Stones River Market
Murfreesboro, TN

Semi-double to double white frilled star with mauve-pink edge. Dark green, serrated leaves with red back. Standard. Culture of African violets is specific but not difficult. The main concerns are listed here: SOIL – Pot into a mix of equal parts of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. "Violet" soils are not necessarily good for violets! Go by the ingredients, not the label! A bag of good soil should feel like a nice, fluffy, soft, pillow. Repot to freshen soil about every 6 months, but do not use larger than a 5 inch pot, and avoid deep pots. WATER – Use lukewarm water when soil feels dry to the touch. Water at the base without splashing, to avoid spotting foliage. LIGHT – Adequate light is important for good growth and bloom. Try to provide bright light, but not hot sun, for 8 hours each day (supplement if necessary). Turn pots regularly to keep flowers from reaching for the light. Or, place a two-tube fixture about 12-18" above plants for 12-13 hours a day. Under fluorescent light, plants may bloom continuously. FERTILIZER – A "balanced" formula is best, such as 15-15-15. Avoid "bloom boosters." Mix at one-quarter strength and use at every watering. Reduced flowering and paler leaf color indicate too little fertilizer. Pinch spent blooms to encourage the development of more flowers. TEMPERATURE - Generally violets prefer between 60-80 degrees, although they will tolerate somewhat out of this range. They like moderate humidity too. If you are comfortable, so are they. GROOMING - Do not allow extra crowns, or "suckers" to form. This will spoil that natural, flat, round appearance, and prevent it from blooming to its full potential. Most violets look and bloom best with about 3 to 4 rows of leaves.
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Semi-double to double white frilled star with mauve-pink edge. Dark green, serrated leaves with red back. Standard. Culture of African ... more

Pieris japonica, commonly known as lily-of-the-valley bush or Japanese pieris, is a compact evergreen shrub. It produces pinkish-white delicate and deliciously fragrant flower clusters in unusual hanging chains, which typically last for over a month. The foliage emerges with a glossy red color that changes to green as it matures. It prefers moist, acidic soil and partial to full sunlight. Water Japanese pieris deeply about once a week. Apply a 2- to 3-inch thick layer of pine needle mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth. Fertilize Japanese pieris with 10-10-10 granulated fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. Cottonseed meal is an organic alternative that works well for acid-loving plants. Apply the fertilizer once in late winter before flowering and in the early spring after the blooms are spent. Don't crowd Japanese pieris with other plants. Allow plenty of air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Pieris Mountain Fire is an absolute eye-catcher that deserves to be put on center stage in a very important spot in your garden. It fits nicely into tight spots as a foundation plant, or artfully established in small groupings for a delightfully decorative accent. It's perfect for the gardener looking for an unusual specimen plant for a shady corner. This beautiful evergreen is very hardy, drought tolerant and even deer and pest resistant. Next to no work is required to keep Pieris Mountain Fire looking great.
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Pieris japonica, commonly known as lily-of-the-valley bush or Japanese pieris, is a compact evergreen shrub. It produces pinkish-white delicate and ... more

This basket is also available with a season-appropriate fabric. Are you looking for an unusual Easter gift, one that is calorie-free and smells delicious enough to eat? Give a beautiful basket of herb plants. These plants, each in its own 3 inch diameter pot, can be kept on a sunny windowsill and clipped to add flavor to your cooking. Or set the herb plants into the garden, since they are already hardened off, where they will thrive and are winter-hardy. Plants will include an assortment of three of the following: lemon balm, mint, oregano, and thyme. Finished basket is approximately 9-10 inches in diameter. Includes basket, lined with Easter theme fabric and three individually potted herbs.
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This basket is also available with a season-appropriate fabric. Are you looking for an unusual Easter gift, one that is ... more

Dug this spring from a grove in my yard and potted in gallon pots. These are first-year plants, still small, and may not bloom next year. This native shrub, American Elder or Sambucus canadensis, has been known for its delicious fruit (for use in jellies, pies or wine) since native American times. It has more recently been used in landscapes for its spectacular blossoms and dramatically colored berries. The Elderberry is also a fantastic wildlife habitat, providing both shelter for small animals and a healthy food source. Elderberries are both drought and cold-tolerant, adapt to almost any soil type and most drainage conditions and have few pests. They grow 6 to 12 feet high in an oval or rounded shape. The white flower clusters are generally 6 to 10 inches in diameter and are very showy with a nice fragrance. The fruit, which is pleasantly tart but high in vitamin C, is a smooth round berry measuring three-sixteenths-inch in diameter growing in broad flat clusters. Grows in zones: 3 - 9
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Dug this spring from a grove in my yard and potted in gallon pots. These are first-year plants, still small, ... more

Members of the Euphorbia family, called Spurge, have a caustic, poisonous milky sap (latex) and rather succulent leaves. They have a flower stalk with small flowers in clusters, surrounded by bracts that are greenish-yellow in this variety. One of the most common members of this family is poinsettia, with brightly colored bracts.
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Members of the Euphorbia family, called Spurge, have a caustic, poisonous milky sap (latex) and rather succulent leaves. They have ... more

Bold and beautiful choice for shady, moderately moist borders and woodland gardens, this fern may also be known as the red or pink shield fern. Young papery fronds display coppery-red color, maturing to deep green and deeply cut. Spreads by underground stems. Avoid using lime, which may stain the plant.
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Bold and beautiful choice for shady, moderately moist borders and woodland gardens, this fern may also be known as the ... more

Christmas fern is a Tennessee native fern which occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. Typically it grows in a fountain-like clump to 2' tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas. Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. Evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape. This fern is best grown in organically rich, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Consider planting the rhizome at an angle to help combat potential crown rot problems which can occur in poorly drained soils. Although rhizomatous, this fern will not spread or naturalize, however clumps will increase in size over time.
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Christmas fern is a Tennessee native fern which occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. ... more

Cinnamon ferns are tall, stately beauties that grow wild in swamps and on moist mountain slopes of eastern North America. They reach heights of 4 feet or more. This attractive and interesting fern is an asset to any shady landscape. Cinnamon ferns (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) produce two distinctly different types of fronds. Fertile, plume-like, cinnamon colored fronds grow at the center of the plant, giving way to the plant’s name. They are surrounded by larger, green, sterile fronds. The contrast between the two results in an appealing, multi-dimensional plant. Cinnamon ferns have short creeping rhizomes that can be divided into two or more plants. Cut the dense, fibrous rhizomes apart between the crowns with a sharp knife or hacksaw. Trim back damaged or wilted fronds and remove every third frond from the divisions to make it easier for the plant to recover from the loss of root tissue. Replant the divisions right away and water deeply. Cinnamon fern care focuses on giving the plant plenty of water. Their native habitat is within streambeds, coastal areas and swampland; and their range extends from Texas and Florida to as far north as Newfoundland. They can easily adapt to garden conditions but only if they are kept moist. You should plant cinnamon ferns in spring after the last expected frost of the season. The spacing depends upon their use in the garden. To add a tropical appeal to stream banks and swampy areas, plant them at 6-foot intervals. In the garden, plant them two feet apart to create a backdrop for spring and summer annuals and wildflowers. Cinnamon ferns make excellent specimen plants or accents when planted at the base of a tree. Growing cinnamon ferns in the garden can add unique interest to the area. For best results, cinnamon ferns thrive in deep shade or filtered sunlight. They can tolerate more sun when grown in wet soil. Keep the soil around the ferns moist at all times. To avoid constant watering, plant them in soggy or boggy areas. Although cinnamon ferns adapt to a wide range of soil types, growing cinnamon ferns is easiest in a moist soil that is rich in organic matter. Work plenty of compost into sandy or clay soils before planting.
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Cinnamon ferns are tall, stately beauties that grow wild in swamps and on moist mountain slopes of eastern North America. ... more

Semi-evergreen, deer-resistant Dixie Wood Fern has a dramatically upright growth habit, clumping 2 ft. wide, with an upright habit to 4 ft. or more tall. Its large, coarse, dark green fronds are semi-evergreen in our Zone 7. It is best used as a vertical accent in the woodland or shade garden, in full to partial shade, in wet or constantly moist soil; or as a specimen plant. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed frequently during growing season with a general purpose fertilizer. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring.
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Semi-evergreen, deer-resistant Dixie Wood Fern has a dramatically upright growth habit, clumping 2 ft. wide, with an upright habit to ... more

Dryopteris marginalis (Eastern or marginal wood fern; marginal shield fern) is a beautiful addition to the woodland garden and can form a lovely and easy to maintain groundcover. It forms a tidy clump that will not spread and is very tolerant of dry shade conditions once it has established. Marginal wood fern is often found in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs. It prefers average to moist, rich, well-drained soils in shade or part sun. Needs protection from wind to keep foliage looking nice. Best planted in masses in the shaded or woodland garden, as an accent or mixed with bulbs and other native perennials. Does not die back in winter.
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Dryopteris marginalis (Eastern or marginal wood fern; marginal shield fern) is a beautiful addition to the woodland garden and can ... more

This lovely fern grows around 12-18" tall and slowly multiplies to form a large clump 24" across. The fronds are approximately 18" long and are a soft-grey metallic color with hints of red and blue. The center stem is red so the contrast is excellent. This variety has more burgundy color at all seasons than the other one I offer. This fern prefers partial rather than deep shade. It is an excellent contrast plant to other shade perennials, such as Hosta, bleeding hearts, columbines, astilbe, and heuchera.
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This lovely fern grows around 12-18" tall and slowly multiplies to form a large clump 24" across. The fronds are ... more

This taller fern features brilliant violet-red stems that keep their color from spring through fall and turn the long, lacy green fronds above them into a glittering canopy! A hardy native American shade-lover that combines well with just about everything in the border.
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This taller fern features brilliant violet-red stems that keep their color from spring through fall and turn the long, lacy ... more

Ostrich fern is popular for its erect stature and graceful arching fronds (leaves) resembling huge ostrich feathers, up to 5 feet long and 3 feet wide. Each frond is cut into numerous leaflets and subleaflets. As they mature they spread at the tip, creating a lovely canopy effect. Ostrich fern is very easy to grow in a variety of light exposures, but prefers shade or partial shade. It colonizes fairly fast by spreading rhizomes, eventually forming large, glorious colonies, but rarely becomes invasive. Ostrich fern grows best in moist, rich soil conditions but tolerates occasional drought when established. It's excellent around a pond or in a damp border. Few plants impart such a light, airy, cooling effect in the landscape, or provide such a range of foliage textures for the garden, as Ostrich fern. Fiddleheads are edible, and this is the preferred species to eat. However, it should only be eaten in moderation as all ferns contain varying amounts of carcinogenic compounds. The plant is not evergreen, but the fertile fronds turn black and persist through the winter. They perform better and better with age. Do not plant too deep; set the crowns at or just below soil level. A year-round mulch is recommended. Zones 2-7, and native south to Virginia and Missouri.
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Ostrich fern is popular for its erect stature and graceful arching fronds (leaves) resembling huge ostrich feathers, up to 5 ... more

Dryopteris ludoviciana, the Southern woodfern, is a fern native to the southerneastern United States from Florida west to Texas and as far north as Kentucky and North Carolina. It is an evergreen in mild climates. Its growth habit is stately, semi-evergreen, and clumping. Its tall and upright, shiny and leathery dark green 3 feet tall fronds form a striking upright architectural specimen in the garden. It will tolerate dry conditions but will perform best in moist areas, and makes a wonderful addition to the woodland garden. It also occasionally occurs naturally on limestone outcrops, indicating a good tolerance for sweet soils.
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Dryopteris ludoviciana, the Southern woodfern, is a fern native to the southerneastern United States from Florida west to Texas and ... more

The slow-growing, evergreen Tassel Fern likes full to partial shade, and wet or constantly moist soil, where it will attain a height and width of 2 feet. Its short creeping rhizome sometimes forms a small trunk, covered in large cinnamon brown scales which give the base of the plant a "shaggy" appearance. The unfurling croziers hang down at their tips, giving them a drooping, tassel-like shape typical of this genus. Its delicate, fine textured bipinnate fronds,dependability, and hardiness make it an elegant addition to a shady woodland setting. Create a Japanese Serenity Garden with mixed ferns, colored foliage trees, and reflecting ponds. Plant in mass as a groundcover under flowering shrubs or in a container garden to be placed in light-challenged atriums and courtyards. Unfurling fronds add a hint of architectural flavor, making this a versatile plant in any shady area of your garden. It combines well with Carex, Heuchera and other ferns.
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The slow-growing, evergreen Tassel Fern likes full to partial shade, and wet or constantly moist soil, where it will attain ... more

Plants bloom for many weeks, with loose sprays of pure white flowers which move constantly, looking like a cloud of small butterflies. Although Gaura may not always winter reliably, plants flower for the entire summer and fall, so consider using it even as an annual. Superb in containers, the subtle color blends easily in borders. Drought tolerant once established.
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Plants bloom for many weeks, with loose sprays of pure white flowers which move constantly, looking like a cloud of ... more

The spider plant is exceptionally hardy, surviving in less than perfect conditions, and stunning in perfect conditions. A mature plant forms tight rosettes of arching leaves with a profusion of hanging plantlets on long stems, up to 3 feet, as well as small white flowers. This one is green & white striped. Each basket currently contains two or three fairly large 'mother' plants almost ready to produce 'baby' stems.
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The spider plant is exceptionally hardy, surviving in less than perfect conditions, and stunning in perfect conditions. A mature plant ... more

Sempervivum tectorum, or "hen and chicks," is generally listed as hardy to zone 4. The name "sempervivum" translates to "live forever," which reflects its hardiness. Native to the Alps, these plants are very easy to grow, even in almost pure rock, but will not tolerate over-watering.
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Sempervivum tectorum, or "hen and chicks," is generally listed as hardy to zone 4. The name "sempervivum" translates to "live ... more

This pot contains three green (sweet) basil plants. Grow in a sunny location with well-drained, rich soil. Be sure to pluck the flowers to keep the leaves sweet-tasting. And pinch the tops out of the plant to make it more bushy & more productive. Use leaves fresh, frozen, or dried, cooked or raw, or as a garnish (the flowers too). Use on veal, lamb, fish, poultry, white beans, pasta, rice, tomatoes, cheese, eggs, and mild vegetables like zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, parsnips, spinach. Incorporate in potpourris, sachets, and dried winter bouquets.
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This pot contains three green (sweet) basil plants. Grow in a sunny location with well-drained, rich soil. Be sure to ... more

Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy or anxious, or consume much of the plant. Catnip has a history of human medicinal use for its soothing properties. It has also been known to have a slightly numbing effect. The plant has been consumed as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion or poultice. Nepetalactone is a mosquito and fly repellent. Catnip oil is a repellent against mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites.
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Nepeta cataria attracts pet cats, and causes them to rub on the plant, roll on the ground, drool, be sleepy ... more

Germander is a shrubby, woody-based, clump-forming, broad leaf evergreen. It features 3/4" shiny dark green leaves forming a mound of foliage 12-15" tall. Leaves resemble miniature oak leaves, and turn reddish in autumn and during dry spells. Germander's rose-colored flowers appear in midsummer and last throughout fall. Germander foliage and flowers are usually harvested with hand pruners when the plants are flowering, and then the leaves and flowers are dried to use for crafts. Germander makes an excellent edging plant or low clipped hedge (somewhat resembling boxwood). Mass as a small scale ground cover or group. Use in rock gardens or herb gardens, or on steep banks because of its creeping roots. This pretty little evergreen is commonly planted in old world knot and herbal gardens. It also prunes very successfully for bonsai subjects. The garlic-like aroma of the foliage makes it useful in herb wreaths to freshen a room. Medicinally, an infusion is helpful in the treatment of gout. Possessing qualities similar to horehound, an infusion with honey was used for asthmatic conditions and coughs.
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Germander is a shrubby, woody-based, clump-forming, broad leaf evergreen. It features 3/4" shiny dark green leaves forming a mound of ... more

Hyssop is cultivated for its flower- tops, used to make an infusion for use as an expectorant. The flowers & evergreen leaves of hyssop have long been used as a flavoring for foods & beverages and as a folk medicine. The plant has a sweet scent & a warm, bitter taste. Hyssop has an intense minty aroma. A strong tea made of the leaves & sweetened with honey is a traditional remedy for nose, throat, & lung afflictions & bruises. It is a flavoring for meats, fish, vegetables, salads, sweets, & some liqueurs. Honey made from hyssop pollen is considered especially fine. The leaves contain oil of hyssop, a volatile oil used by perfumers. Hyssop flowers are harvested at the end of spring and at the beginning of fall. Dry flower stalks may be either stacked on pallets to allow for draining, or hung to dry in a cool, dry, well ventilated area. Keep from exposure to the sun to prevent discoloration & oxidation. After 6 days, remove the leaves & chop both components finely. When dried, it can be stored for up to 18 months. Hyssop is a good edging plant with cat mint, lavender & rosemary.
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Hyssop is cultivated for its flower- tops, used to make an infusion for use as an expectorant. The flowers & ... more

Lavender flowers can be crushed for potpourri & sachet. It is also a good fresh & dried cut flower. This English x French lavender cross has the best of both with increased hardiness, vigor, & fragrance all combined in a compact 12" ball towered over by tall flower spikes. Flowers are violet blue with a much darker violet calyx. This one is used as an ornamental, for fragrance and oil purposes, and also is wonderful for crafting projects. Plant grows to 18" wide x 18" tall. Requires perfectly drained soil and prefers alkaline conditions. Attractive to butterflies & honeybees, deer resistant. Evergreen & long blooming. Makes a nice low border; or use in the perennial garden, herb garden, rock garden, or in a container. Prefers full sun, in average, well-drained soil.
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Lavender flowers can be crushed for potpourri & sachet. It is also a good fresh & dried cut flower. This ... more

Lavender flowers can be crushed for potpourri & sachet. It is also a good fresh & dried cut flower. This English x French lavender cross has the best of both with increased hardiness, vigor, & fragrance all combined in a compact 12" ball towered over by tall flower spikes. Flowers are violet blue with a much darker violet calyx. This one is used as an ornamental, for fragrance and oil purposes, and also is wonderful for crafting projects. Plant grows to 18" wide x 18" tall. Requires perfectly drained soil and prefers alkaline conditions. Attractive to butterflies & honeybees, deer resistant. Evergreen & long blooming. Makes a nice low border; or use in the perennial garden, herb garden, rock garden, or in a container. Prefers full sun, in average, well-drained soil.
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Lavender flowers can be crushed for potpourri & sachet. It is also a good fresh & dried cut flower. This ... more

Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as medicinal herb in India. It has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. It is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for use with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. It is often used as a tea in African countries such as Togo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Latin American countries such as Mexico. Lemongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 5 feet tall. Its appearance rivals that of many ornamental grasses and can easily fulfill a similar role in the landscape. Due to its tropical nature, lemongrass usually only survives winters in zones 8 and warmer. In middle Tennessee, try growing lemongrass as an annual in planting beds or tucked into pots. This citrus-flavored grass overwinters well in a dormant state in a cool, dark spot indoors, or you can grow it as an indoor herb through winter in colder zones. Harvest lemongrass for its bulbous stem bases, rich with lemony flavor, or clip leaves for infusing tea and soup stock. Start harvesting as soon as plants are 12 inches tall and stem bases are at least ½-inch thick. Cut stalks at ground level, or hand-pull entire stalks. You want to get the entire swollen base, which resembles a scallion or green onion. If a few roots come up with the stalk, don’t worry: It won’t harm the plant. The edible portion of lemongrass is near the bottom of the stalk. Carefully cut off the grassy top part of the plant; use caution, as this can be razor-sharp at times. Leaves can be bundled and added to the liquid in a teapot or stock pot, then simmered to infuse lemon flavor into the brew. Take the lemongrass base and peel the outer fibrous layer to expose the inner white, reedy part. To store, freeze this part either whole or chopped. To make slicing easier, first crush the stem base with the flat blade of a knife. The heart of the stalk (the part you want) has the consistency of soft butter and will then slice easily.
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Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as medicinal herb in India. It has ... more