I've waited til now to figure out what to do, and I feel that if next week is frigid cold, it would be best to at least try and come down this week with temps around 30. It is a hard call, but I will be down tomorrow. Most important is that we all move again to the south side of the park. I will be right next to the Broadway subway entrance. The next important thing is that snow is coming tomorrow and I will be leaving early. Depending on the track of the storm, will determine the time, I'm thinking no later than 2 o'clock so please come early.
I will bring lilies, I have a great selection from Conca's, yellows, pink and white blush, reds, and a few new varieties. I will not have much in pots this week. But I do have the first of the cut hyacinths, whites and blues this week! Again, please come early, see you tomorrow, Jack.
January 3rd News With the start of this New Year, I've been told that we are going to move again. So, its this week in the same spot and next week at a new location. They haven't shown we where but I will post it as soon as I find out.
This week I have a nice variety of lilies starting with Conca's, solid soft yellows, and upright yellow - deeper than Conca's, two types of pink and white blush and two types of reds. Paper whites are short this week because they are still young, but I have them in 6 and 8 inch clay pots, along with wooden boxes. In amaryllis, I have a nice selection in both single and triple pots. Hope to see you tomorrow, Jack.
December 27th News Hoping everyone is enjoying their holidays even though the weather has no been cooperating fully. I will be at Union Square tomorrow, rain or shine.
This week I will have in Oriental lilies: Conca's, solid soft yellows, a few upright yellows, pink and white blush in two different varieties, and reds. Sorry, no whites this week. I also have amaryllis in single 6inch pots and triple 8 inch pans. I have a new batch of paperwhites in handmade wooden boxes but no 6 or 8 inch pots, maybe I'll have some next week or the week after. See you tomorrow, Jack.
December 20th News I am going to attempt to drive in tomorrow. With almost a foot of snow as of this posting, and still more coming down, I hope I can achieve my goals. I have orders ready and will have amaryllis in both singles and triples as well as paperwhites in 6 & 8 inch clay pots and wooden boxes.
In Oriental lilies, believe it or not, I have some beautiful solid soft yellows, Conca's, whites, large reds and a few blush pink and whites. This trip will no doubt be a tough one, hope to see you there. Jack
December 13th News With it being very cold tomorrow, I will be setting up with heat. Were it not for orders, I would not have been coming down. This week I'll have lots of amaryllis in both singles and triples, paperwhites in 6 inch, 8 inch clay pots and wooden boxes. In Oriental lilies, I will have Conca's, solid yellows, whites and a few reds. With it remaining cold all day, I'm sure to leave by 3 o'clock, so if its flowers you need, don't be late or you might miss me.
Early this week, to my horror, I found out that all my double white amaryllis are not pure white. I am sorry to all who purchased them thinking as I did, that they would be. It's just too late for me to look for replacement bulbs at this time. Sorry, sometimes these things happen, I apologize. See you tomorrow, Jack.
December 6th News The very last of my L.A. Hybrids will be brought down tomorrow, along with some Oriental Lilies. I am in between crops so I really don't have that many and I have many email orders. Email orders have been increasing and everyone gets what they want, both with a response and with product. I can't emphasize enough how in times when I just don't have much of a crop, how email can ensure you lilies.
Amaryllis is in and I also have many email orders. Please come early or email your order in so you can get what you want. This week I'll have a good assortment of triples and singles. Paperwhites are also ready, both in 6 inch clay pots and in wooden boxes. They are the much sought after short stemmed varieties with most producing two shoots per bulb for longer plant life. It will be cold tomorrow, that being said, I will try to accommodate everyone as early as I can. See you tomorrow. Jack.
November 29th News The last colorful group of L.A. Hybrids will be offered this Saturday, but I will have a few non-fragrant lilies for the next couple of weeks. Have some lovely Orientals in whites, pink and white blush, solid yellows and a new batch of Conca's.
This week I'll have the first of my fancy Dutch Amaryllis. Many people have asked for that deep velvety red and I will have a few tomorrow. Another one is a greenish white. I'll also have a double red and a double white edged in red. For those of you who know my quality of amaryllis, the month of December will be the time to stock up. This year I hope to carry over into the new year with amaryllis, so that even January through March you'll be able to purchase unique colorful bulbs potted in clay and finished in green moss.
Also, my first paperwhites are available in 6 inch clay pots and wooden boxes. Tomorrow should be a lot warmer than last week, looking forward to seeing you there. Jack
November 22nd News Although tomorrow calls for very cold weather, I will be down with flowers. In L.A. Hybrids, I'll have the full variety of colors. In Orientals, I'll have pink and white blush, whites, solid yellows, some reds, yellow with blush red centers and a few Conca's. All will be tight so that by Thanksgiving they will be in perfect bloom. In Amaryllis, I'll have deep reds, double reds, pure whites and double pink and white blush. I also have a few miniature amaryllis in greenish white. I'll be starting my Dutch amaryllis after Thanksgiving, along with paperwhites.
For a good selection, please come early as I don't have many Orientals this time of year. Don't forget, the farmers have been relocated to the North side of the park. You can once again find me in front of the pavilion near Barnes and Noble bookstore. See you tomorrow, Jack
November 15th News Before I begin, I want to remind everyone that this Saturday I am returning to my old location. If all goes as planned, you will find me halfway down the North side of the park, in front of the pavillion.
Well its another rainy day for tomorrow-- what else is new. I've forgotten what the sky looks like. I'm coming close to the end of my L.A. Hybrids. Next week should be the bulk of them, just in time for the Thanksgiving holidays. My Amaryllis are coming on strong, soon to start with the Dutch ones, maybe within a week or two. I started paperwhites little later this year but I'll carry them throughout the winter months. I'll have them in wooden boxes, 6 inch clay pots and 8 inch pans. These are the same ones as last year, very large bulbs with heavy blooms on shorter stems. In Orientals, I have some huge pink and white blush, a few yellows, deep reds and a few whites. Hope to see you tomorrow, Jack
November 8th News I've been told that starting next week I should be in my old spot (that is, in front of Barnes and Noble) again. Hopefully, I'll find out more about it this week and will keep you posted. I also have some photos of lilies in the greenhouse. I know I haven't put any in for a while, sorry. Also included is a photo of those mini amaryllis I have a few of. They are greenish white (citron), one is a double, the other a single and each very special.
This week I'll have L.A. Hybrids in most colors, Orientals in yellows, pink and white blush, some whites, a few reds and some mixed bunches. Amaryllis in all colors and a few triples. Rain or shine, I'll be there. See you tomorrow, Jack
November 1st News A new month, the eleventh of this year. Upstate saw snow, we didn't! When you see everything covered in snow (and I mean everything for me that pertains to work,) you are forced into realizing how easy it would have been if all of it was neatly protected inside. Snow is pretty, but for me it stops the "easiness" of being able to go outside to move crates or soil without digging for it. I guess we all see things differently. It's not that I don't love to see freshly fallen snow, but being one who lives outside, it makes me sometimes wish I had more inside chores.
Enough rambling, tomorrow should be a lovely day and I have colorful L.A. Hybrids in almost all varieties. Along with very large budded Conca's and red Orientals.
I also have more in the way of amaryllis with a few large pots (3 in an 8 inch pan,) plus a brand new miniature citron color, (3 in a 6 inch pot.) They are a novelty amaryllis which gives a unique display of flowers. All in all, I'll have a nice collection. See you tomorrow, Jack.
October 25th News The weather people say it's going to be like doomsday - rain, 40 mph winds. Whenever I get a bad forecast, I now turn it off. I'll be there tomorrow, no matter what the weather. This week in Orientals I'll have reds, pink and white blush, a few yellows and all the colors in L.A. Hybrids. I will also have a nice variety of amaryllis. See you tomorrow, Jack
October 18th News Sorry I'm posting so late but tulip and hyacinth planting is taking most of my time. This week, I'll have many lilies to offer Conca's, deep yellows, soft yellows, pink and white blush in two varieties, cherry pie (creamy outside, blush red inside) deep reds -- all on strong stems with large buds. In L.A.'s I'll have all colors in tight bud. And last, but not least, Amaryllis in four colors. A large white, double red, double pink and white, and a deep red. See you tomorrow, Jack
October 11th News Just like the financial markets, the weather is going up and down. For me, some warm bright days and cool nights have allowed my Orientals to mature nicely. Long buds, good color and strong stems. With that said, this week I'll have some Conca's, deep yellows, soft yellows, pink and white blush and also some creamy yellows with bright red centers. L.A. Hybrids are available in most colors and some of my first amaryllis of the year are ready. This year I'm doing a new double red with a very soft white stripe, double pink and white with very large flowers, and a single large white. There were no double whites to be had this year so its only singles for my early amaryllis. I will have double whites in the Dutch ones later in the season. Tomorrow should be a picture prefect day, see you then, Jack.
October 4th News As warm weather has gradually left our area and moved south, I've been keeping my greenhouses at minimum temps. (actually, no heat) because of my outrageous oil bills. This domino effect has my lilies in suspended animation. I guess if I need to make a living, I'll have to turn the heat on. So this week, as last week, I just won't have many Oriental lilies. But I do have L. A. Hybrids. They come into bloom in less than half the time of the Orientals.
My Amaryllis are coming along, maybe next week or the week after the first will be available.
Tonight should be in the 30's, so, as of tonight, the heat is on. Hopefully I'll have some pink and white blush and others as well. Sorry, but its hard to justify $3.50 a gallon in oil. I just have to face the fact that as leaves are changing color, winter is closing in. See you at the market, Jack
September 27th News Where did September go, or for that matter summer. Leaves are slowly changing and that taken for granted warm day is getting cooler to the point that sweaters are now the norm.
With the change, my L.A. Hybrids now reflect the colors of Autumn reds, orange, yellows and soft greens are in bunches for your tables and festive get togethers. In Orientals, I have reds in three shades and some Conca's. Next week I should have more in the way of colors. Just remember, if you need flowers for Rosh Hashanah, this Saturday is the perfect time to get them as they will be in full bloom by Monday evening. Wishing all my Jewish customers and friends a very happy holiday. See you tomorrow, rain or shine, Jack.
September 20th News I'm into full swing with L.A. Hybrids. Reds, orange, yellows, some whites and pinks will be ready for tomorrow. In Orientals I have a few Conca's, Pink and white blush, raspberry reds, and two other varieties of reds.
Colchicum bulbs are ready this week if you can remember them from last year. I only have a few to carry over for the next few weeks. Keep them dry, no water, on a plate or rocks by a window and watch them bloom. They are amazing.
To all who love my tulips during tulip season: the news this year is very bad. This summer was much too hot in the Netherlands, as tulips do not like heat, many varieties did not "size up" leaving only small bulbs and in some cases, no bulbs, to be sold. Smaller sizes bulbs are reserved for planting stock each year, or no bulbs at all for the coming year. I'm hoping that I'll have many of the ones I do every year, but as of now, many of these are still "ifs." I'll keep you informed. See you tomorrow, Jack.
September 13th News Last week I followed every weather man's advice and decided not to come to market. Well, this week, if Ike takes a turn and suddenly appears at Union Square, I will be here with plenty of lilies.
In L.A. Hybrids I'll have whites, deep reds, burnt orange (it's intense), yellows, copper and a new small flowering white accented with red and yellow centers, a gorgeous lily indeed. I've posted a picture for you to enjoy.
In Orientals I'll have Conca's, big solid yellows, raspberry reds, a few whites, blush pink and whites, and dark deep reds. See you Saturday, Jack.
September 6th News If the weatherman is right, tomorrow's weather promises to be just too severe to bring flowers to the market. With my regrets, I will not be down tomorrow. Jack
Deep red L. A. Hybrid
Pink L.A. Hybrid
White L.A. Hybrid
August 30th News Last week was just one of those.....not enough product to make it to market days. This week, it's a little different. With a warm August, I have available, early this year by about two weeks, L.A. Hybrids, (lilies with deep color but no fragrance.) in deep reds, whites that start off chartreuse but develop into pure white, soft pinks and a few yellows. Along with these, I'll have a nice selection of Orientals in whites, blush pinks, red, deep reds, cream with red centers and two distinctly different varieties of yellows. See you tomorrow, Jack.
August 23rd News Hi folks, cooler days and nights have slowed the bloom of the lilies. I'm sorry but I won't be down this weekend. See you Labor Day, Jack.
August 16th News Hello everyone, the nice thing about summer, is the living is easy. That's right, all you have to do is come to market, and buy what you want. I wish it were as simple for me! Too hot, too cold, hail, too much rain, not enough. Farmers and growers really don't have it that easy. The trip in is only half as bad as the trip (after 12 hours on our feet) back. Especially after a day, upon arriving at market at 6 am, only to find a nice drenching rain waiting for you. After those 12 hours of getting soaked, everything you hoped to sell has to go back into your truck to be brought back home.
After nearly 30 years, I can say with absolute certainty that my living is not easy. I work seven days a week. My only day that's different is the day I come to Union Square. I can tell you, it's like my day off. No, really, if you saw how hard it is, you would agree. The point is, that all of this is important to me. It is what I am. Every time you purchase my flowers, you get a part of me. What happened to a few farmers for not following rules hurts all of those like me. I hope all of you who read my story think about what I've said because its really what many of us who come to market feel in his or her own way.
This week I'll have a nice selection of lilies in yellows, pink and white blush, several reds, and salmon. I'll also have the "bud bunches" in several colors. See you tomorrow, Jack.
August 9th News As we all know, the articles in the New York Times this week about growers at Greenmarket, rules that are not adhered to and what Greenmarket's response about subsequent follow-ups and inspections or lack there of, can only bring doubt in consumers minds. As a member of the original FCAC committee, I felt that the simpler the rules, the easier it would be to govern. Over time, as I am no longer a part of the politics, and I'll explain why later, the rules and committees became so complicated and complex that enforcement could, at times, be overwhelming for the staff at Greenmarket. I want to say, without any hesitation, that this statement is solely my opinion, I do not have any inside connection as to what goes on at Greenmarket. As a producer member of Greenmarket I am given a choice to follow the rules, or pay the consequences. For almost 30 years, I stand behind my integrity. What will take place with future articles to bring awareness about Greenmarket, or for that fact, producers and growers can only be speculative at best. Each producer should stand behind his or her product with pride even more so from today on. If my memory serves me correctly, somewhere I've heard you can spent a lifetime doing right but do one thing wrong and that's what they'll remember you by. If anyone is interested, for what it's worth, I felt at the time I left my position at the FCAC committee, that the laws written then would be sufficient enough if adhered to by producers and enforced by Greenmarket to conduct a market that anyone would be proud of. I entered Greenmarket with hopes that I would retire when I no longer could go on. I stand by these words now as I did then. It's not my job to criticize Greenmarket or other producers about their practices; if they've done wrong, those whose profession it is to find out the truth will certainly succeed in doing that. As to my own business practices, I guarantee that anything purchased at my stand, has been produced solely by me. Stop by my stand an tell me what you think, I'd be much interested.
That said, this week I've got lots of lilies in whites, reds, gorgeous pink and white blush, yellows and gorgeous buds to be sold tomorrow, on what calls for a beautiful Saturday. See you at the market, Jack.
August 2nd News August already? Where did the first seven months go? My dad always tells me how fast his time on earth is going. For him, months seem like weeks, seasons come and go so fast. Just when you get used to one, it's already changed.
First crop of L.A.'s are looking good. I'll post some photos in a few weeks to show their progress. Lilies are at their hardest times in July and August. Stressed by heat, they grow smaller but all in all, no total crop failure. Keep your fingers crossed, it's not over yet. This week I have very tight Conca's, creamy yellows, reds in three shades, pink blush a few whites and bud bunches. Remember, it's August, beat the heat, the crowd and this week, the rain! See you tomorrow, Jack.
July 26th News They say no news is good news, well, nothing has burned up---the lilies look good and the plantings are on schedule. When I get days like the last few, it only reaffirms my feelings about greenhouse grown flowers over field grown. Although the over all size is a little smaller, the quality of not being beat up in the rain and wind far out weighs anything you can get from outdoors.
This week is no different from last - many varieties to choose from! As August approaches production will slow down. I would think I have enough different lilies too please anyone's taste. I will also have many tiny buds in yellows, reds and pinks. See you tomorrow, Jack.
July 19th News July and it's hot! Summer is here and as August approaches, fewer lilies will be coming in. No whites this week, but I will have some blush pinks and three beautiful varieties of reds, large pure yellows, a few yellow and reds. I may have a few Concas, if not, next week along with the whites. This weeks bud bunches are in yellows and reds.
I've started on the L.A. hybrids for the fall with a few ones plus my great deep reds, strong yellows and whites that start off green but finish pure white.
This weeks photos are of a deep red edged in white. Red is the hardest color to duplicate, it almost always looks lighter in natural light or with a flash. These still don't show how deep the red actually is but I put them up anyway. See you tomorrow, Jack
July 12th News
As we are approaching mid-summer, almost all of the lilies look good so far. Some scorching on the reds mostly but overall, a pretty nice crop. I just thought I'd mention this week I have a photo of a new lily. It's soft, creamy yellow with a touch of red on each petal. It has good bud count with large pointed petals. This lily is side facing so it makes for a very full bunch when open.
Many varieties of lilies this week with a full color range from whites to yellows, reds to pink blush. Also, I have a new crop of salmon O.T.'s along with a few L.A.'s in copper. Along with cut lilies, I have many "tiny delights," those bunches of buds for small vases in whites, yellows, reds and pink blush. All in all, Saturday should see me down with lots of lilies. Beat the heat, shop early and see you tomorrow, Jack.
July 5th News Sorry I'm posting so late. Yes, I'll be down tomorrow. Every variety will be available including yellow Conca's, pure yellows, yellow and whites, pink and white blush, deep reds, pure whites also, with a new OT that has a soft cream edge with a pastel red center. This week I also have some copper L.A. Hybrids. See you tomorrow, rain or shine, Jack.
June 28th News With very good weather, not too hot, not too cold - you know, the way weather is supposed to be - my lilies are growing strong, both in stiff stems and nice color. I've been selling many different varieties of lilies in the last few weeks and have been getting many compliments. Some want to know if they're real, yes they are! I've had little time to post photos as I'd like to show you just what it is I have for sale. This week, I have a much anticipated dark red lily that's just now coming into bloom. My pictures cannot capture the deep wine color, you just have to see it to believe it. I also have this pinkish red - edged in white lily which is just full of buds, 6-9 per stem. It's display is very impressive.
From big whites - two varieties, pink and white blush - three varieties, reds - three varieties to yellows and yellows with red blush, salmons, and a few L.A. hybrids, I believe, other than going to Holland, you will not ever see a display as I've set up. It has taken years to perfect what I produce and bring to market and this year I've trialed more lilies than any other. If you love lilies, stop by and say hello. Last week we met a grower visiting from Wisconsin who said that he'd never seen anything like it! My passion has been to produce the best, I'm sure you'll agree. I'm at Union Square every Saturday, see you tomorrow, Jack.
June 21st News Sorry I'm posting so late but it was just a very long day. As we are now into summer, my varieties of lilies continue to grow. Tomorrow, I'll be introducing some new lilies. First, a small pink, it's compact growth habit is very good for tight spaces. Next, I'll have a deep red which has many buds edged in white. Cooler weather has allowed the color to come back strong in the blush pinks. A new white is ready this week, its petals are very wide as they mature, opening flat like a salad plate. My salmon OT'S have the strongest fragrance of all the lilies so far. The heavy budded, yellow with red blush centers sold out last week along with all our whites. There are many lilies from which to choose, so come early. This week I have started my cut buds again, the same as last year, in small bunches for bud vases. I'll have them in yellows and blush pinks. I also have some hyacinths in a few colors. See you tomorrow, Jack.
June 14th News Well,I have too say, for all the years I've grown lilies, I've yet to see this much heat for so long this early in the season. It is quite difficult and trying when all previous weeks were cool to suddenly be in the high 90's. I am amazed I didn't lose more, but it takes weeks to assess the damage because buds don't show anything but scorching. I believe much was ruined, especially in the dark reds. I just have to wait and see. Out of the two groups of reds, I only have a handful left.
This week its all about the lilies! With ten uniquely different varieties there is something to appeal to everyone's taste. Tomorrow I will have many different varieties ranging from pure whites, whites with yellow centers, pink and white blush, to pure yellows, yellow with red centers and a few reds. Also new this year is a salmon OT lily along with a few L.A. hybrids. To refresh everyone's memory, an OT is a cross between an oriental and a trumpet lily, similar to an Easter lily. L.A.'s are a cross between asiatics and orientals; no fragrance in most but a larger flower from its oriental parent.
Hyacinths in white, lavender,light blue and pink. As the weeks come, I'll try to update lily photos so you can see what is available. As always, come early for the best selection as many people have been buying up my lilies for weddings and special occasions. For anyone needing help to plan their wedding flowers, I have a large selection of white orientals, just let me know by email as to your needs along with your dates. See you tomorrow, Jack
Oriental lily deep red edged in creamy yellow, sweet fragrance
Copper L. A. Hybrid, NO FRAGRANCE
June 7th News Lilies are developing nicely. This week's photo is a new one. Very strong, thick, 5-6 buds per stem. A deep red center, edged in a soft creamy yellow. These flowers are very large. I'll also have many Conca's , creamy yellows, and a small yellow with a red center, along with a few pink and white blush. For those of you who don't enjoy the fragrance, this week I also have a coppery colored L.A. Hybrid lily. The big, big whites and a new pink and white should be ready for next week. If they come into bloom, I'll take some photos. With 95 degrees called for the next few days, I hope they all survive. I put shade cloth on the sides of the greenhouses and sprayed the roof with white shade paint, there isn't anything else I can do except hope the afternoons cloud up.
Tulips are officially over this week. With the last of red and white parrots and a few other varieties. Also, hyacinths in all colors except deep blue. Come early to beat the heat and to get your best selection. See you tomorrow, Jack.
May 31st News What a difference a week has made, warm sunny days have helped many lily varieties to come along nicely. Conca's are in and they are very large, the bud count is amazing, 5+ on every stem! Normal bud count is 3 or 4, and these all have thick strong stems. The big pink and white blush are starting along with the large solid yellows. I'll also have some of the deep reds and white with yellow centers.
This year I decided to grow some smaller sized lilies for bunches that don't demand their own room. The flowers themselves are smaller so they can be used for arrangements that must be manageable in an office, on a desk or a night table in your bedroom. The first of the years small ones are a soft yellow with a blush of red in the center. It's fragrance is rather unique. All in all, I think very nice. I've posted a photo, it's quite similar to the variety which grew very large and was posted by my friends. I trialed very few of these, so I'll have them only for a few months.
Hyacinths are here in all colors along with some tulips. Next week will be the last of the tulips so prepare for withdrawal. Wean yourself with a few bunches and just forget about them until next year. I know it will be hard! I really do stretch the season but everything must come to an end. See you tomorrow, rain or shine, Jack.
May 24th News With this abnormally cold week, not much happened in the way of forcing Lilies to bloom. Even the last group of tulips barely grew. I will have some white with yellow centers and deep reds along with many whites for lilies. Conca's should be coming next week.
As I stated, not much in the way of tulips but I do have some.
All colors of hyacinths are available but, with this a three day weekend, I don't have much. It's just as well because by next week, lilies should be coming, I hope. The next groups to bloom should be a pink and white blush along with some soft yellows and some very large Conca's.
Here are a few pictures of some of the lilies getting close to bloom. They are about a week away. See you at the market, Jack.
May 17th News Hello everyone, tulip season is slowing down and within two weeks should just about be over. This week I'll have red, white and apricot parrots. Three types of doubles, blushing yellows, yellow and pink blush, red and orange fringed and those cute little tulips that range from white to deep pink.
Still have every variety of hyacinth but last week was the end for freesias. In lilies, I'll have the last of the deep reds, some large white and those large red and white striped I introduced last week. Sorry, no Conca's for now until the big ones come in. Those should be ready in one or two weeks. Also, hoping for large white with yellow centers and a new deep red. All of these will be larger in size than what I had been bringing down if you can imagine that! Depending on how warm it gets, will determine how fast they come into bloom. Bud count on these are in the 5-7 buds per, on strong large stems. All of the new crop is looking good with some varieties between 6-7 feet tall already. I will take some photos soon and post them to give you an idea.
This just in, I'm moving a few feet further North, I won't be on the corner but will be right next to that spot on the same side. So don't panic, you'll find me. See you tomorrow, rain or shine. Jack.
May 10th News Well, I've gotten through this week cutting and preparing now all I have to do is sell it! I'm sure this will be easy considering the varieties of flowers I have to offer.
Let's start with a new oriental lily. I only did one crate, I'll have it for two or three weeks. Whenever I do a new variety, I always what my customers will think. This flower is huge, it's bud alone is about 7 inches long that opens into this red and white spotted, curly reflexed petaled, fragrant wow of a flower that when fully open measures about 10 inches across! The pictures I posted today don't do it justice. Only a few of them, and all I can say is come early. Conca's, Deep reds, and pink blush are available this week.
Many varieties of tulips along with every color of hyacinths are ready for Mother's day. I did more of a yellow with pink blush tulip than I ordinarily do, it's very large bloom will make a wonderful display. This is the last of the freesias, so it's now or never.
With all that said, let me finish by saying please come early for your best selections and remember, all your flowers get our unique wrapping that completes your gift so you can protect it while traveling. See you tomorrow, Jack.
May 3rd News May already and with May comes the end of freesias. Next week should be the last of them. Tulips are slowing down but I'll have them for at least two or three weeks. Lilies are coming in slowly but surely. They're a little late this year, but, by the end of May we'll see the beginning of some large ones. Then, before you know it, summer will arrive. As I get older, time just seems to go faster.
In a few weeks I'll post some pictures of my lilies to show what stage they're in. Almost all varieties are quite tall and with good bud count. If only the weather stays moderate with no high temps, the crop will come out okay. It's when we get sudden temperatures in the 90's from 50 or 60 degrees that I find buds burned or leaves scorched.
This week I'll have a good variety of tulips, hyacinths and freesias. In lilies, I have deep reds, Conca's, a few whites and pink blush. Same location again this week. See you tomorrow, Jack
April 26th News This week was a very hot week and many lilies have burned up. It's too early for shade cloth and the heat was just too strong. But, that's the nature of this business. Conca's are here this week and luckily, they held up very well. Not so for the deep reds - sorry, not too many of these this week. I will also have some of the beautiful pink blush and some pure whites. In tulips again this week I'll have a very good selection of unique varieties as well as freesia and hyacinth in all colors. This Saturday should be a little cooler, see you at the same location near 15th St. Jack.
April 19th News Sorry I'm posting so late, but I've been cutting tulips til 7:00. and with this happening every day, it's just going to be this way for a while.
Tomorrow is going to be picture perfect - 68 degrees, with no wind. I will still be at the same spot, by 15th St.
In tulips, I'll have 15 different varieties - new for this week are fringed reds edged in orange and a tulip that varies in shade from a light white to a deep pink so no two tulips have the same color. It's really quite nice. My freesias this week are all very strong. I've started to cut from my last plantings and this weeks crop are all first cuts and very large, this is as good as it gets! Hyacinths in every color and lilies in deep reds, whites, and raspberry pinks. See you tomorrow, come early for your best selections. Jack
April 12th News The spot I was in last Saturday will be my spot tomorrow, but I'm told it won't be in May as other farmers come back, I again will have to move. So much for that, I'll let you know where I'll be on a weekly basis so everyone will be able to find me.
This week is similar to last - lots of tulips with a double bluish purple that's making it's first appearance this year. All colors of hyacinths, many freesias and some lilies - whites, a few yellows, pink blush, raspberry pink and deep reds. Calling for rain....you're guess is as good as mine. See you at Union Square, Jack.
April 5th News
I suppose tomorrow will begin in my new location. My map shows a corner spot by the steps into the park, across from 15th St. I will be about in the middle of the market. Hope everyone can find me and its not too much of an inconvenience.
This week because of the move and forecasted rain, I will be with a little less product. But all in all, I'll have a good variety of tulips and hyacinths. This week I have a new crop of red parrots along with some white and apricot parrots. Doubles in light and deep yellows, reds and magenta. Ad rem's and yellows with pink blush. Hyacinths in all colors with many cut freesias, most even larger than last week.
In lilies I'll have yellows, a few whites, pink with white blush, raspberry pinks and deep reds. Hope to see you tomorrow in my new spot, Jack.
March 29th News Hi everyone, I'd just like to say thank you to all my customers for coming out last week. Hope all those flowers looked their best for everyone's Easter. Days are so long for me as of late. I just never get enough done. I have some new tulips this week, a lovely one that's yellow and white (upper is white and the bottom, yellow,) just gorgeous! A double that's reddish on the outside and edged in an orange yellow, heavily petaled, this one gets large and full, you really won't believe your eyes. This one is posted on the tulip page. Last week, I didn't have the light yellow doubles, they're back this week. Along with all the others. You'll have a big selection to pick from. Hyacinths in all colors with lots of freesias. The freesias are getting larger now that we get longer days, they are quite beautiful. Lastly the lilies. I will have Conca's, smaller yellows (and when I say smaller, I mean more compact) the buds are about the same size. I will also have deep reds, a raspberry pink with yellow center, some large budded whites and a few pink blush. This week I was notified that construction as Union Square will start beginning in April. Everyone on the north side, including me, will be moved to the south (14th St) side of the park. Hope this Saturday that Greenmarket staff will show me my new spot. I will post a map as to where I will set up. This will be my spot until construction is complete. Don't worry, You'll be able to find me.
Check out www.apartmenttherapy.com Each weekend, Matt does 'plant therapy' articles. Last week he posted a how to segment on putting a 'twist' into your tulips, with step by step instructions.
And finally, thanks Donna and Anthony for your lovely pictures. I've posted them on the customer photo page. See you all on Saturday, Jack.
March 22nd News Well, it's here, EASTER!! Tried to have a nice assortment of everything ready for tomorrow. Been worried with the weather pattern we've had for the last month, combined with Easter being so early, it could have snowed this weekend. Luckily, it's not the case. My tulips are coming on strong, will have orange and white parrots this week along with some new yellows (some pictures will be posted after I post this.) Many doubles in red, yellow and purple, large pinks, salmon and apricot, Ad Rem's and yellow with pink blush. All very tall wrapped in paper. Please note that parrots, especially, need fresh cut upon arriving home with one hour in water, still wrapped in paper to stiffen the stems. All tulips drink lots of water, sometimes they'll even drink all of it overnight, so watch them. Hyacinths of every color will be ready along with freesias, all bunched by color. In lilies this week, I have the deep reds along with a new white (very large flower) pink blush and some deep pinks. Yellows I'll have, but not many. See you tomorrow, Jack.
March 15th News
Hi everyone, sorry I'm posting so late these days, with tulip season coming on strong, I'm getting home later and later. This makes three weeks in a row with bad weather again. It's becoming the norm to expect that Saturday's have rain in the forecast. Let's hope the afternoon will be sunny. I'm thinking positive!
This week my first white parrot's will be available. I don't have many so if you want some of these, come early. I have a very nice selection of tulips this week - all the doubles in soft and deep yellows, red and raspberry, Ad Rem's, yellow with pink blush, salmon, apricot and lastly that special little tulip that opens flat.
In lilies I'll have yellows, light pinks and dark pinks. All colors of hyacinth are in along with cut freesia. Now that they are into heavy blooming, I'm bunching them by color. All whites, blues, yellows, blush pink, and deep raspberry. Next week for Easter I'll be bringing some new yellow tulips along with some orange parrots. I'll post some pictures of them next week along with my update. See you tomorrow, Jack.
March 8th News Hi. This Saturday looks to be a wash out, but not at my spot! If you're in Manhattan tomorrow and need a touch of Spring, come to my stand at Greenmarket in Union Square.
For tulips this week I've posted some pictures of what's available and what's new. Double flowering tulips don't look like much when I bring them down to market but as you can see, they look like peonies when open. This year I have four varieties of them. A soft double yellow, a deep double yellow, a very large flowering double raspberry shade and lastly, a double red (that I have been waiting years for) Two years ago I trialed 250 of these and was lucky to get some this season. Ad Rem's, yellows with pink blush and a very special rare tulip. This one opens flat to expose the interior which has a dark black center edged in red with pointed cream petals. This is similar to Tarda which is also a species tulip, but large enough to force. It's display is unique as they open and close in the course of a day.
As for lilies, my new crops are coming in. I'll have two pinks, one deep, that I did last year, and a new light blush pink, very fragrant and upright. I also have a yellow that is identical to Conca Dor, the same flower size but more compact. Also, some Conca's, and a few whites. Along with the lilies, I'll have a full palette of hyacinth colors and freesia. Although it will be raining all day, my variety of flowers should satisfy any discriminating customer. See you tomorrow, Jack
March 1st News Hello everyone. Tomorrow's forecast has been getting worse all day today. I hope I'll be able to get out in the morning, so there is a chance that I may not be coming down. Please check in the morning, I'll post a message if its a no go. This weeks tulips are Ad Rem, Pinks, Apricots, Salmon along with yellow with pink blush and soft double yellows. There will be a variety of mixed bunches of freesia and all colors of cut hyacinth. For Orientals I will have whites, the last of the red blush and Conca's. Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow, Jack.
February 23rd News As you might have guessed, the weather being what it is, I won't be seeing you this Saturday. Stay safe and warm, Jack.
February 16th News Although this Saturday is going to be cold, I have tulips and hyacinths and its just that time of the season. also have some oriental lilies which include Conca's, whites and that beautiful red blush. All will be insulated with a paper wrap and being sunny, it should work out. See you tomorrow, Jack
February 9th News The beginning of tulip season starts this week with some tall pinks, apricots and a few salmon. I don't have many this week but I will have more next, along with orange and yellow blush.
As for Orientals, I have Conca's along with a few of those beautiful blush. Also all colors of hyacinths will be available with amaryllis and some paperwhites too. See you tomorrow, Jack
February 2nd News Last week I brought one bunch of this new Oriental lily that I trialed. Planted only a few of these to see if they would be interesting. My friends sent this picture because even I had not seen it open. WOW! Wish now I had planted more. One opened in the greenhouse today - just fantastic. It is a side almost down facing lily but just beautiful. Good bud count and as you can see, gorgeous. This week I have a few of these along with a few whites and a new crop of Conca's.
Every color of hyacinths are available along with some paperwhites and amaryllis. Tulips are coming along, maybe some next week if not, surely by the week after. Again, I'd like to thank Lew and Ariane for these lovely shots of this weeks pictures of a very unique Oriental lily. Tomorrow should be a great day, see you there, Jack.
January 26th News Hello everyone, sick of winter yet? I am. Last week every weatherman and woman said it would be too cold- - wrong! This week, I'm coming down, I'm not listening to anything they say any more. I've been looking at my first crop of tulips in the greenhouse and they seem to be taking forever. This happens every year. I can't wait for the first ones and by mid-season....I can't wait for the last of them! Looks about first or second week of February and the madness will begin. This week its white and red orientals, no Conca's. Lots of hyacinths, all colors. I'll decide tomorrow morning if its too cold to bring some amaryllis and paperwhites. Stay warm, Jack.
January 19th News Hi Folks, Winter is Back! With freezing temperatures predicted until 2pm, I won't be down this Saturday. Keep warm and have a great weekend. Jack
January 12th News What's the saying? "What a difference a day makes." How about a week? Hard to believe this weather. One day, near zero, then 60 degrees. This certainly makes it hard to produce a good crop of lilies.
Speaking of lilies, I've confirmed this years bulbs from Holland and it looks like most of the varieties I asked for will be available except for a few. One that I will not get this year is that beautiful apricot, what a disappointment. I'm not taking no for an answer, there has to be some around somewhere, I'll just keep being a pest and try to dig some up. Sometimes someone drops an order and they may become available.
This year my color theme will be pink blush and reds. I also have some wild OT's with very large flowers and colors. Have you ever looked at catalogs and drooled over those pictures of perfect flowers? Well I'm no different, its the same for me. Getting them to come out like those pictures takes the right combination of light, temperature, good bulbs and, oh yeah, if you have the grower knowing what he is doing. As every year comes and goes, I always try new ones, this year won't be any different. I'm going out on a limb, way out on a limb this year with ten new lilies. This is the most new varieties I've ever trialed in one season. It's a very big gamble. I'll be happy if half of them do well. We shall see.
This week I have Conca's and some white with yellow centers. All colors of hyacinths, paperwhites in 6 inch pots and boxes and beautiful amaryllis. See you Saturday, Jack.
January 5th News News Flash! Very cold week with more snow. Yesterday it was 5 degrees, this morning a balmy 7. Think how much oil it takes to heat a really big tent of plastic with no insulation. Over a thousand dollars a week. Occasionally, I have people come to me saying they think my flowers are too expensive. They should try paying my bills. My American dollar doesn't buy much in the way of bulbs in Europe these days either. What should I do? Convert to coal? go solar? maybe wind.... I'd like to but prices are so high to change that I'd be well into retirement before I'd break even. In Europe, subsidies are a help, in Canada, the same. See how far you can get asking the Bush administration. They're still not convinced that global warming is real! I BELIEVE THEY KNOW because they're the ones selling me my oil! Oh well, I wonder how many BTU'S I can get out of politicians? I could really strike it rich if I found a way to convert what comes out of their mouths into heat. Just think, and endless, renewable energy source. Enough joking, I guess I should get around to telling you what's available this week.
Cut Hyacinths are ready, not many, but they're here. Some Orientals, mostly yellows and many amaryllis in both 6 inch and 10 inch pots. Lastly, with writers on strike, I just have to do the writing myself. See you Saturday, Jack
December 29th News Last Saturday, many varieties of amaryllis sold but I still have more coming over the next month or so. I will have some in both 6 inch and 10 inch clay pots with many varieties to choose from.
This week I have no paperwhites, more will be coming in the next few weeks.
Orientals are coming in slower as cold weather brings lots of cloudy weather. The month of December had only five or six days of sun. I hope January fares much better. I'll have Conca's, pure yellows and white with yellow centers.
Hyacinths are stretching in the greenhouse and my first ones should be ready next week! Blues and Pinks look to be the first with very good height and full heads. Whites and lavenders will be following.
Well, it's almost here - 2008 - another year has gone. I'd like to thank all my customers for a good 2007. Hoping 2008 is a healthy and prosperous one for all. See you Saturday, Jack.
December 22nd news This week Saturday I'll be down with plenty of amaryllis in 6 inch, 8 inch and 10 inch clay pots. I will also have the paperwhites in 6 inch pots. For Oriental lilies I will have Concas, Pure Yellows, and large Pinks along with a few White and Yellows.
I'd just like to wish every one a happy and healthy holiday. See you at the market! Regards, Jack.
December 15th News After much thought about tomorrow's temps., I feel that the right thing to do is not attempt a trip to market. As most of my good customers know, I will not jeopardize the loss of my product for a few dollars. If this were January or February and I was selling hyacinths or tulips (more adapted to cold weather) I would be down. This weekend would have been one of my busiest days but I just wouldn't feel right if you took home a beautiful amaryllis and on your way home it was destroyed by cold weather.
Sorry, but I will be down next week, weather permitting, with amaryllis, oriental lilies and paperwhites. Any one who contacts me with an order will get a personal email to leave no one questioning if I'm going to be there or not. See you next Saturday, Jack.
December 8th News Our season with L.A.'s is coming to a close. This week I have some yellows and copper left. All other colors are sold out. Thanks to all who have bought these lovely flowers for the last few months. It was a good crop - hope all of you enjoyed them as much as I have in growing them. It always makes me reflect as I end one crop and move on to the next.
This week we have a complete amaryllis picture list showing all the varieties available. I am proud to offer an assortment that covers the very best in a wide range of colors. All in 6 inch, 8 inch and 10 inch clay pots.
Paperwhites in 6 inch clay and wooden boxes are also ready. Remember to keep these watered, never letting them dry out.
Lastly, we have many Oriental lilies from Conca's, all whites, white and yellows, apricots, pink and white blush, and some deep reds. This Saturday should be a perfect day with some sun and warmer weather. See you then, Jack.
December 1st News December - Hanukkah, Christmas. I know every year goes faster than the last and so much to do. Well---if its flowers you need, this week, I'll have them. Both in L.A.'s and lots of Oriental lilies. Orientals at this time of year grow strong with lots of large buds. I have Conca's (huge ones) Whites, White with Yellow centers, Pink and White blush, and some Apricots. This year Oriental lilies will be available throughout the winter.
Amaryllis are coming on strong. With all the varieties I have this year, its worth it just to see our display. Double Whites, double Reds, double Pinks, Whites splashed with Red, Red and White striped, and a Red that is as deep as velvet. All with ground moss in 6", 8" and 10" clay pots.
This week I also have some short paperwhites in 6" clay pots and wooden boxes. This variety doesn't grow as tall as Ziva's and the flowers are bigger with more per shoot. Truly a lovely sight when in full bloom! See you Saturday, wear your mittens and hats! Jack.
November 24th News We will not be coming down on Saturday. See you on December first, with cut lilies, both L.A.'s and Orientals, Amaryllis and more. See you then, Jack
November 17th News If it's flowers that you need for Thanksgiving, this Saturday is the only day I'll be in the market. I do not come on Wednesday anymore. Any variety of lily, L.A. or Oriental, will be good for Thursday. Room temperature will open most flowers to produce a beautiful display by then and what is open will hold up fine.
Every color of L.A. will be available Saturday and what I have in Orientals will be brought down this weekend. For Orientals, come early as I don't have many.
In Amaryllis, I have many more this week. Two types of double whites, double pink and white striped, deep reds and double reds, red and white striped, a large flowering green, a large double flowering white edged in red all in 6 inch and 8 inch clay pots with moss. Lastly, a small green and white (3 to an oval clay pot) See you Saturday, Jack.
November 10th News This week, same as last - but without the wind! November is here, one of the cloudiest months of the year. At least with temps. like these, the flowers will think they're still in the cooler.
L.A. Hybrids are available in all colors again this week. In Orientals, I have some whites, Conca's, soft yellows, upright yellows, blush pink and whites, Sorbonne (pink with white edges) and a few rare deep reds. I picked a few of the blush pinks, whites and deep reds the other day and posted some pictures for you to see. Together they make quite and arrangement.
In amaryllis, I have double whites, double pink and white stripe, deep red, red and white striped in both 6" and 8" clay pots. I also have some small double green and whites (3 to an oval pot) See you Saturday, Jack.
November 3rd News Batten down the Hatches! Here I am thinking beautiful sunny Saturday and now a tropical nor'easter is coming our way. Oh well, good thing I don't melt. For flowers this week, I have all colors of L.A. Hybrids. In Orientals, I have Conca's, and a soft solid yellow. I also have two types of blush white and pink, pure all whites and a few apricots.
My amaryllis has finally started and this week I have a few varieties. I would like to explain my description so everyone can understand. I have two types one is a single petaled flower and the other is a double, meaning many more petals creating a very full flower. All my amaryllis should give two shoots, some three. This year my African and Dutch will be coming in very close together and as every year, I always have a few new ones. This year all 6 inch pots will be covered with moss as well as my triple, 8 inch and 10 inch pots. All pots are clay, not plastic which gives them a much better chance to dry between watering. My 8 inch and 10 inch pots have three bulbs to make a spectacular showing of blooms. This week, I have a solid double white in both 6 and 8 inch pots. Also a deep red in 6 inch pots and a double pink and white striped - large flower in 6 inch and 8 inch pots. And lastly, a new rare green-white in 6 inch pots.
To care for these beauties, water thoroughly and then let them dry out about every 7-10 days. Full sun will keep them shorter, less light - taller. When flowering is done, keep watering and growing, pull off the stem by holding the bulb and pull the stem firmly up (it will pop out) in the Spring, grow in sun to semi-sun and feed during the summer. Hopefully it will bloom next year. I think this method gives a higher chance to bloom rather than making them go dormant and trying to bring them back in the Fall. hopefully by next week, I'll have some pictures. See you Saturday, Jack.
October 27th News Should I go or shouldn't I go, that's the sixty four dollar question. Well, I guess I'll go. I'll have all of the L.A.'s again this week. In Orientals I have Conca's, large soft yellows, side facing yellows, a few whites, some pink and whites and a few apricot. Hope to see you there, Jack
October 20th News This week is a repeat of last week as far as what's available in L.A. Hybrids. All colors are continuing to come on strong. If you would like to see them, jump to the L.A. page. I'm in between Oriental crops, so all that I'll have are Conca's and a few other yellows. More will be coming next week along the line of whites and other colors. All my African amaryllis are starting to sprout, so in about two or three weeks, I'll have the first ones. Sorry about being late with them this year, but almost everything is late. Between getting shipments ready and new inspection procedures which are taking more time, not much has been coming on schedule. This is a first for me getting my African and Dutch amaryllis at nearly the same time. See you Saturday, Jack.
9 o'clock and I'm still here bringing you flowers!
October 13th News You have to admit, this Oriental lily really is news! Where can you find a flower that really is as big as your head? I had to post this one. Fall is finally here. Cooler weather has slowed the Oriental lily crop but I will still be able to offer you several varieties. Conca D'or, the crowd favorite, is available along two different whites brushed with yellow. I will also have some of the very large pinks with subtle speckles.
This week, however, its all about the range of fall colors presented in the L.A. Hybrids. I continue to have whites, copper, pure pinks, and vibrant yellows! Two of the reds are real "stand outs," I also have the very deep red with burgundy stripe and the orangy-red. These two colors look gorgeous together. As always, I look forward to meeting you at the market. Regards, Jack.
October 6th News Well, the news is the weather, back to summer this week with temps in the mid eighties to near nineties, what a beginning to fall. I'm well into planting tulips and hyacinth and this is very odd working in a T-shirt. usually I'm in sweaters, not sweating! With the warmth and clear days, lilies are coming in strong. I posted the picture of the coppery-red L.A. this week. Along with all the L.A.'s, for Orientals, I'll have some apricots, strong solid whites and some pure yellows. This week, a new batch of big Conca's and many Sorbonne's (pink with white edges) are ready. Also, spotted, deep pink and whites. These are really nice, so come early to get a nice selection and to beat the heat. See you Saturday. Jack
September 29th News Tomorrow will be a beautiful day, and to go with it we will be bringing down every variety of L.A. that I grow. We've added some photos of the white and yellow L.A. to go with the others posted last week. This white starts off green but turns pure white, the yellow is deep, very strong, with many buds. Our last lily is a coppery one, very dramatic. I'll post them next week. This year I focused on reds mainly because I think each one varies from deep red to orangey to copper. I really couldn't resist doing all three. I'm sure you'll agree! Along with the L.A.'s, we'll have apricots, pink and white blush, pure yellows, pure whites and the very scarce deep red Orientals. See you Saturday. Jack
September 22nd News This week was just perfect, the warm days have finally pushed the L.A.'s into color and I'll be bringing the first of them tomorrow. I did two reds. One, a very deep stripe of burgundy on a red petal and the other more orangy-red than the first. I've posted some pictures hoping to catch the true color to show what they look like. The next is a soft, solid pink with a large flower. I've done this one last year, it holds up very well. Whites will be ready, hopefully, along with a deep strong yellow, next week. And just after those, a copper one that blooms very late. Once these come in, successive crops will allow me to have some of every variety on a weekly basis well into December. Along with these, I have some pure white Orientals, and upright yellow, a few Conca's, a large side-facing yellow- strong fragrance also some pink and white blush, a few apricot and some white with yellow stripes. Colchicum (fall crocus) are in. We posted a picture along with care last week. I tell everyone, just put them on a plate near some light and watch them grow! Thanks for your pictures Janet; we posted them in the photo section. I'm looking forward to more pictures of "where the flowers go," send in your best photos to be posted! Regards, Jack
September 15th News Hello everyone, last news, 87 degrees, this week, spotty frost. Glad I grow everything in greenhouses. This past week, I put the sides up on the greenhouses, and just in the nick of time! Heaters are all in working order and the last few nights have been running. I have the first of the tulips planted and in the cooler. This coming week, I'll start on the hyacinths. Time sure flies. There was some color in the L.A.'s but it looks like the cutting won't be until next week, this year, they are taking forever. The lilies this week are Sorbonne-pink with white edges, Conca's-deep yellow centers, a gorgeous white with yellow stripes, and a few whites. See you Saturday, Jack.
September 8th News As I write this, its 87 degrees and actually hot. When I was a kid, by mid-September, we got our first frost. I don't really want to say global warming but maybe our calendar isn't in sync with our changing seasons and we need to align them back. What do I know! At this rate, growing lemons and oranges might be possible in the near future. When I think of the price of oil, global warming doesn't sound too bad. All kidding aside, my lilies are still in summer mode and the L.A. Hybrids are growing fast. I really need some cooler weather, mind you, not freezing, just cooler. Highs in the 70's would be fine. Took some pictures of the L.A. Hybrids to show everyone how they're coming along. All orderly and in straight rows ready to be cut as soon as color appears. With Orientals and L.A.'s, the greenhouse is almost full. This week, I'm still not rolling in lilies but I think by next week it will be a full house. See you Saturday, Jack.
September 1st News Hello everyone. With the holiday weekend coming up I wonder who will be in town other than tourists? But rain or shine, and I always prefer shine, we'll be bringing down a good crop of lilies. I still have some apricots, two types of pink and white blush, pure whites, yellows and a new crop of Conca's.
The L.A.'s grew quite a bit this week with all the heat and they look very good. If the weather stays warm for a few weeks, this September, I feel by the second or third week of the month I'll be cutting the first ones.
With September, comes the beginning of my tulip and hyacinth crop. Yes, tulips and hyacinths! Sounds crazy but I plant non-stop from September to December just to have them ready for the cold days of winter. As I write this, my bulbs are now on the Atlantic Ocean. Pray for calm seas! See you Saturday, Jack.
August 25th News After not having been down last week, I'm looking forward to bringing a new batch of lilies to market. I will have apricots, and have orders on some already. I also have pure whites, along with white with yellow centers and three or four types of yellows. All in all, a nice selection but no reds or white blushed with pink until next week when I hope to have some big whites too.
This last week was quite cool and that slowed down the crop considerably. September is around the corner and with everyone back from summer my L.A. Hybrids will soon be back. The first crop is about waist high and looking good. Mid to late September seems about when they will be ready and I'll post some pictures soon to show their progress. See you Saturday, Jack.
August 18th News This week we were caught between crops and won't have any lilies ready until next Saturday. We won't be coming down tomorrow, sorry for any inconvenience. See you next weekend. Jack
August 11th News Our first L.A. hybrids have been brought into the greenhouses this week and they will be ready by Mid-September. If all goes well. These are very colorful lilies but with no fragrance. So along with our Orientals, I'll have some of both, fragrant and non-fragrant. As I've said in the last few weeks, it's slower until September, so not all varieties are available. This week I will have some Conga d'or, pure whites, white with yellow striping. No apricots or pink blush for a few more weeks. See you Saturday, Jack
August 4th News
August already and its hot! hot! hot! I'm lucky to have any flowers this week. Some have burned but my diligence has paid off. Many more would have been compost material had I not been on top of it all. Not all varieties are available so do come early for a good selection and to beat the heat. See you Sat. Jack
July 28th News
Mid-summer and things slow down. I have a deep red, some blush pink and whites along with three types of pure whites and two varieties of white with yellow centers. I also have a few apricots and lots of Conga's. After this week, the lily crop comes slower. With August around the corner, this is the month that I am really cautious because of the very hot days, So I have the least amount of lilies coming into bloom until September when I start with L.A. Hybrids. As the summer comes to an end, I'll talk more about them then. For years we've often thought where do our flowers go and what do they look like? Well, a few weeks ago, a customer sent us a picture and it got us thinking why not have a section to post pictures sent in by you! So this week, we have our first photo posted. Get to work and send them in. This Saturday looks to be a wet on so come early and beat the rain. Jack
July 21st News!
This week just flew by me, I almost forgot to add this weeks news and update. Temperatures moderated so the lilies weren't taxed as hard and overall they fare better with a few cloudy days in between.
This week I still have those new whites along with a clear solid yellow OT. It has a good bud count, big flowers and are very long lasting. Also this week, I have the blush and white orientals. The last few weeks I've been bringing down flower bud bunches. Many customers have tried them and are amazed how long they've lasted. We have more this week, mostly yellow along with a few pure whites. So take out your bud vases and come on down. Jack
July 14th news Well this last week seemed like a long one. I haven't had temperatures this high for a number of years. Whew! One afternoon it hit 106 in the greenhouse and it burned a lot of the red lilies to a crisp. Just as colors come on the buds, they burn.
I have some pictures this week for you to enjoy. One is this yellow, large flower, small bud count but bunch after bunch last longer than most any other. It's the one in the green deer vase. Next is a yellow, also similar to conga dor but softer in color. By now, I'm sure you'll notice I have a hard time judging the lilies I grow. The problem is, I love them all. To some, they may be just a yellow lily, but to me , the type of petals and color along with fragrances, are very different, with each one being special. The next one, is the new white I've been waiting all year for, I was lucky to get one crate and this, the hottest week yet, it came into bloom. Wow! Its not as wide petaled as others, but the bud count and its stamina are out of this world. That's just three stems in a beautiful Lundberg fluted vase, what a combination! And finally, I also have some shots of that beautiful apricot lily. Hope to see you this Saturday. Jack
July 7th News For the Fourth of July weekend some of our red lilies are starting to bloom and I took a shot to show you what it looks like. Good red color and bud count, overall a nice variety. Well, were into summer and hopefully all my lilies won't burn up. Every time we approach 90 degrees plus, I cringe. Lots of pink and white blush this week along with congas and other yellows and whites. If you are not out of town, hope to see you Saturday.
June 30th News This last week is one I'd like to forget. I was hoping to introduce this beautiful red lily but the heat took care of almost all of them. Every bud which had color was burned. I do have a handful for Saturday and will have the rest of them ready by next week. I was lucky with a variety that was strong enough not to get burned. Its a large flowered, soft blush pink on the edges with a white center, good bud count and very pretty. Sorry that I didn't post any pictures but had all I could do just keeping every thing alive. I spite of it all, I'll have a great selection of almost every lily from two whites, four yellows, pinks and apricot. Thank you and see you on Saturday. Jack
New for June 23rd! I'm hoping this weeks entry of this beautiful OT lily will meet everyone's expectations. OT stands for Oriental/Trumpet a cross between an Oriental and Trumpet, similar to what most know as an Easter lily. It's color is the first of its kind, and as years come, I'm sure this will be the beginning of still bigger and better ones. A soft peach apricot - throat deeper than the edges - spotted red, ever so faintly. When fully open, its petals stay partly angled, not flat, as other lilies. Its fragrance is quite pleasing and the open flowers last a very long time. I have a few more varieties coming but I'll keep you guessing. Last week, we were featured on www.apartmenttherapy.com a site dedicated to style and apartment living in different cities. A fellow named Matt did a slide show of us at the market, great shots, thanks for featuring us, it was a beautiful day. Well as always, thanks and see you on Saturday. If you have any questions, drop us an email.
WOW !!
New for June 16th! Another week has passed and with it more lilies to dazzle you with. I will have all of the ones I've shown you in the passed weeks, with the addition of more really "scent"sational ones. The first is a pure white that produces a flower as big as your head! This one doesn't look real. It has a small bud count but I couldn't resist growing it because of its large flower. I really couldn't get many of these so when I have them you should try them at least once. The next one is an upright purple edged, white throated, large flowered, very strong stemmed lily that has large rounded leaves in dark green. I also think this one will be sought after. Again, this is also a new one on trial and I haven't many, so come early. I have a smaller white-yellow side facing lily, looks like conga dor, but is best used for small vases and areas that need a small bouquet, office desks and night tables. its fragrant, but not over the top. And finally, this year, sunglow is back. No picture of it this week but I'll post one by next Saturday. This is a white with yellow center band, side-facing, big size, 'lots of buds per bunch' lily. It has a very pleasant scent. I did this one years ago and will have it throughout the year. So this week, you'll have quite a variety of lilies to choose from and I am confident that you'll have a hard time deciding from all the different types. See you there on Saturday!
New for June 9th! This week I have three new lilies that are blooming and will be brought to market. The first lily is a white and yellow banded upright that is very compact and very fragrant, it has a strong citrus almost lemony scent. Good bud count on very strong stems. This variety does well in a short vase because the buds are close together. Next is a new all yellow oriental, large flower, good side facing, big display with a fragrance that's not too strong. This one makes a large arrangement. Finally, I have an all white that has very wide petals, good sized flower, strong scent, upright on strong stems. SEE YOU AT THE MARKET!
All lilies should be cut when brought home and they drink a lot, change the water and re-cut every day or other. Keep them out of sunlight and enjoy. Remember also, pollen stains! So its a good idea to remove them before they get you on the nose when you inhale their fragrance or on anything else they touch. As always, thanks for your patronage and if you have any questions, drop us an e-mail.
