Monday, October 28, 2013

Shifting Seasons



Fall brings us gorgeous foliage as well as beautiful berries!  Our Winterberry bushes are becoming quite spectacular, and the Beautyberry is certainly nothing to sneeze at.


Of course, you can't ignore the color in the greenhouse!  



The most photogenic today was this traditional red, but I'm always fascinated how different types of poinsettias can be so distinct before there is any color to them.  Get a good look- they won't stay like this for long!

-Anna Mary


Friday, October 25, 2013

Introducing...Jackson!



The last few months have been extra exciting in the Henry Household thanks to our newest addition, Jackson!  If you've been to the greenhouse, it's almost guaranteed that you've met our two dogs: Wolfie the Pomeranian and Beiler the Jack Russell.  Well, over the summer we just couldn't help but add this little guy into the mix!  


He's living the good life on the farm, and keeping us all (and Wolfie and Beiler) on our toes!  Keep an eye out for him in November & December- I'm sure he'll love to meet you!

-Anna Mary



Monday, October 21, 2013

Moving In



It feels like fall has finally caught up to us!  Marty began moving some of her favorite pots back into the greenhouse this weekend. Even though we're well into October, this Ensete maurelii (ornamental banana) is still quite a showstopper- it would be a shame to sacrifice it to the cold!

-Anna Mary


Saturday, October 12, 2013

Basil & Begonias


Savour Greek Basil Tree

It was a beautiful afternoon to be in the greenhouse!  Sue was up to her elbows in basil while Marty was busy planting begonias.  If it weren't for all of the poinsettias, we might have thought it was spring!




I cannot get enough of these basil topiaries!  They're everything you could ever want- practical (who doesn't use basil?!), sophisticated, easy to care for, and they smell delicious.  We'll have them for sale in November & December.  They're a perfect hostess gift.


Seriously, the scent is amazing- I can't wait to put one in my kitchen!

-Anna Mary




Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Behind the Scenes


Every few years our greenhouses need a little "redecorating". Greenhouse plastic has a finite lifespan and it's up to us to keep it in the best possible condition and replace it when called for.  After all, we're depending on this plastic to keep our plants protected!

The process is simple enough:  remove the old plastic, put the new plastic in place, secure it and inflate.  In reality, it can be a little complicated, especially if the weather isn't on your side!  Thankfully, Saturday morning was the perfect morning to work- clear skies and no wind.



Up bright and early!  No sun yet, we work by the interior greenhouse lights.  The old plastic has been deflated and unattached.


Did I mention there were poinsettias inside?  Miriam described this as a "cross-section of a greenhouse".


The easy part- pulling off the old sheets.  There's no going back now!


The skeleton.


Rolling out the first sheet of the new plastic.  It comes as one continuous 30' by 96' sheet and is so much heavier than it looks!


The key to pulling the new plastic over is to be gentle- the last thing you want is a tear.  At this particular moment I held a camera in one hand and a rope in the other (and I may have been scolded for not pulling enough... whoops!).


Sheet number one is in place, time to repeat with the second sheet!
The sun is brightening the sky into a beautiful blue, bringing the slightest bit of early morning breeze.


When both sheets are in place, it's time to secure them to the greenhouse frame and inflate the space between the two sheets. This is what provides the plants with protection and insulation.


The finished product!  If you look closely, you can see both sheets of plastic.  


Whew!  All in a good day's work.

-Anna Mary



Planning Ahead




Planning ahead?  We are!  

Our calendar is already marked for this years' Poinsettia Open House and we would love for you to join us!

2013 Poinsettia Open House
Saturday, December 7
8:00- 12:00 Noon

Henrys' Farm & Greenhouses
1258 Oregon Hollow Road
Holtwood, PA 17532


Regular retail hours will begin in November.  More details to come... for now, enjoy this beautiful fall!

-Anna Mary