The Bender

10/14/2026

Most nursery plants arrive trapped in dense, waterlogged store peat that suffocates root systems before you even get them home. We do things differently.

Every Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) grown in our nursery is potted in our small-batch, handcrafted substrate blends. By skipping cheap, compressed box-store soil, we give these roots immediate access to the active biology, aeration, and porosity they need to thrive. Whether you keep them in their nursery setup or transplant them into your own display, they come ready to grow, no immediate emergency repotting required.

We currently have three sizes potted and established:
Small (2-inch pot): Compact, rooted starters perfect for shelf displays or desktop setups.
Medium (3-inch pot): Sturdy, active growers ready to trail.
Large (4-inch pot): Fuller, established foliage with vibrant variegation.

Stock up on healthy green additions or grab a bag of our active biology directly from our Etsy shop, or send us a message for local Montgomery County pickup.
Shop online: bbenderboutique.etsy.com
Local pickup: Available in Montgomery County, KS

10/11/2026

Nothing beats getting out into the community, meeting our Southeast Kansas plant family, and showing off our latest maker creations in person.

We are packing up our boutique for Fall-o-Rama Oswego, KS, this Saturday at Riverside Park! If your indoor jungle leans toward a dark botanical aesthetic, or if you are looking to add some structural macabre style to your shelves, our setup is a must-visit.

Here is what is waiting for you at our booth:
Event Details: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Riverside Park, Oswego, KS
3D-Printed Merch: Our popular 3D-printed skull planters in small (perfect for succulents) and large (great for small-to-medium houseplants) across a wide variety of color variants, among other planters.
Laser-Engraved Goods & Flair: Slate coasters, botanical pins, and wooden accessories built with durable, natural materials for everyday display.

Support local rural craftsmanship and take home something green (or gothic) for your space!
Stop by our booth at Riverside Park, say hello, and grab a piece of regional dark art for your home!

10/03/2026

It’s a beautiful morning for the Dalton Defenders Days, come say hi!

10/03/2026

Come see us at Dalton Defenders Days today! We had a blast last night, and can’t wait to be back today!

10/02/2026

Acclimate Plants to Shifting Late-Summer Conditions and Taper Watering
Do not let lingering late-summer daytime warmth fool you, as dropping night temperatures and decreasing daylight require you to taper watering and prepare tropical plants for their indoor transition.
During late summer and early fall, afternoon sunshine can still feel intense and warm, but nighttime temperatures begin to cool significantly. Many indoor gardeners make the mistake of leaving houseplants outdoors too long, ignoring that cold autumn nights dipping below 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause severe damage or death to tropical species, even if the daytime remains pleasant. To protect these sensitive plants, you must monitor the local forecast closely and transition them indoors—typically by mid-September—before cool weather consistently returns.
Simultaneously, the natural amount of daily sunlight begins to decrease during this late-season transition. Because plants receive less light, their growth slows, which directly reduces their water and nutrient requirements. For desert species like cacti, you should begin tapering off water in late August to ease them into their upcoming rest period. Continuing to water and fertilize heavily when growth is naturally slowing down is a critical cultural mistake that suffocates roots and quickly leads to root rot.
Finally, use this late-summer window to prepare your plants structurally and sanitarily. It is the ideal time to prune away yellowing leaves, take four-inch stem cuttings from healthy tissue to propagate fresh starter plants, and thoroughly clean both leaves and pots with mild soapy water to eliminate pests like aphids, mealybugs, and mites before they enter your home.

10/01/2026

John Bender Jr. (John Gebhardt)
They think I am a "half-wit" because I laugh aimlessly at nothing. Let them giggle along with me. Underneath my ruddy complexion, auburn hair, and boyish, slender frame, I am John Gebhardt, not a Bender, and certainly no brother to Kate, but her husband in the eyes of any who see how close we truly are. My gray eyes are restless, watching the road.
My role is keeping up appearances. While Kate charms the travelers, I stand outside tending their horses, making sure they suspect nothing. But once the trap is set, I step behind the canvas wagon cover with Pa.
I have held the heavy claw and shoe hammers. I have felt the thrill of the blow, watching them fall through the trapdoor into the clotted blood of our cellar. When excited, they say my laughter sounds like a grave-robbing hyena; perhaps it does, especially when my father and I drag the stripped bodies into the orchard under the cover of night. We killed them for the money, yes, but often just for the sheer thrill.
When Colonel York first arrived looking for his missing brother, I was reading my Bible at the door. I smiled and lied, telling him his brother must have run into trouble down at Drum Creek. I even rode with him to the creek, pointing out fake graves and bullet holes to throw him off the scent. But the town held a meeting at the schoolhouse, and when they agreed to search every homestead, Pa and I knew our game was up.
We abandoned our horses outside Thayer, took tickets on the railroad to Humboldt, and then Kate and I slipped south to Texas, disappearing into the lawless borderlands."

09/29/2026

Got a drooping Monstera, crispy leaf tips, or a mysterious indoor jungle emergency that’s driving you mad? Every week, we’re opening up the floor to answer your burning botanical questions and help you bring your struggling green crew back to life!
Drop your plant care questions in the comments below, and let’s troubleshoot your indoor jungle together!

09/26/2026

The best part about having gardening as a hobby, is there are always opportunities for FREE training! I spent the rainy morning learning about soil and compost!

09/26/2026

Small-batch plant craft is a labor of love, from mixing custom grit ratios to designing unique accessories for fellow plant rebels. Supporting our little corner of Etsy helps keep independent, plant-obsessed craftsmanship alive and growing!
Check out our shop at https://bbenderboutique.etsy.com, drop a favorite on your must-have items, and give us a follow to support the journey!

Shop The Bender Botanical Boutique by BBenderBoutique located in Coffeyville, Kansas.