WHAT’S HOTKnock Out rosesEncore azaleasSunPatiensFerti-Lome Over-the-Top grass killerFountainsLarge shade treesTriple Action fungicide, miticide and insecticideDrought-tolerant perennialsBlueberry bushesFruit treesVegetablesSources: Tim Holcomb, Lloyd Reavis, Eric PainterSOME AREA BUSINESSESHolcomb Garden CenterHixson: 877-8782Fort Oglethorpe: 861-4769America’s GardenRed Bank: 870-5000Varnell Nursery& LandscapingCleveland: 423-472-1842Green Thumb NurseryHixson: 842-3892The Barn NurseryChattanooga: 698-2276Signal Mountain NurserySignal Mountain: 886-3174ABOUT VARNELL NURSERYIn business: 110 yearsInventory: $260,000 inventory on five-acre campusOwner: Bendabout FarmSpecialties: balled and burlaped treesAddress: 3355 S. Lee Highway, McDonald, Tenn.Phone: 423-472-1842
Chattanooga-area homeowners are looking for green when it comes to flower beds, gardens and lawns.
Garden centers and nurseries say shoppers are buying shade trees to save on cooling costs, fruits and vegetables to reduce grocery bills and doing more of their own work around their yard.
“I think they’re more doing it themselves rather than hiring it out,” said Eric Painter, manager at Green Thumb Nursery in Hixson.
He said blueberry bushes, fruit trees and vegetables such as tomatoes, okra and squash have been popular sellers as people try to cut down their tabs at supermarkets.