HDYGG Series: Green's Garden
Our very first garden tour has arrived and it is so special to me: Sharla Green and her family of Green’s Garden. I met Sharla at the downtown farmer’s market in May 2016, when I was drawn to their display by the scents of catmint, mock orange and peony. Locally grown flowers and the slow flower movement were of course on my radar at the time, thanks to my flower mentor, but I had only just begun CLEMENTINE two months prior; meeting Sharla was serendipitous and we have been flower friends ever since. I feel so very honored to create arrangements with flowers grown by the Green family going on five years now. Beyond her plantings, Sharla is a true creative, experimenting with flowers in all forms, including pressed, edible, dried, and handmade. Some of my favorite creations from the Green family include braided garlic, tomatillo flowers, and potato salad adorned with bachelor button petals. Simply delightful!
Since expanding from the market stand and opening Spanish Street Farmacy, I’ve witnessed Sharla and her family their dreams and I’m so happy to see them thriving! The Green family brings real joy to our community, and I’m excited to watch their momentum continue to grow!
We interviewed Sharla just this month, and it’s the perfect time to share her garden—its the final farewell to spring, fading into the background with the arrival of the summer solstice. If you do not already follow Green’s Garden and Spanish Street Farmacy, we encourage you to do so! And next time you are downtown, stop by the Farmacy for an amazing selection of locally grown and crafted goods that highlights the very best produce each and every season.
Sharla, thank you so much for kicking off our garden series. I'd first like to ask you, what are you most excited about that is blooming in your garden right now?
Thank you Dana, for including me in the garden journal! My favorite thing is a small bed of wildflowers, perennials, bulbs, and reseeding annuals. It has matured into a carefree pollinator/cutting garden with shasta daisies, yellow yarrow, bachelor buttons, poppies, catmint, daylilies, yucca, and blanket flower blooming now.
That sounds wonderful! When did you begin gardening on your current land and how has it evolved since you started?
Remembering where we started makes me smile. Although I love our gardens now, when we first moved to this place after living in picturesque Hermann, Missouri, I was mortified! It was so scarred after being a commercial property for over 100 years. It has been an arduous journey. We have added several tons of compost, planted, and watched slowly the miracle of regeneration take place. Also working with CLEMENTINE has inspired me to grow many more varieties and defined the direction of our garden over the years.
I truly cannot imagine your land any other way—it feels so deeply rooted and natural, which is a testament to Lance’s and your vision, determination and years of hard work. Would you say a love of gardening has been present throughout your whole life or did you discover your passion later on?
Yes and no. My father was an orchardist. I loved working with him grafting and planting trees. It was his passion, but I loved the wonder of the migratory birds flying overhead and being with him. When my children were young it was the perfect way to spend time with them and be outside. With limited time and energy, it became the perfect passion. The seeds I planted were often left up to God to water and care for. Gardens give grace! When I planted, I harvested something, often surprising (even a lot of weeds are beautiful and unappreciated...like buttercups.)
You know I love buttercups! What has worked out well for you with your garden? Have you had any happy surprises with your plantings?
Amaranth, celosia, zinnias, basil, daffodils, cosmos seem at home in our clay. I garden for joy and being overly calculating steals that for me. I am participating in a miracle and everything has a surprise factor. I am especially surprised by the nigella, bunny tails and pansies this year.
Do you have a current garden project you are working on?
We have been enjoying making garden rooms. Last year was a hammock spot. This year an intimate eating area.
Oh, I love that. Has gardening taught you anything that you apply to other areas of your life?
Ahhh...yes indeed! I think every area! Since Motherhood and gardening have been entwined for me, baby plants remind me of baby humans. They are amazingly unique. They need specific soil, light, moisture to thrive. They need to be hardened off before they leave the greenhouse. It takes time and patience for them to develop roots and withstand winds.
Do you have a favorite flower? I know when you see and grow so many plants, it is sometimes difficult to choose just one!
“Whatever is blooming is my favorite," I heard that today on a Johnny's Seed webinar. Perfectly sums it up for me.
Thank you again, Sharla, for taking the time to share your garden and wisdom with us. You inspired us to start our own garden back in 2017, and we are deeply grateful for your lasting friendship!
All photos provided and taken by the Green family.