About Joie ….
Over the years, we have been extraordinarily lucky to find talented folks that have
added much to both our business and our lives.  Joie came to work at The Growers
Exchange in the mid-90’s.  She was a gifted art student who was working her way
through college – her talents didn’t stop at art. She was a fabulous flower arranger and
she became the ‘go to ‘ girl for customers looking for flower arrangements that were art!
Like a cool summer breeze, Joie came in and out of our lives – she eventually returned as
manager of the store until we decided to close our doors. Without her genius, as well as
youth, we would never have made it into cyber space!
When the time came for her to move on, she built her own business in the Richmond
area, Gone To Pot, and created amazing flowering containers that graced yards and
gardens all over the area.  Watching her grow, from a talented student,  to a gifted busi-
ness woman to a loving wife and mother, has been our pleasure.  She has now moved
north and is attempting to garden in Zone  4. But, she is always a part of The Growers
Exchange and her lovely watercolors grace our site. Thanks Joie!

This fall we have decided to add forty new herbs to our list. Some are new and some we have only grown for spring in the past, but now are offering in fall for window sill gardening and those in the Deep South who have little fear of freezing temperatures.

A South or West facing window with no obstructions to the sun offer the best opportunity. One of the hardest herbs to give up each fall is Basil. After enjoying fresh Basil all summer, many gardeners will preserve some by freezing. This allows one to continue making Pesto throughout the colder months, but is not quite as good as using fresh leaves. Why not keep an indoor Basil for picking and save the other for winter’s harsher months when Basil just will not grow fast enough to pick.

Italian oregano and Parsley are two good choices for indoor growing. They do not mind cooler temperatures and will continue to grow as long as they receive enough sunlight. These herb plants fit nicely in pots and so can occupy a sunny window sill easily.

Using a six inch pot, plant your indoor garden before the long days of late summer are over. This will allow the plants to grow enough to allow cutting later. During the short days of winter, the plants will not be able to grow fast enough to cut often. By planting early, you are basically growing while the growing is good and later maintaining the plants through winter. Unless one has very powerful grow lights, the plants will not be able to cut foliage until spring. In effect this method is storing fresh herbs “ on the hoof” for winter harvest.

By the end of winter the plants will be cut down with little foliage, but they will also begin regrowth as days begin to lengthen in early spring, giving an early crop long before outdoor herbs begin their spring growth. It may not be possible to enjoy limitless fresh cut herbs from indoor plants, but used sparingly will help fight cabin fever by providing flavor for special meals.