Weekend Plans: May 14th, 2011

We’ve been spending a lot of time outside recently. For the most part we’ve been cleaning up the yard from the winter, but we have also begun to plant the flower gardens for the spring. Clean-up and gardens have overlapped a little bit this year. We had been concerned about the snow crushing our shrubs, but they bounced back surprisingly well. However, in other parts of the yard, we did lose a couple of garden plants that we are working to replace.

Hartford Regional Farmers MarketThe Knox Parks Foundation is holding their Annual Plant Sale today and tomorrow at their Laurel Street greenhouse in Hartford. It’s a great place to pick up whatever you need to make your garden shine this summer. As an added bonus, they have horticulturalists on site to help you make the right decisions. 75 Laurel Street, Hartford. Friday 5/13/2011 from 9:00 to 6:00 and Saturday 5/14/2011 from 8:00 to 12:00.

Another good place to buy plants is the Regional Farmer’s Market at 101 Reserve Road, Hartford. The place is packed on Saturday mornings in the spring, it’s actually quite a sight. Two pointers for those looking to venture out: First, get there early for the best selection. And by early, I mean very early. Like 6am. They supposedly open well before dawn, but we’ve never dragged ourselves out of bed to make it down there before 5:30 or so. There’s usually still some good stuff by 7:00 as long as you’re not looking for anything too specific or exotic. My other tip is to bring something to haul your purchases around with. Most people seem to bring little red wagons, though I’ve also seen wheelbarrows and other types of push carts. The ground is a bit rough, so make sure whatever you bring has larger wheels.

This week is the Brimfield Antiques Show just over the border in Brimfield, MA. It is also a sight to behold, and we took a quick trip up on Wednesday to drink it all in. Properly describing the event is a challenge, so I’ll just say it’s a combination of an antique show, flea market, and garden center (but not plants) with all the fair food you know and love. And it’s bigger than you can possibly imagine. Some of the stuff is reasonably priced, while other items seem insanely expensive, though negotiating is always encouraged. It’s just an interesting day to see everything that people have gathered up and have for sale. The show opened on Tuesday and closes on Sunday. Different fields are open each day. Some charge admission, though we have only paid to see anything on a couple of occasions.

Finally, electronics recycling comes to Hartford this Saturday. Safely get rid of all that junk that doesn’t work anymore – for free. But wait, there’s more! Paper shredding is also available. Collection is from 9:00 to 1:00 at the CRRA Trash Museum at 211 Murphy Road, Hartford.

Open Houses

We have three fantastic houses open this weekend, have you seen them yet?

171 Girard Avenue, Hartford, $365,000, Sun from 1:00 to 3:00
Amazing Great Room in a house full of character! (details | photo tour)

21 Rodney Street, Hartford, $260,000, Sun from 1:00 to 3:00
Updated granite kitchen and newer baths! (details | photo tour)

54 Gifford Road, West Hartford, $259,000, Sun from 1:00 to 3:00
Move-in condition on cul-de-sac close to WH Center! (details | photo tour)

What Else?

Send Kyle (KyleB@KyleB-RE.com) a quick note if you know of other events we should include … thanks!