Hey Johns Island folks

Stono and alteredstate, tell me more about Legare Farms. I was there many years ago and do not remember too much. I am coordinating a trip to J Is. for a group of master gardeners; we will stop at Church Creek, Pete's, the Tea Farm and I was thinking of contacting Helen and adding them to the itinerary. Maybe she could speak to us about the right cultivars for this area?
Whatch think????

Jeez, ardesia, you got all my hot spots with that list! Nancy grows stuff that others give up on in this area, and somehow solves the riddle. Be sure to get into Greenhouse #1 with those Master Gardeners---it's her first greenhouse on that site---the start of "Church Creek", and where she does all her "experimental propagating". Usually "off limits" to most visitors...but it's my favorite spot to head for. Just have to be aware of the misting system...it's gotten me more than once! She's also into "bale gardening" and has done well with it---but that's back in her "personal space"...may not be open for tours. Fountain of knowledge and experience, and willing to share...
Pete's is Pete's. Unique, like Church Creek, but in a different way. Nancy concentrates more on ornamentals, Pete concentrates more on edibles IMHO. He had the most incredible spread of "appetizer" foods laid out in one of the greehouses recently that I've ever tasted! All made with stuff that he sells... a treat for all the senses.
Legare farms has been hit-and-miss for me. It's one of those places you have to visit constantly, because you never know what you'll find. But when you find it, it will be a jewel! Seems more oriented to the commercial trade than the retail end, but I've been happy with everything I got there.
One place I've had very good luck with that wasn't on your list was Brownswood Road Nursery. Like Legare Farms, it seems to be more oriented to big ticket purchasers (commercial landscapers), but like Legare, they're more than willing to take whatever time is required to deal with the individual home landscaper. Huge inventory of "most in demand" plants, well grown, well maintained. And they special ordered some needle point holly for us recently that we are totally thrilled with... worth a look.

Thanks Stono,
Wow, I have never seen food of any kind at Pete's; that sounds too cool. Pete's road show comes to all the festivals and gardening events all over the state and everybody knows of his herbs but you just have to see his quirky place and all the other stuff he has.

Where is Brownswood?

It was a first for me too, ardesia! Suspect he whipped it up for the staff, but he invited me to try some. Pete doesn't just grow phenomenal herbs---he knows how to use them! Some absolutely delicious dips (I purposely didn't ask what was in them...).
Brownswood Road Nursery is on Brownswood Road (quel surprise!)---about 5 minutes from Pete's, 7 minutes from Church Creek, maybe 10 minutes from Legare Farms. It's on a rather direct route from either end of the trek, smack dab in the middle (one of the reasons why I suggested it). If you want to try it, I'd be happy to shoot you a route map...

Thanks, I googled it and figured out where it is. We'll add that one to the list.

Cool. Now if I could just find a way to get you by my place to witness upclose and personal a fruiting olive tree and tell Pete that you've actually seen it fruiting, I'd be a happy camper! I told pete a few weeks ago that the plant Caroline had sold me 7 years ago was fruiting, and while he's too polite to say it, his look told me exactly what he thought! "Too humid" he said. "Can't fruit in the low country". "Too cold" I said. But my olive tree (olivea europa) definately is fruiting, and I wish I had a stand-up, outside witness to it! I love to beat the odds... Already researching brining methods. Premature? Undoubtedly...but what a neat thing if I could pull it off...

Well, I believe you, I've had a few olives on my tiny tree but the raccoons liked them too.

Actually, there are some folks down here with an olive orchard. They are not trying to raise enough for a commercial enterprise, just enough to provide them with fresh olive oil. Not sure how successful they have been, I'll have to look into it.

We do not have a date yet for the MG trip to John's Island; I've decided to delegate and pass on the info and the responsibility to others.

I definately don't think we've got the climate (yet) for growing olives commercially...but to a plant freak, it's intriguing growing them. Never did that before!