A Farmer's Friend
Fall
is now upon us and we enjoy the brilliant colors of foliage our Creator has once again so kindly bestowed upon us. While
it is grand to observe this and enjoy the autumn bounty of squash, pumpkins, apples and grapes, it is also a time to
ponder the chores upon us that need attention before the snow flies.
Today I was visiting a local gardening establishment that specializes in uncommon perennial flowering plants. Now is the time
to plant, transplant and establish this sort or ornamental in the yard and flower garden.
Chamberlain's is not difficult to find. If you have lived around here as long as
I have and remember Chamberlain's Dairy out on South Broadway, just before you get to HH&K Bergh's Oil Company
and Broadway Elementary and Middle Schools, you will know the location. You will find the old Chamberlain homestead on the
right hand side of the road. It is a beautifully restored Victorian home with over 3.5 acres of perennials and ornamental's
from which to choose. What was once Chamberlain's horse pasture is now a colorful array of flowering kale, bee balm, red
hot poker, hibiscus, pink iris and other varieties too numerous to name. The amount of work that has gone into this acreage
is astounding and is an inspiration to those of us with smaller plots.
It is unfortunate that many former gardening establishments run by local families are now gone. One that I have fond memories
of was run by the Dihlman sisters next to the Chemung County Fairgrounds. The site of this gardening enterprise now
is home to Byrne Dairy. The Dihlman sisters sold flower bulbs, vegetable plants and lots of produce from their large garden.
Therefore, it is reassuring that a new generation of gardening enthusiasts, like Chamberlain's, is keeping the interest
in perennials afloat.
It is not easy for small
operations to compete with the chain companies because of high energy and supply costs, early frosts and 'Zoning'
regulations today. Thus it is refreshing to see such a collection of unusual perennials. These plants are not your average,
common, run of the mill varieties that you find at Lowe's, Wal-Mart, K-mart and others.
I found the quantity and varieties of perennials to be outstanding. The prices of the
plants were very reasonable in today's market. It is a plus not to have to pay the high shipping charges that are incurred
nowadays. Being able to see and select what you are buying first hand beats a gardening catalog any day,
Fall hours at Chamberlain's are limited. Due to the fact that these perennial farmers
live on the premises it would be kind to be respectful of the open and closed signs and the posted hours of business.
Let's enjoy these nice fall days and dig in the soil one last time before our first
blanket of snow covers the earth. Next spring and summer you will be glad you visited Chamberlain's when you see the myriad
of colors in your yard.
By a Farmer's Friend
