In the summer, smiles are just a part of the landscape. Long sun-drenched days, flowers blooming by the side of the road, vacations with family and friends… all seem to beckon us to be cheerful. This is the perfect… Read More about Making Someone Smile! »
Faithful FernWith this beautiful weather, being outside is our favorite place to be. And it is the perfect time to transform a deck or patio space into a beautiful outdoor oasis. With just a few interior design… Read More about Creating Outdoor Ambiance with Outdoor Plants »
Posted by gainans on July 1, 2015
| Last Updated: September 29, 2020
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Signed on July 4th, 1776 , the Declaration of Independence was a proclamation that decreed freedom from English rule. Once established, John Adams told his wife that the day would be forever remembered with pomp, parades and fireworks. In… Read More about History of Independence Day »
Father’s Day is a few weeks away. It is just as important to honor fathers, as it is to honor mothers. That’s what Sonora Smith Dodd believed, and that’s how she came up with the concept of having a… Read More about What to Get Dad on Father’s Day »
Long summer days drenched in bright sunlight are finally here. Could there be a better floral representation of lazy sunny days then the iconic and beautiful sunflower? Symbolizing adoration, the bright yellow flowers constantly turn their… Read More about Sunflowers and Summer »
There aren’t many flowers that are as loved or as popular as roses. It is easy to see why they are big sellers and favorites with anyone who loves or appreciates beautiful flowers. They come in a huge range of… Read More about Why Give Roses this June »
Memorial Day – to many people today, represents the unofficial start of summer. It is the beginning of picnic, barbecue, and beach seasons. Many beaches open over the Memorial Day weekend. This vison bears no resemblance to the observance… Read More about Flowers to Use for Memorial Day »
Named after Traugott Gerbera a German physician and botanist, Gerbera daisies are very popular, and one of the top five – cut flowers that are used commercially. Indigenous to the tropical areas of Asia, South America, and Africa these… Read More about Gerbera Daisies, the Perfect Flowers for Spring »
Mother’s Day is a special time of year, a day set aside so that Moms everywhere can be honored and appreciated. One of the most time-tested and impactful Mother’s Day presents you can give is the gift of flowers. Read More about Mother’s Day Floral Gift Ideas for Every Mom »
Posted by gainans on May 5, 2015
| Last Updated: July 12, 2019
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Some of the greatest TV moms were laid back, others were a bit overbearing, a few taught us lessons with their animated (literally) personalities, and so many of them tried just a little too hard to be cool. Whatever… Read More about TV Mom Showdown »
Posted by sbikos on April 28, 2015
| Last Updated: March 13, 2020
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Celebrated each year for over sixty years, Administrative Professional Week is a week in April where businesses show their appreciation for employees who support the office through various administrative duties. At the holiday’s inception in 1952, it was called… Read More about Ways to show Your Appreciation this Administrative Professionals Week »
It’s Prom season! A mixture of excitement and nervous energy permeates the air. Decisions must be made, and so much has to be accomplished in such a short time period. One of the major requirements is picking out your… Read More about Prom Flowers »
Posted by gainans on April 4, 2015
| Last Updated: July 12, 2019
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It’s that time of the year! Spring is here, and Easter arrives soon thereafter. Everyone at Gainan’s Flowers and Garden Center is working hard to make sure that our Billings customers… Read More about The Best Easter Gifts »
Posted by gainans on March 31, 2015
| Last Updated: April 2, 2015
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As a flower that makes itself known each year before the arrival of spring, tulips play a traditional role in helping us chase away the winter and welcome warmer temperatures. It’s time to forget record-breaking snowfall and embrace daylight… Read More about Facts About Tulips »
St. Patrick’s Day will be here soon! If you’re looking for great gifts for your Irish friends and neighbors, Gainan’s can show you some of our favorite arrangements as well as the history and traditions surrounding this holiday. … Read More about St. Patrick’s Day Gift Giving »
Posted by gainans on March 17, 2015
| Last Updated: July 12, 2019
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In keeping with all the National Days of Observance, every year, employers everywhere recognize the first Friday or March, as National Employee Appreciation Day. This year, it falls on March 6th. We’re sure that you’re feeling winter’s chill as… Read More about Adorn Their Desk this Employee Appreciation Day »
One of the birth flowers of February is violets. Receiving these showy blossoms would make someone very happy on their birthday. Also known as violas and pansies, violets are indigenous to regions such as Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, North… Read More about Give the Gift of Violets for Their Birthday »
Posted by gainans on February 25, 2015
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One of the things that makes roses the all-time most popular flower is the fact that every color has its own distinct meaning. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, these meanings are especially important. If you’d like to learn… Read More about Sending the Right Message with the Right Color of Roses »
Posted by gainans on February 10, 2015
| Last Updated: February 11, 2015
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You’re a little bit rock-n-roll and they like jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, but together you’re a couple who loves a creative date. Or maybe you want to get the attention of a certain special someone… Read More about Design Your Date »
Posted by gainans on January 31, 2015
| Last Updated: February 29, 2020
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Although everyone loves to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers for any occasion, no one ever forgets receiving artfully arranged flowers every month of the year. Did you know that our professional florists at Gainan’s will help you surprise your loved ones with… Read More about Surprise Them with Flowers the Whole Year »
Posted by gainans on January 21, 2015
| Last Updated: December 30, 2020
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Once you decide upon the date of your wedding, you’ll probably want to book the venues swiftly to snag the best locations for your wedding and reception. You’ll then decide upon the colors of your wedding, which will influence nearly… Read More about Throwing a Red Themed Wedding »
There are national appreciation days for different types of diseases, for teachers, for sweets (to promote the candy industry,) and countless other causes and industry-related promotions. It is therefore fitting that there also be a designated day to show appreciation… Read More about Houseplant Appreciation Day »
Posted by gainans on January 9, 2015
| Last Updated: October 21, 2020
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New Year’s Eve marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a fresh new one. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and get ready for even more good things in to come. Create… Read More about Celebrating the New year with Flowers »
Posted by gainans on December 31, 2014
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There’s a good reason why they call the Holidays the “most wonderful time of the year.” Few other seasons have that special festive spirit. If you’ve set your wedding date for Christmas, New Year’s or somewhere in between, you’ll need… Read More about Holiday Weddings that will Warm Your Heart »
Posted by gainans on December 24, 2014
| Last Updated: November 7, 2020
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Although it’s considered a tropical plant and has it origins in Mexico and parts of Central America, Poinsettias plants marks the official start to the holiday season and it’s known as the Christmas flower. Joel Poinsett, the United States Minister… Read More about Christmas Decorations for the Home »
Posted by gainans on December 19, 2014
| Last Updated: November 7, 2020
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History of Hanukkah Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, is an event that last for eight days in commemoration of the victory over their oppressors and for a miracle that took place in 165 B.C. in the rededication of the second Holy… Read More about Hanukkah »
Posted by gainans on December 10, 2014
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We’ve all been there, that exciting moment just before opening the gift you’ve been dreaming about from your spouse, significant other, or a good friend. Did they remember all the ideas you gave them? Did they pick up on all… Read More about Always the Perfect Gift »
Posted by gainans on December 6, 2014
| Last Updated: February 29, 2020
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Are you hosting Thanksgiving, or are you looking for the perfect hostess gift for the woman who will host you and yours? Fall flower arrangements are a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving celebration! Candles and Flowers Candles are an iconic… Read More about Thanksgiving »
Posted by gainans on November 25, 2014
| Last Updated: October 6, 2020
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If you’re looking for the perfect flowers for your winter wedding, Gainan’s Flowers has everything you need. Between a blanket of snow outdoors and your gorgeous white wedding dress, why not continue the snowy theme with a beautiful selection… Read More about The Best Flowers for Your Winter Wedding »
Posted by gainans on November 21, 2014
| Last Updated: July 12, 2019
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With the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, World War I officially ended on November 11, 1918. The following year, President Wilson declared that November 11 would be known as Armistice Day in recognition of those who died in service… Read More about The Best Flowers to Salute Your Loved One on Veterans Day »
My earliest family memories are that of a ‘typical’ child. My family was comprised of a dad, a stay-at-home mom, and a little sister. Pictures on the first day of school were taken in front of the house… Read More about Lessons learned from Mick Gainan, “The Plant Man” »
Posted by Jim Gainan on June 21, 2009
| Last Updated: September 29, 2020
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Apples Generally, apples are not self-fertile; use two varieties to be productive, and at least two varieties should be used in each apple planting to serve as a source of pollen for the varieties. Cross-pollination is possible… Read More about Pollination of Fruit Trees & Small Fruits »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Planting 1. Begin by digging a hole approximately two times as wide and half as deep as the root ball of the plant. If the soil is very dry, fill the hole with water and allow it to… Read More about Planting New Shrubs »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Planting a tree has many intricate steps. You will want to follow these. 1. Dig a planting hole for your tree that is as deep as the root ball but three times wider. You may want to place… Read More about Planting a Tree »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Perennials are herbaceous plants that die to the ground each fall and come up again each spring. Most perennials are valued in the landscape for their colorful blossoms. Some make excellent cut flowers as well, while others are… Read More about Perennials »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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The Juneberry or saskatoon is a native fruit-bearing shrub of the Northern Great Plains with its range extending northward through the Canadian prairie provinces into the southern Yukon and Northwest Territories. This extremely adaptable plant will grow under… Read More about Juneberries »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Insects and Related Pests of House Plants Aphids Minute, soft-bodied insects (1/8″), easily recognized by their pearlike body shape. Most species are green; however, some are brown, reddish or black. Adults may be winged or wingless. They… Read More about House Plant Pests »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Blueberries Each of these are acid-loving plants that will do well in Montana, when correct conditions are provided. Azaleas and rhododendrons are highly desired for their showy, colorful blossoms while blueberries are grown for… Read More about Growing Acid-Loving Plants in Montana »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Dormant spraying is one of the easiest, most effective of all the spraying you will do in a growing season. Dormant disease control spray is lime sulphur. Lime sulphur helps to prevent diseases from occurring during the growing… Read More about Dormant Spraying »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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The galls that are found on cottonwoods in Montana are of several kinds. Three of the most important are pictured. Others often occur as blisters on the leaves, swollen stems or branches, or rolled leaves. Popular… Read More about Cottonwood Galls »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Clematis is the perfect plant to beautify chain link or other fences thereby providing a soft, natural backdrop for your other plants in the flowering border. Use clematis to frame porches or have it cascade over stones in… Read More about Clematis »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Asparagus grows well at elevations up to 5,500 feet in Montana. It requires very moist soil and needs a fairly sunny area and does better in full sun. It takes at least three years to establish a good… Read More about Asparagus »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Xeriscape A “xeriscape” is a landscape which uses plants that have low water requirements. Any home-owner who has experienced drought, high summer water bills, or dissatisfaction with a stressed-looking landscape, despite the care given to it, can… Read More about Xeriscape »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Planning Your Vegetable Garden By growing vegetables the new, wide-row way, you can expect your garden to yield 2 to 3 times more than the conventional, single row way – in the same amount of space! Make your… Read More about Vegetable Gardening in Yellowstone County »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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The rose has been referred to as the ‘queen of flowers’ for over 2,500 years, since long before they reached their present point of refinement. Today’s roses have inherited more from their revered ancestors than the concrete characteristics… Read More about Roses »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Where To Make Your Cuts When you approach a plant with shears in hand and pruning on your mind, either to cut flowers, improve a plant’s shape or whatever, remember this: Always cut to something. You can… Read More about Pruning Techniques »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Pruning an Evergreen Tree Pruning an evergreen tree or shrub is often necessary in order to limit the size of the plant, correct irregular growth, or maintain a desired form (such as a hedge). Normally, the natural… Read More about Pruning Evergreens »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Tomatoes are probably the most popular vegetable grown by the home gardener. Success in growing good tomato transplants from seed depends on how well these basic requirements are met: 1. Disease-free soil-Use any mixture of either soil or… Read More about Tomatoes »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Fire blight is a common bacterial disease affecting apples, pears and over 75 other host plants, mostly in a section of the Rose family. Apples, pears, cotoneaster and mountain ash are affected most severely. The blight damages susceptible… Read More about Fire Blight »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Native landscaping is a great way to reduce water use and to promote an eco-friendly garden! Xeriscape your yard today! The word Xeriscape is derived from the Greek word “xeros” meaning “dry”. In many parts of… Read More about Water-Wise Gardening »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: September 29, 2020
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Most damage or stress to plants in Montana is caused by non-infectious conditions. Insects, disease, animals, chemical and/or mechanical problems are expanded by environmental and soil conditions. Problems most often affecting Montana landscape plants are frost injury, winter… Read More about Tree, Shrub and Lawn Problems »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: September 29, 2020
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A small plot of ground can produce an appreciable amount of strawberries. About 100 square feet of a garden can produce 5 to 10 pounds of fruit, while an acre can produce 1500 to 4000 pounds of fruit, depending upon… Read More about Strawberries »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: May 6, 2021
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Raspberries: Raspberries may be grown successfully at an elevation as high as 7,000 feet. They do best in full sun on non-alkaline “fertile” loam soil. However, they may be grown in partial shade or under other environmental constraints. Read More about Raspberries »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Why Prune? 1. To remove dead or diseased wood. 2. To control the shape and strength of the tree. 3. To enhance fruit production. When Should You Prune? The best time to prune… Read More about Pruning Fruit Trees »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Potatoes: Potatoes can be a rewarding crop if you have room in your garden. Each plant takes up four square feet of garden space with vines growing about two feet high; however, for each pound of seed potatoes planted, the… Read More about How To Grow Potatoes »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: September 29, 2020
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Poinsettias: The assigned botanical name is Euphorbia pulcherrima. The United States’ first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Robert Poinsett, sent several plants back to his home in Greenville, South Carolina in 1825. The common name, poinsettia, comes from his… Read More about Poinsettias »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 13, 2019
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Planting Grapes: Grapes need full sunlight and high temperatures to ripen, so plant on southern slopes, the south side of windbreaks or the south sides of buildings. Avoid northern slopes and low ground since these will be cooler… Read More about Planting Grapes, Gooseberries and Currants »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Preparation: Use the following steps to lead you to a lasting, beautiful lawn: Test the soil Remove debris Control persistent weeds Rough grade the site Add high phosphate starter fertilizer or Jirdon Lawn & Garden Fertilizer Add… Read More about Planting a New Lawn »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Ornamental Grasses: Grasses have always been the predominant part of our native prairies. We are most familiar with the use of them in the landscape as ground covers, or what we would normally refer to as lawns. Read More about Ornamental Grasses »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: August 27, 2020
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Installing Landscape Edging: In order to create a low-maintenance landscape, it is essential to include lawn edging, weed barrier fabric, and a mulch in your planning. The use of these materials can add the finishing touch to your… Read More about Installing Landscape Edging »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Gypsum: Gypsum additions are food for improving clay and alkali type soils. Clay soils often contain high magnesium levels and little organic matter. This condition tends to make the soil particles so tight that air and water cannot… Read More about Gypsum »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Fertilization of Trees, Evergreens, and Shrubs: Soil type is important in determining the need for fertilizer. A fine textured, clay-loam soil will hold more nutrients than a coarse textured sandy loam. However, a tree growing in a heavy… Read More about Fertilization of Trees, Evergreens and Shrubs »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Do It Yourself Landscaping Site Plan YOU WILL NEED: Tape measure (50-foot, at least) Architect’s scale or ruler Pencil & eraser Grid paper INSTRUCTIONS Start by sketching the outline of your lot and the shape… Read More about Do-It-Yourself Landscaping Site Plan »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Compositing: With limits being placed on dumping leaves and grass, composting has become the logical alternative for disposing yard waste. Requirements for Proper Decomposition Aeration: A loose, well mixed pile of compost will reach high internal… Read More about Composting »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Caring for Established Lawns: The key to a healthy, attractive lawn is a balanced approach to maintenance. A lawn that is properly watered and fertilized will have fewer problems with weeds and disease. Mowing: Many people… Read More about Caring For Established Lawns »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Annuals: Nothing will add as much color to the landscape as annual flowers. Annuals come in virtually every color and in heights ranging from 2 inches to 6 feet. There are varieties of annuals that will grow and… Read More about Annuals »
Posted by gainans on April 18, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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Geraniums: The popular geranium is one of the most versatile plants grown. It is equally effective when grown in borders, in mass display, window boxes, planters, or as a house-plant. The huge variety of leaf forms and flower… Read More about Geraniums »
Posted by gainans on April 8, 2009
| Last Updated: June 12, 2019
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