Wandering About

Inspiration at Bashaw Valley Farm and Greenhouse

"Not all those who wander are lost."  J.R.R. Tolkien

​I was reminded this winter of what it feels like to be at least a little lost in a new store.  I wandered into my local quilt shop, River’s Edge Antique & Quilt Loft  in Hayward with a pattern and a few pieces of fabric from my stash.  My goal was to make a crib quilt for a new baby that will be joining our family this spring.  Upon entering I see a few bolts of cloth but am disappointed with the limited selection.  But Wait!  The name of the shop should have clued me in that there was more and there certainly was upstairs.  My stumbling about reminded me that we are beginners at some point and these specialized businesses that support our crafts and passions are there to help us.  

​How often have you wandered about not knowing the lingo, the layout, or even what you might need?  We go to the quilt shop, the local yarn store, and the garden centers and nurseries with this vague idea of a plan and a hope for some inspiration. 
 
I’ve only made one quilt with my Mother’s guidance.  This time I was on my own and truly felt intimidated.  I barely know what a fat quarter is; for those non-quilters it is a quarter yard of fabric cut a certain way.  The helpful staff and friendly customers guided me to a purchase that allowed me to have a successful quilt project.  This also happens at the local garden center and nurseries.  All we need to do is ask or I have found that just looking excessively perplexed usually yields assistance. 

So how can you make wandering a success without getting lost? 

1. Go to your local garden center (or craft shop) – Our local shops provide the gathering space; without it we would miss connections made with those who share our passions.  The local shops provide the eye candy and inspiration that help us move forward with our intentions.  The physical process of using all our senses can’t be replicated with a virtual experience.  Touching a leaf, smelling the roses, and seeing the brilliant colors are worth the trip. 
2. Helpful staff and friendly customers – People who work or hang out at these local establishments want to help you be successful.  They are also enthusiastic about sharing their own experiences.  Don’t cut your time short, enjoy the camaraderie.
3. Learn the lingo and organization – Each shop or center are organized with their quirks.  A quilt shop has options to organize by color, pattern, or fabric type.  Garden centers usually separate perennials, annuals, and vegetables.  But within those categories the plants can be organized by botanical name or common name.  If confused (and we all are at times), just ask. 

Without these local spots we lose a place to go for inspiration.  Yes, I order online for some seeds and occasionally for specialized plants.  But when I can, I try to keep it local.  I love to go to my local greenhouse (Winter Greenhouse) every few weeks during the season.  I don’t purchase on every trip, sometimes I just go to see what is blooming in their gardens or what new plant might be offered.  I’m never disappointed.  

Do you have a local favorite?  Let us know of all the great garden centers in the area by posting a comment.