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

The first honeysuckle bloom in Hoo Wood.

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Love the scent of Honeysuckle, thank you Wilden Marsh for posting beautiful nature photos.

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Love the scent of Honeysuckle, thank you Wilden Marsh for posting beautiful nature photos.

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For a mystical and eclectic plant mix, visit Logee’s in Danielson, CT

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Logee's Growers, Danielson, CT

Logee’s Growers, Danielson, CT

When you enter Logee’s greenhouses in Danielson, CT you may want to make sure you do not suffer from claustrophobia because there is a jungle like atmosphere in this grower’s world unlike the traditional environment of a nursery.

As you enter the first greenhouse down some rickety old steps, you have to decide, do I go left or right?  And depending on what you see down the narrow corridor between plants, you may opt to take a detour.

The aisles are so lush with plantings on all sides and vines are dripping from the greenhouse ceilings above, only one person can pass through at a time.  You sometimes have to take the “high road” as one employee called it by stepping up to a side connecting pathway to allow other plant enthusiasts to pass by.

In my case, a group of very gabby women were coming towards my direction up the pathway, so I took the high road and stepped up to wait for them to go by in single file. They noticed I was admiring a papaya plant, and one lady (apparently the leader of this group) commented the plant has healing powers, where you can take the plants’ leaves and wrap them around your legs to sooth wounds, or something like that.  She had a bit of an accent so I wasn’t sure what exactly she said, but it was obvious her group was super charged about the abundant offerings of fruiting and fragrant tropical plants at this unique plant destination.  And I was too, I couldn’t wait to adventure more.

Logee's Greenhouse

Logee’s Greenhouse

I put the papaya plant back down, and contemplated returning to look at it again later, knowing I would have to browse the entire greenhouse and adjacent house before I would decided on the plants to take home.  And it would be a tough decision.  Logee’s has a large selection of many interesting plants.  And you have to look carefully – as in “up, down, and all around” to make sure you don’t miss something intriguing, plus walking in there can be a little tricky.  Let’s just say, it is not for the dainty feet, for there are some water spots and ruts along the way, all representing the 121 years of service this location has offered for the plant hobbyists falling into the ‘untamed’ category.

Dripping from the Ceilings

Dripping from the Ceilings

The greenhouses are permanent homes to many large, mature plants growing in and around the shelves of smaller, starter plants for sale.  The mature plants growing there reminds me of plants you see in conservatories, and they give you a sense of what is to come should you buy and grow a plant available at Logee’s. For example, a Golden Trumpet with rich, dark green leaves covered one area of the ceiling and was in full bloom.  There were also Clematis, Bougainvillea, Pink Power Puff, and Chinese Lantern plants suspended all around – plus many more.

Allamanda cathartica in bloom

Allamanda cathartica in bloom

You can feel, smell, see, and sense the history of this long-standing establishment, and the mix of plants – at least to me – represent the mix of the plant passions behind their offerings by a family with apparently as much diversity as their selections at Logee’s. As a large poster will tell you in the check out area, the founder’s son had a passion for begonias, his daughter for herbs and scented geraniums and her son’s passion for fragrant tropicals and fruiting container plants expanded Logee’s world into the full jungle it is today.

Bowiea volubilis

Bowiea volubilis

A comical sight to me was a big Climbing Onion situated right next to an old telephone. The plants here intermingle with the walls, equipment, and surroundings so much, it almost has an eerie feeling to it – as if the place has horticultural ghosts from the past wandering in the spaces and structure’s crevasses. If you are fortunate enough (or unfortunate depending how you look at it) to be alone in the greenhouse, you may get spooked by one of them tapping on your shoulder, but as you turn around, it will be disguised as a vine brushing up against you.  Funny how they can reach out that way.

“There is something mystical about Logee’s. The mix of plants is as eclectic as the diversity of personalities I’m sure grew this place into a destination worth visiting.”

Photo by Cathy Testa

Photo by Cathy Testa

Not only has Logee’s experienced diversity from a chain of generations, it survived a hurricane, blizzard, and energy crisis.  When I read the place was once heated with 50 cord of wood, I said, “wow” out loud.  But somehow, I imagined how enjoyable that may be for a plant lover, perhaps for the short term.  The buildings and plants housed within Logee’s have survived it all.  They have a lemon tree there, a showcase of the facility, at the ripe age of 113.  It’s been there almost as long as the business of 121 years.  I took a picture of the massive tree and its big green lemons, but decided to not post it here – I didn’t want to give away all the treasures – for you should make the trek out there sometime if you haven’t done so already.  This place has lasted a long time – one has to wonder – how many more years will we get to enjoy it?  I’m sure the plants in there will last longer than some of us.

Logee’s is located at 141 North Street, Danielson, CT.  Their website is www.logees.com where you can easily view their plant availability and more information, but going out to the grower’s location is something worth doing.  An adjacent rural town is Pomfret which has some local artisans and quaint shops to visit along the way.  Stop for some good food at “Pizza 101” at 16A Mashamoquet Road, Pomfret Center before or after your trip.  They have great sandwiches, grinders, salads, and yes, pizza there. Make a day trip of it because it is a long drive from at least my location – and perhaps your’s but the country roads are enjoyable if you have the time.

My first papaya plant, 'Red Lady'

My first papaya plant, ‘Red Lady’

And yes, I did buy that papaya plant I first saw when I arrived at Logee’s.  The funny part about this ending is the very nice young lady at the register offered a couple Logee’s magazines to me.  I grabbed three.  As I sat down eating my lunch after this trip, the 2013 issue shows a Babaco Papaya (Vasconceliea x heilbornii) as their featured plant on their latest catalog cover.  It is described as a superb, fruiting container plant that tolerates cool weather much better than the standard papaya.  As the owners Byron Martin and Laurelynn Martin further write on the inside cover, “You can grow this delicious fruit even if you’re a northern gardener.”  So I got a papaya, and they featured a papaya – not exactly the same cultivar, but its ironic, isn’t it?  I ended up with a papaya – to add to my fruiting collection this year. The one that lady told me had healing powers.

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

Can u guess what this is?

Can u guess what this is?

Can you guess what this plant is at Logee’s?  A Pomegranate!  (Oh and I bought a Megaskepasma erythrochlamys,…I got to go research that mouth full.  The photo of the bloom attracted me to it.)

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

Evening Dandelion Seed-head.

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So pretty when looked at this way versus as a problem in the lawn, CathyT

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So pretty when looked at this way versus as a problem in the lawn, CathyT

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A Nursery in the Country has a Big Draw

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Decor ideas at Meadow View Farms in Southwick, MA

Decor ideas at Meadow View Farms in Southwick, MA

As I mentioned earlier this year, I am making a commitment to visit nurseries this season.  I kind of miss walking a nursery and enjoying it just for me.  As a person in the bz, many times shopping is about the customer, which is also fun – but it was some ‘me’ time.

So today’s post is about Meadow View Farms in Southwick, Massachusettes.  My sister enjoys going to this place and took me there last year, and I remembered liking their herbs and veggies section so my goal was to pick up some of those.

When I arrived to the nursery, there were so many cars and people, I couldn’t believe my eyes – on a Wednesday!  It was a challenge finding an available parking space, especially with my big truck.  When I backed it into the spot, a woman applauded saying she was impressed, and I responded, “Yes, I had people and carts moving around me as I was trying to make it in there.”

As soon as I put the truck into park, a familiar face walked up – a friend by the name of Brian.  I met him at a bar – not what you think – he’s the bartender – and he showed me a book of his garden photos. He is an impressive gardener and has a beautiful greenhouse, so we just started talking plants as my husband sipped his cold brew that day we met.  Brian has a great personality and walked up with a big smile on his face.

Spanish bluebell

Spanish bluebell

Brian told me he went to several nurseries in search of a plant he saw in the gardens at Meadow View and later discovered he was calling it by the wrong plant name!  So that was a chuckle – especially because he knows plants.

“So show me which plant,” I said.

We walked over to a display area, and there it was –  beautiful blue flowers on sturdy little stems above strap like leaves.

“I don’t know off the top of my head but it is a bulb type plant,” I told Brian.  It looks familiar.

Brian thought it looked a bit like the perennial, Campanula.  “Yes, it does,” I responded.

Of course, of all the plants in the garden displays, this one was not labeled (nor was it for sale at this nursery – at least not on this shopping day).  But a staff person was quick to identify it for us.  However, before we found her, I grabbed my iPhone and said, I’ll just take a photo and post the question on Facebook: “Who knows the name of this plant?”

Garden displays

Garden displays

It took literally seconds to get the name, and comments from gardening friends growing this plant in their gardens.  By the way, after coming home, and looking it up, it is called Hyacinthoides hispanica (Spanish bluebell). It was formerly called Scilla campanulata (there you go Brian!), or Scilla hispanica.  This plant blooms from April to May, and goes dormant in summer.  And it grows well under trees, which is where it was located and repeated in the Meadow View display garden.

My cart filled

My cart filled

After a quick discussion with Brian on more plants, off he went – and so did I to the veggies section.  I already bought some herbs but I wanted more, and so I looked around, then I spotted a lemon tree.  Ironically, at the last two garden centers I visited, the “male” staff both told me they like lemon trees after we talked about plants like fig trees.  Guys like lemons, I thought.

So spotting one here, I decided I want one too, and to see a variegated form sitting there along side other healthy lemon tree plants, I thought – this is it.  On the cart you go, and the other was for a friend who found my idea of a lemon tree interesting – because lemons with summer cocktails is a good thing. So I texted her the price, and she said yes – get it for me.

The variegated one for me is actually a pink lemon everbearing variety.  These can be placed in the basement to go dormant from what I was told, or even in the garage over the winter.  It appears my theme this year for my container gardens is falling into the herb, fruit, and veggie category because I picked up a pineapple plant and fig tree recently too.  Hope all bear fruit.

Meadow View Farms in Southwick, MA has some nice small display gardens where you can view plants they have for sale.  They also put containers in various places and decor like wagon wheels as trellises for vine plants.  They have a little sitting cafe area, which I didn’t go into to, but I believe they offer water and coffee there.  And they do not have bathrooms, but outhouses which will do for any excited gardener shopping too long requiring a p-break.

They are stocked with great looking perennials, lots of big hanging baskets, annuals, and great veggies and herbs, with shrubs and vine plants too.  I didn’t notice any trees, and the facility is mostly an outdoor place.  There was no “garden decor” for sale, but lots and lots of plants with many enthusiastic shoppers.  A place where you can easily strike up a conversation with a fellow gardener – many would stop to ask about something in my cart, and then comments flourished from there.  My new lemon tree was a hot topic.

A stunning peony in the garden displays

A stunning peony in the garden displays

And it is very important to know – they do not take credit cards.  So go there with cash or a check with license in hand.  One would be very disappointed indeed if they made the travel there only to discover you can’t use a credit card – especially if you didn’t know while you waiting in the checkout line.  It was at least 12-15 people long at times, but moved very quickly because they have a line of registers with very competent and fast moving staff.

But one guy behind me was just a bit too excited.  As I waited in line, I spotted a bougainvillea plant and passion flower in hangers to my left.  I wondered how much they were, so I quickly ran over looking for the price tag.  Would you believe, he banged the back of my cart as the people in-front of me started moving forward to cash out.  Guess I forgive him for being so impatient cause he had some huge hanging baskets on his cart – I think he just couldn’t wait to get them home.

Cash out line - moves quickly

Cash out line – moves quickly

Meadow View may be out in the country, and a bit of a drive for some folks, but this place has a big draw.  My friend, Brian, told me it is “always like this” when I commented on how busy it was for a week day.  I filled my cart with other plants, checked out, and enjoyed the sandwich I was glad I packed in my truck for lunch.  And off I went anxiously to pot up my new lemon tree for my deck.

By the way, for you locals here thinking about going, I went through Suffield, CT and took Rt 168 for about 8 miles, past Lake Congamond.  It is a beautiful country road, so I enjoyed the ride very much – and thought about how I have to go to that lake for kayaking some day soon too.

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

Trucks constantly deliver restocks from the greenhouses to the retail area

Trucks constantly deliver restocks from the greenhouses to the retail area