We seed our tomatoes about 4 weeks before the last frost in the greenhouse. Many of our customers watch the growing process on their weekly visits. It is very tempting to get them outside too early, especially when the temps are 90 F. one day and then down to 40F. the next morning.
The frost now past (according to the blooming mesquite bushes) we can now safely plant them outside. The wind is our next contender and sometimes dries the plants out.
Many have tried wrapping plastic around them on a wire frame or put pvc pipes around the plant for protection.
We love talking gardening at Blumenflor and learn a lot about growing tomatoes from the locals here.
At one of our upcoming Markets we will have a Tomato "Grow off" . Let's see what kind of tomatoes we can grow this year and show them off!

February makes a gardener itch to get out and garden.
It's hard to wait for the last frost and many a small vegetable plant started indoors by seed has been planted outside only to be nipped by the frost.
While living up north a sure sign that Spring was on its way was when the Pussy Willows started to bud.
My fondest memory of them was when I went out in early spring, with rubber boots, shears in hand and a 3 month old strapped to my back (bundled up) , to cut stems of pussy willows. They were then wrapped in bunches of 10 and off to the supplier I would go to sell them for the spring season of cut flowers . I made $100 bucks that season at $1 a bunch.
When I was very young my mother instilled in me this search for signs of spring in the pussy willows when we were driving down country roads. A fresh cut bouquet of stems in a vase brought home seemed to help wait out the last few weeks of cold before spring finally decided to stay.
Here in Texas I have not found them growing any where because they need the colder temperatures. I did find a source this past week and Blumenflor has bunches of cut Pussy willows out at the greenhouse.
It has helped my "itch" for waiting for spring to get here.

Every Christmas we have a Carol singing at church where we sit around festive clad tables, sing songs and enjoy the company in our fellowship hall. Looking for ideas to decorate the tables we looked in our "backyard". This year we used the greenery from our plantings that are around the church.
Juniper, pine, euonymus, nandina berries, hawthorn all simply placed in a basket with a candle and ornaments.
Using what you have that is right in front of you has been a motto at Blumenflor that we often implement.
Beautiful inspired bouquets and planters that have more meaning because you did it yourself might be the perfect gift for that special someone on your list.
Try to do some simple DIY projects this season.
Look in your backyard , get inspired!

50% off all Trees  this Saturday only.
Did you know that the day after Black Friday there is a special day for the small business owner? We are often overlooked and in the shadows of the Big Box stores. If anyone takes the time to look us up and to support the local community small businesses , they will find...
Outstanding service, quality, someone who knows your first name, an experience, and on and on...
You get the picture, local is friendly and personal. Please support our local businesses this Saturday. We at Blumenflor are open from 9 - 6 this Saturday.
Big special on trees -50% off this Saturday only!

Thanksgiving is this Thursday here in the USA.
Looking back at the last year all I can say is how very thankful we are here at Blumenflor. 
The support of our customers has carried us through a difficult time especially the
prayers were and still are appreciated.
Wishing you all a blessed family time together and if you find yourself alone try to be a 
blessing right where God has planted you. If you are in the Seminole area
we are having Turkey Dinner at 5:00 on Thanksgiving... there is always room for more!
Be a blessing!

 Going to Farmers Markets in the summer on Saturday mornings with my parents was awesome. The sights, smells and sounds can't be described only experienced.
We were on the look out for cucumbers and cabbage ... lots of them!
It was time for canning pickles. Fermenting cabbage for sauerkraut.
As a child I dreamed of being that vendor behind the vegetable laden table selling or just talking about the home grown products.
Many years and visits to markets have passed and the urge to be a vendor never left me.
Lately we have been encouraged to start up a Farmers Market here at Blumenflor. 
After only two markets we are pleasantly surprised at how the community is responding in a positive way!
The trend of buying local is catching on even in the small rural towns of Texas.

There are actually children vendors , along side with the grown ups, selling their homemade items. Parents coaching them on to become entrepreneurs.

So if you are in the Seminole, Tx. area on the third ​Saturday of the month...
stop in and experience a local homegrown Market.

​Meet you at the Market!
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Years ago when we had visited Bolivia I had the opportunity to see Bamboo growing as a wild thicket.
They are used in irrigation of the fields as a natural pipe from water source to the rows of plants.
Bamboo has nodes that have to be removed from the inside so that water can run through.
Lately I have compared my life with a Bamboo pole. The nodes (tough times) are meant to be there so you have to push through to the next one, and the next. Eventually by not giving up , you as a person can be used as a "bridge" to bring the needed resources to others. It is humbling at times to watch others grow and reach a higher potential but knowing you had a small part in the process.
I am constantly reminded (by my boss) that Blumenflor is there for the community to help us grow together and get through tough times.
So be a bridge wherever you can, the rewards are priceless!

September has been challenging weather wise. Extreme heat  and now rain and cold for a week. Anyone living in these parts knows to expect the erratic climate of West Texas. 
We love working in the greenhouse at times like this, catching up on all the transplanting.
It is a mini tropical paradise within 800 square feet. The Bougainvillea are in full bloom next to the pansies. Any gardener knows that this combination is rare but it is due to our extreme fluctuations in the weather. 
At Blumenflor we are also known for experiences, this is definitely that. 
Anyone in the area needing a get away from the rain... come join us in the greenhouse!
Bring your "latte" and a lounge chair... !

Blumenflor is a best kept secret in our West Texas area. If you just drive by you might see the home made sign, an unfinished metal building and a small greenhouse.
Most people have heard of the Garden Center by word of mouth.
When you do venture up the driveway , following the wildflowers, you will find an experience!
From the sign to the metal building , into the greenhouses and the vegetable garden even further on to the chicken coop and the cattle grazing...
We have stories to tell, gardening tips, veggies to taste and hands on stuff like planting up that terrarium for a home school project or making mud pots. Hearing our Rooster crow, watching the quail family go by looking for the turtles and lizards and watching all the butterflies is special for the children.
All are welcome here. We especially love kids!
Our regular friends come for the therapy of just getting out and smelling the flowers.
Many have prayed a blessing over this lil' Garden Center.
Looking at Blumenflor from a different angle you will find the miracles that we have been blessed with and your visit becomes an experience.
​
picture credit to Stacey,
​thanks for reminding us how special Blumenflor is!

So anxious to start seeding vegetables! By the end of the month we will get started in the greenhouse.
In the mean time check out this seed company. They have a wonderful assortment of seeds, organic and non GMO.
The seed sprouter is good all year round indoors  plus the health benefits.
Micro greens is something we have been experimenting with.
I have been invited as a special guest to a garden party at a dear friend/fellow gardeners Garden at the end of January. We will be talking gardening!
May you find your spring in all the seed catalogs that have arrived in the mail.