Girlfriends and Greenhouses

Growing up as a child, I never realized how important family traditions would become to me. When you are young, attending yearly family events was just something that you did. As I grow older, I realize how precious these traditions really are. Some traditions are started from the time you are born and others just seem to develop later in life. One such tradition that has developed later in my life and has become so special to me happens each year around this time---the week before Mother's Day. My Mom, my best friend Heidi, and I all meet at a wonderful local greenhouse called Kaelins Farm Market where we choose our flowers for the coming season together. Kaelins is a family run farm and one of my favorite places to visit. From the moment you walk into the door you feel welcome. I love that Mrs. Kaelin remembers me from year to year and is always so friendly and helpful. Not only is it a beautiful greenhouse but there is also a little luncheon kitchen where some of the yummiest of treats are cooked up. If I time it right, I am sometimes greeted with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked sweets. In the Fall there is nothing better than a freshly baked apple pie still hot right from the oven.

Their greenhouses are simply wonderful. I could get lost wandering from greenhouse to greenhouse just taking in all the beauty.

I usually plant in the same color palette reds, yellows, and blues but this year these wonderful pink dahlias changed my mind. I just had to have them.

After making our selections we load all our beautiful flowers into our cars and hurry home to plant. I love that this annual event has now become a special tradition. The memories of this day last forever. All summer long as I care for these beauties, I am reminded of the two very special people who share this day with me.