Clay's Garden Center, Inc.

06/14/2026

‼️ They’re here ‼️

Be on the lookout for Japanese beetles we are your go to garden center for everything you need to outsmart those pesky little pests

06/13/2026

The Tale of Mr. Stripey: A Sunset in a Tomato
Every plant in the garden has a history, but Mr. Stripey has a true heritage story. If you’ve ever walked through the greenhouse and spotted those massive, golden-yellow fruits streaked with bright pink and red, you’re looking at a piece of living history.
For our fellow gardeners and listening customers, here is the wonderful backstory of how this old-fashioned favorite came to be.
1. Saved by Tradition: The Blue Ridge Beginnings
The story of Mr. Stripey doesn’t start in a corporate science lab; it starts in the old-fashioned garden plots of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Heritage: This beautiful heirloom dates back to the 1800s. For generations, it was carefully preserved and kept alive by local Mennonite families in Virginia and the surrounding Appalachian regions.
Seed Saving: Back then, if a tomato didn't taste spectacular or grow well, people didn't save the seeds. The fact that Mr. Stripey survived for over a century tells you exactly how much those families treasured its incredible sweetness and massive size.
2. A Case of Mistaken Identity
For a long time, Mr. Stripey was a well-kept regional secret. That changed in the 1990s when heirloom seed preservationists discovered it and introduced it to the wider commercial public.
But when it hit the market, a funny little mix-up happened! Over in the UK, there was already a small, tart, golf-ball-sized greenhouse tomato called "Mr. Stripey" (which most people now call Tigerella).
When American gardeners got a taste of our massive, sweet-as-sugar, bi-color beefsteak, they completely claimed the name. The giant, beautiful American heirloom officially won the crown, and it has been the definitive Mr. Stripey ever since.
3. What Makes Mr. Stripey a Legend Today?
If you’re thinking about adding a Mr. Stripey to your garden patch this season, here is what you can look forward to:
The Flavor: If you aren't a fan of that sharp, sour, acidic bite, this is the tomato for you. Mr. Stripey is famous for its high sugar content and very low acidity. It has a remarkably sweet, mild, almost fruity flavor.
The Look: It’s a showstopper on the vine. It ripens into a brilliant golden-orange color with vivid red ribbons and blushes running up from the bottom. When you slice it open, the red and yellow marbling goes all the way through the flesh.
The Growth: This is an indeterminate variety, meaning it is a vigorous vine that will keep climbing and producing fruit all summer long right up until the first frost. Because the tomatoes easily weigh 1 to 2 pounds, it just needs a good, strong cage or trellis to support its heavy harvest!
It is hands-down the ultimate "summer sandwich" tomato—perfect for thick slices on a BLT or a stunning summer salad.
Have any of you grown a Mr. Stripey before, or are you ready to give this old-fashioned favorite a spot in your garden this year?

06/13/2026

🥬 Fresh from the local farm 🥒

We just unloaded a gorgeous batch of local produce straight from Dundas! Come grab some of this beautiful, crisp cabbage and fresh-off-the-vine cucumbers while they last. Perfect for your weekend salads and slaws!

06/13/2026

🌸 Clearance Alert! 🌸
It’s time for these beautiful four-packs to find a good home! 🏡✨ We are marking them down to make room for all of our gorgeous new summer arrivals.
☀️ Was $2.99 ➡️ NOW ONLY $1.99! ☀️
Grab yours before they're gone and get your summer spaces ready! ⏱️👇

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

🔥 Friday’s Featured Plant: Crape Myrtles! 🔥
If your summer garden needs a pop of vibrant, reliable color, it’s time to plant a Crape Myrtle. They love our summer heat and reward you with months of stunning blossoms!
Why you'll love them:
✅ Tons of Variety: Choose from multiple bloom colors (pinks, reds, purples, and whites) and different mature heights.
✅ Perfect Size: Ready to plant 3-gallon pots for instant impact.
✅ Great Value: Only $39.99!
Don't wait until your favorite color is gone—come see our beautiful selection today! 🚗💨

06/10/2026

We have peaches….
Do you have a go-to recipe for fresh peaches? 🍑 we’d love to know.

06/09/2026

Who knew Clay’s made their pies from scratch and in three different sizes? 🥧✨
Whether you need a full 9-inch ($13.99) for the family, a 6-inch ($8.99) to share (or keep to yourself!), or a perfect little 3-inch($3.49) mini pie for a quick treat, we've got you covered.
Stop by today and pick yours up while they're fresh!

📍 Clay's Garden Center & Country Deli ⏰ Open Monday through Fridays from 8:30 AM to 6 PM and on Saturday 8:30 AM to 5 PM closed Sundays. Feel free to give us a call if you’d like special orders 434-292-5603.

*prices shown are for pecan pies as shown in the picture.

06/09/2026

Sweet potato slips are in not too late to get yours approximately 40 Beauregard slips bunch only $9.99.