Garden Day, back at the shop

(Update 7-30) Due to popular request, more food photos from our Garden Day menu~~ Arugula pesto (crisp & mild) and goat cheese with roasted beets (delicious!) on crostini; and Adam's browned-butter raspberry tarts. The raspberries were large, round, fresh and perfect, the tart was popular, as well!

~We had a great time after the garden tours - everyone enjoyed a colorful, fresh lunch at The PORCH & Atelier (thank you, Chef Adam & Malia). Deb Rens did a marvelous job - she brought gorgeous herb plantings ($3-$9); sampled herbs: of note were the lavender sugar and rosemary salt, answered questions, and had recipe handouts.

Everything wrapped up with shopping, and touring the third floor apartment. Of most interest at this tour: cabinets in the living room and kitchen (built by Alan-you may have seen his cabinets and granite-top pieces in the Atelier), mirrors in the living room and kitchen, and the architectural details in the entry.

Thank you to everyone who attended - many were from the surrounding area and the metro, but some came from as far as Bismarck ND and Mason City IA! The gardeners (and their helpers), guests, and workers here all made for a memorable day - thank you~

July 18 Garden Day Plans

Today, Chef Adam and I put together the lunch menu for The PORCH & Atelier Garden Day. He'll be shopping for local, fresh Minnesota fare, and plans to serve casual buffet-style in two settings (a sneak peek at the menu: the first setting will be the main course - e.g., savory scones, stuffed tomatoes; and the second a dessert table -fresh fruit tart). The third setting will hold our herb demo area : a local, fabulous gardener who has marvelous herb plantings, recipes and uses for herbs, and, of course: herb tasting.

The garden tour guide with driving routes is coming together - we'll visit three local, lush gardens, tended by generous homeowners (see photo of one of this year's gardens). I love special events at the shop, and am looking forward to this fun annual event!~ Pre-registration required; $19; it's not too late to sign up.

April in Paris 2009

Everyone had a great time! Our 10th annual APRIL IN PARIS was a fantastic success. We accommodated 90 guests by offering two events: a brunch and afternoon tea. Highlights of the day were our wonderful, friendly guests, the awesome menu (prepared by our Chef Adam), hundreds of fresh flowers in every variety and color (brought by our guests), 12 hard-working and friends and family members, our 'chanteuse extraordinaire' Mary Trelstad, third floor apartment tours, and the gorgeous Spring weather. Thank you to everyone who was here! We hope you experienced a little 'French' life.