Employee Name:
Timothy Dale Bartholomew (Bart)

Number of Years of service at Pahl’s:
6 Years but have been in the business for over 25 years.

Briefly describe your duties at Pahl’s:
My Title is Nursery Manager but like my name sake Bartholomew, I wear a lot of hats;  Shipping and Recieving, Truck driving, Marketing, Sales, Buying, and Customer Service.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The satisfaction I get when customers thank me for helping them with their lawn and garden questions.

Tell us about your family:  I have been married to my wife Sara for 30 years next month.  We have two sons, Dan and Drew and a daughter Nicole.  We also have two dogs, Lacy a sheltie, Toby a Pomeranian/Eskimo mix, and a cat.

What story does your family always tell about you?
Probably all their different versions and their personal memories of my heart attack and how it affected them each.

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/ month of the year?
Early morning – I like to get a lot of work done before the sun comes up.  This is when I have a lot of energy.  Like the early bird getting the worm.  I like Sundays to read the paper and relax with my family.  September is my favorite month.

What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
Grilling, Gardening, all sports, Happy Hour, Getting together with friends and family, walking the dogs.

What is the farthest you have been away from home?
My wife Sara and I were going to my sister’s wedding in New York so we decided to drive and tour the east coast.  First we drove to Maine and then south to Boston.  We then boarded a ferry with our car out to Martha’s Vineyard where we stayed at a campground.  One night while sitting at a picnic table at our site the campers next to us were laughing and we saw a skunk walking under our picnic table.

What are 3 things on your bucket list? 
See my Children be successful and get married, Live long enough to see grandchildren and spend more time with family and enjoying life.
What do you miss about being a kid?  Having little responsibility and just having fun.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? 
Speak Spanish

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
The first thing as a little kid would be candy.  The 1st big purchase as a young man was a 1978 Chevy El Camino.  It was light blue and I put some fancy wheels on it.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick to be your mentor?
I would pick my mom.  She died when I was 4 years old so did not have the chance to mentor me through my years growing up.  I always wondered how different my life would be if she was there while I was growing up.  Even though she was not there I always felt she was watching me.  That helped keep me on the right path.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Pay my bills and my kids bills.  Buy my wife whatever she wants and invest the rest.

Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? 
Santa Claus

What is your favorite movie? 
As a child growing up the Wizard of Oz was on TV once a year and we couldn’t wait to see it.  Now you can watch any movie anytime, there’s no anticipation.

What song do you play the most often? 
I listen to talk radio, I don’t play much music but enjoy all genres of music.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Losing my mother at 4 yrs old and then losing my dad at 29, it made it harder.  Losing my job and then having a heart attack from the stress a month later was hard but it made quitting smoking easier.

The month of May is one of the most uplifting times of the year for gardeners.  We see our gardens come to life again and treasure each new shoot as it emerges from the soil in our perennial gardens. The buds on trees swell and burst forth with the glory of green.  From the palest lime to bright forest green our world changes as leaves unfurl.  What miracles we have the privilege to enjoy!

Spring also brings some special chores.  Now is the time to begin the big clean-up.  Oak leaves and debris not cleaned up last fall should be removed.  Some perennials that were not cut back in the Fall should be trimmed back before new growth begins. “Mother Nature” has been good to us with moisture so far this Spring and that will help get all of our gardens off to a great start.

A visit to our greenhouse will tempt you to think about all of those wonderful annuals available to use.  Some plants, like pansies and violas, thrive in cool Spring temperatures.  They are actually fine down to about 26 degrees.  The bright colors of pansies will definitely be a cheerful welcome to all your guests this season.  The rest of your annual plants can be planted after the last danger of frost.  Our last average frost date is usually mid-May.  Always watch those weather forecasts and you can see when it will be likely to occur this year.

We begin to plant lovely custom containers for our customers in May at Pahl’s.  If you need a little help this year we will be glad to choose plants with you and if needed we can plant them up.  You can inquire about a custom planting at the service desk, or ask at our planting desk in the front of our first greenhouse. When you visit Pahl’s be sure to ask about some of the exciting new plants we are carrying this year.

Do you love your vegetable garden?  Fresh produce right out of your very own garden is the best.  We have wonderful vegetable plants that you can start with.  We feature tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, cabbage, and beans to name a few.  Our staff can help you learn about growing vegetables and how you can enjoy healthy beautiful gardens at your home.  Along with fresh veggies you may want to check out all of those tasty herbs.  What could taste better than a scrumptious home grown tomato drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with basil, and topped off with a slice of mozzarella.  Herb butters are also a favorite and many herbs work well for that.  Just soften the butter, snip some fresh herbs, blend and enjoy on crackers and toasts.

May begins our season of implementing all of those winter gardening dreams and wishes.  What a wonderful time to begin your gardening journey for 2013.  We are looking forward to helping you and will look forward to welcoming you back.

We survived April!  At times there may have been some doubt.  We had many brave souls come to our Spring Open House last month, even though it didn’t feel like spring with snow on the ground.  The seminars were fun and informative.  The food sampling was delicious.  And the sale was wonderful.  Many strolled through our greenhouses with dreams of spring.  Now May is here and we are ready to roll or shall we say dig.

Our market building is full of all of the spectacular spring products that we chose with you in mind.  Whether you are interested in gnomes, fairies, wind chimes, luminaries or more, we have the item you can’t be without for your garden or home.  There is a beautiful selection of unique glass art hummingbird feeders on display.  We also chose a large selection of rustic metal containers and vintage looking wood containers for this year.  We have added gardening and birding books as well.  Also, we are selling “Daisy Blue” all natural lotions and soaps to soothe your garden weary hands.  They come in a variety of scents to please each individual.  They make a wonderful gift for that special lady on Mother’s Day.  The variety of products that we carry in addition to tools, fertilizers, and birdseed, is too numerous to list.  Our selection of garden art, statuaries, fountains, pottery, and birdbaths continue to grow.  Now that our snow is finally gone, stop in and pick out some fall bulbs or seed potatoes to get in the ground.  We are your one stop shopping experience.

The month of May is bustling at the market.  The weekends bring savory Hot Dog stands.  Delicious aromas fill the air and tease your tummy.  Various organizations set up a table and tent to sell treats to raise funds for their cause.  Pahl’s Market is proud to offer them the space and opportunity to do this.  Be sure and grab a bite to eat while shopping for your spring flowers.

Mothers everywhere deserve a little extra love on their special day.  Let us provide beautiful flowers that will bring a smile to her face all summer long.  You can’t go wrong honoring Mom with a beautiful hanging basket, or that special garden treasure!  Jazz and contemporary guitar artist, Paul Woell, will perform on Sunday, May 12th from Noon to 2pm.  Stroll the greenhouse and take in all of the fragrant scents and brilliant colors of Mother Nature.

If you planted a basket in March at our annual Moss Basket Days event, you will surely be the envy of your neighborhood.  They are stunning!  Remember to stop in and pick them up before May 10th.  Head into our greenhouse, the baskets are located by the tropicals and herbs.  Friendly staff will be on hand to get your basket down and load it on a cart for you.

We look forward to seeing you in our greenhouse and market.  But more than that, we are happy that you can now take home the beautiful blooming plants that we have thoroughly enjoyed tending during our snowy month of April.  Spend your time outdoors and breathe in the smells of grass and flowers.  Turn your face to the sun, and smile.

The days are getting warmer and the snow just may be on vacation until this fall. Your landscape seems to be lacking in color early in the growing season. Currently, the variety of colors you have consist of light green, medium green and dark green in your landscape during the spring and early summer months. Your homes entry may not be welcoming yet and the landscape seems a little dull. Add some color in the spring to increase the excitement in the yard and let it wash your landscape with color. Your landscape will come alive in the spring and brighten your day.

There are several trees, shrubs, and perennials that bloom in May and June. Some of these bloom for a short period of time. Some of the plants have some wonderful foliage colors in the spring. It is also wise to mix in shrubs and perennials that bloom for a longer period of time. These can be added to annuals that bloom throughout the spring and summer months.  The idea is to add a pop of color and texture to the landscape. This can make your home’s entrance feel inviting to guests and add that feeling of excitement and cheerfulness to your yard.

Some examples of trees that bloom in May/June are Cherry, Crabapple, Dogwood, Hawthorn, Lilac, Magnolia, Mountain Ash, Redbud, Serviceberry, and Viburnum.  The bloom colors range from white, pink, red, to purple and the heights and widths range from 6 to 30 feet. There are many choices, depending on what color or colors you prefer and your space available. These trees are available in smaller pot sizes, which make them easier for homeowners to plant them.

Some shrubs that bloom early are Azalea, Chokeberry, Dogwood, Forsythia, Lilac, Ninebark, Rhododendron, Serviceberry and Viburnum. The bloom colors range from white, yellow, pink, red, lavender, to purple and heights and widths range from 2 to 15 feet. These shrubs are all available in pot sizes that are manageable for most homeowners to plant.

There are numerous perennials that bloom early in the season. Some examples are Columbine, Bergenia, Bleeding Heart, Brunnera, Columbine, Coral Bells, Dianthus, Goat’s Beard, Iris, Peony, Pulmonaria, and Salvia. The bloom colors range from white, yellow, pink, red, blue, to purple and heights and width range from 6 to 36” inches.

Adding an additional splash of color can be done with annuals. They can be planted in the ground at entryways, along walks, or next to a patio. Planting in pots can give you the option to move them around in the landscape. Annuals in hanging baskets can add a punch of color and frame an entry. Having a gathering on your patio? Place the pots and hanging baskets next to the patio to add interest and color.

Go ahead and use a little imagination and add some color, interest, and make your yard a visual display.  Need some help?  Contact our Landscape Department for a FREE Estimate!

Honeysuckle:  A Decorative and Functional Vine

Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle (Lonicera x brownii) is a hardy, twining, climbing vine that is easily trained on a trellis, arbor, or through a garden shrub.  Its spring flowers, though not fragrant, are a beautiful combination of red or coral on the outside with yellow-orange inside.  The flowers bloom from June through September in usual clusters of six blooms.  Red fruits follow in the late summer.  The variety ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ is sterile, and does not produce fruit.  The leaves turn a dark, bluish green as they mature.

Dropmore Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle prefers a most, well-drained soil, although it will tolerate some drought.  A vigorous growing vine, it will grow in full sun or partial shade.  As the plant grows older in years, it can be rejuvenated by a hard pruning.

Dropmore Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle’s colorful flowers attract swallowtail butterflies and ruby-throated hummingbirds, while northern cardinals and gray catbirds feed on the fruits.

Check out our Plant Library for other exciting plants available at Pahl’s!

This is the latest spring we have ever not gotten into the field.  Yes, records are for one thing and one thing only, to be broken.  Patience has definitely been tested around here and we are trying to hold a positive spin on things.  With everything ready to go we count the days until we run about 20 hours a day for as long as the body can take it.  Our plans have somewhat changed in the order of what we are going to do, remember about plan B, well we are on plan D.  With the time-frame of getting something of everything in the field right off the bat we are changing some of the fields that we were going to be planted later to earlier and vice versa.  This is all done to alleviate some travel time and logistical issues being spread out over 20 miles.  Our first priority is to be planting Sweet Corn, Cabbage, Green Beans and Nappa Cabbage.  Once those crops are in, the sweet corn planter will plant the Indian Corn and Field Corn.  If all goes right, we will move the cabbage crew (10 people) to transplant our pepper plants regarding that the weather has taken a turn for the better.  I will keep you posted on the progress next month, hopefully we are more back to normal and warmer temperatures prevail.

I was going through some field notes over the past few weeks and a couple have stood out in my mind that surprised me:

April 30^th 1951 – Blizzard in southern Minnesota

May 1^st – 5^th 1965 – Cold and rainy

April 30^th 1984 – Snowed 6 inches

April 22^nd 1988 – Cabbage transplants were covered up with snow, remember this was the drought year and one of the hottest on record.

May 6^th – 11^th 2002 – Rain all week and high of 50 degrees.

We survived these years, we will survive and learn to adapt this year.  Good Luck!

Did you know?  More phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than on any other day of the year!  If you are lucky enough to have your mother or loved one close, we have the perfect way to celebrate with her.  Spend the day at Pahl’s Market together.  We will be having jazz and contemporary guitar artist, Paul Woell, sharing his music with us from 12:00-2:00 PM on Sunday May 12^th.  Stroll the greenhouse and take in all of the fragrant scents and brilliant colors of Mother Nature.  Mothers everywhere deserve a little extra love on their special day.  Let us provide beautiful flowers that will bring a smile to her face all summer long.  We look forward to seeing you on this special day. 

Pahl’s Employee Favorite Picks for Mom 

1. Pahl’s Market Gift Card…..always the perfect gift.
2. Custom Planted Terrarium…..a great low maintenance indoor garden.
3. Ceramic Pottery…..in every color and shape you can imagine.
4. Hardy Shrub Rose…..nothing more classic than a rose.
5. Collectible “Flower Fairy”…..they are whimsical and enchanting.
6. Custom Planted Moss Purse…..these are too cute for words.
7. Garden Guide Books…..just in case you need a little help.
8. 10” Blooming Hanging Basket…..an explosion of color.
9. “Daisy Blue” All Natural Lotion…..to soothe your busy Gardener.
10. Garden Fountain…..listen to soothing sounds on a hot summer night.
11. Endless Summer Hydrangea…..a showy garden delight.
12. “Fiddlehead” FairyGarden Accessories…..just let your imagination go wild.
13. Glass Birdbath…..so unique and so beautiful.
14. Succulent Bowl…..great display for hot summer days.
15. Mosaic Gazing Ball…..such a garden eye catcher.

 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Check out Pahl’s very own Master Gardener and Fairy Godmother Jackie Overom talk about the latest trend in Fairy Gardening, TERRARIUMS, on KSTP Channel 5.

It is time to start thinking about your lawn.   Now available at Pahl’s, the Bonide 4-Phase Fertilizer Program:

1. Crabgrass Pre Emergent: This product controls more than just crabgrass; it will control 32 different grassy and broadleaf weeds. This product will control more weeds than most of the national and regional brands on the market today. It can be applied after crabgrass starts to germinate (Up to the three to four leaf stage) Will control weeds up to 3 to 5 months. This product can be used in the fall to control poa annua. Even with a late spring application you can still seed in the fall.
2. Weed & Feed: This product controls over 200 hard to kill broadleaf weeds like ground Ivy & onion grass, it contains a four way weed killer. Recommended for late spring and early fall applications. Apply when the turf is wet so weed killer will stick to the weed.
3. Insect & Feed: Contains Bifenthrin, very broad spectrum insecticide. This product will take care of many surface insects like fleas, ticks (Including Lyme Carrying Ticks), ants, armyworms, sod web worms, grass hoppers and many more.
4. Winterizer: Our Winterizer contains a slow release fertilizer along with Sulfur that will help reduce early spring diseases along with a 1% iron for dark spring greening.

Buy all for 4 and receive a $15 mail-in coupon offer!

The first day of baseball is here yet the snow is still piled high at the end of my driveway.  When are you going to get into the field?  That is a familiar question that seems to be asked quite a bit.  My response is always “when the soil is ready”. Last year we were two weeks ahead of normal planting time. This year we will most likely be two weeks behind, no worries, we learn to adjust and make it work.  Patience, we must exhibit patience and stay out of the field or garden until things are dry enough so we do not pack down the soil.  What we could use is a nice two inch rain to draw the frost out of the ground and improve our sub-soil moisture to ensure great seed emergence when we do get in to plant. 

One of the most common mistakes that occur in the spring is pulling the trigger too early and causing compaction that inhibits the root structure of the plant to drive deep into the soil.  Did you know that in a corn plant the roots can reach as deep as five feet beneath the soil?  If soil compaction occurs at the time of planting the root structure tends to go more horizontal instead of vertical, thus the plants mineral uptake is limited to the top 6-12 inches of the soil.  Why does this matter?  The development of the plant becomes unstable in many respects.  Most of the potassium and phosphorous uptake occurs from secondary roots thus creating a stronger plant that can ward off wind (which creates lodging).  Brace roots (roots at the base of the plant) are much stronger and better developed which helps alleviate lodging.  These all play the role of a better more uniform product when it comes time to harvest the corn. 

Remember, it is the little things that add up.  You do enough small things right and the reward of having a nice, marketable crop comes tenfold.  Have patience my friend, it is a virtue.