New Year's Ramblings

It's the first Sunday of the New Year and I am already missing the Market. It's been about a month since we all packed up our wares, gave out goodies and hugs, and headed for home. Totes, bags and containers are still packed. The holidays and the boys on vacation have sapped a little of the energy level, but there is always tomorrow. There isn't alot left over from the Holiday Market so it is really all about taking a quick inventory, washing out the big display jars and finding a spot to put it all in. The Holiday Market is always festive and fun and this year was no different. However, I can't wait to start rolling the carts back in at the end of April, 2009, loaded with herbs, vegetables and perennials. The greenhouses are already full and I am at that stage again that I come to every winter of wondering where the next potted up tray of rosemary, sage, thyme or stevia is going to go. But, where there is a will there is always a way. For those of you that are sitting and drooling over the plant catalogs that are falling out of your mailbox, circle your choices, plan your gardens and then wait a few months. April will be here before we know it. You know if you order plants right now this very minute they will be tiny and frostbitten when they hit your mailbox. Wait for the lush, healthy herbs and veggies you have come to know us for. Now is a really good time to draw out your gardens and plan for what you want to grow for your family. Come down to the Chattanooga Market on April 26, 2009 from 12:00-5:00. We have asked Chris and Paul for a little bit bigger of a spot so we can bring as much as possible. Maybe they can squeeze another two feet into the floor plan. :)

The holidays were great this year. Very low key and almost stress-free. Many of the gifts we gave our family and friends were thoughtful and useful and were well received. We also connected with some family and friends we hadn't seen in awhile. The weather has been a little inconvenient with nine inches of rain in December alone, but oh, do we need it. We actually finished up the year being only a few inches down according to the local weather dudes. Here at the farm, the pond is still full, the grass is still soggy and leaves are permanently glued into the goopy mud. I think we have had plenty. More is coming later this week.
New Year's Eve was a lot of fun this year. Mom turned a spectacular age this year so we all went to our favorite hometown restaurant, Flavors of Italy. Located in Soddy Daisy (where everybody is somebody), Flavors of Italy is owned and operated by a true Italian family. The restaurant was decorated for the holidays with noisemakers and champagne for all the adults. If you are ever in Soddy, Flavors of Italy is open Tuesday thru Sunday. Mamma Mia!

This week the kids head back to school and I am heading back to the greenhouses full time. Much of the vacation was spent keeping the plants either warm or cool depending on their needs. Seed starting all of the annuals is on the agenda this week. That's right! Basil, dill, cilantro, and other flavorful annuals will be seeded this week and ready for purchase in late March. As many of you know we do not publish a plant catalog anymore. With 90% of households hooked up to the internet we made it easy to visit our website and choose your plants from there. Shipping will begin in March weather permitting.

The phone has been ringing with the all important questions about the Rosemary trees that everyone purchased over the Christmas season. The "what happened to my....., it is dying!...and how can I keep it until spring" questions will all be answered in the next blog. Until then....