5/4/07 Plant Sale, Farmer's Mkt., Pool, Planning Comm. Mtg.

It is a late spring this year- my tomatoes were planted on April 25 and I am sure that I won’t have any ripe by the 4th of July. That was the date that my Uncle always aimed for, but it’s hard with these late frosts that we’ve had. The irises are opening now, and you can see the first real glimpses of shade over our yards; it’s my favorite time of year.

One of the best kept secrets is happening again this year- the 7th Annual Backyard Plant Sale to benefit the Nature Conservancy in Julie Erickson’s back yard. This is a sale full of native plants that are perfectly suited for our Central Virginia climate. Most of the plants are donated by your neighbors or gardens in the area, like Maymont and Lewis Ginter. All of the plants are carefully inspected to avoid any invasive species. I don’t believe you’ll see any morning glory for sale here! The sale starts this Friday May 4th, 4pm-dark and then on Saturday, May 5th 9am-1pm. The sale is at 203 Howard St., 1 ½ blocks west of the tracks in downtown Ashland. You can call 752-7671 or email jberickson@concast.net for information.

I have been waiting for the Farmer’s Market to open ever since Washington’s Birthday, because I’ve always heard that you should plant peas on that day. There’s nothing better than a fresh tilled field and all the bright green shoots emerging from that black Hanover soil. You can find a wonderful selection of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and plants, herbs, honey, and fresh-picked flowers. I would suspect you’ll see some strawberries, organic lettuce, maybe some peas, and lots of potted herbs, perennials, and flowers. Farmer’s Market Opening Saturday, May 5th from 9-12pm. The market is in the parking lot behind the Town Hall in Ashland. Call 804-798-9219 for more information.

Sunday, May 6th is the Spring Choral Concert at Randolph-Macon at 2pm in Blackwell Auditorium, Ashland. The spring performance will focus on African and African-American folk music. Call 804-752-7200 for more information.

Have you joined the Ashland Pool yet? That wonderful manager- Hunter Hoy is back again to make our summer fun and safe. They have talented lifeguards, plenty of umbrellas, and the ice cream truck is usually there at the top of every hour. Call the Town for more information. 804-798-9219

The Ashland Planning Commission is meeting this Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30pm at Town Hall. That’s earlier than usual because they have a lot to discuss: Ashbury is back, but is now called East Ashland and has changed some since we saw it almost two years ago. They’re also discussing the proposed Lowe’s store on Rt. 1 behind Slash Cottage. Come out and give your opinion! The involvement of this community is what sets it apart from the rest. No one could ever call us apathetic.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11. It’s a great opportunity to tell a teacher how much we value the hard work they do!

Don’t forget to stop at those cross walks in town if you see someone trying to cross the street. It would only take a few seconds out of your drive and would greatly increase the happiness of the pedestrians in town.

This column is lots of fun for me to write, but it’s your stories that make it newsworthy. Send me your stories, your news, your favorite things about living in Ashland. Call me at 804-310-5320 or email ashlandnews@gmail.com