It is so exciting to realize that spring is so close! Usually the winter months are the slow time for us on the farm, but this year we have been extremely busy. We have finished the remodel of the store and are in the process of finishing the latest greenhouse addition. The Yard Garden and Patio show was a huge success for us, which was held at the end of February. The greenhouses have been bursting with activity. We have been getting everything planted now so that it will be big, beautiful and ready for your garden this spring. We have also been busy looking for new products to carry in the store that will add character and a spark of life to your home.

Last fall, we moved our registers out into the greenhouses because we thought that it would help avoid the congestion that occurs inside the store on the busy weekends. Much to our surprise it was a huge improvement in terms of the space available to shop without having to bump into the person next to you. This winter we brainstormed ideas on how to keep the counters in the greenhouse without freezing during the cold days and getting cooked on the warm summer days. The best idea that we came up with was to take down the wall between the barn and the first greenhouse and then completely enclose the first greenhouse, therefore, we could create a open shopping environment. My dad worked nights and weekends trying to get it down and finally has it completed. Now I know what some of you are thinking, why didn't someone help him. Well..I tried but that man has everything up in his head and its hard to figure out how his brain works, but let me tell you, now that the remodel is completed, it is absolutely spectacular. You will have to come out and see for yourself.

Last year was our first year having a booth at the Yard Garden and Patio show in Portland and we were blessed with receiving the award BEST IN SHOW. Therefore, as we tried to figure out what to do this year we realized that we had a lot to live up to after last year. We all worked very hard on coming up with a display that was beautiful but at the same time gave people a peek into what its like on the farm. In the end I think we accomplished both of those goals and to top it off we won BEST IN DIVISION - NURSERY, which might not be best in show but still put us right at the top. We had a very busy weekend up there and if you missed it we hope you will come and see us next year. If you did come, I hope that you enjoyed the show. If you had any suggestions to make our booth or the show better please let me know I would love to help.

The greenhouses have been in a frenzy lately as we have been planting everything from hanging baskets to potted geraniums. You only have a small window of time left if you want to preorder a hanging basket. Please give us a call at 503-792-3524 or stop by and order your baskets as soon as you can. If you don't have a chance to order the baskets or just don't know what you want yet that is fine, because we will have even more baskets and combinations for you to choose from this year. In addition to hanging baskets we have been busy planting many other beautiful plants and one of those plants is called Senetti. It's a new version of the old time favorite cineraria, but this variety blooms longer and stands up in the heat better. They are in bloom right now and can go into the house or can stay on your front porch or patio. They will take a light frost and love our cool temperatures right now. They are just an annual but will bloom from now until mid June and the colors are stunning. Right now they are on sale for 2 for $10.

In addition to growing new plants in the greenhouse we have also been busy getting new items for the store. We found a new pattern from Certified International that is gorgeous. The bright red background and vibrant yellow sunflowers are a great way to bring life into any kitchen or dinning room. We have also brought in a new line of dish towels, aprons, table runners, and pot holders in unique classy country designs. We really like them and would love for you to stop by and take a look.

As you can tell we have been very busy and are excited to hear what you have to think about the changes that we have made. Please come by and take a look and let us know what you like and don't like, That way with your help we can make Bauman's the best place that it can be. We look forward to seeing you soon.