earth provides much bounty for us, and now is the time to reap what has been sowed. Recent rains, though cold and dreary, swell our rivers and cleanse the soil, providing for every living thing. Every conscious of our planet, and how we impact it's fragile presence, Dirty Hands has found a new product line that speaks to our philosophy-just in time for the upcoming holidays!

"Trash, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder." When an artist embraces this belief, you know something good with come of it! Our new favorite contends there is a connection between creativity, the environment, and universal growth. This philosophy is enacted on many levels of her vision and interaction with art, earth, and society. In her work, materials used are salvaged from landfills with efforts from individuals helping to recycle. It is a great way to recycle and to increase landfill life span. In short, her products are a very cool way to enjoy, participate, and give! We have a selection of hanging affirmations, picture frames, and ornaments, all made of metals from post-consumer waste. No electricity is used in the implementation of the die-cast, torched pieces. They incorporate various positive affirmations, beautifully tinted, along with free-trade beading. The pieces have been coated and are suitable to outdoor as well as indoor use. Simply by adding a Noah Bell, they become a wind chime, to dance on the breeze!

Continuing it's commitment to our community and the world around us, Dirty Hands is also offering Special Birdfeeders, produced by Droll Yankee. Proceeds from the sales are contributed to the ongoing battle against breast cancer. They are small, pink, and come with a metal pink ribbon charm. At just 12.99, they make lovely stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, hostess gifts, or a present for you. What a great way to feed the birds as well as a good cause!

In preparation for the dormant months to come, we have received a fabulous new shipment of sempervivums (left, known as "Hens and Chicks"), sedums (center), and orostachys (right, sometimes called "Dunce's Cap"). These are succulent, mostly evergreen perennials that are marvelous in containers, rock gardens, terrariums, as groundcovers, or for use in living wreaths. Because they are mostly evergreen and drought-tolerant (once established), they are fun, textural ways to add interest to your fall and winter gardens! They are also a good way to introduce children to the joys of gardening. We have dozens of varieties for you to choose from. Come be amazed!

If you haven't taken down your hummingbird feeders, please do so now. The lovely miniature birds must head back to warmer climes for the next few months. Do not encourage them to stay, as it will result in their demise!

Consider making Dirty Hands Garden Center your one-stop place to go for most all your gardening needs. We deeply appreciate our loyal customers, and you are the key to our existence. Sat Nam

Folks, please remember to ALWAYS bring plant and bug samples in a plastic bag. It is very important that everyone be aware of the possibility of contaminating businesses, homeowner properties, and the Earth in general (think of it as a horticultural condom).
THANK YOU!

As always, all information given in the newsletter and on the website in general apply primarily to the zone 7/partial zone 6 regions of Virginia.

There are many new and fabulous things in store for you, at Dirty Hands Garden Center. We always appreciate your suggestions and opinions. Please feel free to contact us directly at Dirty Hands Email. Or, better yet, come see us in person!
Woo-Hoo!
Peace out.
Rock forward.

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As always, if you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly, either through the contact form, or by calling 804-598-8945, or visiting us at 2603 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA. 23139 (This information pertains to the greater Richmond, Va. area and may vary slightly with each locality).