I am sad to say that there are still flower seedlings waiting to get into the garden. Those poor little potbound babies, looking longingly at the ground. If it’s not raining this Wednesday (our only day closed) I will do my best and get them into flower boxes. Meanwhile, the garden is looking scraggly but alive (it would like some sun, please!). The peppers, tomatoes, cukes, eggplants, tatsoi, and purple pak choi are thriving amidst the dahlia, zinnia, and companion plants of marigold, calendula, basil, sage, thyme, and sunflowers! The beans are climbing next to the blooming sweet peas, their footroom shared with chamomile and pansy.
We planted tansy in the fruit beds (where our Fall raspberries grow, the rhubarb awaits to be replanted, and where we usually-but-not-this-year plant ground cherry) and it is nearly 6 foot tall!! I have never seen it that tall – it was meant to be a lovely little dye plant/companion to the fruit beds but is taking over like a tree!!
Back at the shop, we’ve been putting on many readings and events – this week we’re part of a Lit Crawl! Starting at the adorable plant and lifestyle shop, Pistil & Page, at the end of the block at 5pm, you can see Gillian Burnes and Meghan Sterling be plant inspired, and then head up the block to our space for poetry with Claire Millikin and Katherine Hagopian Berry! It should be a lot of fun! Most of these lovely writers come out of Agnes Bushell’s Portland, ME publishing company Littoral Books. We love carrying their titles here!
The bread has been looking exceptionally gorgeous lately – this baker has worked out most of the new oven kinks. We’ve been making some lovely partnerships with the local Andrews Farm (check out their new farmstand in Gardiner! we’ve been getting their CSA for years now and it’s marvelous! You can find them at the Augusta Mill Park Farmer’s Market on Tuesday afternoons, too), Sweet Monkey Business – shortbreads and granola out of Belfast, ME (we can barely keep them in stock!), and Gremlin Workshops – handhewn and designed cutting boards, lathe turned wooden bowls (gorgeous! Veteran owned). We’re looking forward to making more community connections.
Come see us!
Rock Bottom Homestead 