Sunday, November 17, 2019

Etched in Stone

It was a bittersweet moment when Daniel and I loaded the last pieces of our retail space onto the trailer for the slow trek back home. The old trailer wobbles pretty bad unless the speed is right at 48 or 49 miles per hour. Lots of dirty looks from those whizzing by in the passing lane, but they'll get over it. I did.

Even though it is the prime time of year to plant native trees and shrubs, most people don't think about it when the weather goes from cool to downright cold. Everyone's thinking Christmas now. Sales have dwindled to nearly none, and it was time to finish up.

The wind was whipping as we took the frame for the shade house apart. Daniel was a huge help, being young and strong, not the aging, aching old man that I'm becoming. We took everything from the site except an old chopping block that worked as a plant stand. It will require a trip of its own.

Ordinarily the frame and display tables would stay in place over the winter, ready for the spring rush. But this time it's not ordinary. It's the last go round for this spot.

I've been fortunate to have the space available for retail sales. The plants are grown in the small nursery then taken over for sale. We tried to beat the heat and water, although sometimes the plants have suffered from hot, dry days.

No, this time the spot is gone. The place we've been selling through will be uprooting after Christmas, moving to a new location. A location that doesn't have space for an outdoor plant sales area. It has made me sad, already missing the space that has provided this opportunity for the past few years.

It's time to do different. Sure, small houseplant-sized succulents and the like can be briefly displayed for sale indoors, but the primary plants: larger, sprawling (in some cases) plants in containers measured by gallons, not inches, will have to be marketed differently.

That's the focus of life lately. I am considering several options, but nothing is etched in stone yet. Stay tuned . . .

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