On a hot October Saturday, family had gathered to bury my youngest cousin. It was on the funeral home front porch that first cousin twice removed, Bill, started a conversation. Sitting in a rocking chair, a tiny plate of deviled eggs in his football player lap, I guessed he was about 75. He was almost… Read More
Fat buds of Prunus mume wait for the warmer days of winter. Starting around the turn of the year, I eagerly wait for both buds and warmth. Every cold gray day, the bulging buds stand out, puffed up like they’re holding their breath along with me. We’re all waiting. Then one lovely day the sun… Read More
She made a point of coming by the garden twice a year to see what the old man loved. She smiles at our secret jargon, Ben and I used only Latin names. No questions, no suspicion just eyes that said, I’m happy ‘cause yall are happy.
Pay attention, indulge, wait and be delighted. This month my buddy’s pre-teen boy is into magic. He’s been through Egyptian mythology, dinosaurs and bigfoot. His dad’s endless patience amazes me. The magic show commences with an elaborate introduction, “On the death-day of the great Houdini, I honor the risk he took to share magic… Read More
Spectacular heads of flowers as big as a volley ball! Killer maroon coloring. Dramatic, sword like leaves to five feet tall. In zone 8, needs a warm spot — thrives in coastal, warm gardens.
Victorian Britain was the epicenter of fashion, trends, politics and horticulture. Natural history and plants were serious study, serious hobbies for the rich. Sailors, explorers and traders brought plants from all over the world to tempt rich collectors. An abundant supply of coal meant hot-houses and conservatories allowed for tropical plant gardening. Those collectors who… Read More
Gardening, painting, sculpting. Those things have something in common– they all start with imagination of something you’ll bring to fruition. A vision. Sometimes these really hot days make me have visions. Stiffling hot. Swooningly hot. I chop some crinum down to the ground; it’ll be fine by fall, I think to myself. I weed, pulling… Read More
We have an extensive collection of specialty crinum. Some are just slow, so don’t get added to our general store. Some need special places and care. Some are spectacular, some have special moments, some are just plain rare. All intrigue true bulb collectors. Occasionally, we offer them for sale on days such as our… Read More
Silver haired and with a brand new knee, Momma peers into a draped diorama of shrunken heads, leaning in to listen to a much pierced young man, with gauge opening in ears big enough you could pass a cup cake through, a handlebar mustache and a Baltimore accent — which is oddly akin to our… Read More
Mother’s Day Plant Sale! We occassionally spiff up the farm and invite guest. Announcements for these private events go out via our email list only. Gatherings for cool gardeners, for great clients and old friends, we limit guest numbers but don’t charge anything. These are thank you days. My Momma, Gloria Farmer is the… Read More
