Cold Weather Warning!

The forecast is calling for cold and dry conditions. This weather can be damaging for broadleaf evergreens, tender perennials and fall annuals. Not to worry however, damage can be avoided with a little effort and planning.

Tips for protecting plants:

• Water your plants BEFORE the cold hits. Freezing temperatures pull moisture out of the foliage, so a well hydrated plant is a resilient plant!
• Cover sensitive plants with a lightweight fabric, such as an old bed sheet. Floating row cover material (REMAY) also works very well. Secure cloth in such a way that the wind will not blow it off. A tarp will work in a pinch, but may crush weaker plants due to its weight. If using a tarp or other plastic material, also take care to prevent the plastic from touching foliage. The plastic may freeze to leaf surfaces. Use stakes to raise the plastic off the plant. Remove the coverings when temperatures rise the next day.
• For a short cold period, low growing plants can be covered with mulch, such as lightweight compost, straw or bark mulch. Remove once the danger of frost has passed.
• Potted plants may be moved to more protected locations, such as in a garage or even under the eaves of the house.

Plants you may want to protect:

• Anything with flowers, or flower buds that typically bloom in the winter months
• Anything with very fleshy, soft, broadleaf evergreen leaves
• Any new, unestablished plantings

Examples of plants you may want to think about protecting:

• Camellias
• Jasmine Vine
• Sarcococca (Sweetbox)
• Bay Laurel (Sweet Bay)
• Pieris
• Any Zone 8 Herbs
• Winter Daphne
• Phormium (New Zealand Flax)
• Edgeworthia (Paperbush)
• certain Salvia’s Hyssop
• Aralia
• Skimmia Rosemary
• Lavender 
• Hardy Fuchsias

Good luck and please feel free to call us anytime if you have any questions! 360–321–6789

Message from Maureen Murphy, founder and owner of Bayview Farm & Garden:

For 25 years Bayview Farm & Garden has had the supreme honor and pleasure to serve our wonderful Whidbey Island community. We are excited about our continued process of evolution as we grow and adapt to the changing market place of our beloved community. We take great pride in being a world class garden center that has always been a leader and innovator in celebrating the world of plants and a nontoxic approach to gardening and landscaping. For over two decades we have been the local, independently owned feed store, nurturing our island pets and livestock and leading the way with clean, organic feeds and products.

Two years ago we began the process of phasing out our livestock feed department, except for poultry feed, in response to South Whidbey’s changing marketplace and demographic. We are continuing to transition away from our feed department, except for poultry, and also phasing out our pet food offering. We find that with so much online pet food purchasing and other factors, this department no longer serves the fiscal health of the company.

We are excited about other opportunities for the space in our garden shop and ask that you join us in supporting what is a difficult and emotional decision. We have always said that we love your animals almost as much as you do. This remains to be true and we love the visits from our island dogs, most of which we know by name. We will continue to have a rich offering of pet treats and toys but will be closing out the pet food lines.

We have been in conversation with Healthy Pet in Freeland and Critters & Company in Clinton as places where our customers can purchase their pets’ favorite foods. We have been mindful of the need and do not want to leave you without a local source for these high quality foods. These pet stores will also honor your frequent buyer cards and special orders.

We ask for your understanding and your trust in us that this decision is not made lightly but has been part of a long process of evaluating the current realities. Please be assured that dogs are always welcome and celebrated at Bayview Farm & Garden. They will still get their regular treats, fresh water and love from the staff.

With that being said, we will not be carrying chicks for sale this year because of the changes to the shop and the cafe. There are great things happening at Bayview Farm & Garden and the Flower House Cafe! We are evolving, adapting and continuing to serve our fabulous community which has supported us all these years. With a full heart, we thank you...it is an honor to serve.

Maureen Murphy
Founder & Owner