Category Archives: Events

Mini Embellishments offer Maximum Inspirations

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The first thing I did this morning, even before turning on my coffee maker, was take a photo of my mini creation from last night’s workshop held at my home.  It is themed after the bird houses in my own backyard and kept simple, yet it made me smile and feel inspired. I think I’ll keep it right here by the chair I like to have my morning coffee in, and during the dreary days of winter, it will be a little reminder of warmer sunny days returning when the birds start visiting our birdhouses to build their nests again.

My Birdhouse Themed Mini Garden

My Birdhouse Themed Mini Garden

Themes were an important feature discussed by my very special guest instructor, Rhonda Niles, of Gardening Inspirations. She went over the how to’s and the why to’s as she gave a very professional workshop for the attendees.  Many of my good friends, clients, and new faces from local garden clubs were part of the group. Having a mix of people made observation interesting, as each person pondered their theme choice.

Barn yard themed by an attendee

Barn yard themed by an attendee

One attendee, Dianne, themed her miniature garden on a farm and farm animals. She has a quaint farm herself, and is an avid horse lover.  The charming bowl she brought with a handle was the perfect choice.  She asked her partner to drill holes in it, for she knows the rules about drainage, and in his honor, she included a mini beer can in her scene. Can you see it?

Another themed her creation on a dog park, and there were fantasy themes such as fairy woodland hide aways. One of the fairy gardens scenes was by my cousin, another Diane in the group. She thought about including a wine table but we agreed the vino didn’t seem right in this fairy world. But I just loved how she put a fairy on top of the little house, and the other one on a patch of soft grass.

Fairy land Scene

Fairy land Scene

Each came out very unique and special. I particularly enjoyed themes based on a special place. It is fun to recreate a place in a pot.  Kim, another attendee, created a secret looking scene too.  It came complete with the gazing ball and white bunnies. And her red wooden pot choice was perfect too.

Woods n Treasures by Kim

Woods n Treasures by Kim

We enjoyed some girl time, refreshments, and one of the most pleasant cool evenings of August. Everyone was enjoying creating so much, it started to get dark and we worked by candlelight.  Many attendees had balanced looks to their designs – perhaps a method to practice landscape designs!

I am blessed to have the opportunity to offer these types of classes, and appreciate Rhonda’s efforts to setup, instruct, and provide explanations about the dwarf plants and miniature embellishments. With good care, everyone’s take home Miniature Garden will last a very long time.

Thank you to Rhonda and our guests for a very enjoyable evening!  And…Have a good weekend.

Cathy Testa

workshop

workshop

Miniatures Garden Workshop Update

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Workshop on August 15

Workshop on August 15

Hi everyone,

We decided to move our Miniatures Gardens Workshop to the August 15th rain date due to the predicted thunderstorms tomorrow.  Nothing is more fun than enjoying the class outdoors surrounded by plants and sunshine, and we don’t want to risk you and your miniature creation getting soaked during a strong rain.  I’m hoping those registered can make the new date. Please confirm your attendance to the new date by emailing at containercathy@gmail.com or 860 977 9473.  For more information, see SCHEDULE OF EVENTS on this blog. Thank you in advance. Cathy T

Class location: 72 Harrington road, Broad Brook, CT 06016

Cost: $15 per person. See description for items included under SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Time: 6 pm to 8 pm.

Date: August 15, 2013, Thursday

Come to socialize, learn, create, and enjoy. You take home your creation!!  Great as a center piece on a table, gift, hostess gift or keep for yourself!  Create a theme based on your style or home. The guest speaker is an Advanced Master Gardener and Professional Designer from Gardening Inspirations.

Arts and Crafts at a CT Nursery this Weekend

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Sign

The Gledhill nursery in West Hartford, CT is holding an Arts and Crafts fair this weekend on August 2 and 3, 2013 from 10 am to 4 pm. I happened to visit this nursery for the first time yesterday (as part of my goal to visit nurseries listed in the CT Garden & Landscape Trail.)

On my way to this place, I did run into some roadway construction coming from Bloomfield but it moved quickly and perhaps will be done by Saturday. But also be on the lookout for the entrance. It can be tricky to see the enter versus exit road. Look for the street sign. As you drive down it, you will feel as if you are entering a private residence. The driveway into the back parking area is very narrow and lined with beautiful plants and trees. This nursery has an immediate park like feel to it.

RoadA friendly nursery staff person greeted me immediately as I entered the grounds, admiring the small water gardens in particular. She apologized for the mix of plant areas as she explained they were organizing spaces for the 30 vendors participating in a crafts fair this weekend. It is held annually. So I thought I need to post this immediately to let everyone know about it.

The nursery staff person also told me their landscape department has a knack for water gardens as she noticed I was taking photos of them. This garden center has some small greenhouses, a nice gift shop, and displays such as a path leading to an arbor. If I were able to go this weekend to see the crafts show, I would but other commitments prevent it. If you decide to go, let me know what you think. Oh, I also noticed they had some organic products on their shelves for bugs and fertilizers.

Water gardens

The plant areas had little garden decor here and there too. It seems like a fun place to browse, plants very healthy all around, and I’m sure in the height of the season there’s more to enjoy. There’s lots of inspiration for those taking notice of all the details all around the premises.

Organically at Gledhill

The address is 650 Mountain Road, West Hartford, CT 06117. 860-233-5692.

Just be sure to drive carefully into the area. I suspect they will have additional parking during their event this weekend with all the vendors planned.

Decor

Their website is http://www.gledhillnursery.com.

Sign

Overall, park like, tranquil, and secluded. When I commented that folks from my area may not know about Gledhill, she replied, neither do some locals to West Hartford. Perhaps, now, they will.

written by, Cathy Testa

Water garden Gledhill

Cultivating a Future Farmer at Local Farmers Markets

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My Guest Booth at the EW Farmers Market

My Guest Booth at the EW Farmers Market

It happened to be a coincidence that I had my niece along with me on two recent trips to farmers markets.  She seems to enjoy the scene, taking photos, and taste-testing the treats as much as the rest of us.

Could we be cultivating a “future farmer” by way of taking kids along on our market journeys?  I certainly hope so.

We not only introduce them to information on how to grow plants, or make handcrafted products, we share good, healthy, non-GMO types of food at the same time, and may even enjoy dancing, as we did yesterday, to the Backtrax Band performing at the East Windsor Farmers Market.

Going to markets is fresh, fun, and festive.  From the fresh squeezed lemonades to the hand-made soaps, you get to enjoy locally made items and socialize with friends and family.

So the first market we hit up was the Wethersfield Farmers Market last Thursday. After babysitting a few hours, my sister asked if I wanted to go to the market with her – and of course, the answer was yes!  My niece was excited I was tagging along and jumped to get her favorite hat as we left the house.

The second market we attended was the new East Windsor Farmers Market, on their opening day, June 30, Sunday.  I was an invited as a guest vendor and volunteered to answer plant related questions.  Many people visited to ask various questions, and my niece listened intently to the answers.  I bet she could answer some herself – because she gardens along side her mom at home often, and has learned some horticultural related topics in school.

Wethersfield, CT Farmers Market

This market is held on Thursdays, 3 pm to 6 pm, which is a nice time slot for those unable to make a weekend market and convenient for getting fresh produce on the way home from work.  This market started on May 16th and runs through October 31st. You can find it on a nice lawn area called, “Solomon Welles House” lawn at 220 Hartford Avenue, Wethersfield, CT.  My sister told me it was a fairly small market, yet it was big on offerings.  There were fresh veggies at several vendors booths, tasty teas, knits, soaps, baked goods, and jewelry.

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My favorite find was these big mason jars by Mamalicious with hand blown glass straws and a mushroom tea sample included to try later.  I could just picture an icy cold lemonade in them, and with a lid, there is a ‘no spill’ factor.  So I got two along with other items, such as purple radishes, from Bright Yellow Farm.

My niece was enjoying taking photos on her camera; I guess she likes seeing her Aunt do the same.  We both were clicking away and stocking up for the upcoming weekend with fresh goodies. She was the lucky recipient of beautiful gloves made with Alpaca yarn, to be stored until winter arrives, by Round Hill Alpacas, from Coventry, CT. The ladies at Round Hill said they would be at South Windsor’s market on Saturday, June 29th, but I didn’t get to that one (yet). Market vendors are making their rounds to several locations, which is great for us, if we can’t travel to one place, you are bound to find them at another or right in your home town.

Radishes

Radishes

The parking for this market is along the streets, and Old Wethersfield is nearby where you can visit Comstock Ferry & Co.  Click HERE for more about the seeds at Comstock.

Wethersfield Farmers Mkt.

Wethersfield Farmers Mkt.

Taking photos

Taking photos

East Windsor, CT Farmers Market

Then, only two days later, I spent the day at the East Windsor Farmers Market from 10 am to 1 pm on their opening day, June 30th. My mission was to not only support the markets grand opening day (since I live in East Windsor), but to help answer general plant questions as a guest vendor.

June is a time when we encounter plant problems, whether from bugs or due to the heat and heavy humidity we are experiencing this week.  There may be mold or fungus growing on your mulch, or the June bugs and Japanese beetles are most likely munching on some foliage of your favorite plants right now.

But the questions were not coming in on those specific subjects; instead I heard questions like:

  • How do I take care of my Mother-in-Law plant?  It stinks so bad and its smelling up my house!
  • Why did the trees blooms so strongly this year, and are we getting more maple seeds (samaras) than usual?  My mulch is covered with them.
  • Why are my tomato plants doing so badly?  They are barely growing.
  • What would cause leaf curl on my tomato plants?  My son noticed it and said something is wrong with my plants.

I think the most interesting was the “Mother-in-Law (Sanseveria trifoliate) plant with an awful, stinky smell.”  Hmm, I had to look that one up on my iPhone, and it turns out this plant does not like to be over-watered and will stink if done so from root rot.  She admitted she had over-watered her plant.  So I suggested she move it outside into shade under a patio umbrella, let the soil dry out, and don’t water it so much.  We also discussed how you can keep many houseplants outdoors during the summer, just be sure to transition them to shade first so you don’t burn the leaves as it is exposed to strong sunlight.  Just like people, it needs protection first.

On the questions regarding prolific tree blooms this season, and the maple samaras (technically a simple dry fruit) falling everywhere, my guess is the “mild” cool temperatures we experienced early in the season gave most of our flowering trees lots of additional time to plump up their buds, laying silently in the branches until the temps were warm enough to expand open.  It delayed the blossoms as well.  As soon as that warmth hit – BANG!  They exploded, and the flowers have been just spectacular this season. The dogwood trees, I’ve noticed, are so full around our neighborhoods right now.  So perhaps the early cool temps is the reason why we have a lot of samaras this year too, or at least that is my guess. Prior season’s weather and winter temperature affect the timing and patterns of growth too.

Cornus kousa

Cornus kousa

On the question regarding tomato plants not doing well…, the soil is remaining wet somewhat because, in addition to the heat and humidity, we are getting bouts of rainstorms, heavy rain, and the heat came, so it is possible the growth is being challenged by both of these factors.   She also could be lacking some nutrients in the soil, if the bottom leaves are turning light green to pale yellow, or if the fruit is small, this is a potential sign of lack of nitrogen.  During mid summer, veggies will grow faster and start to mature, so they need nitrogen in the soil.  A quick boost of fertilizer may help, which she actually suspected, and said would try to apply some and see how it goes.

On the leaf curl on a tomato plant (this one was in a container garden pot), this can be a sign of an insect setting in, or perhaps too much watering (from our rainfalls).  I referred to my book called, “What’s Wrong with My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?)” by David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth.  It offers a “visual guide to easy diagnosis and organic remedies,” however, I don’t always find plant problems ‘easy’ to diagnose, when it comes to the wide variety of problems.  Lots of things can damage a plant, but the book helps you to narrow down the signs on the plant.  If a leaf is distorted, bubbled, curled, or twisted, the books leads you to pages to further define the problem and finding the possible causes.  Sometimes for puckered or twisted leaves, the underside or inner of the leaf could have an insect feeding.  Or it could be caused by a virus.  And it can also be caused by “cool, wet rains,” which we have experienced earlier in the season. But to really diagnose plant problems well, you have to see the actual plant to inspect the signs and symptoms, and look at the owner’s habits too. I also brought along a reference book by Ortho, which I don’t use for the remedy recommendations, but to identify the plants’ problems.  It has excellent photos and descriptions, and I got mine via a used book search several years ago.  I find it handy.  Another method to determine a plant’s problem is to bring a sample to your local county extension center.  We have one located in Tolland, CT.  Master Gardeners will examine the plant and give you a report- and its FREE.

BACKTRAX BAND

BACKTRAX BAND

And another benefit of the East Windsor Farmers Market was enjoying the BACKTRAX BAND, special to me because my brother, Jimmy, is a member of the band along with TJ, Big Tom, Sammy, and on this day, a guest drummer, Smitty.  They will be playing for the market again in the future.  Having the background music playing while shopping the vendors and visiting with friends and family really makes it special and enjoyable.  Almost all markets have some type of music, it is great – you get a free intro to the band’s music and enjoy listening while you are chatting with friends, family, and new faces in town.  Bring a lawn chair, sit a while, and grab a bite to eat while you spend the day at the market.  The band members enjoy it – so you should too!

Whole Harmony

Whole Harmony

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Before people began to arrive to the East Windsor Farmers Market, I visited each vendor myself.  Very impressed with the teas by Stacey Wood of Whole Harmony, and the fresh sprouts, lettuce, and other healthy products by Tara Tranguch of Serafina Says Farm, and of course sampled many others products.   Serafina’s sprouts are going to be amazing on my salad today! Stacey of Whole Harmony told me she is growing their herbs right here locally in the new East Windsor Community Garden located by the dog park and skateboard park on Reservoir Avenue.  So they are grown right here – that’s FRESH.  Love that connection.  It is so important to support these growers, so make sure you visit this market and others during prime time – now!

East Windsor Farmers Mkt.

East Windsor Farmers Mkt.

And don’t miss the freshly grown Shiitake Mushrooms by Donna Yurgel of New England Green Mushrooms.  She sells at other markets as well, such as the popular Ellington, CT farmers market.  I buy a box of these every time and find new ways to add them to my recipes.  She is now offering some of her favorite recipes for people new to using Shiitakes.  They are easy to cook.

Members of the band

Members of the band

Wethersfield Market is Closed for the 4th of July weekend, but East Windsors remains open.

By the way, the Wethersfield market is closed during the 4th holiday weekend, but this is not the case the East Windsor market.  The East Windsor market has relocated from their Opening Day location on Rt 140, 149 North Road, in-front of Joe’s Fine Wine and Spirits and the Golden Gavel Auction, to the Trolley Museum at 58 North Road (also Rt 140).  The Trolley Museum has picnic tables, facilities, and antique trolleys of historical value inside and out of their buildings.  Take the kids along, enjoy a ride on the trolley, and get in some farmers markets action.  Click HERE to read more about the new location.  There’s plenty of parking available, and it is right off 91 North and South, take Exit 45 (Bridge Street) to Rt 140.

East Windsor Market Master:  

For questions, you may contact Janice Warren, the Market Master, at ewfarmmarket@gmail.com or at 860-292-1796.  It will be held up through October 6th, 2013.  Every Sunday, 10 am to 1 pm, and will grow just like the plants do.  They currently do not have a website, but can be found on Facebook and Patch.

East Windsor’s Farmers Market Vendors:

  • Broad Brook Brewing Company (New in town).  Check out their “Pink Dragon Wit,” a Belgium White Ale for Summer.
  • New England Green Mushrooms, Shiitake Mushrooms, Donna Yurgel
  • Sarafina Says Farms, Tara Tranguch, Farmer and Health Coach, Sprouts, Salads, etc.
  • Whole Harmony, Whole Being Heal Tea Company, Stacey Wood, Certified Herbal Practitioner
  • Shadow Valley Farms, Local Farm Fresh Milk and other dairy products
  • Sunshine & Flowers by Goldie, Dish Gardens
  • Naturally Clean, soap products, by Teresa Carey
  • Cathy T’s Landscape Designs, Cathy Testa, Container Gardens, Garden and Landscape Designs, Classes
  • BACKTRAX Band, Jimmy Fauteux and Members, Playing all kinds of events
  • Yummy CT, Distributor of CT Products

If interested in becoming a vendor, contact Janice Warren, Market Master, at ewfarmmarket@gmail.com or at 860-292-1796.

Here’s some more markets I saw listed in a garden magazine recently:

  • Farmington, Hill-Stead Museum, hillstead.org
  • Glastonbury, Hubbard Green, glastonburyfarmersmarket.com
  • Hartford, 156 Capitol Avenue, 2 Saturdays a month
  • Manchester, Manchester Community College, Wednesdays, 1-5 pm
  • South Windsor, 100 Market Square, Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm
  • West Hartford, LaSalle Road public parking lot, Tuesdays & Saturdays
  • Coventry, Nathan Hale Homestead, coventryfarmersmarket.com
  • Ellington, Arbor Park, ellingtonfarmersmarket.com

…and you can find them in Fairfield Country, Middlesex Country, New Haven, New London, and maybe just drive around and spot the tents – Stop in if you see them.  Help those helping you get the CT products we enjoy fresh.

Cathy Testa
Container Crazy Cathy T
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

New England Green Mushrooms

New England Green Mushrooms

Kayaking, Plants, & Nature at Crystal Lake in Ellington, CT

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Clear Waters at Crystal Lake

Clear Waters at Crystal Lake

I’ve traveled past Crystal Lake, located in the towns of Ellington and Stafford, CT, many times on my way to Stafford Springs and Ashford, and I have admired the lake from the hills off of Sandy Beach Road at a housing development where I’ve done some landscape designs as well. But my recent passion for this lake has grown since I’ve glided over its smooth waters on tranquil mornings during of my off-time on my new kayak.

Crystal Lake is perfect for beginners, such as myself, because it is not too big, nor too small (FYI, a website indicates the lake area is 183 acres).  I’ve tour the lake within an hour or so. However, paddling back to return to the public access boat launch is not always easy because I usually don’t want to leave.

I describe kayaking like, “getting a massage.”  The calm mornings, the sounds of wildlife, and the feeling of being relaxed as nature surrounds you, is part of the kayaking experience for me.  It has become an addictive hobby, and it turns out to be a great way to see plant life up close and personal.  Occasionally, a fish may splash in the water, or birds will fly overhead to land on plant life nearby. You may even have a pack of geese following your kayak, which happened to me one morning.

Most of the waters in Crystal Lake are crystal and clear, but there are some areas of the lake tucked in near a dam, and in cove nooks where water spots are low, filled with plant life.  Plant growth and mucky swamp like waters exists in these side areas, and it is not a suitable swimming area, but a kayak can find its way carefully to adventure close by, should you not mind a bit of muck smell and bugs.  The lure of lily pad blooms drew me into the area.  I wanted to get some up-close shots of blooms.

View from my kayak in the center of the lake

View from my kayak in the center of the lake

The pond like area was a quieter section of the lake because it is surrounded by trees and part of inner nooks, and the birds were chirping and perching on plant life everywhere.  As I carefully paddled nearby, it did cross my mind to be careful to not collect any plant parts or plant drippings on my paddles and to use caution, not only for myself (because this is a place you do not want to tip over your kayak), but because there was a lot of foliage and silt moving around me, and I wondered if this could be disturbing the plant live too much.  It occurred to me maybe I was breaking a rule.

Bugs spotted

Bugs spotted

On my way through some of the water plants, I discovered some rather bizarre looking insects.  They didn’t seem to notice me at all as I took a few close up shots.  They sat perfectly still on top of a lily pad.  As I took the photo, I was thinking when I return home, researching these plants and the lake online was my priority to educate myself more.  I left a message with the Crystal Lake Association to obtain more information, because certainly as a plant person, I didn’t want to contribute to the spread of an invasive species.

Sun captured in the bloom

Sun captured in the bloom

There were two types of blooms happening, one was a white water-lily and the other, yellow pond lilies.  In researching websites, I believe they are Nymphaea odorata (American white water-lily) and Nuphar variegata (Common yellow pond lily). Without my kayak, getting close up shots would be near impossible.

Bloom happening on a common yellow pond lily

Bloom happening on a common yellow pond lily

When I left that day, I read the poster by the public boat launch warning boaters to not bring invasive species plant parts along with them on their boats or equipment.  My mission is to find out more about how the area is protected.  Because the lake is so beautiful everywhere else, this has to be a priority, and my guilt has not yet subsided for venturing into the lily pad area to take photos.

Sign warns everyone use caution

Sign warns everyone use caution

When you go to the lake, you can find the public access road off Rt 30. Finding the street sign can be a challenge one way as a big tree is hiding part of the sign for West Shore Road.  The road dips a bit and leads you to the public boat launch.  A small parking area is available across the street for a few vehicles.  In the mornings, it has been available but during busy peak season time, it may be impossible to find a spot. There is also a beach, called Sandy Beach (see below for information).

Road to public boat launch at Crystal Lake

Road to public boat launch at Crystal Lake

BOATING AND PLANT INFORMATION:

Crystal Lake Association can be found on Facebook here.

Information on how to handle your boats to prevent spread of invasive species can be found here.

Safe boating practices for the lake can be found here.

An Aquatic Plant Survey map for Crystal Lake can be found here.

PARKING AND FACILITIES (OUTHOUSES):

There are two outhouses in the parking area across from the public boat launch.

IMG_7457

SANDY BEACH information from the “Town of Ellington Website” below:

Sandy Beach is located on Crystal Lake on Route 140 in the northern end of town. Our beach offers swimming and sunbathing opportunities on hot summer days. The normal operating schedule for the beach is weekdays from 12 noon to 6:30 pm and on the weekends from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm. Ellington residents may purchase seasonal passesfrom the Recreation Department at a cost of $40.00 per family (Ellington Resident), $25.00 per single (Ellington Resident), $10.00 per senior citizen (Ellington Resident) or enter the beach on a daily basis.

Daily Fees: Ellington adult residents are $ 2.00, children 6 years and older are $ 1.00. Out of town guests are charged $ 5.00 per adult and $ 3.00 per child 6 years and older. All children 5 years and younger are free.

Downtown Stafford Springs, CT

Downtown Stafford Springs, CT

EATING PLACES NEARBY:

If you decide you would like to venture on some more after boating in the morning, Stafford Springs center has done a bit of revamping, and you can find some nice artsy shops and a wonderful coffee shop serving lunch in town, called Middle Ground Cafe. It is about 5 miles from the lake, continuing on Rt 140, until you hit the center of Stafford, which you will recognize with the brick buildings.  Look for the cafe on your right, at 42 Main Street, Stafford Springs, CT, (860) 851-8900, http://www.middlegroundcafe.com.  They offer great teas, coffees, and a mix of light lunch entrees and sandwiches.  Stop into “The Chocolate Moose” at 72 Main after for dessert, and be sure to visit the quaint art shops.  I bought some tiles at “Stained Glass Creations & Beyond” by “Art by Stefanie” across the street.  Old newspaper prints related to agriculture with plant images stamped on them caught my attention.  There were also some nice pottery items by other artists, hand-made soaps, jewelry, and paintings on the wall.

Downtown art shop, Stafford Springs, CT

Downtown art shop, Stafford Springs, CT

P.S. I will be adding information to this post once I get my call back from the lake association on my questions about the invasives to share with you, and for me to learn more!

Update:  I heard from Mark Mickiewicz, President of the Crystal Lake Association.  He said “the invasive plants grow from the bottom and rise to the surface, and they are trying to prevent power boats from going into those areas because it can cut the plants, detach, float, and repopulate into other cleaned out areas.  They are asking to be “careful” and not to pull, cut, detach or damage the plants.”  (Basically it is not strictly prohibited to enter for kayakers, but requested to stay out of the invasive cove areas if possible to prevent any spread, but some people do venture there to fish, etc.)  For questions, call 860-875-1001.

Cathy Testa
Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
(860) 977-9473

My Guest Post on CT Bloggers

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Featured CT Blogger

Featured CT Blogger

Visit the CT Bloggers website to see my Guest Post on a fail safe design technique for container gardening and patio pots.  I use it every time and talk about this in my classes, and you will find it very useful too if you aren’t aware of the “thriller-spiller-filler” method.  See also my Container Gardens page here for recently posted container garden creations and photos by me.

And don’t forget to look around at the CT Bloggers page and other links there.  There are a great deal of resources on all things CT.  I enjoy reading blogs over websites these days when I’m researching a particular town or city – the experiences are by people from CT passionate about sharing good things to see, do, and enjoy.

Happy Monday – Get ready for the heat wave!  Water those plants.  Cathy T

Forest Floor and Waterfalls at Enders State Park

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Entrance

Entrance

Visiting a walking trail in the woods always brings a bit of exercise and exploration of nature’s treats, yet this time when hiking Enders State Forest in Granby, CT last Sunday, there was heartfelt sadness for I recalled the recent reporting of a teen girl falling from the cliffs.  It reminded me how dangerous it can be when walking this place.

I slipped at the top of a cliff there last summer, but caught my balance.  My husband said I practically gave him a heart attack.  It is not a place you want to walk without being extremely careful, and perhaps with some professional experience as a hiker.  I am usually the biggest wimp when it comes to any challenges along hiking trails, so it was a surprise to me too when I slipped, yet that memory plus the news of a loss of life at this park, made us all the more cautious as we took every step down to the slopes to view the waterfalls in several locations.

Enders State Park

Enders State Park

The recent rainfall in Connecticut has created not only roaring waterfalls at Enders, but a lush and full forest floor thriving with healthy ferns, mosses, and lichen clinging to the boulders and trees.  It feels like an air conditioned room as you travel the paths through the tall trees.  The mist from the waterfalls gently nourishes the plant life tucked in everywhere, between rocks, on decomposing bark, and from the ground. Soft cushy moss softens your steps in some locations and the sound of the rushing water is like a meditative force.  In the summer, when the water is low and calm, it is a secret swimming hole too.  And with a blanket and picnic lunch, this place offers tranquility with places to rest on the earth after taking your walk through the woods.

Alive with moss

Alive with moss

Only a few other people were there the morning we went, one apparently a professional photographer with lots of gear and a  helper to assist.  Another was an elderly couple walking the trail, one with a cane.  I wished I had taken a walking stick along myself.  I wondered if they knew about the young lady falling recently, but I didn’t mention it.  I wanted to say, be careful, it can be slick out here – I had a scare myself last year.  I don’t know if I can ever go back “on the cliff” parts again, and certainly this could not be attempted with the rushing waters going over a steep precipice on this day following several heavy rainfalls.

CT's State Flower

CT’s State Flower

It surprised me after we finished our hike, and drove to New Hartford to see the Saville Dam and Barkhamsted Reservoir, a favorite of Steve’s, and had lunch at Chatterley’s in town there, how many locals have never heard of Enders Forest.  Is it a kept secret?  It IS a gem – a miniature Niagara at the moment.  Funny how something literally around the corner, maybe 6 miles or so down the road, is an unknown to locals in New Hartford.

Enders State Forest in Granby, CT offers many treasures.  It is truly an outdoor living room.  To me, the forest’s natural plants, tucked among roots expanding and clinging onto the slopes and surfaces, are a favorite treat.  It is seeing nature in its true form, being served by its surroundings of a natural environment, pretty much untouched. And the native Mt. Laurel, CT’s State Flower, was in bud and bloom which was an additional bonus to going in June.  I’m sure we will return in the heat of summer to cool off as well.  And perhaps during the winter to see the ice on the waterfalls.

Great place for lunch or dinner

Great place for lunch or dinner

Some tips should you decide to venture there:

BRING: Bring a walking stick, good hiking shoes are a must, lunch and a blanket.  It would be nice if benches were in the park, but there are large bounders and places to sit as you watch the falls and enjoy the surroundings.  Bring a suit if the water is low for the pooling areas.  Don’t forget the camera.

MOTORCYCLE: If you are a motorcycle lover, this is a great route for the bikers.  Nice curvy roads, and some are recently paved, so smooth riding for you to enjoy.  Normally we would have taken the Harley, but there was a chance of rain (like I said, I’m a wimp).

GO TO LUNCH:  If you didn’t pack a lunch, go to Chatterley’s Cafe, take a left out of the entrance and head down the road to New Hartford, CT.  It is located at Two Bridge Street, 860-379-2428.  Great martinis and really excellent menu of appetizers, salads, fish, veal, chicken, and meat entrees.  Food is very good.  It was an old hotel apparently, you can see photos in the entrance, some famous people have visited this place – worth a stop.  Right next to this cafe are some small and quaint gift type shops.

SEE THE DAM: Before you go to lunch, of course, stop to view the Saville Dam and Barkhamsted reservoir.  There is a huge wall to view the water from, and across from the building with the big wooden doors, is a round cement map surrounded by a fence, check it out – interesting.  You have to cross the street to see it.  There is a parking area next to the dam that is usually open during the day hours.

USE CAUTION: And please, be super careful; when walking Enders.  The moss on the ground can be slick, and the soft earth is deceiving if near the edge of a slope.  But overall, it is definitely a nice place to visit for nature’s offerings.  A true gift by the land donators – the children of John Ostrom Enders and Harriet Whitmore Enders, donated in 1970.

Cathy Testa

Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

Local Farm Fresh Farmers Markets

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IMG_7652

We are very fortunate these days to have plenty of farmers markets to enjoy, and I finally made my first visit to this year’s offerings at the Ellington Farmers Market last Saturday morning with Steve, my husband.  I sold plants there last year, and really loved the people, site, and excitement of sharing something locally crafted with everyone, but alas, this year I have another goal (greenhouse) – but that doesn’t stop me from going to the market as a shopper this season.  And I hope to return as a vendor in 2014.

Steve whines a little about going to the market because he has other Saturday chores on his mind, but the funny thing is he always ends up buying more than I do.  He loves the pickles, hot sauces, veggies, mushrooms, and nuts.  I tend to go for the fresh cheese, garden decor items, and breads.

Scantic Valley Farms at the market

Scantic Valley Farms at the market

This weekend, their feature was fresh strawberries, so I was on a mission to get some of those too.  We also planned to buy some fresh fish to cook up for dinner for his mother and sister that evening after we attended a memorial event for a friend.  But what I didn’t expect to get was popcorn.

Freshly popped Kettle Corn offered at the market

Freshly popped Kettle Corn offered at the market

As we walked passed the booth offering hand popped kettle corn, we were quick to say no thanks to the vendor because we feared the carb count.  He was quick to point out there was probably more sugar from the strawberries we were popping into our mouths than a handful of the kettle corn.  He said the carbs were 16g (5%) and due to the way they pop it, they keep the sugar and salt low.  So with a quick taste, I agreed – it wasn’t too sugary or sweet tasting, so I bought a bag.  However, fresh veggies and fruits were on our minds, so we opted to also get not one but 4 quarts of fresh strawberries from two places.

Strong Family Farm

Strong Family Farm

Strong Family Farm, established in 1878, was at the market offering various items, and fresh strawberries.  They will be holding a fundraiser today, Monday, June 17th, at the Wood-n-Tap in Vernon, CT between 5 pm and 9 pm as part of their efforts as a non-profit and education center.  We also got strawberries from Scantic Valley Farm, the market’s feature of the weekend.  Scantic Valley Farm is a family owned farm located at 327 Ninth District Road in Somers, CT, where you can pick-your-own, but I tend to buy versus pick, so having these available at the market was a real treat.  We stocked up for the weekend.

By Faith, Love and Ladybugs

By Faith, Love and Ladybugs

Also spotted at the market were garden decor handcrafted by “Faith, Love and Ladybugs” – all upcycled, instead of recycled.  These plant tags and tea cup items were adorable.  To see more, visit this creators pages on Facebook and Etsy.com.  Part of going to the market is participating in helping those with dreams achieve them.  This young lady’s creations were all well made and perfect for the gardens.  I regret not getting some of those cute gnomes plant markers now, but I can return to get them next time.

Faith, Love and Ladybugs upcycled for home and garden

Faith, Love and Ladybugs upcycled for home and garden

When we got home, we were excited to have fresh cheeses, eggs, french bread, fish, and mushrooms, a big healthy bunch of romaine lettuce, two kinds of cherry tomatoes, and more to share later that evening.  And on Sunday, we used the fresh strawberries in pancakes, and the night before I popped a few into champagne.  Yumm again.  All the while, you feel like you are eating healthy – because you are!

Pancakes next day with fresh strawberries and eggs from the market

Pancakes next day with fresh strawberries and eggs from the market

As I said earlier, we are lucky to have these wonderful farmers markets in our surrounding towns.  In fact, in two weeks, East Windsor will be featuring their farmers market open house on June 30th, Sunday, where I will be there along with my brother’s band, called the BACKTRAX Band.  Come by for a visit, on Rt 140 in-front of Joe’s Fine Wine and Spirits and the Golden Gavel Auction buildings – summer will be over before you know – now is your chance to get and support our Local Farm Fresh Food.  Drag your family along like I did – you won’t regret it.

Steve gets fresh romaine from the market

Steve gets fresh romaine from the market

The Ellington Farmers Market is held in the perfect location, in the center of town at Arbor Park.  It set up in a circle so you can make your rounds literally starting at one end of the circle and going all the way around back to your starting point.  The market master, Dianne Trueb, is quite impressive.  She and her farmers market organization have even created a downloadable app for the market where you can get automatic updates of  their scheduled offerings, and can join their loyalty programs.

Various cheese makers offerings, go see Margaret!

Various cheese makers offerings, go see Margaret!

By the way, I highly recommend the Feta Pesto made fresh with basil, pasteurized sheep’s milk feta, extra virgin olive oil, and pine nuts, garlic – oh yumm – spread it on the french bread.  Also, the Chevre cheese with balsamic and oil is yummy.  Margaret and her daughter host a booth showcasing freshly made cheeses by three different cheese makers, Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm, The Butterfield Farm Company, and Hastings Farm.  How nice it is to have these amazing cheeses specially delivered to the market for our access and enjoyment.

The Fish Market sides

The Fish Market sides

And “Norm’s Best” marinated mushrooms are outstanding, don’t miss those.  They got gobbled up quickly Saturday evening when we were home enjoying all the goodness of fresh.  And “The Fish Market” has a wonderful selection, we got fresh fish and cooked them up on the grill with the fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic and herbs.  It was just perfect.

Cathy Testa
Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
containercathy@gmail.com
(860) 977-9473 cell

Where can I find some Heirloom seeds in Connecticut?

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Comstock, Ferre & Co.

Comstock, Ferre & Co.

If you are looking for a good mix of seeds from the common to the unusual, heirloom plants, gardening supplies, farming antiques, and participating in a bit of history, then Comstock, Ferre & Co. in Wethersfield, Connecticut is the place for you!

Last Sunday, they held an Heirloom Festival in celebration of 202 years of Comstock service to CT.  They had nationally acclaimed horticultural speakers, musical entertainment, vendors, plants, and handcrafted products – and of course, lots and lots of seeds.

In fact, the seed stock is probably one of the coolest things about this place.  Tall wooden shelves line the interior building showcasing rows with a wonderful assortment of seeds in beautiful seed packets.  Even if you are not into growing from seed, looking at all the colorful labels is fun.  And most of the seeds are heirlooms.

Comstock is big on heirlooms, and they offer documentation and books to explain all and why they find them beneficial.  As one of their handouts states, “Heirloom varieties are often the product of many generations of careful selection by farmers and gardeners who knew what they wanted from their plants.  If a variety has been carefully nurtured and its seed kept by generations of a family or in a small geographic area, it stands to reason that it must perform well in the conditions under which it has been preserved.”

My definition of heirloom is summed up by my Dad’s tomatoes.  I swear they are the best, and he saves the seeds every year to regrow the product he carefully selected.  It pretty much has been unchanged, and unmodified by genetics, which is another big topic of discussion and awareness at Comstock, the whole GMO concerns.  I won’t go into that whole world which is really getting mega attention these days, but lets just say if you want to be educated on Heirloom benefits versus GMO’s – Comstock is one place that will do so for you.

Choral sings at Comstock

Choral sings at Comstock

During this festival day at Comstock, my sister, Louise, was sporting a GMO free shirt as she conducted her chorale group of students from the Silas Deane Middle School.

Louise just loves Comstock and their offerings, and I keep telling her she reminds me of a Master Gardener.  She is tending to her garden of veggies daily and continues to expand her collection of plants and knowledge.  I’m starting to ask her questions now on veggies – she is so passionate about it.

Comstock is located in a historial section of Wethersfield, CT at 263 Main Street.  When you arrive, you will find street only parking, and a couple of nearby quaint shops, and even ice cream just a few short steps down the side walk.

The building is very old and you get the feeling you are entering a bit of history as you walk around checking out the antiques upstairs and downstairs.

The greenhouse is stocked with starter plants – lots of tomatoes, and other veggies.  And you can pick up some handmade birdhouses or other gardening decor, weeding tools, and trellis.  They have an interesting mix of items for sale.

Steve, my husband, purchased a birdhouse, and when we got home to read the documentation provided about its creator, it turned out he is from our home town of Broad Brook, CT.  Small world.  He made them from salvaged barn board from Windsorville, CT tobacco barns and roof slates.

Stock of Seeds

Stock of Seeds

After we listened to the young group of singers with wonderful voices, we shopped around the rest of the vendors at the festival, and I picked up one packet of seeds – Castor Beans.  Yup castor beans. I love big foliage plants and this one is on my list to try.  It has reddish bronze leaves (Gibsonii variety), and stunning scarlet seed heads.  It looks tropical and gets very tall, but only one word of caution, all parts including the seeds are poisonous.  However, it was a must-have for me.

Reference Materials

Reference Materials

We couldn’t stay long that morning due to other obligations, but it is a place I will revisit – especially useful early in the season to pick up your seeds for the garden.  Comstock, Ferre & Co. has been selling heirloom seeds for over 200 years.  Let’s help them to add another 100 to their record.

Lots of various old scales at the store.

Lots of various old scales at the store.

Cathy Testa
Container Crazy Cathy T
containercathy@gmail.com
860-977-9473

Comstock, Ferre & Co. Greenhouse

Comstock, Ferre & Co. Greenhouse

Capturing the Beauty of Flowers – Second Class Offering

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On May 29th, Wednesday, I will be offering the “Capturing the Beauty of Flowers” class again to accommodate an after work hours schedule for those requesting to attend an evening session.  Click on CLASSES on this blog, or here to read the details:

Capturing the Beauty of Flowers Class Flyer II

It will be held (rain or sine) at The Garden Barn Nursery & Landscape on 228 West Street in Vernon, CT.

To sign up Today, email Cathy Testa at containercathy@gmail.com, or call (860) 977-9473.

And P.S. We have a frost advisory in effect for tonight’s low temps.  Cover those tender plants if you planted them outside and bring in your hanging baskets this evening.  Protect your plants.  The good news is we have sunny weather predicted otherwise.

Cathy Testa
Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
(860) 977-9473 cell
containercathy@gmail.com