Going Local-Burton Family Farms

 

Saturday was absolutely dreary,

but the bright spot in my day

was when sister came for a visit.

I gave her a tour of the homestead to get her up to speed

on all of the recent changes.

Then we headed into town to do a bit of browsing.

 

 

I'm not much of a shopper,

but anytime I get to spend with her is precious.

We paid a visit to Burton Farms General Store,

which is a family-owned business that carries lots of things to love.

If you'd like to learn more, here's their website.

 

There are quite a variety of foods to choose from,

everything from apples to zucchini and more.

The shelves are lined with locally made jams, preserves, and pickled items

as well as bulk beans, local honey and gifts galore.

 

Whenever possible, Burton's supports local farmers.

The strawberries were one of the most popular items when we were there.

 

There is someone giving out free samples,

which is always a hit with shoppers.

 

Along with all the delicious goodies of which to partake,

there might be something your garden is missing.

Potted plants, flats of seedlings and yard art

are some of the items featured at the shop.

 

Even on the dreariest of days,

it is a fun place to amble through.

Give yourself plenty of time to peruse the offerings

and you may find your spirits just a bit cheerier.

 Although we haven't been venturing far over the last year,

it felt good to be able to get out there and enjoy some bff time.

We still have a ways to go, 

but we are getting closer to having more getaways.

Any time spent with sister is time well spent.

 

 

 

Going Local-Dearness Gardens

How's spring treating you?
We've had lovely clear days and cool nights.
A Piedmont gardener couldn't ask for anything better!

We have an addition to our "Going Local" series today,
where we feature nearby attractions and events.

A trip recently to Dearness Gardens was a delightful way
to spend a few hours with friends.

From their website:
"Established in 1995, Dearness Gardens occupies 3 acres on a rustic 1920s farmstead in the heart of downtown Huntersville.  There’s a little something special for everyone who visits us, so plan to spend some time exploring the lush display gardens, stone paths, and soothing water features.  We want your visit to be relaxing,  pleasurable, and memorable–the ultimate shopping experience!"

I'd been hearing about this local nursery for a while,
and was so happy to have time to stroll the grounds.
 It was pretty much a 
droolfest. 

In fact, this will be a post of few words,
because the pictures speak for themselves.

 The selection of plant varieties is massive.
There were things we found here
that we'd never seen before.
This statement crossed our lips over and over.

Dearness also provides assistance with
professional consultation, design, and installation
to create the garden of your dreams.

 Fairy gardens are all the rage right now,
and a fabulous way to get kids interested in gardening.
Dearness has a section devoted to this pursuit,
with miniature  everything 
to keep your fairies (and fairy-lovers) happy.

Pollinator-friendly species were prevelent
and it was obvious by the buzzing around us
that they had found 
their 
                 happy 
                                   place.

bee house

I was able to pick up a few varieties
for the butterfly garden I'll soon be installing.
This lantana is one of the best at attracting butterflies.

 There is also a considerable assortment of pottery,
yard art and ceramic pots available for purchase.
Aren't these owls a hoot?
(Yeah, I went there.)

Isn't this little tree amazing?
Have you ever seen anything like it?
See what I mean?
If you are looking for unique plants or garden furnishings,
you've gotta check this place out!
You know there has to be a gardener on your gift list 
who has every type of plant imaginable.
I'll bet you could find something different here.

What an alluring spot for bees, butterflies,
toads and tadpoles.
Humans might enjoy it too!
Numerous water features abound on the 3-acre property,
so you're sure to find something you can't live without.

 Just when you think your senses could be delighted no more,

 you find something that takes you completely by surprise!

Something as simple as a bundle of bright-n-bouncy blooms
provokes a profusion of ideas for plans in the home garden.

Spring is the perfect time to visit Dearness.

You can find them in Huntersville at
 13501 South Old Statesville Road 
Huntersville, NC 28078
 phone 704-875-8234
(Or click on the initial link for more information.)

Just plan to stay a while.
And be joy-full.
And bring your checkbook.
You won't be sorry.

 Going Local Series:
Mike's Growers Outlet
The Mundy House
Memory Lane Museum
Renfrow Hardware 
Mount Holly Farmers' Market

Garden Friday & Going Local Series

Welcome to Garden Friday!

We're taking a field trip today to  

Mike's Growers Outlet 

just outside of Denver, NC.

 Mike's has been in business for over 10 years

and carries just about everything a gardener could need.

 Don't let this modest building fool you,

Mike's has an expansive selection of plants, tools 

and whatever else you might need to make your gardening dreams come true!

 Just the collection of shrubs and trees alone is shocking.

It was wonderful to stroll through the display

and read about the different varieties on the tags.

A pink dogwood is on my list and they have it,

so I need to get busy with my garden design to make room for it.

 All of the trees looked so healthy and well-cared for.

Here's a Japanese maple, which seems to be quite popular these days.

Inside the greenhouse were more plants than I could count!

Everything from ferns,

 to this unusual black liriope,

to racks and racks of assorted tomato varieties.

They carry other veggies and herbs for your garden as well.

 One of the things I liked best about Mike's,

was that they had a great selection of smaller pots.

I tend to buy the smaller pots so that I can purchase more plants.

 There is a good supply of butterfly-friendly plants.

One of my upcoming projects is putting in a butterfly garden

near our mailbox.

I bought a few things to get it started.

Milkweed is a staple of butterfly gardens,

as it is the host plant for Monarch butterflies,

so I'll have to make sure we have plenty.

 So many colors and textures,

I wanted to bring home one of each.

 So many plants, so little garden space...

 This beauty stunned me.

I'm hoping to add some house plants to the homestead.

They clean the air and add a bit of life to the indoors.

I think I may have to go back and pick one of these up.

'Cause you know I'll be back!

Go ahead and pay Mike's a visit 

and see what you can't live without.

Tell 'em daisy sent ya!

Mike's Growers Outlet

1485 S Highway 16
Stanley, North Carolina 28164

(704) 827-5980

Open 7 days a week!