Yerke Greenhouses ~ Mukwonago, Wisconsin

 Yerke Greenhouses

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Yerke Greenhouses in Mukwonago, Wisconsin the home of Gail Yerke who sells fresh Cottage Garden Bouquets.  I was blessed with an outing to meet her and tour her business.

 The following garden are her annual flowers plants for summer bouquets.

 Taking a tour of the grounds.

 I loved this idea.

 Yerke Greenhouses

Family Owned and Growing 

Since 1869

 Red!

 Ferns, one of my favorite.

Herbs and more.

Thank you for coming along with me.

Wishing you a great weekend!

 

Back to Heritiage Flower Farm

 This past week, I went back to Heritage Flower Farm to see it in bloom.

Beautiful flowers and fun added touches in the gardens.

Heritage Flower Farm is an award - winning nursery devoted to finding, growing and preserving heirloom plants.

 Betty, who is the owner of Heritage Flower Farm, sells at Farmer Markets as well. 

I met with her in April to get some ideas for market.

In April plants where just starting to pop up.  I knew I wanted to go back when the gardens where in full bloom.

 My Aunt Sally and Aunt Sharon both joined me.

And to my surprise, Betty had planned for me to meet her best friend Gail.

Gail is the owner operator of Yerke Greenhouses and she sells Cottage Garden Bouquets at the Milwaukee market. Betty thought Gail would be able to help me with ideas, share her tricks of the trade and talk bouquets.

 Betty took us to lunch at a fun restaurant called Wildflower Cafe.

 I was blessed with the knowledge that both women shared with me.

It was great fun to talk flowers and share stories about heading to the market.

I am so thankful to Betty for thinking of me in such a way to meet Gail and be able to ask her so many questions. It was a wonderful surprise.

 All of the following photos are from Heritage Flower Farm.

Thursday,  I will share more about Gail and her flower business, Yerke Greenhouse.

American Flowers Week

I am back!

Thank you for all the well wishes for my trip to meet up with Betty of Heritage Flower Farm. I am happy to report the trip had a surprise twist to it. A good surprise! I will tell you all about it Wednesday and Thursday right here at The River.

In the mean time, this week is American Flowers Week!

Click here to read more

Celebrating American Grown Flowers in all 50 States!

I am also going to start to participate in Joy List Monday.

My blog buddy Anne at My Giant Strawberry

She started Joy List Monday to help us remember to stop and pay attention to the little beauties and graces that make life magical and to set aside time for gratitude each day!

I love the idea. 

My list for this week.

* Making new friends at the Farmers Market. We have a fun group of us that set up each week, brave the weather and give each other a helping hand when things go wrong.

* Fresh Wisconsin Strawberries...my boys still enjoy going strawberry picking with me, I am so thankful.

* My garden...fresh radish and lettuce.

*My road trip went well. Yay!

*Enjoying infused water. I made a batch of rhubarb and it was yummy. I just made strawberry. Next on tap is strawberry/mint.

Do you have a favorite infused water?

Back to Heritage Flower Farm

 I am going back to Heritage Flower Farm.

This past April I visited with Betty of Heritage Flower Farm.

Click here to visit Heritage Flower Farm 

I am now going back to visit with her again and to see the farm in bloom.

I will be back soon.

Have a great week!

♥

Carla

 

The Adventures of the Farmer's Market

 The Little Garden That Could

Takes on the Farmer's Market

Thank you  for the support of my new venture. I appreciate all the supportive comments regarding my set up, my flower arrangements and the simple "You Go Girl"!

Thank You!

As I type this up, I have two markets checked off.

Oh my, last week Friday, was a true adventure.

About 45 minuets or so went by after we set up the market. All of us vendors help each other get our tents up, and put signage out.

I finished putting my last touches at my stand, when the wind blew and knocked down all my flowers. Water spilled out of the vases. My free color books for kids got all wet! My tablecloth was soaked.  As I cleaned up, the Rusk County Sheriff pulled in and shared with us that a tornado watch had been issued. The Farmer Market was closed.

No Sales...but I did tear down and arrived home safe.

 Friday is here again! What adventure will the market bring this Friday?

 

♥

Happy Weekend

Carla

  

It is a Lifeguard Hodgepodge

It is Wednesday and it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?
  

Blue Spring Lake .... my aunt Sharon lives on Blue Spring Lake, Palmyra, Wisconsin.

 It is a clear, perfect for a swim, or boat ride lake. 

 2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? 

Strawberry Slush

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

I clean as I go. I find that so helpful when you are a busy mom. When my boys were small and learning how to go to the bathroom on their own, I put some Clorox Wipes in the bathroom. It was so easy to clean up the toilet. I decided to keep Clorox Wipes in the bathroom all the time. It is so helpful.

This year I started to write down my daily goals. This has helped me stay on task.

I think it will be important to sit down and re-evaluate my commitments.

 4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

I was a lifeguard at a resort.

 
5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 

I do enjoy podcasts. I enjoy Dave Ramsey.

 6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

I think father's have it harder. Social Media is such a crazy thing for kids. I find it so sad how many kids are addicted to the device. What some of the kids find and get into with Social Media. 

I think the competition of dad time or more computer time is starting to be a true problem.

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?
 

My dad loves to farm. He is a dairy farmer.

I love to garden. I enjoy planting and harvesting.

 8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I will be away next Wednesday.

I will miss the Hodgepodge.

Wishing you all a great week ahead.

Carla

 

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake

2 cups all - purpose flour

 2 tablespoons sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 cup cold butter

1 egg

2/3 cup milk

 

 In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat egg and milk; stir into flour mixture just until moistened. Spread into 8 in. square baking pan. Bake at 375° for 20 - 25 minutes. 

 

Cut into squares, top with strawberries and whipped cream.

 

Strawberry Shortcake? What is your version of Strawberry Shortcake?

Whipped cream or no whipped cream?

Strawberry glaze or just strawberries?

My grandma Martha's version of Strawberry Shortcake was the little round cakes you found next to the strawberries at the market. 

{Source}

 

My son Atticus loves the shortcake recipe above. 

 

In a few weeks it will be strawberry season in Northwest Wisconsin and we can not wait.

 

 

Nature ~ heal, cheer and give strength

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike."

John Muir

Naturalist

 

Happy Weekend

 ♥

Carla

 

Farmer's Market Hodgepodge

 It is Wednesday it is time for  the Hodgepodge!

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun!

My first market day.

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city. 

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list?

How fun that visiting a Farmer's Market is on the list. June 3rd was my first time heading to market to sell my fresh flowers. I was so nervous about several things. 
First, I was struggling getting the EZ Up Tent up myself. I was so happy Mary, our Market Manager, has a trick she taught me on getting the tent up by your self.
Second, how to transport my bouquets in the car so they do not get damaged.
 I am happy to report that all went well, I am so happy to have that first market in the books. I am very excited about the season.

Which thing on the list do you most want to do in June? Pick fresh strawberries

What holds the least appeal? Make a swing for your home

How many will I attempt?  I already have plans for a road trip, fresh flower bouquets are part of my summer {BIG smile}, I hope to go for a nice woods hike, I would not mind finding a new coffee shop, yes to ice cream, I plan to read a book.

What is one thing you would add to the list? Go for a Full Moon walk
 
 2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

Go for a walk...I always feel more peaceful when outside.

 3. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure?

Oh yes, I like Chocolate ice cream! I like Chocolate Marshmallow.

 4. If you came with a warning what would it say?


Do not be a Drama Queen around me....I do not have time for it.

 5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week?


 Horticulture ~ The Art and Science of Smart Gardening

 6. Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why?

I took an online quiz Quizony  and I am Spring!
When I asked my husband he said Spring! Why? I am bubbly, cheerful and positive. He said " Daffodils."


7. "You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not. 

At this time of my life, I would agree. At times I can get so wrapped up in what I am doing, I forget to just relax and enjoy. We will hit the road, get away from it all and all of a sudden, I am hit with how important time with family and friends are. So very important!

 8. Insert your own random thought here.

I read that 4,153,237 people got married last year. Shouldn't that be an even number?
 

Funny on Monday

The Guys are playing poker when Fred loses $1,000.00 on a single hand, clutches his chest and drops dead at the table.

Richard looks around and asks, "Now, who is going to tell his wife?" 
So they draw straws and Bob picks the short straw. "Be discreet", the guys tell Bob and "Do not make this situation any worse than it is."
Bob replies, "Gentlemen! Discreet??! I am the most discreet man you will ever meet. Discretion is my middle name." 
So Bob walks over to Fred's house, knocks on the door and the wife answers.
"What do you want Bob," she asks?
He says, "Your husband just lost $1,000.00 playing poker."
She hollers, "TELL HIM TO DROP DEAD!" 
Bob says, "I will tell him!"
 

Mrs. Tilly aka Sweet Girl

 Hello Friends,

Today, I am going to introduce you to Mrs. Tilly aka Sweet Girl.

Mrs. Tilly is our big garden tiller. Mrs. Tilly is a hodgepodge of tiller parts and other accessories that my husband has put together to keep Mrs. Tilly going.

  

To keep Mrs. Tilly going, that is where our story will begin. 

You see, Mrs. Tilly and my husband do not really like each other. Mrs. Tilly does not like to start and stay running for my dear husband.

I of course told Jeremy the reason this was! It is because he just does not show Mrs. Tilly the love she needs. I witnessed him kick her one time. Gasp! How rude!

I shared with him, "Why not call her Sweet Girl, when trying to start her up." 

Maybe that will help.

Yes, he looked at me like I was crazy.

Mrs. Tilly only gets used once a year and she sits the rest of the year in the yard barn. She needs to know how much she is appreciated. I appreciate her! I need our garden tilled and I need her to keep chugging along. 

Thankfully this year, Mrs.Tilly started right up and only died two or four times on Jeremy. I only saw him kick her once. They seemed to get along a little better this spring. I did not hear him say "Sweet Girl" to Mrs. Tilly. I do wonder if the relationship would change for the better if he did.

Mrs. Tilly is all cleaned up and put back in her spot in the yard barn. Waiting for next spring.

Have a great weekend!

 ♥

Carla

 

Happy June ~ It is the Hodgepodge

Welcome June

It is Wednesday and it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun. 

1. Tell us about one fun thing on your June calendar. 

A canoe outing with my family.

 

 2. How careful are you in the sun? Do you tan or burn? Do you make it a point to see the dermatologist every year?

In the past two years I have started to be much more careful in the sun. I use to not care and I can see now the harm I did to my skin. I tan very easy and I can get very dark in the summer. My nose is what I did not care well enough for. I was a lifeguard for three summers in my college years.

At this time, no I do not see a dermatologist.

 

 3. Describe a time when you wanted to 'throw in the towel'? 

Teaching Sunday School...Sometimes I just do not feel like I know how to connect with the kids or if I even know what I am doing. We are on summer break and I am praying about next season.

 

 4. What's a song you love that has a day of the week in the title or lyrics? 

I grew up in the 80's ... another middle school song.

The Bangles ~ Manic Monday

 

 5. Are you a fan of berries? Which one's your favorite? What's the most recent berry dish you've eaten? Which blueberry breakfast food appeals to you most-blueberry pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or a blueberry muffin? 

I love berries and my family loves berries.

Strawberry season is a favorite for us. We have a local pick your own strawberry farm that we go to every year. My favorite berries are strawberries and blackberries. 

I have not eaten a berry dish lately. In a few weeks it will be strawberry shortcake with fresh Wisconsin strawberries.

 I love blueberry yogurt and blueberry muffins.

6. What's something you want to do before your next birthday? 

My birthday is December 12th.

I would like to have made the best of this year, spending time with my family, friends and making this world a better place with what I can offer.

 

7. June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day, so let's all say something nice here. 

 

~ Source ~

 8. Insert your own random thought here.  

 

In the last week we have received over 5 inches of rain! 

Everything is lovely green and growing.

Rain on the Deck