Vermont Travel Notes

For the past month or so, I've had a link over in the left column to a blog called The Vermont Gardener. I've been meaning to write an entry about it for quite some time and now I'm finally getting around to it.



The Vermont Gardener is written by a perennial flower grower named George Africa. Or should I call him a farmer rather than a grower? Would he call himself a farmer? I know he owns a new tractor (I'm a little envious of that) and he sells the plants he raises so I think it's an accurate term but I'll have to ask him. And his business is called the Vermont Flower Farm.



It is one of the most enjoyable blogs I read and I look forward to the stories and the photographs. The only problem I have with the blog is that it makes me feel like a complete slacker. Our gardens look puny compared to his and reading the entires about the projects he has makes me want to get back to work just to keep up with him.

George has a job away from the perennial gardens but he must work another 40 hours a week around his property nurturing his perennials. His wife Gail, Alex, and Karl the wonder dog are involved with the business too.

Their Vermont Flower Farm is located about 45 minutes from us in a town called Marshfield (Google Map). I can't wait to get up there for a personal visit because the farm looks so beautiful but also because it's one of my favorite parts of Vermont and I have not traveled his road yet. The farm welcomes visitors and the plants are available for purchase or just for admiring.

The website is extensive and includes such items as tips on building a hosta garden, deer control, invasive species, building stone steps, virtual tours of the gardens from recent years, and an order form if you would like to purchase some plants online.

This is a great part of Vermont to visit. It is near the state capital of Montpelier, and not too far from Interstate 89 which you will likely find yourself on at some point in your travel here.

The town of Peacham is nearby and is one of the most photographed areas of the state. Don't miss Rainbow Sweets in Marshfield, one of the hidden gems we like to tell our guests about. I'll write an entry about them someday too but for now, trust me, you will be knocked over with the taste of their pastries. The owner is a memorable character too.

Another favorite spot of mine is the Molly's Falls Lake at Marshfield dam on Route 2 a few minutes north of Marshfield village. It's a beautiful lake undisturbed by development, surrounded by heavily forested hillsides, and it has a small parking lot and picnic area. Don't forget your camera - you will want to record your visit. You will have to double back a little bit on Route 2 to get to Vermont Flower Farm.

I'm pretty sure George must only get a few hours sleep each night because in addition to his job, his garden, his business, and the Vermont Gardener blog, he also has another blog called Vermont Gardens. Both blogs have lengthy and frequent entries.

Even though I am trying to finish the mother of all remodeling projects, I'm very much looking forward to taking some time off to get up to Vermont Flower Farm.




(c) 2007 Jeff Connor