John and I are just thrilled at our customer's response to our new way of doing business this spring. First, it's great to hear from so many of our longtime, loyal customers. It's especially reassuring this year to hear that folks are doing well.

The one thing we hear over and over is that our customers are happy that we are selling plants and that they can still get their favorite herbs and old-fashioned ornamental plants. With people being at home more, everyone is hard at work on their yards. Just think of all the color, fragrance and flavor you'll be able to enjoy from your efforts.

We've been including a "surprise" plant with each order as a small thank you. I carefully consider each choice. I hope you'll be introduced to a new plant that may become a favorite!

We're two weeks into our new mode of spring selling and we certainly appreciate everyone who has called and inquired about our spring season. Our customers have been very understanding and supportive. We realize it's not the ideal way to shop for plants. It's more fun to stroll through the greenhouse and see new and exciting plants.

But rest assured, when we pull plants for your order, we pick the best plants and groom them so they look their best for you. If you have any questions or need suggestions on plants, please ask when you call. (717) 492-9248. If John can't answer your question, I probably can!

Next weekend is Mother's Day, which is generally our last frost date. So annuals can be safely put out then. I've gotten many questions this week on basil. Basil likes heat - it likes soil temperatures to be warmed up sufficiently and nighttime temperatures consistently in the 50s. I usually wait until closer to Memorial Day to plant basil in the ground.

2020 Price List

Our prices are the same as last year. Our plants are in 4 inch pots.

Bay Laurel  $6.99
Scented Geraniums  $3.75
Vegetables  $2.49
(Heirloom tomatoes and pepper plants)
All other herbs and flowers  $2.99

We have a few 'Munstead' lavenders in 6 inch pots that are $6.99.

Thanks to everyone who has called and inquired about our spring season. We are continuing to take phone orders, along with credit card payments and then arranging a time for you to pick up your order. Our customers are very understanding and we appreciate your patience and the extra time it may take to process your order. Our spring open house, scheduled for this weekend, will not be held this year.

Remember that our last frost date is about May 10. Many of our annuals are not sized up yet, but will be ready to go in a couple more weeks. Some businesses fill their space with plants that cannot be safely planted outside for several more weeks. We prefer to have our plants ready and looking good at the appropriate planting time.

You can click onto our 2019 plant list to see our offerings. The previous post includes descriptions of our new plants for 2020:

Newton basil
Vincenza blue lavender
Cupid's dart
Butterfly weed

Call us at (717) 492-9248 with your order or any questions you might have.

This is a spring like no other! Although the farm is closed, beginning Monday, April 20, we will take orders and credit card payments over the phone and arrange a time for you to pick up your order. We won't do any sales online, so please call the farm at (717) 492-9248. Please be patient - it's only John and I and this is a new layer added to the spring workload.

You can refer to our 2019 plant list found on the blog. It will be almost identical to this year's list, with these additions:

Butterfly weed - host plant for monarch caterpillars with an orange flower

Newton basil - disease resistant Genovese type

Vincenzo Blue lavender - compact, with dark purple flowers

Cupid's dart - perennial with blue flowers for drying

We hope to hear from you soon and urge everyone to stay safe!

Plant List 2019

Plant Lists for 2019

Or click on pictures to enlarge.

At this time of year, it might be winter one day and spring preview the next. I don't mind these smaller storms we're having, as they're easier to clean up. And  everything coated with snow can make a beautiful landscape.

When the snow melts, and I walk outside, I can catch tiny signs of spring. Just a bit of green at the base of catnip or comfrey. And although they're small, when witch hazel blooms like this in February,  it's quite a ahow.

And, inside, it's easy to see that spring is approaching. The basement is filling up with seedlings, and even when they're small, each plant's individual characteristics start to develop. Soon, I'll start potting plants in the greenhouse, and spring will be in full swing!