Sunday, October 27, 2019

Up in the Air

My initial intent for this blog site was to use it as a home page for Uwharrie Mountain Native Plant Farm. I've since discovered that it best serves as a point for updated and short-notice information.


In an attempt to remain more current I am going to strive to make regular posts here while working on a dedicated, actual, honest-to-goodness web page. Hopefully the new page will debut by the time new growth begins in the Spring.


When that happens, my followers here will know it as the URL currently points to this blog. The new page will sport a direct link to this page.


Up in the Air


The title of this writing explains my attitude toward my business at this point. There are several things going on that will determine which way UMNPF will go into the future.



1. I am striving to increase the offerings of native plants to my community. Right now I am limited by a lack of space in my current nursery, being located in the backyard of a residential lot. This location prevents me from conducting retail business from the site, not as much because of the location, but because our driveway is shared with our next-door neighbor. Out of respect for the neighbor's privacy all retail sales have been done through a third-party retail business.


2. I have recently learned that the third-party retail business, through which all sales have been conducted, will be relocating after the first of the year. Unfortunately the new location will not offer the outdoor space needed or the security behind a locked gate that I currently enjoy.


The ideal solution to these problems is not so easy to remedy. I have been driving main roads and back roads throughout the Uwharrie Mountain area in search of a small parcel that could host a small agricultural enterprise (i.e. the nursery). The location would have a working well, small pond or other surface water suitable for irrigation; access to electricity for pumps, lights and a small office; and be a reasonable distance from my home to commute.



A couple of cleared or clear-able acres would offer all the space needed. An old mobile home lot would be wonderful. I don't want to have a huge nursery, but one that I can pretty much manage on my own. As I'm nearing the 60 years old mark I don't foresee the time or energy needed to aim for a large plot. I should have been doing this 30 years ago!


So, it's all up in the air. I'll continue to add to and grow the selection that is currently offered and we'll see where the road leads. It all works out for the best in the long run.

Loose Ends

Today is the last day of 2019. It's been a busy week and a half since my last post. One of our sons is in the process of slowly moving...