The Third Year You Reap!

There is a saying for perennials which I was taught many years back while working at "The Great Swamp Greenhouses". To this day, I have two great friends and teachers there, Julie Siciliano and Roseann Sodano. I have to thank them both for teaching me so much about plants and of course this saying that I have repeated over and over again to customers.

"The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap"

Although this is how many people would describe the growth habits of perennials, I prefer to say that the 'third year you reap' as in reaping the benefits of their habit!

As is the case with one of my all time favorite shade perennials that I have at least 10 of in my gardens.

Ligularia

While I have many varieties of this particular plant in my garden, my favorite is

"The Rocket". 



As you can see this particular variety has beautiful, yellow flowers that look as if they are shooting up from the middle of the plant.  They are long lasting flowers that does a beautiful job in contrast to its large, greenish, red leaf.  Even when its not in flower, the plant itself is magnificent, setting the stage to a grand show during mid-July through early September.

This particular Ligularia I planted exactly three years ago and while it has bloomed and prospered every year afterwards, I find this year it has doubled its size and flower production. Perhaps its the fact that they are positioned in the exact type of rich, moist soil that they love, or because it's enjoying a shady cover during hot, sunny days.

While in this 'third year', these beauties have reached 4' tall and by all accounts, in future years they will reach their ultimate height of 6' and I can't wait.

They are the perfect companion plant to my Bugbanes (Cimicifuga) which are about 5' at this point and enjoying the exact same needs of soil and light conditions. The Bugbanes are approximately three weeks away from giving their own grand display with a bonus of a beautiful fragrance indeed!

Indeed, there is something to be said about "reaping or leaping in the third year"!



Local Favorite Spotlight: Market Roost Fine Catering, Restaurant & Bakery - Flemington, NJ

Sunday is a great day to go out to breakfast with the family, wouldn't you agree? Now that my husband and I are off on Sundays we take a break from the normal 'To-Do' List and make it a morning to remember. Of course this is a follow up to our popular "Friday Date Night", however a great breakfast often starts the day off right.

Today, we brought our 20 year old daughter with us, which in itself is a great way to start the day! Where to go though?  Recently, I had a post on my "Tranquil Acres Facebook Page" where I asked my fans to give me some suggestions of great Hunterdon County eateries. Wow! The responses I received was great, and many mention "Market Roost Fine Catering, Restaurant & Bakery" in Flemington, NJ. I knew it was time for me to dust off my camera, grab my notebook and take the family to 65 Main Street in Flemington, NJ where we were graciously welcomed at Market Roost.

From the moment I walked in my senses had been teased by the colors, the cleanliness, the delicious smell of fresh brewing coffee, subtle, relaxing background music, let alone the smell of aromatic foods cooking in the kitchen.

We were welcomed by a lovely lady who told us about Market Roost. How is it that they've been in business for 30 years and I've never known about them? Shame on me.  While we were directed to the Sunday Brunch menu and the additions sheet which had an unbelievable amount of delicious omelet selections, we were also told that they would make any kind of egg speciality that we wanted! 

With all the selections that tempted our palate, there was no need for a plain Jane egg plate. No, instead, we opted for three delicious specials from the Sunday Brunch menu.

Eggs Benedict over a croissant with freshly made hollandaise sauce, asparagus & maple sugar cured ham

Fresh Pineapple Corn Fritters with a side of Vermont Maple Syrup and sausage

Kahlua French Toast, a thick sliced egg bread, egg dipped, pan cooked and clarified, unsalted butter, Vermont Maple Syrup & Toasted Almonds with bacon

(Is your mouth watering yet?)

While waiting for our breakfast I couldn't help but notice the gift ware for sale such as pictures, candles, baskets, etc.  A wonderful selection and set up which added to the eclectic atmosphere which made me want to look around more. While waiting we feasted on a very crisp and fresh fruit salad, which is served with brunch entrees as is toast where appropriate.

Our breakfasts were simply delicious. The ingredients tasted very fresh and delightful, flavors melding quite nicely as all three of us tried each others breakfast like our own little buffet!

Does the fact that I really wanted to lick my plate say anything? I found the urge to resist as I didn't want to embarrass my family in front of the many people that were coming in....

Market Roost is definitely a place that we will keep on our favorites list, although we will save this gem for special occasions.

Market Roost is much more than just a wonderful place to go for Sunday brunch, it's a fine caterer, a bakery and restaurant that serves brunch, lunch and afternoon fare.

Have I left you wanting more?

Market Roost Fine Catering, Restaurant & Bakery

Website: www.marketroost.com

65 Main Street - Flemington - NJ 08822

Phone: (908) 788-4949

Keep up with all the Market Roost activities by becoming a fan of their Facebook page!

Thank you Market Roost!  My family and I had a lovely brunch, the atmosphere was just what we were looking for as our conversations were wonderful as was our time together at your establishment!

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For the Love of Plants!

Just when did I fall in love with plants? When did gardening become less of a chore and more of a hobby? These are questions I often ask myself while building up a sweat working in my gardens.  Have you ever asked yourself these same questions?

When I was young I would watch my mother slave away in her gardens, slapping mosquitoes and wiping sweat off her brow only to think, "is she crazy?" Now, some 30 years later, I'm following in her footsteps!

Just like everything else though, gardening has come a long way with the surge of advanced technology. For example, my mother never ordered plants online as the word, "online" wasn't even a common word back then, but here in 2012 I order plants online by Serenata plants along with various other websites that offer exquisite, unusual varieties of plants that you can't find in your local garden centers.  When I first thought about ordering plants online I was fearful that I would be disappointed in their size, performance and health, but rest assured these stores that mail order plants take the finest care to make sure they arrive to your gardens in perfect planting shape.

Another resource that I have at my fingertips that my mother did not have is the ability to read about plant care, descriptions, and a host of other valuable information about plant material. Back in the day, my mother would read her gardening books, and today, I simply visit the web for all of my gardening how-to information. For example, one of my favorite resources is a website called ehow.

While all these resources make my passion for gardening easier, and provide for a world of different plants not readily available, one could argue the fact that both ages of gardening are equal. My mother's gardens produced enormous baskets of fresh vegetables and flowers that filled our rooms with delightful scents. While today in my gardens the vegetables and flowers are similar, except for maybe the scents as it seems that many plants have lost their ability to provide beautiful aromas. Is my garden any better than my mothers? Perhaps they are equal, but the resources are easier for sure.

What's your opinion?

Garden On!