It is very easy to slip into pandemic thinking and all that it brings into our minds. I was walking the nursery the other day and something just didn’t seem to be normal. “What is happening,” I asked. Maybe I haven’t noticed what has been going on in the nursery because my mind has been elsewhere but what I did notice, struck me as a bit odd.

So what is happening? Let’s make it simple. Fall is supposed to work this way. Leaves are supposed to turn reds, yellows, and oranges in late October. Then they turn brown and fall to the ground. Then, you go out and work your tail off every weekend raking up leaves. That is how fall is supposed to work. Leaves turn color, you go to work. I actually think fall is responsible for creating the Honey-Do list, and the wives saw this as an opportunity to expand and exploit this new list nature invented.

But obviously something weird happened. Warm spells in October and November faked the trees into thinking they are still in the growing season. What happens next is the gradual color change of the leaves is short circuited. When the temperature nose dives after a hot spell leaves go from green to brown. There is really nothing you can do about it when this happens. They will eventually blow off with the winter winds or some may actually hold on until spring arrives. Basically, sudden temperature changes cause the tree to get stuck partway through the process. This doesn’t cause any significant plant damage, so don’t worry. Nothing about 2020 has been normal. Why should the seasons follow suit?

So what is happening at High-Hand?

Since the first rounds of closing and reopening the restaurant and then on to the second round of opening and closing the restaurant you can say that all of us at High-Hand have developed our sea legs. This third round of closing has created larger ocean swells as winter is “supposedly” looming.

Can I step away form the email for a moment to just thank all of you who have supported us through this difficult time. I have said this before but will say it again, “we are eternally grateful.”

High-Hand Cafe

Moving forward, in the short term, the Cafe is open for takeout and delivery only. You heard it right, High-Hand delivers. Disclaimer: be patient with us, we have never done delivery before and we are going to do it in-house to keep ourselves busy. You may see your favorite server at your front door delivering High-Hand favorites. For more information order online by clicking here.

Holiday shopping at High-Hand Nursery

High-Hand Olive Oil Company & Art Gallery

After a long COVID vacation the High-Hand Art Gallery and the High-Hand Olive Oil Company are slowly making their way back. Purchase your favorite High-Hand olive oils and vinegars online at by clicking here. If you would like to stop in to High-Hand Nursery and purchase your favorites form the HH Olive Oil Company, please do. We have a large selection available outside the new location. Safety first.

The High-Hand Art Gallery is nearing completion. We have 40 eager artists waiting to move in and set up shop. The new renovated High-Hand Art Gallery will be simply spectacular.

Final musings

The miracle of nature should not be taken for granted. Stop, breathe, walk your garden. Think about where you are at, touch the dirt, hear the sounds, and for a short moment just be present. Don’t look too hard for the miracles, they are right in front of you.

Happy Holidays from the family at High-Hand.

-Scott