I bet you are all wondering how many people got stung at Maple Rock’s lavender picking this weekend. Truth be told, I was too. I was wondering what would happen when 400 people went waltzing into the lavender field, clippers in hand.
I didn’t get much sleep the night before wondering about the outcome of 400 people traipsing through the lavender. I figured somebody would get stung by a bee. It was just a question of how many people. I had this vision of people gingerly frolicking, gleefully wading into the lavender, only to be turned away in sheer terror ripping through the rows as fast as they could in retreat.
Well, I am happy to report that was not the case at all. It was a beautiful weekend of lavender picking. It was a weekend full of amazing people and bees who did an amazing job tolerating the amazing people. Let me share a few pictures of the day with you.
I’m back. As I was walking by the counter in the Flower Market I paused to look at Petunia. Every time we put a box on the counter, Petunia’s in the box. I reached out to pet her and was greeted with tiger Petunia.
This is an actual picture of tiger Petunia. I was shocked she actually let me publish it. But, the question still in my mind is, “What’s up with cats and boxes?”
As I stood there staring at tiger Petunia pondering the cat in the box question, the only thing I can come up with is that cats are enigmatic animals meaning we just can’t figure them out. One minute I was staring at tiger cat, the next minute I was staring at furry, cute cat. You just can’t figure them out. Kind of like people and lavender.
Thoughts of bee stings were on everybody’s mind, including mine. There were nervous folks. But trying to figure out the bees is like herding cats. Impossible. Bees had a job to do and so did the folks.
HERE’S THE GREAT NEWS
We are rolling again. Lavender picking at Maple Rock.
As you can see, we still have lavender. This is what our lavender field currently looks like after 400 people waded through it.
As I watched the weekend’s activities, it became apparent that people were really enjoying themselves. It was fun to watch families sitting on a blanket under the apple trees with their bouquets of lavender. Looking at the lavender flowers, their buds are not even fully open. Looking at Google weather, this weekend’s temperatures will be in the ’70’s and low ’80’s. Perfect lavender picking temps. This will probably be the last weekend, so don’t miss out. Come and join us. It will be a lot of fun.
Tickets for all you can pick lavender can be purchased at our website www.highhand.com, or you can purchase them at Maple Rock when you arrive.
Don’t forget to tour Maple Rock Garden when you’re done picking lavender. Here’s a few pictures from last weekend.
Trains, Trains and Trains — The Next Event at Maple Rock
September 9th, join us at Maple Rock. Live steam engines, BBQ and live music. Come see the trains and steam engines presented by Sacramento Valley Railroad Society. Tickets are $10 and parking is free. Click here to purchase your tickets.
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, PRETTY PLEASE
We are also trying to win the Best of the Best contest. So, if you feel compelled please click here to learn more. You’ll find the links at the bottom of our page for the categories for which we’ve been nominated. Vote for High-Hand Nursery and vote for High-Hand Cafe. We will love you for it.
I’m sure you’re wondering the bee sting score. While I’m sure there were more bee stings than I know of, I only heard about two. But taking inventory at our bee sting station, it looks like humans and bees alike behaved nicely.
A lady got stung on her hand because she picked up a bouquet from the ground, compressing the flowers and the bee. Ouch! The other was a lady stung when a bee flew down her shirt. Probably a bee Flying While Pollinating.
So, there you go. A tale of the cat, the lavender and Maple Rock this weekend. See you this weekend at Maple Rock Gardens. Bring a picnic. Relax. And be with the bees.
Scott
