A Spring Recital of a Different Kind
A Spring Recital of a Different Kind
It was recital week for both of our daughters last week, and it was such a joy to watch the culmination of all their hard work. Since September, they’ve been committed to attending every class (only missing one for vacation and one for illness), practicing at home, studying videos, and taking teacher corrections to heart. Last week was full of excitement, nerves, and anticipation—with three nights of rehearsals all leading up to the big show on Friday night.
As I reflect on this past year of dance and that final performance—sweet memories I want to hold onto forever—I can’t help but think about our own version of a “recital” here at the farm. These few weeks in May are our big show: a breathtaking performance of color that’s been ten months in the making.
From Mother’s Day to Memorial Day, our production greenhouses are in full bloom and glory. While we do continue growing for summer and fall crops, May is truly the pinnacle of our season. It’s the time when all the behind-the-scenes work comes to life—just like a recital.
Preparations for this moment begin as early as July. We analyze what worked, what didn’t, and how we can improve—from plant quantities to customer favorites to new trends. We pore over catalogs, scout out trial gardens, and hold planning meetings throughout the fall. By January, we’re back in the greenhouses: cleaning, prepping, filling pots, and planting—all in anticipation of May. You can catch a glimpse of that process in our How Homegrown Happens videos: Part I and Part II.
Each year during these fleeting weeks, I walk through the greenhouses trying to soak it all in. There’s so much beauty and variety—too much to take in at once—and I do my best to snap a few photos before these plants head out the door to your homes and gardens. Just like the recital, this season brings excitement, a few nerves, and a whole lot of heart. We’re caring for thousands of plants, keeping displays fresh, and assisting customers every step of the way.
Thank you for coming to our “big spring show” and for choosing to support our family business and independent garden centers. Every time you visit us, like a post, share a story, leave a google review, or recommend us to a friend—you’re helping something meaningful grow, and we truly appreciate it.
In the spirit of supporting small businesses, I want to give a shout out to our friend and talented photographer, Kata Short. She helps us capture the beauty of our greenhouses, joyful moments at our events, and the amazing before-and-after shots from our landscape team. You can check out her stunning work—senior portraits, family sessions, pet shoots, and more—on her Facebook page, and reach out to her here.
Wishing you a beautiful spring, filled with color, connection, and little moments worth holding onto.
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.
