Getting back to business (safely)

My local garden center has been closed to in-store traffic since the latter part of March when businesses began to shut down in response in California's order to stay at home for all but "essential" business.  While California classified garden centers, plant nurseries, and agricultural supply stores as essential services, the employee-owned garden center chain store near me elected to remain open for on-line and phone orders for pickup or delivery only.  Customers weren't permitted to wander about the grounds on their own.  I picked up one order placed by phone but, without the ability to see what they had on hand, that purchase was limited to a couple of tomato plants, fertilizer, planting mix, and compost.  I used a mail order nursery based in Northern California to fill other needs.  Yesterday, I called my local garden center to place another order for planting mix for an area I'm trying to rejuvenate and, much to my delight, I learned that the store was reopening.

I paid a visit soon after the store opened this morning.  As expected, they'd implemented the same kind of controls used by local food markets.  Masks were required for everyone.  Customer traffic was managed by a  concierge at the front entrance.  Carts were wiped down.  Cashiers were positioned behind plexiglass shields and credit/debit card readers were positioned to keep customers away from them.  No cash transactions were permitted.  Social distancing requirements were reinforced by signs and directional arrows.  It was busier than I'd have expected for a Friday morning but, as it's a relatively large place, there was no problem staying an appropriate distance from other customers.  Although I'd come for planting and potting mix, I wasn't able to pass up the opportunity to take a quick spin to check out the plant selection.

I used my phone to snap a few photos.  As shade covers are used throughout the garden area, my photos aren't great but the place was immaculate and the plant counters were full.

May camera was pointed toward the ground covers and vegetable sections here

Vegetables were front and center, reflecting the new interest many people have in growing food

I was in the shade plant area here looking toward the benches containing small perennials

I only glanced at the shrub area, not wishing to tarry

Did I leave only with planting and potting mix?  Of course not!  Still, I didn't dilly-dally much either.  In addition to the soil mixes, I brought home a flat of 'Elfin' thyme and a few plants.

From front to back, I picked up: Cuphea 'Honeybells' (2), purple pepper (1), Hunnemannia fumarifolia 'Sunlite' (aka Mexican tulip poppy, 1), 'Sungold' cherry tomato (1 for a friend), and Lavender stoechas 'Anouk' (2)

So now I'm set to take advantage of the comfortable temperatures we expect throughout the weekend.

In other good news, Ms Pipig completed her last chemotherapy treatment yesterday afternoon.  It's been a long haul from surgery to address the breast cancer we discovered in early December, through multiple tests, and six chemotherapy treatments, each spread three weeks apart.  All looks good at the moment and Pipig has the credentials to prove it.

The clinic sent us home with a bandana and a certificate

Pipig had her stomach shaved (again) for her ultrasound test but that's hopefully the last time for that.  She rolled herself into the sun outside her "catio," clearly appreciating the warmth of the paving stones.

We're both relieved.  Moreover, my nephew, who'd been battling Covid19-like symptoms for weeks, is feeling better.  All in all, it feels like a good start to the weekend.  I hope you find some silver linings in your weekend too.


All material © 2012-2020 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party