Anyone who gardens knows that this time of year is probably the most important time of all. Certainly, the local nurseries know it, since they need people just to direct traffic on the weekends. It’s the time for planting, mulching, beautifying, cleaning up, and spiffing up. Hard work now should pay off in lots of gardening pleasure all summer long.
Besides working hard in my garden, I’ve been working hard at garden events. On Sunday, I was at the NYC Grows festival organized by my favorite NY nonprofit, the New York Restoration Project. Unfortunately, the weather was more April showers than May flowers—but it was still a great day.Organic breakfast was served at the Organic Diner by Nature’s Path, Organic Valley, and Stoneyfield Farm. In the Organic Gardening area, product samples were available from Nature’s Gate, Choice Organic Teas, Wholesome Sweeteners, Marcal Small Steps, and Aveeno.
On Monday, my sister Heidi and I took a field trip with Ethne Clarke, editor-in-chief of Organic Gardening magazine, to the headquarters of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, and a new nursery brand, Terrain. Though it was a “business” day, I didn’t let that stop me from filling my pickup truck with plants. While these brands aren’t especially organic or even “green,” I’m always curious to learn about new types of businesses—especially ones close to home. And I’d like to learn how to put more thought and effort into my own little store! (Too bad I can’t sell live plants to you all—right now the store’s limited to what can be bought on Amazon.com.)
Here are a few highlights from my high season:
Sunday in the rain at the NYC Grows festival with Ethne Clarke, editor-in-chief of Organic Gardening magazine, and Doug Hall, senior editor.
I did get to sign one book for a brave soul who didn’t let the rain stop her. Of course, my grand-dog Penny was staying out of the rain, too!
The bed of my truck, filled with glorious perennials from Terrain.
The headquarters of Urban Outfitters, at the Navy Yards in Philadelphia. The company’s cafeteria is open to the public for lunch! Awesome example of regenerating a historical site for a fabulous new use.
HAPPY GARDENING! AND HEY! Check out my blog tomorrow—that’s right, Thursday. I’m having my first guest blogger, Dirt Diva herself Annie Spiegelman. Let me know if you like having guests here, and we’ll start a party—good parties always end up in the kitchen, anyway!
Sounds like a great time. I wish I had known about this event as I was in NYC for a concert the night before and settled for a diner breakfast. Would have loved an organic option. When’s the next local event? I live in Allentown, PA. Thanks.
Sounds and looks like a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, rain or shine! Wish I had been there, seems like you had a great time!
Good morning Morgan & Donna, thanks for the comments! Keep up with Maria’s events and appearances on the Maria’s Farm County Kitchen Facebook page- http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/mariasfarmcountrykitchen?ref=ts
Terrain is the BEST. If they took in boarders, I’m quite certain my wife would move in.
that’s the second year in a row that it rained!
But unfortunately, I wasn’t in the City that day or I would have LOVED to meet you!
Do I see lupines? I love lupines but I have little success with them. May your perennials proliferate and add lots of layers and beauty to your gardens. Right now I am gardening vicariously through you so keep up the good work.
Yes! They are lupines. I had them once in my old garden and they were amazing. I love the way rain drops turn into little magic balls on their leaves. I love how in Maine they just line all the roadways in June. We’ll see if they thrive in my mountain garden.
Terrain Rocks!
is Penny a Shiba Inu?
Yup. She’s a Shiba! It’s my daughter’s dog.
What an adorable little darling dog! 🙂
…you look refreshed Maria! Enjoy your planting time…
I love going to the Navy Yard…great place and the Urban outfitters has such a cool store front!!
Penny looks very well behaved too!
Penny’s got a beautiful, sweet face!
Hi, Maria! Your posts have been so addictive that I had to do this–hope you don’t mind! I’ve named you for the “Prolific Blogger Award” because you’re blog is valued. Just thought you should know : ).