Munch and Learn: Growing for Spring Blooms at Whitton Farms

Growing for Spring Blooms at Whitton Farms

Jill Forrester, grower, floral instructor, and owner of Whitton Farms

"In the spring of 2003, Keith asked Jill what she wanted for her birthday. Jill mentioned she'd love a large flower garden right by the road for all to see. Neither of them had any idea how this small garden would change their lives. Each day, they both enjoyed watching the seeds germinate, and eventually grow into something quite magical. By July, the Forresters had more flowers than they knew what to do with! A sweet neighbor down the road, Mr. Lindsay Chandler suggested we take his booth one weekend at Agri-center Farmers Market in Memphis to sell buckets of flowers.

Keith and Jill took Mr. Chandler up on his offer and decided to give selling flowers at the farmers market a try. That Saturday, they loaded three cars with buckets of zinnias and sunflowers and headed to market. That Saturday Keith and Jill sold every stem they'd brought and ultimately generated revenue that surpassed their collective weekly teaching salaries. The simple gift of a flower garden kick started a new career path for the Forresters.

Farm life is the life for us. We learn from the daily challenges and respect the fact that we're at the mercy of Mother Nature. We have ample fun, and our fair share of failures, yet we grow and eat what we raise in the gardens. We spend the days scouting the land, and dreaming of ways to leave it better than we found it."

Wednesdays can be especially busy at Park and Cherry. If you're attending Munch and Learn, please plan ahead and place your lunch orders early. To reduce disruptions during the lecture, guests are asked to bring their own food from the cafe to the auditorium. You may request to-go containers to make the trip to your seat easier.

▶ Pre-order by calling (901) 312-1277.

MUNCH AND LEARN IS ENDOWED BY THE LANDAU FAMILY IN MEMORY OF LESLIE MANN LANDAU