www.micromediapubs.com
Page 26, The Berkeley Times, December 3, 2016
Business Profile I&G FARMS
By Donna Frances Madej During the past months while we were enjoying the showcase of glorious seasonal fruits, vegetables and vegetation presented to us by I&G Farms at their family farm market, behind the scenes activity continued. Twenty-thousand mums, countless number of cornstalks, pumpkins and lots of straw later, the leaves fall and we’ve been anxiously waiting for the intermission to end… Act three and the wait is over! If you’re not already a fan of the “growers for all seasons,” now is the time to stop by 150 Whitesville Road, Jackson, for your holiday decorating and floral needs. This year, Santa will take time out of his busy schedule and make an appearance on Saturday, December 3rd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 4th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He’ll be surrounded by some of I&G’s beautiful poinsettias (more about them later) creating the perfect setting for photos that will be available for purchase. Pets are welcome. Thanks to I&G Farms, there’s no need to settle for “typical” wreaths, swags, sprays, garland or grave blankets. And don’t even think about purchasing your poinsettias at a big box or grocery store and your Christmas tree on a corner or in a parking lot. Often when you buy a poinsettia from somewhere other than a grower, there’s actually no flower left, only colored leaves, due to it not being treated correctly in transit. The flower of the poinsettia is
Where The Stage Is Set For Holiday Magic
berry like, located in the center of the plant and is called the bract. I&G’s poinsettias are grown right here in greenhouses beginning in July, are breathtaking and will surpass your expectations. As far as the trees…who knows how long ago they were cut down? Here, beautiful, healthy, fresh cut Frazer Fur Christmas trees are brought in direct from the mountains of North Carolina. Irene Johnston refers to the staff that assists her throughout the year and helps create the holiday merchandise as “the most incredible, gifted designers that you’d ever want to see.” They offer pre-made and custom made items and lovingly craft their creations in the market, which has magically been transformed into a decorating center. Bins of embellishments and a large variety of ribbon enable you to personalize your choice and help create something very special. Bows are available, pre or handmade, and add the perfect touch to many creations. Theme wreaths are popular and if you have items you’d like to incorporate, including lights, you’re more than welcome to bring them in. I&G Farms have provided wreaths for area businesses and always deliver upscale, meticulously crafted creations. Ideally, a week is requested for custom orders but the staff has been known to deliver in less time. “With our custom wreaths, people usually request them large; 24, 36, 48 inches. That’s an inside dimension,
so you have to double that,” Irene explains. “Sometimes they want smaller ones to match and we’ll do that too.” A back room that’s refrigerated, ice, moisture and a cover on them helps Irene preserve the wreaths and keep them looking their finest. “I usually get them the week before we open because we need time to start making them and decorating them to get them outside for people to buy. She advises that fresh wreaths be displayed outside, not inside and warns that heat, especially fireplaces, are a major reason for needles to dry out and fall off. Spraying them with water will keep them moist and increase their longevity once you bring it home. Premium fresh balsam greens from Nova Scotia, Canada is used for some wreaths, grave blankets and sprays. Various greens from the farm are cut and incorporated into the designs to add color, giving them a different look. Wreaths and blankets can be made from Blue Spruce, but these items are special order since although beautiful, the real hard needles cause pain to fingers working with them. Irene and her staff also make their own picks (used in their creative process) and once again need to take precaution to prevent finger injury. “They’re sharp, and when you push them through the wreaths you have to tape your fingers up to protect them from getting poked, which
hurt,” Irene exclaims. “Once I forgot about it (wrapped fingers) and went to a store to get something and the lady said, “Oh you poor thing!” Back to the poinsettias! They’re named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, who brought them back to the U.S., started to cultivate them and turned them into what they are today. At I&G Farms, you’ll find the traditional red, white and pink colored poinsettias but also Novelties, which are unusual hues and combinations; mauve and peach; marbled and speckled. Names include Picasso, reds and pinks with what looks like a marbled effect and Monet, an abstract with different colors. Pot sizes range from 4 1/2 to 14 inches, the largest having 30-35 flowers. They come with a really nice decorative pot cover and if desired, can be adorned with branches and greens. A Christmassy combo of red and white plants is also very popular. Remember that poinsettias should not be subjected to a temperature below 55 degrees and since they like a dryer condition, should not be overwatered. When a poinsettia gets overwatered it droops, causing people to think that it needs more water. According to Irene, “I always tell people to pick up the pot and feel the weight. When it’s heavy, don’t water it. When it’s light, water it.” A Christmas tree purchased from I&G Farms will surely enhance your holiday celebration and decor. Ranging
in height from 6-9 feet, Irene considers the Frazer Fur the Cadillac of trees as it holds its needles longer than other types of trees. She deals with a smaller grower, who cuts trees later, resulting in a fresher tree when they arrive at I&G Farms. After purchasing, if the tree will be put up immediately, an additional cut will be made to the stump so that it will take in water, then wrapped and tied onto your vehicle. If it’s not going up right away, it should be kept in water in a cool place and the stump cut when it’s ready to be put up. Irene assures us that the first time you put the tree up after its cut; it will drink a large amount of water. It’s crucial that its receptacle be checked daily and water be replenished as needed.
Contact I&G Farms at 732364-0308, or iandgfarms@ hotmail.com and like them on Facebook; IGFarms. I&G Farms will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas Eve. At the close of business and as the lights dim, a stillness and quietness will envelop I&G Farms until spring. Although I&G will not “officially” reopen until then, Irene says that they’re “always here, growing all the spring flowers, always checking the phones if people need to call for anything, advice about a plant or what to do. I’ll always be there.” Undoubtedly getting ready to return on cue for I&G Farms next major production and endles s enc ores…Bravo Irene and staff. Bravo!