July 12, 2008

Summer is here and the fields are bursting with color. Each day something new begins to show its beauty and remind me again why I am learning to be a cut flower farmer. Each and every day it rains I remind myself we could be experiencing a drought and I would not be shipping 120 bouquets each week if that were so. The flowers barely overtake the weeds in most cases, in some cases the weeds are temporarily winning; those are the spots that I go to the rescue. But, I learn from the people who tour my fields that I am the only one who sees the weeds. It is much like pointing out the cobwebs in your house when your best friend from college comes to visit for the first time in 15 years—she didn’t come for a clean house, she came to enjoy you! The visitors are so blown away by the beauty of this place, I just learn to enjoy the smiles and I secretly say hi to the weeds and let them know their time is short!

We have had two delightful cooking classes so far and our third “Cooking with Herbs” is coming up next week. We’ve got a full house for July where Chef Michael will make several savory dishes using garden fresh vegetables and herbs. For our August class “Outdoor Grill” our chef will concentrate on the use of fresh herbs in marinades for use on fish and meats as well as how to do vegetables a number of simple ways also on the grill. So far everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the food and the information that is presented.

The main greenhouse is completely cleaned out; we still have a variety of herb gardens out in front of the garden center. The large hoop house is full of Lisianthus that are just starting, Mums coming along for fall, Dahlias that are just fantastic, and a second crop of Snapdragons which will brighten our Brightflower bouquets. In the fields we have Zinnias coming on, Celosia, Black-eyed Susans, Phlox, Monkshood, Astilbes, Lilies, Bee Balm, and so much more. New pictures are on the way.

The ability to grow your own is a gift for which I am grateful. Each day I meet more and more people here that are coming into my circle to help me in my endeavors. It is such a pleasure to meet the community around me and be welcomed into it. Please come and enjoy the beauty here. We are open to the public on weekends and through out the week by chance. And, chances are good that if you walk out back and yell “Hello”, I’ll say “Hello” right back and give you the tour.

Peace is in the heart, it just needs to be felt…Prem Rawat

Peace be with you,

Jeanie