Busy days-

Wow- the end of the year seems like so long ago,and it's been forever since I've posted. I apologize! Happy Spring!! We've been so busy - getting ready for the opening of the store,greenhouses growing, bridal shows, photo shoots... I have to stop and take a breath!

The farm is almost in full swing. We've filled most of our  greenhouse space and have lots of beautiful hanging baskets getting ready for all you moms out there! CSA shares are filling up quickly, but we still have room and we can't wait to meet all our new members. I think  we're going to have an outstanding season!! - and we're booking lots of weddings for 2011.

The farmstand will open on April 22nd!! Mark your calendars for pansies, shrubs, perennials, and lots of other goodies!! We'll have fresh eggs, Collinsville bread, and all the other great local products we carried last year, and then some. We can't wait to see everyone!

Did you see our images from our photo shoot at the UCONN Alumni Center? It's really a great place for an event- especially if you love our basketball teams! ( They're awesome!!)The museum is a unique space with great lighting. ( I have to admit that I hold it close to my heart since I am alumni.) One of my favorite pics follows- thanks to Strawberry Road Creative for the beautiful pic. Dave is fantastic- definitely check out his site if you're looking for a photographer.

Then we were down at the Crocker House in New London, again with ESTOccasions, who put on a great bridal show. Thanks to Kia and her ladies! What a beautiful venue, so much character, and fantastic wooden doors! One of those odd architechtural details that caught my eye. This show was so packed with fantastic vendors!! The Beauty Bar will make you beautiful, Amber from Honeysuckle Pictures has got to be one of the most fun photographers I have ever met, and of course, the ladies at ESTOccasions will take care of everything for your special day so you have no stress- how much better can it get?

Some pictures from our photo shoot- enjoy!!

aren't they gorgeous?

and the greenhouses are chock full of perennials, beautiful hanging baskets, and herbs of all kinds.

While we wait for Spring to really come- stay warm and remember, it will be here soon!!

A toast to 2011!!

Wishing everyone the best year ever and hoping 2011 is a year of love, health and happiness. Have a wonderful and blessed new year!

Jill & Craigs Wave Hill wedding

photo by Windham Gardens

Check out the photos of Jill & Craig , married at Wave Hill Botanical Garden - NYC!! Thanks to the talented Cappy Hotchkiss for sharing the images!

Cappy Hotchkiss Photography Blog

The CT Bridal Event - UCONN Alumni Center

I've finally gotten pictures up from the Fall CT Bridal Event!!! It was great to see so many talented vendors again, as well as have the opportunity to make some new friends. Thanks to Kia and her fabulous crew at ESTOccassions for hosting this great event!

Happy Memorial Day!!

Hoping everyone had a safe and happy holiday and sending out a huge thank you to all the men and women serving our country!!

Artichokes!!!

I'm so excited to be growing artichokes this year!! I've been babying them from seed in the greenhouse since February, and finally they are ready for transplant!

Vegetables are such a fun addition to arrangements, and I love artichokes. Garlic and leeks are also fun, but for Summer, they are my veggie of choice. We will have both green and purple available and I'm dying to see how they come out. You never can tell when growing something new, but I have a good feeling about this one.

Check back to see our progress!!

May Flower of the month~

Okay- I'm more than a bit overdue with my favorites, but here is one that I just can't get enough of...

Bells of Ireland
Molucella laevis

Molucella - also known as "Bells of Ireland" - is a wonderfully versatile flower, used widely throughout the flower industry. While retaining a distinctly rustic charm, echoing the traditional lines of the foxglove, it also gives an eclectic modern edge to many flower combinations; it also looks fantastic on its own, just 6-7 stems standing tall in a stylish glass vase. The marvelous lime green bells of the flower calyx make this a great one for arranging!

Whether molucella is actually a flower or variety of foliage is often open to debate. In fact, molucella is a member of the mint family and has a unique perfume all of its own. Bells of Ireland originally came from Syria and the eastern Mediterranean; a hardy annual with flowers that never fail to impress, blooms which are the most exquisite shade of lime green.

The so-called "bells" - actually the calyx - can be found along the length of the stem, which often reaches a height of 2ft, possibly more. Each of the bells conceals the flowers protection mechanism; a series of small, white spikes which are surprisingly sharp. These are generally removed before getting to the retail level, but you should beware just in case!!

It is best to keep molucella cool, with a good supply of fresh water. from direct sunlight, A cool window ledge which receives lots of natural light but only minimal direct sun is the perfect spot for a bouquet.

Since Victorian times, Bells of Ireland have been considered a symbol of good luck - the perfect flower to send to someone starting a new job, or moving to a new home.

Available from your local florist year round, these are really an awesome flower!!