I am always humbled when I am made aware of our success. Because our committment is to building community of  garden enthusiasts who are inspired by their natural surroundings, it was particularly gratifying to receive this note of praise from our garden friend & customer following our "Art in the Garden" Bliss held in April. 
For more about the artist whose work inspired Suzanne's contribution, click this link to Rachel Tribble's  Bellflower Studios.


We wanted to let you know what we have been up to!
Check out this Page to see what is most recently inspiring us . . .
Our family has been moving through some important life transitions. Graduations this year for 2 out of 3 of our children. Our oldest, Hilary, walked under this tent on the south lawn at Eckerd College, in St. Pete.

General Portreaus delivered an address that inspired what he referd to as "Tireless committment" -- to yourself, to your community, to what ever path you choose to walk. It reminded me of the "job worth doing, is a job worth doing right" ethos I find familiar & comforting. I actual spoke with the General--he was warm and very personable. Hard to imagine the power at his command. I will have to tell you more about the encounter next time you are in the shop!
Click the General's photo to the left to see more about this auspiscious day!
Also "Commencing" with her life is our beautiful daughter, Kenleigh. She, along with co-worker, Nicole, (pictured together below) garduated from South Fork High School this past June.
Here they look Blissful during one of our Evening Garden Bliss events.
Where ever I go, I invite people to come to Bliss.  I forget that if they haven't heard of our monthly garden mingle we have come to know as our Garden Bliss, they will have absolutely know idea of what I am saying when I enthusiastically exclaim: "You should come to bliss! You would would love it." I am only reminded by the sort of hesitant sideways glare that almost always results. As if to ask, "Excuse me? Where do you think I need to go?"  You can tell that they really want to get to Bliss, they just didn't think it was so obvious to every one else that that have not yet been!

But Bliss is not a place, it's a happening. Hopefully a happening that inspires the state for which it is named. I liked Marilyn Bauer's take on it.  Read her thoughts here.
Our entire aim is to create a space for you to soak up the effects of beauty in it's most pure form--unfolding from the magnificent natural world.  I know that this kind of wonder is so inherently good that no one can be exposed and not be changed for the better by it! 
Terri,
    Thank you for last night.  Debbie and I enjoyed learning from you and meeting your guest artist.  I'm not much of a poet, but I thought you might appreciate this.  Please share it with your husband.
Terri's Garden
--Suzanne Vosbikian


My hands toil, my heart soars, not a worry, not a fear
Gentle breeze, bended trees, summer seems so near
The time is brief but oh so sweet, my soul is being fed
In the garden as I labor, there is no doubt or dread

My garden with its wondrous sights and beauty past compare
It is a gift to be disclosed, a bounty meant to share

To hold it close would be a sin, regarded as a crime
For it is here that time meets truth, God’s blessings so sublime

I go to Him on bended knee, with a full and grateful heart
For the love that He reveals to me, thankful for this new start

Spring is here and all is new, the future is so bright
The past is past the cold has gone, I embrace the warm sunlight
Transitions & Traditions
Read more about. . .
A Poem For Terri
Proud Moments:
A Four Year Committment to Service is Recognized by the Florida Nurseries, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA)
When you give generously of your time in service to an organization that matters to you, you are, as Ghandi compels "the change you wish to see".  For four years I have been honored to serve the local Chapter of FNGLA as an officer. As I completed my term as President, my collegues nominated me, and the State Association recognized me, as the 2010 Outstanding Chapter President.

To see the tribute put together
in my honor, click here.

The Award was bestowed at the Association's Annual Convention held June 24 - 27 at Reunion Resort in Orlando.  The resort was so beautiful, and a great value for first class accomodations and a spectacular garden landscape.

My pride in receiving this honor was only magnified by our participation in the Garden Centers of America Summer Tour.  The event was held this year in Florida, and many members of FNGLA participated. From hosting the tour, to sponsoring the tour, to planning and coordinating the tour itself.  I was so proud to be a part of this amazing group of industry leaders!

To see our pictures of the tour, follow this link.
and view her photos here.