Oregon Weather, You have to love it (Right?), this spring is proving to be one of the darker and wetter ones we have seen in a long time. Luckily yesterday I got to stay out of the rain by staying under the fish area putting a way a large shipment of fish.
My supplier has started limiting deliveries to every other week this year because of transportation costs following last years still lingering economy. This proves to be difficult as They don't always have what I need when I want it. But this week they had a good selection so I took advantage of it. We got both Koi and Butterfly Koi, Sarasas, Shubunkins, and Pond Comets. We also got some exceptionally nice Black Moors. I am pleased with the colors and and the assortment of sizes we got on many of the fish.
With the sharp increase of fish sells I am seeing this spring I am hoping that the fish supplier will begin to feel a little more comfortable and be making weekly deliveries soon.
Right now the selection is great, so if you are in the market for fish the fishing is good.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Celebrating
April 26th marked Finch Family Water Gardens 13th anniversary as we journey into our 14th season of being open to the public. A lot has changed and the nursery has seen a lot of growth in those 14 years. Looking back through years is always great fun. I opened the nursery to the public on my Birthday with a dream in 1997. At that time ponds were just beginning to get noticed and people came out of curiosity not knowing what a water garden was.
As my friends and I labored to build that dream I told them time and time again, "Build it and they will come," and had to remind myself "Rome wasn't built in a day."
I invite you to leave comments on the blog of the changes you have seen at Finch Family Water Garden and in the place over the 14 years.
As my friends and I labored to build that dream I told them time and time again, "Build it and they will come," and had to remind myself "Rome wasn't built in a day."
I invite you to leave comments on the blog of the changes you have seen at Finch Family Water Garden and in the place over the 14 years.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Quick Note
Going to be a busy day, I will be off to work (Expertees) soon. I am so excited, We will be recieving a large shipment of fish tonight, so those of you who have been out looking for fish a good portion of them will be here this weekend. It will make for a long evening getting them all acclimated to the temperature difference and PH of my ponds. Japanese Black Trapdoor Snails are proving to be very popular once again this year. I believe I a hundred of them coming as I have sold most of my own stock in the last two weeks.
The Shipment I was expecting last week of pond supplies arrived and I will need to get it all priced and on the shelves......These things make believe that spring is truly here!
The Shipment I was expecting last week of pond supplies arrived and I will need to get it all priced and on the shelves......These things make believe that spring is truly here!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Season Opening
Today is Opening Day 2010! Overall I am pleased with the progress that has been made considering the weather we have had this Spring. About 75% of the plants are planted. Mostly it is just the Tropical and Semi-Tropicals that are lagging behind.
The Hyacinths and Lettuce arrived and look beautiful. The lettuce are particularly large this Shipment.
Some fish have arrived, and I was informed that fish deliveries will now be every two weeks instead of weekly. It appears the cold weather across the country has slowed shipments, Hopefully that will change as we move into summer.
Mother Nature appears to be smiling down on us this weekend by giving us a reprieve from the rain. Hopefully I will find a little mowing time today as the lawn is looking a fright, each time I have gotten a chance to mow it the rains have kept me from keeping up on it.
Our Spring Hours are Friday and Saturday 10-6, Sundays 10-5
The Hyacinths and Lettuce arrived and look beautiful. The lettuce are particularly large this Shipment.
Some fish have arrived, and I was informed that fish deliveries will now be every two weeks instead of weekly. It appears the cold weather across the country has slowed shipments, Hopefully that will change as we move into summer.
Mother Nature appears to be smiling down on us this weekend by giving us a reprieve from the rain. Hopefully I will find a little mowing time today as the lawn is looking a fright, each time I have gotten a chance to mow it the rains have kept me from keeping up on it.
Our Spring Hours are Friday and Saturday 10-6, Sundays 10-5
Sunday, March 21, 2010
It's Coming Together.
This weekend helped by the beautiful weather (well at least Friday and Saturday) things began to start taking the shape I have been waiting for. Still a couple more weeks of cleaning up, but we are set to open on Saturday April 10th (The weedend following Easter).
Friday I was off to Portland to pick up plants, was a good trip but disappointing as most of the plants I had ordered didnt arrive. I needed the driving time to clear my mind of the last months hectic schedule, and got a chance to stop at a few nurserys. Realized that the dark winter has put us all a little behind of the game. I picked up the lotus and waterlily tubers, but only a few of the other things I ordered. I am hoping they will arrive before We open in a couple of weeks.
Yesterday Amanda (who worked for me for several years) came by and made quick work of cleaning up the retail area. It still needs some work but I am still frantically planting so there is no need to mop yet. A huge THANK YOU to Amanda, and she promised to be back next weekend.
Today was definetly a planting day. And though Daniel had to be at Michaels working this evening he was out there with me the early part of the day. I seperated and he planted many types of plants. Some things are holding out on me waiting for a longrun of nice weather. Most of the tropicals are reluctant to start their growth spurt....I understand, while the winter wasn't a harsh one it seems it was a particularly dark one.
A regular customer stopped by this weekend and I was here so I let her in.....she was after supplys and was amazed to see plants in the ponds as hers have yet to begin growing. I reminded her I open in a few weeks so I can't wait. Remember though that I apply very little heat to my plants and that is why they do so good. I rotate them through the Greenhouses (unheated) as they start growing. Some things never even make it into the green houses, the shade plants all love the cool temperatures and are always the first things to start growing and to bloom marsh marigolds are blooming crazily. If you don't have one yet this might be the year to pick one up. Nothing says spring like blooming plants in late February or early March.
Friday I was off to Portland to pick up plants, was a good trip but disappointing as most of the plants I had ordered didnt arrive. I needed the driving time to clear my mind of the last months hectic schedule, and got a chance to stop at a few nurserys. Realized that the dark winter has put us all a little behind of the game. I picked up the lotus and waterlily tubers, but only a few of the other things I ordered. I am hoping they will arrive before We open in a couple of weeks.
Yesterday Amanda (who worked for me for several years) came by and made quick work of cleaning up the retail area. It still needs some work but I am still frantically planting so there is no need to mop yet. A huge THANK YOU to Amanda, and she promised to be back next weekend.
Today was definetly a planting day. And though Daniel had to be at Michaels working this evening he was out there with me the early part of the day. I seperated and he planted many types of plants. Some things are holding out on me waiting for a longrun of nice weather. Most of the tropicals are reluctant to start their growth spurt....I understand, while the winter wasn't a harsh one it seems it was a particularly dark one.
A regular customer stopped by this weekend and I was here so I let her in.....she was after supplys and was amazed to see plants in the ponds as hers have yet to begin growing. I reminded her I open in a few weeks so I can't wait. Remember though that I apply very little heat to my plants and that is why they do so good. I rotate them through the Greenhouses (unheated) as they start growing. Some things never even make it into the green houses, the shade plants all love the cool temperatures and are always the first things to start growing and to bloom marsh marigolds are blooming crazily. If you don't have one yet this might be the year to pick one up. Nothing says spring like blooming plants in late February or early March.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Quiet time
I am not really sure what to say. I know it has been a while since I posted. Everything happened so fast. My mother passed away March 2nd, we laid her to rest on March 5th.....those are the dates I know.
She was my greatest cheerleader and believed in me very much. This month has been very busy taking care of things I didn't know needed to be taken care of. I have found solice in the nursery, though it seems I have been out there very numbly....going through the motions. But despite it all I am hoping the nursery will be open the Saturday following Easter.
Numbly I have planted what I can. Other plants are ordered and I will be picking them up Friday we will quickly have them planted and ready for you. I hope that I can get everything cleaned to my expectations in the next few weeks if not please understand.
She was my greatest cheerleader and believed in me very much. This month has been very busy taking care of things I didn't know needed to be taken care of. I have found solice in the nursery, though it seems I have been out there very numbly....going through the motions. But despite it all I am hoping the nursery will be open the Saturday following Easter.
Numbly I have planted what I can. Other plants are ordered and I will be picking them up Friday we will quickly have them planted and ready for you. I hope that I can get everything cleaned to my expectations in the next few weeks if not please understand.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A Personal Note
I stand upon my desk to remind myself
that we must constantly look at things
in a different way
--John Keating, Dead Poets Society
Many of you, my beloved customers and friends often ask about my mother, and I thank you for that, she and I have always had a very strong relationship. Tuesday morning I received a call telling me that the doctors have concurred it is time time to start hospice. Obviously my mind is reeling in many directions.
She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1999 just two years after I opened the nursery to the public. I kept her here at the place for 6 years, and many of you were blessed with meeting her. She now resides in Lydia's House, the Alzheimer's unit at the Mennonite Village. She has received wonderful care, and we will continue to try our best to make the remainder of her life as comfortable as possible.
My hope is to run the nursery as usual, we have began planting and preparing for the upcoming season, but please be understanding if there are unforeseen delays, lat openings, or short closures this year. If this should happen I apologize in advance.
I am currently hoping to open the weekend following Easter.
Thank You for your support.
Love and Light to All,
James
that we must constantly look at things
in a different way
--John Keating, Dead Poets Society
Many of you, my beloved customers and friends often ask about my mother, and I thank you for that, she and I have always had a very strong relationship. Tuesday morning I received a call telling me that the doctors have concurred it is time time to start hospice. Obviously my mind is reeling in many directions.
She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1999 just two years after I opened the nursery to the public. I kept her here at the place for 6 years, and many of you were blessed with meeting her. She now resides in Lydia's House, the Alzheimer's unit at the Mennonite Village. She has received wonderful care, and we will continue to try our best to make the remainder of her life as comfortable as possible.
My hope is to run the nursery as usual, we have began planting and preparing for the upcoming season, but please be understanding if there are unforeseen delays, lat openings, or short closures this year. If this should happen I apologize in advance.
I am currently hoping to open the weekend following Easter.
Thank You for your support.
Love and Light to All,
James
Monday, February 22, 2010
This weekend was a blessing, bright sunshine and warmer weather, not only helps the plants to grow, but brightens my spirits.
I got lots of quality time at the nursery, separating plants and planting them. I managed to get three more ponds cleaned, and things are beginning to look a little more inviting out there after a dark winter.
The plants emerging from their winter dormancy of course is dependent on the temperatures, and many of them are still lying dormant as our nights are still rather cool keeping the water temperature of the ponds low.
I cleaned the bog pond on the large display pond to ready it to receive plants. I started the water flow to it and started the skimmer back up for the spring. I noticed I had string algae forming in the creek so I turned the system off and applied Green Clean, I want to stay ahead of the game on that and hopefully have it taken care of before the warmer weather arrives.
A little mowing time was a must as the grass was looking quite ragged. I didn't manage to get everything mowed, as the nursery was my first focus for the weekend. But all in all things are beginning to look a lot better.
As the days grow longer and the weather warms I find it harder and harder to sit myself down to write on the blog, but I will do the best I can to keep you informed of the progress.
I got lots of quality time at the nursery, separating plants and planting them. I managed to get three more ponds cleaned, and things are beginning to look a little more inviting out there after a dark winter.
The plants emerging from their winter dormancy of course is dependent on the temperatures, and many of them are still lying dormant as our nights are still rather cool keeping the water temperature of the ponds low.
I cleaned the bog pond on the large display pond to ready it to receive plants. I started the water flow to it and started the skimmer back up for the spring. I noticed I had string algae forming in the creek so I turned the system off and applied Green Clean, I want to stay ahead of the game on that and hopefully have it taken care of before the warmer weather arrives.
A little mowing time was a must as the grass was looking quite ragged. I didn't manage to get everything mowed, as the nursery was my first focus for the weekend. But all in all things are beginning to look a lot better.
As the days grow longer and the weather warms I find it harder and harder to sit myself down to write on the blog, but I will do the best I can to keep you informed of the progress.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Loving this Spring!
As the weather begins to warm the plants are beginning to spring to life. I got some things trimmed back today, and have began cleaning ponds to prepare them for the newly planted plants. I managed to plant three types of plants today. Got Moss Killer down on the yard and in general had a good day.....being outside with sun always has that affect on me.
Yesterday someone came by wanting fish food......once again I will tell you IT IS TO EARLY, feeding cold water fish or any fish when the temperature of the water is below 50-60 degrees is not good, and even harmful to them. As the sun hits the water they will begin to come to the top where the water is warmer, but they are still not active enough to be eating. Remember last summer when they swam and played. Until the water warms up feeding them is actually harmful to them. Their Digestive system is still dormant.
But back to your pond, now is a great time to clean it, early spring when the temps are still cool allows nutrients to be used up before the summer heat arrives bringing Algae. Also with the water temperatures cooler there is less chance of causing shock to you fish.
Yesterday someone came by wanting fish food......once again I will tell you IT IS TO EARLY, feeding cold water fish or any fish when the temperature of the water is below 50-60 degrees is not good, and even harmful to them. As the sun hits the water they will begin to come to the top where the water is warmer, but they are still not active enough to be eating. Remember last summer when they swam and played. Until the water warms up feeding them is actually harmful to them. Their Digestive system is still dormant.
But back to your pond, now is a great time to clean it, early spring when the temps are still cool allows nutrients to be used up before the summer heat arrives bringing Algae. Also with the water temperatures cooler there is less chance of causing shock to you fish.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
GEARING UP FOR A GREAT YEAR.
This weekend has been all about getting ready for a great year. I spent yesterday gathering supplies, items such as soil and gravel for planting, and getting them put into the shop. Today I prepped a couple hundred planters. This may seem early to many, but when you stop to think about the number of plants we carry, and getting them all planted and ready to go it really isn't.
I also got the filters cleaned in the large display pond and cleaned out the pumps. The fish seem to be enjoying the increased flow of water, as I didn't clean the pump last week. It would be nice to have the door open on the house so I could hear the water flowing.
I took a few minutes to take a look at the Sarasas and Shubunkins that were spawned here last year and am pleased with their progress. I also noted that the water lilies are putting up their first feeder leaves.
While most of other plants are lying dormant waiting for the water in the ponds to warm up a walk through the yard showed new growth on many plants. Daffodils are breaking the ground and both the irises and day lilies are shooting up quickly. Sprouts on the Gloriosa Daisies surprised me. Many of the ground covers have also began to grow. I received a very nice moss last year, that is almost fern like, I was worried it wouldn't take as I got it in November, but it is doing nicely. I guess I shouldn't have worried about it so much as I also noticed a beautiful crop of moss coming up in the yard.
I also got the filters cleaned in the large display pond and cleaned out the pumps. The fish seem to be enjoying the increased flow of water, as I didn't clean the pump last week. It would be nice to have the door open on the house so I could hear the water flowing.
I took a few minutes to take a look at the Sarasas and Shubunkins that were spawned here last year and am pleased with their progress. I also noted that the water lilies are putting up their first feeder leaves.
While most of other plants are lying dormant waiting for the water in the ponds to warm up a walk through the yard showed new growth on many plants. Daffodils are breaking the ground and both the irises and day lilies are shooting up quickly. Sprouts on the Gloriosa Daisies surprised me. Many of the ground covers have also began to grow. I received a very nice moss last year, that is almost fern like, I was worried it wouldn't take as I got it in November, but it is doing nicely. I guess I shouldn't have worried about it so much as I also noticed a beautiful crop of moss coming up in the yard.
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