A few days ago, I didn’t know that there was such a thing as “social distancing.” A few days ago, I didn’t think that all major theme parks in Florida would close. A few days ago, I didn’t think that it would be possible that kids wouldn’t go to school. A few days ago, what was once normal got thrown out and what seemed like outlandish scenarios have become a new normal.

But you have your garden. It’s always there for you. And it provides so many things: a place to unwind when the world feels like it’s off the rails, a place to get the whole family involved in a fun physical activity, and a place that can provide food for the table in the form of veggies, herbs, and fruit trees. Every evening, with the extended daylight, you’ll find me in my garden with my family, picking a few weeds, planting a few new veggies, checking on my houseplants, and counting my caterpillars.

Since we know you need your garden, we want you to know that we are here for you in whatever way you need us to be. If you aren’t comfortable coming to the store, but still want gorgeous plants so that you can play in your garden, give us a call at 813-685-3265 or email us at [email protected] and let us know what you need. We can assemble your order, accept payment over the phone, and set up a delivery or Kerb-side pickup for you. And we’ll be open normal hours for as long as it makes sense for the safety of our staff, customers, and community.

Because some changes will be in order, this weekend’s Container Gardening Seminar has been postponed. We’ll reschedule when large gatherings are deemed safe again. In the meantime, check out this spot from the Daytime morning show that was recorded a few years ago with Joey discussing container gardens.

Many things have stopped around us. But life and the garden continue on. We’re here for you now if you need a little relief, and we’ll still be here when this new normal fades away and another, better normal replaces it.