One of my favorite early summer rituals is a visit to Bell’s Nursery. The smell of earth and greenery when you walk in the door is just so vital, a blissful and invigorating breath of living things.
I love wandering through row after tightly packed row of flowers, hanging baskets beckoning me onward, literally stopping to smell the roses, until I reach the back where gigantic flowering trees stand. I always wonder about those trees – who buys them? Do they live inside or outside? How long does it take for them to get that size, and what ARE they? They look like bleeding hearts, so are they actually trees? So many questions!
Bell’s grows about 80% of their plants in the nursery, and you can order hanging baskets in the fall to pick up in the spring. Or, you can just browse and impulse buy when you see baskets you like! Bell’s also grows hydroponic tomatoes and sells them at Carrs.
I always wish that someone would throw a fabulous dinner party (and invite me, of course!) in the middle of the nursery at this time of year. Can you imagine how beautiful it would be? Add some twinkle lights, bubbly drinks, a bit of music – it would be a night to remember forever!
Although it’s not quite party I’m envisioning, I’ve heard it’s pretty fun: Reidel wine tastings at Bell’s. My parents have been a couple of times and really enjoyed themselves. What’s not to like – drink some yummy wine, leave with pretty new wine glasses!
I didn’t buy anything during my visit to Bell’s – being a condo dweller, my gardening options are limited. I might have to do a small pot or two though, since I’ve recently proven to myself that I can keep plants alive. Especially if they are particularly hardy and can go for long periods without water… I try not to set myself up for failure when it comes to gardening!
Now if only the lilacs would hurry up and bloom (and the sunshine sticks around!) summer would be perfect. I can’t believe that a week and a half ago we were wearing down jackets and brushing snow from our cars!
Have you picked out your flowers for this summer? What kinds did you choose?
