Costa Farms Review & Giveaway Ends 7/25/11 at 7 PM EST

Costa Farms

The seed has been planted...

In 1961, south of Miami, Florida, Jose Costa, Sr. purchased his first 30 acres to farm vine-ripe tomatoes during the winter months.  As he searched for a summer crop option, Jose entertained a very unique idea: growing Calamondin oranges.  Little did Jose know that this exotic citrus from China and the Philippines would provide a novel summer crop.

Within a short time, operations expanded and demand steadily increased.  In 1973, Costa Farms purchased property in the Dominican Republic to grow young plant material.  This investment in quality control underlined Costa Farms' dedication to high-grade products and dependable supply -- right from the beginning.

Success in the Indoor Houseplant Division led to the continued expansion of operations over the next two decades.  By the time that the Bedding Plant Division was added to the Costa Farms' lineup, the company had attracted the biggest retailers on both regional and national levels.

Today, Costa Farms is a third generation, family owned business that globally stretches over 3,500 acres and employs 2,800 people.  Along with thriving indoor houseplant and bedding plant divisions, Costa Farms operates merchandising and transportation companies as part of its infrastructure, with operations domestically in South Florida and North Carolina, and abroad in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Far East. 

Review 

I received two big boxes from Costa Farms.  I was so excited to open them and find out what they sent me.  I received several plants from them.  They were packaged very nicely.  Each plant was wrapped up so the soil didn't spill out.  I am very impressed with the shipping.  They wrapped each plant cautiously and each of them arrived in perfect condition.  I really did not know that plants could be shipped and kept in such great shape.

Nephrolepis exaltata [Boston Fern]  

Plant Features:
The Boston fern is the quintessential decorative fern. It is the original fern used during the Victorian Era to decorate inside the home as well as outside on wrap-around porches. Like other ferns, the Boston fern enjoys high humidity and consistently moist soil. This plant is a favorite among interiorscapers since it lends any area a lush and rich look.

The Boston Fern is beautiful on my parent's from porch.  They have other plants out there but this fern really stands out.  It's very pretty!  Once my Mom saw it she said she had to have it.  So I gave it to them.  They are in love with the Boston Fern.

Anthurium [Flamingo Flower, Pigtail Plant]  

Plant Features:
Anthuriums are subtropical favorites with varieties growing in such diverse areas as South America and the Pacific. They are perfect as cut flowers or as potted plants in varying sizes. They are popular around Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Easter. To get them to flower continuously, place in a filtered light location and fertilize during the growing season. The plant should be kept clean of all yellow or decaying leaves.

I received two of these.  They are simply beautiful.  I put them on the back steps.  They brighten up the back porch.  I just make sure they get enough water and keep them looking nice.  I haven't ever had this type of plant before.  I am so impressed with the ease of care and the beauty this plant brings.

Spathiphyllum [Peace Lily]
Plant Features:
Spathiphyllum, also known as the Peace Lily, is a very popular indoor houseplant. In the warmest parts of Florida you will find Spathiphyllum in the landscape; it performs best in the shade with protection from wind and temperatures below 55 degrees.  

I received two of these as well.  They are lovely.  I really think the air is cleaner with these in my office at work.  All my co-workers have commented on how nice they look.  They are easy to take care of.  The Peace Lily is a wonderful addition to any room.

Zamioculcas [ZZ Plant]

Plant Features:
The Zamioculca, also known as the ZZ plant, is one of the strongest plants on the market. Frequently found in low-light locations such as malls, and any areas of the home or office where minimal light shines through, the ZZ is a true survivor.

I put this one in our bedroom, it's beautiful.  It's an air purifier.  I really like this, it's so simple and beautiful.  I haven't ever had this plant before, but I truly love it.

Dracaena sanderiana [Lucky Bamboo]  

Plant Features:
Ironically, Lucky Bamboo is actually not a bamboo at all, but rather a Dracaena! Lucky Bamboo is the primary plant recommended for improving Feng Shui and for creating spaces where you feel safe and more energized to meet the demands of today's high-pressured world. Keep water fresh by changing it every week, and always keep water levels at approximately an inch from the base of the canes. Lucky Bamboo prefers plenty of indirect sunlight and room temperatures at 65-70°. Although opinions differ on feeding, your Lucky Bamboo is a living organism, so it makes sense to occasionally add a mild solution to the water such as African Violet fertilizer. Since growth can be controlled by feeding, small amounts of fertilizer will keep the plant at a manageable size.  

I also received this plant.  I love it!  I put it in the kitchen.  It really brightens up the room.  I think it does help put me in a better mood just by seeing it there.

I am really impressed with Costa Farms.  They have offered to send 3 winners a cacti dish garden.  If you would like to enter see the giveaway below.

Giveaway (you must be a follower of my blog to enter the giveaway, leave your email in your comment if it's not visible in your blogger profile, leave a separate comment for each entry you complete)

1.  Go to their website and choose another plant that you would like to get, come back and comment with the name of that plant. 

 2.  Like them on facebook leave a comment on here with your facebook name.

3.  Follow them on twitter leave a comment with your twitter name.

4.  Email subscribers to my blog get an additional entry, just leave a comment letting me know that you are an email subscriber.

5.  Like Let's Eat 2 Day on facebook, leave a comment with your facebook name.

6.  Follow me on twitter leave a comment with your twitter name. 

 This giveaway ends 7/25/11 at 7 PM EST.  I will use random.org to select 3 winners.  I will email the winners and they will have 72 hours to respond with their mailing address, no PO Boxes.  Contiguous US only.  Thank you for reading and participating.

Winners have been selected and emailed.  They have 72 hours to respond to my email.  Thanks for participating.