Tomatoes, Jr. Green Thumbs, Monarchs & More
I’ve been hearing a lot of people say they can’t wait for fall. Understandable…it’s been a really hot and humid summer. I’m probably one of the rare, (or only?), people who has loved the heat. I’ve been hanging onto and savoring the best of this season because there are so many things that bring me JOY.
Homegrown Tomatoes
Have you tried a homegrown tomato and egg sandwich? I sometimes make it a caprese with mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze. It’s a bit of heaven. Our neighbor and talented photographer, Kata, has been getting her fill almost every Saturday when she visits our U-Pick fields. She sends me beautiful photos like this one, and says she’s considering a tomato tattoo!
Monarchs
We’re seeing monarch caterpillars on our butterfly weed in the pollinator garden! I had been checking and checking, thinking maybe not this year. Then, wow!
Junior Green Thumbs
Our 5-week summer program for kids just wrapped up last week. It’s been such a JOY to see the kids exploring the farm, learning about plants and spending time outside. The teachers plan amazing activities with lots of time to just explore, too. The folks at 1,000 Hours Outside recommend 4-6 hours of nature play daily. Check out their site or podcast and the fascinating research and speakers regarding nature’s impact on children’s academic, social, emotional and physical development. Spread the word and consider signing your kids or grandkids up next spring/summer.
Fresh Landscape Plantings
Last week our Landscape Team designed and installed new shrubs and perennials in front of our office trailer. Some of the plants include Russian sage, creeping phlox, ornamental oregano, salvia, Agastache and some ornamental grasses. They also planted up the urns with colorful fall annuals. This makes me so happy! The new plants brought new beauty and life to the office, and I will love it every time I walk or drive by.
What’s bringing you JOY right now in the garden or nature? Send me a note here. I’d love to hear.
A few more updates:
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Yoga on the farm is this Saturday at 10am! We also have a special U-Pick Picnic available. Great ways to get your nature fix this wknd.
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Our Fall Events and Workshop Schedule is now live and open for registration. Save the date for a new one this year called Sips & Sounds, featuring Passiflora Springs Winery and the fun and talented band, Acoustic Daze.
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I love good deals, and we have some on beautiful shrubs and trees at 40-60% off. You can see all clearance sales here.
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Oh, one last thing: our goal was to beat 13 donations for our Aug 9 mobile blood drive, and we had 16! That’s an impact of up to 48 lives. Thank you so much.
Wishing you plenty of simple moments of JOY this week.
Melanie has been with the family garden center business since 1999, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every aspect–from cashiering and greenhouse production to bookkeeping, perennial buying, marketing, and store management. Now serving as Finance and Marketing Director, she combines her expertise with a passion for growing the business. She and her husband, Russ, have loved seeing how plants, gardening, and beautiful landscapes bring joy to our community.
