took them to Litchfield, Connecticut, where they converted abarn into their weekend getaway. Somewhere along the way,they fell in love with gardening and developed a permanentcase of writer's block. Their search for unique plants convincedthem that gardening - at least in the late 1940s - was anuntapped market. Thus, what began as a private garden thatattracted other garden enthusiasts grew into a business calledWhite Flower Farm. Launched in 1950, its owners took pridein the unique plants they were able to offer their customers. In1976, the business was sold to Eliot Wadsworth, who contin-ues the pledge to collect and evaluate plants from around theworld. The retail store is located on 200 acres of land, wherecustomers can enjoy self-guided tours of the gardens or attendeducational events that are held on a year-round basis.

How about a gift of a handmadebrooch? For spring, choose onetnat futuresbrightlyc o l o r e d

f fWWW'' f l o v v c r s '<-' K^ leaves and

a ladybug.Silversmiths

from British Sterling craft thisfrom jewelers' enamel, cubic zirconia and mar-casite. $138 + S&.H. Nothing exemplifiessummer like a sunflower and this hrooch,also from a London-based jeweler, sparkleswith Swarovski crystals. $98 + S&.H. From Uno Alia Volta. Call800-625-1866 or visit www.UnoAUaVoha.com.

About Uno Alia. Volta: Company founder Terri Alpert aimed tofill her catalogues with items that are made "one at a time," thus hercompany prides itself on items that are made by master artisans fromall over the world. The choices cover the gamut and touch on fashion ,home decor and gift giving. The company is based in North Branford,Connecticut.

Do you know a gardener who isalways hunting for a piece of twineto tie up a plant? Here's a handynew tool: a Pocket ClothespinCutter with Twine. The roll otall-natural twine is sized to fit intothe front pocket of a pair of pants.The clothespin, with a cuttingblade set into its head, hooks ontothe pants pocket. After the desiredlength of twine is pulled out, it iseasily cut by inserting it into thehead of the clothespin. Comeswith two rolls of jute; great fortying up tomatoes, coneflowers,you name it! $19.95 + S&.H. Fro?n Gardener's Supply Company.Call 800-427-3363 or visit www.gardeners.com.

About Gardener's Supply Company: This is another NewEngland-based company - Burlington, Vermont - that boasts both acatalogue and storefronts. Founded in 1983 by several garden enthu-siasts, the company continues to be employee-owned. Gardener'sSupply takes pride in the /act that its research and development teamhas devised products that are innovative, earth-friendly and a helpto gardeners of all levels. Essentially, the company views gardeningas a way to make the world a better place one backyard at a time.

Subsequently, eight percent of the company's pre-tax profits aredonated to |>rogra?ns and organizations that promote gardening asa way to improve the quality of people's lives, as well as that of theenvironment. Each year, 21 people who are improving their commu-nities through gardening also receive the company's Garden CrusaderAwards that include "seed" money and products.

Gardeners need protectionfrom the sun and a stylish hatalways dimes in handy! Sherrillhas a Gardner's Delight SunHat that offers a lot of protec-tion — this hat has plenty ofbrim to keep the sun out ot theeyes, but the real difference isin the back of the hat, where along, sort-of ruffled "veil" keepsthe sun off the neck and upperback. The fabric is comfortable

and breathable; a ch in - - t rap N U K iuJrJ tor windv Jaw > iT.95 +S&.H. From High Country Gardens. Call 800-925-9387 or visit

wuw.highcountrygardens.com.

About High Country Gardens: There's more to see in Santa Fe,New Mexico besides art and Native-made jewelry. David and AvaSalman own a renowned garden center — Santa Fe Greenhouses - aswell as its mail-order/online counterpart, High Country Gardens.David is considered to be one of the country's foremost experts onxeriscaping, which became part of gardening lingo about 10 years ago,when drought conditions were causing municipalities to ration water.Thus began Salman's crusade to incorporate native and water-wiseplants into landscapes.(An agastache variety he developed is namedin honor of Ava.) His expertise has made him a favorite on the lec-ture circuit and his words of wisdom have been shared in countlessmagazines, newspapers and television networks such as HGTV. Lastyear, he was the recipient of the American Horticultural Society'sGreat American Gardeners Award. Stores are located in Santa Feand Albuquerque, where tours of the gardens, workshops and lecturesare offered.

The delicate beauty of Bleeding Hearts is displayed in this setof seven ornaments. Each of the 1-1/2 to 2-inch tall, pink-and-white glass ornaments are realistic portrayals of their namesakeflowers - the Bleeding Heart (Dicentra). A truly romantic giftfor the nature lover! $14-95 + S&.H. From Gardener's SupplyCompany. Call 800-427-3363 or visit www.gardeners.com.

Does your gardening friend like to have note cards onhand to keep in touch with friends and family.' If so, a set

44 LAM . \ - n i < l . \ sn - DECEMBER 2CW

(if nature-themed note cards is justthe thins - the designs feature wildhirds such as goldfinches and cedarwaxwings. The cards are also environ-mentally friendly, as they are made ofhandmade paper that is derived frommulberry shrubs. Inside, there is aspecial gift of seeded paper that can beplanted. Next year's crop of wildflow-ers produced from that seed will serveas a special reminder of the personfrom whom the note was received.Box of 16 cards, $38 + S&H. FromUna Alia Volta. Call 800-625-1866or visit www.UnoAllaVoha.com.

For the more practical-minded,there's a way to move those big, heavycontainers without straining yourback. The straps of the Pot Lifter areplaced around the pot. Two peoplecan grab the handles (one on eachside) and easily move a pot weigh-ing up to 200 pounds! Now, it'll beso much easier to take those pots oftender plants inside for the winter.$29.95 + S&H. From Gardener's SupplyCompany. Call 800-427-3363 or visitwww.gardeners.com. •«•

Sherrill and Jim Kroeckhave applied theirpassion for plants bybeing involved in thehorticulture industryfor many years. Theyenjoy gardening,birdwatching andrenovating theirturn-of-the-centuryhome.

From The Deerskin Leather Shop

THEDEERSKINLEATHER

SHOP

" • Park City Center, Lancaster,(717)393-5259• Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse,

1(717)768-8261 ^• Exton Square Mall, Exton, .^ <(610)363-0184 ^A-i^l

I. \si \STER COUNTY - DECEMBER 2009 45