Saturday, September 5, 2009

Friday Fall Finds

With every perfect blue sky day we have this time of year I can't help but think this could be the last before Old Man Winter returns.  It may seem early to mention the FOUR LETTER word (S*N*O*W) but the weather pattern in my neck of the woods seems to 'go down hill ' right after the last days of October.  I do love the fall and the wonderful color it provides. I'm hoping to add some new perennials and garden accents only to magnify this wonderful season.     

Today we headed out with GPS in my little SUV and some Proven Winner retailer notes in hand.  On the way to our destination I saw a HUGE billboard for a Greenhouse Retailer I have been curious to visit since I first saw a commercial in early spring but was too busy planting in my own greenhouse to visit.  FIRST DETOUR of the day was at Jacobs Garden just over the border in Michigan. 


 
This is a MUST SEE for every Home&Garden owner looking for the latest garden designs. Even in the transition stage as most of the retailers are bringing in the FALL FINDS this greenhouse is amazing.  The greenhouses were empty in preparation of all the CHRISTMAS goodies that could be seen in the photo above, I can't wait to return to see what they have to offer for the Holiday Season.   BUT the trip was not a disappointment as we enjoyed the many ceramic garden features and landscaping designs set up in the outside growing area.  
 
 
Plenty of wonderful GARDEN accents in there large location.  Jacobs Garden won my vote for 'hottest' garden spot in our area with the coffee bar next to the Vera Bradly collection and the friendly staff!  
VERY IMPORTANT WEB NOTE: 
One things I have learned in the last five years of gardening is that if a GREENHOUSE does not provide TODAYS garden market with a current webpage it may not be worth your time to visit.  During my Friday Finds Adventure I seem to have forgotten to 'step out of the box' when I added a 'greenhouse retailer' to my list on the GPS.  Thank Goodness it was a picture perfect day and it was early in our journey.  The 'P.W. retailer' was located on a Michigan dirt road with a not so friendly driveway.  I do think I MAY HAVE seen a 'greenhouse' in the back 40 somewhere but I dare not venture down someone's driveway who does not have a sign.  

 Thank goodness we were in the Historical Chelsea, Michigan and had plans for lunch at THE COMMON GRILL.   
 
After being seated at a cozy table in the middle of this fabulous bistro I totally forgot about the back road mishaps.  I would recommend everything on the menu at The Common Grill. I enjoy this restaurant so well because it provides the atmosphere found in my beloved Napa Valley, California snuggled in the Great Lake State. Michiganders have to be some of the nicest people in the Midwest! Check out their menu with daily specials at  their spectacular webpage : THE COMMON GRILL. Today I enjoyed their Honey Pecan Chicken Salad With Fresh Fruit and a Warm Muffin.  You have to check out Chef Craigs Cookbook filled with some of the popular dishes made daily at this location.   
Short on time we started our journey back home.  I couldn't help but think we were missing something as we drove back down Highway 94.  I decided to plug in one final address from my P.W. list.  Much to my surprise there was a location just 6 miles from where we were at the time.  Off it was to The English Garden.  I was getting a little worried when we exited in a busy section of Ann Arbor, Michigan.  When the GPS alerted us to 'turn left' into an older parking lot where we could only see an older K-Mart Department Store.  Luckily, they had a big sign in the driveway.  As we followed the turn back to the location I was happy to see a HUGE Proven WINNER FALL MAGIC SIGN!!!!!! 
 
Here are a few photos from my stroll through the English Garden Retail Shop.  I had to take a photo of their friendly little kitten who sat so patiently at the greenhouse door.  The prices were extremely reasonable but at this point of the day I would have paid ANYTHING for a few selections from the Fall Magic Collection. 
 


Bren's Picks for this Friday Fall Finds 
 
ornamental millet pennisetum glaucum purple , Diamond Frost,  Leadwort, Dolce * Cream Brulee.
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope some of you share your Fall Finds on your blogs as well. Leave me a comment so I can link back to you from my blog today. 
Happy Fall Planting Friends and have a fun filled  Labor Day weekend!
 

8 comments:

Tara said...

Well, looks like you have found some great places to see. Wish I was closer. Makes me want to jump in the car and head that way! Don't think I would make it back to Texas in time to teach on Tuesday morn. UGH! Oh well, enjoyed the visual tour through your lovely blog.
Hugs from NE Texas. Have a blessed weekend.

L. D. said...

Good garden shops and good food, what else is there! You do visit the nicest places. Have a good weekend.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What a beautiful blog header...Love it....Just blog hopping tonight.

Hope you will stop by and visit my new Christmas blog.

There is a great giveaway this week.
http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Bren~~ I found a "almost perfect" Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost' for $1.00 at Home Depot about a month ago. It perked up in no time and is going strong. What a lovely day you must have had. Thanks for sharing. Great plant picks.

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Wow Bren what an outing! When we have taken trips to unknown areas our mantra has been --'trust the garmin' and it gets us where we need to be....sometimes over unusual routes! I need to have a garden center trip.

Bangchik and Kakdah said...

There is no real fall here... some trees seem to go brown and drop leaves somewhere middle of the year. Otherwise everything seems to go green here, the tropical way... Cheers, ~bangchik

Bren Haas said...

Can't wait to share what I found this weekend.... Thank you all for stopping by. I hope you share some of your 'finds' on your blog.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Mrs. E said...

Tsk! Tsk! You mentioned SNOW!! Let's not think about that. Great garden shops...thank you for sharing!