Admire A Garden Growing

Have you ever pulled off the road in order to photograph something? I couldn't resist this huge garden in the sunlight. There is a thriving business (farm, cafe, bakery) called 9 Bean Rows on the Leelanau peninsula. This is their farm and if bounty like this doesn't entice you to buy their produce, I don't know what will. Beautiful rows of rich soil and healthy green plants. 

Sometimes you need to stop and make the perishable permanent with a photograph. That is delight.

#momentsofdelight #photography #leelanaupeninsula #garden #vegetablegarden  

Floral Storytelling: Let Reinhardt Blooms Craft An Unforgettable Floral Story

Pinch me. Katie Wachowiak of Reinhardt Blooms, gave me a private tour of her family's flower farm. Can you think of anything more wonderful? Rows and rows of my heart's delight.

(zinnias)

I tried to be respectful of the time, talent and toll that farming can take on a person during the summer months.  I can't imagine the hours required to tend 30 acres of Michigan farmland, knowing that Katie and her parents grow over 100 different varieties that they provide to florists and farmers markets, as well as creating custom arrangements through their floral design service. I envy the beauty they have at their fingertips each day.

(My version of Where Women Create - this is an inspiring wall inside

 Katie's Floral Design Studio.)

(snapdragons)

It was my new friend, Karen, that led me to Reinhardt Blooms. Remember when I was driving up north and got caught in a tornado? It was in the basement of Karen's house that she showed me photos of her friend's floral bouquets. Katie's formal floral arrangements were worthy of being painted by the Dutch masters and I asked Karen to tell her I said so.

Fast forward to another trip past Kawkawlin on my way home from the cottage a few weeks ago, when Karen had arranged for me to meet Katie and see Reinhardt Blooms. The photos and arrangements are Katie's, so I insist you click over to her webpage and see some of her work. This is Floral Storytelling at its best.

(cosmos)

I know that Reinhardt Blooms designs for clients all over Southeastern Michigan, so please don't hesitate to contact Katie for a consultation. I've seen many photos of her arrangements and love everything that she does.

In other happy news, during the summer months, Reinhardt Blooms sells at the Port Austin, Rochester, Royal Oak, and Birmingham farmers markets on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. I can't wait to visit Katie at the Birmingham farmers market on Sundays and buy armloads of flowers from her.

Meet me there?

Round Hay Bales

Every year from May-September, I am "on the road" a lot driving between metro Detroit and the cottage.  It takes 5 hours to cross our great state and get "up north."  I actually love the drive - the scenery is beautiful and it is a wonderful time for uninterrupted conversations.

When I was young, seeing small rectangular hay bales on Michigan farms was the norm.  Then in my twenties, I started seeing the occasional round hay bale and I fell for their smooth, tight shape.  As we drove up north, I would keep my eye out and it would feel like a bonus if I noticed one.

Nowadays, I see round hale bales everywhere.  The old farm equipment must have worn out and the farms must have opted for the newer shape.  I love it, of course, and am still happy when I see a stack.  I pulled onto the shoulder to take this beautiful farm scene.  I hope you can feel the breeze and smell the freshly cut hay.

Blue October

It was a bright and chilly October day in Michigan. Perfect for a Fall Family Fair!

We were invited to spend the afternoon drinking cider, taking hayrides and enjoying the camaraderie of friends and co-workers on a gorgeous Fall day in Plymouth.

It was the perfect way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon, don't you think?

My favorite part? Cotton candy!

Fall is here and the activities have begun. Next weekend...tailgating before the football game!

Chicken Coop

I was at a party this Summer talking about the weather, the garden, the usual, when a woman I had just met mentioned chickens! She had decided to keep chickens for the Summer and enjoy the process of tending them (as well as enjoy the bounty of fresh eggs). How cool!

She ordered them out of a catalog and they come to our tiny town through the US Mail Service. She said, "The post office called the house and said 'Your chickens are here!'"

When she invited my Mom and me to come over to "see the chickens," we jumped at the chance. She had the perfect hen house (that her husband and son designed and built together), a chicken coop and 6 happy chickens. It was as neat as a pin and simply fascinating.

We talked and talked. We thumbed through the chicken catalog (who knew?) and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other. Thanks, Maureen, for a really fun morning!