June 2017 - Roger's Gardens, Corona Del Mar, California

 

I've LONG been a fan of Roger's Gardens in Corona Del Mar (Newport Beach), California.  When they had a branch at the Main Place Mall in Santa Ana, I would drop in whenever I was visiting the mall, but the Newport Beach facility was always their central location--well, as long as I can remember, anyway.  Apparently it actually started it's life on Fairview Rd. in Costa Mesa in 1965, fathered by a fellow named Roger McKinnon (in case you were wondering, "Who is Roger?").  But, if I ever visited it there, I've forgotten.  Likely as not, I didn't. Growing up, we had no place for plants, let alone pricey ones.

According to the garden's website ( https://www.rogersgardens.com ), the nursery was purchased in 1970 by a friend, Gavin Herbert Sr., who five years later, moved it to it's current Corona Del Mar location in 1975.

As quoted from the Garden's Website, 

"In recent years, Gavin Herbert Sr. passed down the company to his son, Gavin Herbert Jr., who is now the President. The company has since grown to over 100 employees and hosts weekly educational seminars, events, and workshops. He also started the new business of an ever-evolving collection of home décor products. Everyone seems to want a little bit of Roger’s Gardens magic in their home and garden. Other significant categories that have been added and have grown over the years include gourmet foods, collectible and artisan collections, outdoor furnishings, holiday fresh floral arrangements, women’s accessories, children’s gift giving and of course Farmhouse restaurant."

I used to be on their newsletter mailing list, where I'd learn of the above mentioned upcoming educational events.  The year after they opened their marvelous Farmhouse restaurant, we attended a cooking demonstration of "Salsas and Relishes" by Chef and Farmhouse Restaurant owner, Rich Mead, and Chef Allan Aquinaga.

Below are the photos from that June 25, 2017 visit--first a few dahlias, and then the preparation steps of the Salsa with tomatillos--sorry it's not terribly instructive, and it's been so long I don't know where I stashed the recipe :-(   :

(The salsa consists of tomatillos white onion, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, olive oil, salt, & pepper. (I think a little lemon was squeezed into it also.))

THE END

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