As a native Washingtonian, I take it personally when I notice that finding resources that are mainstays in the community are disappearing. As I drove down Pennsylvania Avenue the other day, I noticed what I thought was a rumor become a reality. Frager’s Hardware Garden Center is moving….or pausing (my prayer).
If you remember there was a fire and then talk of renovation. The fire truly took its toll on the surrounding Frager Community, as well as the customers – like me. I anticipated the pots of Primrose, Stock and other early cool season annuals that welcomed us in late winter….but not this year. I have to tell you I am devastated. When things like this happen to make way for housing or small businesses, I truly understand. I also understand that finding affordable land or space within the City limits, is difficult at best. It just deepens my efforts to be mindful of my environmental footprint as I seek to keep my dollars in the communities that I care about. I prefer to shop small local business in lieu of big box stores. I want vendors to remember me from a conversation, a plant request or simply because I am a regular. I have not found this when I shop the Big Box stores. Customer Service is key to winning and maintaining clientele. I found excellent customer service at Frager’s and Christine was always there to answer any questions or special order plant material I needed for a project. I want to say Thank You Christine and Staff for making my world easier in so many ways.
I understand that Frager’s is looking for affordable space to put down some roots as soon as possible. As they await the renovation of the garden center and storefront on Pennsylvania Avenue, this Spring will be different in so many ways. I am keeping my fingers crossed that consideration is taken for a location in Prince Georges County, perhaps just over the line. It would be the best of both world’s – close to DC and trust me – Central Prince Georges County could use a garden center with a local, highly regarded name.
In the meantime, I will stop by to support til the store closes at the end of February and prayerfully by that time, a new location will present itself and Spring 2017 will once again be something to look forward to.
Frager’s you are in my heart and on my mind….as I am heartbroken. My drive home will be changed until you return ………..and I am counting on your return!!!
by 
Great resources that allow one to grow as a garden communicator. From regional meet ups to newsletter articles that inspire one to travel near and far, cultivating a deeper relationship with the garden. 
On a cold December evening, I had the opportunity to enjoy a long overdue date. A date I had never found time for in past visits, but one I longed to enjoy. I love art that depicts peace and oneness with nature. I think that is how I fell in love with the works of Monet. Yes, there are other great Masters but Claude Monet’s art simply stole my heart many, many years ago. So I stood in 28-degree weather, in the evening and waited for our date to begin.
Here in the Musee d’Orsay, there are many works from Art Masters displayed and viewed by many. Musee d’Orsay is a former railway station, that at one time housed a hotel and a huge reception area. A pausing point for travelers near and far, this building served it’s purpose around the time of the World’s Fair. When times changed, the French Government thought it best to use this building as a museum. In 1986, the Musee d’Orsay was opened. The works of art contained within these walls date from 1848 to 1914. 
One can find the works of Degas, Van Gogh, C’ezanne, Delacroix and of course…Monet. I was pleasantly surprised that since it was after 6:00, my entry fee was only 9 euro. I was simply overjoyed when I saw the great reception hall filled with such beautifully cared for sculptures and paintings….
I saw the works of Rodin…
a little Van Gogh…
and of course the works of Monet…
and more Monet….
It was time for the best part of my date with Monet. I was simply not ready emotionally to see what I had longed to see in person. One lady in her wonderful accent asked if I was okay as my eyes glistened and eventually overflowed with tears of joy. I am sure we were quietly crying together.
My world is ever changed. My date with Claude Monet and his works are forever etched in my mind. Savoring the moments, I slowly walked away ready to dream of revisiting Giverny in a warmer season….perhaps later this year as I continue to discover Paris…
Sharing the significance of places such as the Pantheon, the Odeon Theater and more, Tom did not disappoint as he shared history I was simply not aware of. Tom Reeves research and perspective of The Black History of Jardin du Luxembourg and the area surrounding it, left me yearning for more.
I could not leave the area without dining where some of the great men and women of color had dined in the back room as they shared ideas and felt more than welcomed in this foreign land, The Cafe Tournon. With an American coffee (I called it a large cup of warm, delicious jet fuel) the salad with ham, eggs, pickled vegetables and a dash of dressing, was all I needed to continue my journey. The two hours shared with Tom Reeves and my small group was not just food for my soul, but just enough substance to encourage me to discover more about Paris than the gardens, the fabric, and the fashion – I urge anyone visiting Paris to use 
Last year I was blessed to enjoy Jardin du Luxembourg in its summer glory, I was not aware of whose footsteps I was walking in as well. With 3 plantings a year, courtesy of the French Senate, the grounds are just as beautiful in their winter nakedness and give way to the anticipation of Spring.
