The James Dean Fest was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime event. Those in attendance surely must agree that given there were two well known bands on stage each day and a movie at night as well as famous Hollywood actors, actresses, movie producers and other well known celebrities right out in the crowd that this was an event well worth the ticket price.

Here in the next few paragraphs I will tell of my personal experiences at the James Dean Fest.

On Friday I arrived at the VIP entrance around 10:30 a.m. I was directed to the VIP parking lot. Once I had parked my truck I got out, removed my bag of camera equipment, recording devices and notebooks. I then headed off to locate the VIP tent.

Once there I was given my schedule for Saturday and handed a packet of information about the 50^th Anniversary Celebration. Since I was one of the first people there and the celebrities had not arrived yet I decided to take a look around.

The Boulevard of Broken Dreams was amazing. There were vendors everywhere, some were local and some were not. I spoke with several of them finding that they were all anxious for the festivities to begin.

I was able to watch the 5^th Dimension rehearse for their show that night. They were not in costume during the rehearsal. I snapped a few photos and moved on to the second row of vendors to look around.

Most drinks, including water, were between two and three dollars. A hamburger, plain, was three dollars. A meal consisting of a burger and fries with a drink was ten dollars. I thought this was kind of high but when comparing prices at the other activities that were going on in town over the weekend it was about average.

I then went back to the main stage to secure a seat for the performance of 1964 The Tribute. I saw them arrive in their van right before the performance. They were great. Although I never saw The Beatles live I felt this band sounded just like the recorded version of The Beatles. The performance was wonderful and most of the crowd was singing along. When they performed Twist and Shout many members of the crowd got up and began dancing.

Directly after their performance it was time for the ribbon cutting. Everyone was hurrying across the field to see the arrival of the Porsche. The celebrities began showing up as the Porsche neared the ribbon. As soon as the ribbon was cut the camera crews as well as common people began crowding around Jane Withers, Robert Hinkle, Phil Stern and others from

As the excitement began to die down I headed off for a short break. By the time I was back the 5^th Dimension was playing and it was time to head to the VIP tent for the Cocktail Party.

The Cocktail Party had a lot of famous people in attendance. Jack Tucker, Patrea Patrick, Kip Brown, Jane Withers, Robert Hinkle and more. The food was not your common finger food either. I sipped on a coke and passed on the finger food.

Before anyone could drink more than three or four drinks we were told it was time for the VIP dinner. I sat at the table reserved for Warner Brothers. Jane Withers and Phil Stern were also at that table. The dinner began with the St. Elmo Famous Shrimp Cocktail followed by a salad of wilted spinach with goat cheese, oranges, crisp onions and chopped eggs served with a double smoked bacon. Both of these were placed at the table with wine glasses filled with ice water.

Dinner was buffet style. It consisted of a dry aged 12 ounce New York Strip Steak and an eight ounce lobster tail served with drawn butter. The side dishes were a sautéed vegetable medley, grilled fresh asparagus and roasted redskin mashed potatoes with chives. Red and white wine was served with the dinner. There were also dinner rolls available.

For desert we were served fresh berries with zabaglione with a chocolate cup filled with walnut cream cheese and framgelico.

Once the VIP dinner concluded the movie began. I was exhausted and missed the movie although I did plan to attend that morning. It was a very long day and there was still two days to go.

Saturday morning I was up bright and early anxious to begin the day. I wanted to see Gary Puckett perform and also the Little River Band. I was also anxious to meet the stars. I did get to see Gary Puckett perform and it was wonderful. I missed the Little River Band because they began an hour earlier than was listed on my schedule. At the time they were performing I was meeting the celebrities. That was a disappointment but I did enjoy my time with the various celebrities.

First on my schedule was Earl Holliman. Holliman is the president for Actors and Others for Animals. I found him to be a very delightful man. Holliman told me he was born in a one room shack outside of Wavery, Louisana. He was later adopted. Holliman said he was a radio operator in the Navy. He also shared with me an experience he had in 1951 while working at Wil Wright’s Ice Cream Shop. At that time Marilyn Monroe would come in every night and order an ice cream sundae. He said she would sit and read a book of poetry while eating her ice cream. Although he never spoke to her until the last time she came in he knew that she jogged down to the shop and jogged home.

I asked Holliman what saddened him the most about the world today. “This war,” he replied.

Next on the list was Jane Withers. She was just wonderful to talk to. I was given fifteen minutes with each person and could have spent hours. Withers told me she went out to her garden at 2 a.m. the day she left. She said she loves to work in her garden and has lights that will light it up so she can work at night.

She told me she loved Peonies and could not get them in

Withers called me on Sunday morning to thank me for the flowers and tell me that I will never know how much joy they brought to her. It was such a surprise when Jerry handed me the phone and said I needed to take this call. We had a long conversation about gardening, animals and life. It is a phone call I know I will not forget. Withers is a dear, sweet person. Although she has been in show business since the age of two she was not at all snobbish as one might expect someone with such stardom to be.

Then I met with Frank Mazzola. Mazzola said that

“Working with Jimmy was inspiring,” Mazzola said. “Jimmy made me feel comfortable. Rebel got me back into my sense of art. Jimmy’s commitment became my commitment.”

Robert Hinkle was the next person I was to meet. I began my interview by asking who influenced him the most. His reply was Chill Wills who he said was a real good buddy. Before we could go much further Hinkle was pulled away and I was left sitting with Michael Sheridan.

Phil Stern and Dennis Stock were on my list next however they had already been moved off to another area of the festival so I was not able to meet them. I went home, exhausted again.

Sunday morning began with the phone call from Withers. I was preparing to leave and head to the festival grounds hoping to get to interview a few more people before the concerts began. When I got there the celebrities were not there so I headed off to the main stage to wait for the performance from Herman’s Hermits.

The performance from Herman’s Hermits with lead singer Peter Noone was one not to be forgotten. It was great. Noone came onstage dressed in black leather pants and a striped button up shirt. It was a hot day for leather but I must say he could have been closer to forty than his actual age given the way he looked and performed. The show was everything a concert should be.

Canopies and merchandise were being tossed about by the wind. People, including celebrities were trying to hold onto what they could. The crowds of people were frantically rushing for vehicles and the lines to get out of the airport were unreal, even for the VIP section. The movie that night was cancelled.

All in all the experience was well worth the cost of the tickets. If another similar event was coming to town I definitely would not miss it for the world.

 I could hardly believe it when I saw the CNN headlines Peppers better than poinsettias? We all know the poinsettia is the traditional holiday plant, now they are predicting the pepper, which they claim was a traditional holiday plant, is going to rule the holiday sales again.

I don’t think so, what about you?

The poinsettia has come a long way in recent years. Now instead of just choosing between red, pink or white there is a whole host of colors to choose from – blue, purple as well as poinsettias with glitter on them  – who would have guessed the technology to spray paint plants that was introduced several years ago would have taken off like it did.

I guess you really can have your poinsettia and have a blue Christmas after all!

But peppers that were bred to change colors to match a particular holiday? Hmm – granted they are edible, but not everyone loves peppers.

So, what is your opinion, will the pepper or the poinsettia rule as the new traditional holiday plant?

Day 1 

I have arrived safely in Van Lear, Kentucky.

Sunday morning about 6AM I will be leaving here and heading to

I am expecting to pick up a variegated Camellia and get cuttings of several other plants.

I will proceed from there to South Carolina to stay for the night. The hotel is about 6 hours from the Nursery.

Day 2 

I am still in KY.

Today I went to the hollars to hunt plants. Today’s harvest included sevearl silk trees, a fern, a pink milkweed, some yellow primrose and some white daisies.

I went to visit Loretta Lynn’s homeplace where I talked with her brother for awhile and found out she was in town last night. It figures I was a day late.

Tomorrow it will be time to get back on the road again!

Day 3 

Finally, I made it to Statesville, SC where I visited Shade Tree Nursery.

As some of you may know, Steve died, so it was just his wife Vickie who now runs the nursery.

I bought a variegated wisteria and a variegated camellia. That set me back $42! Oh well…Vickie let me take all the cuttings I wanted and that’s just what I did too!

I didn’t realize how many cuttings I took until I arrived in Pawley’s Island, NC!

I used 10 gallons of soil to pot them up and still did not have enough soil! I have variegated honeysuckles, daphne’s, oaks, maples, you name it!

I can’t wait to get home and sort everything out!

The Hampton Inn I am staying is nice.

Day 4 

Today I made it to North Carolina.

Breakfast this morning was great! Biscuits and gravy…my favorite!

Then off  I went to check out local nurseries where I sold a Theobroma Cacao and bought a Michelia. It is supposed to smell like bananas when it flowers.

After that I went to Brookgreen Gardens. I was shown around on a golf cart, a trekker and then took a boat ride.

I saw a momma allegator with two babies on her back, a wood duck family and a blue heron family. The baby blue herons were in the nest still. 

It has been a long day and I am ready to sleep!

Day 5 

Ah, I finally made it to Florida! I am staying at the

http://www.chaletsuzanne.com

I am going to hop into the whirlpool and relax tonight before heading off to

Day 6 

Today was busy…busy…busy!

I woke up this morning at the

I left with three crepe myrtles, a pink, a purple and a white, one purple variegated bouginvilla, a yellow mandevilla and a purple shield plant.

Then I went to Cypress

That was the highlight of Cypress

I did buy two lemonades at Cypress

After lunch I went to Bok

However, before we left I did end up with several air plants and seeds for a hibiscus like vine.

Then I went to their gift shop. Now, you already know that was a mistake! I came out with two Cattaleya Orchids. I just couldn’t help myself! You sure can’t buy Orchids that cheap in Indiana.

Then I was off to Delray Beach and you should see this place! I have a living room, a kitchen, a dining room, a huge closet, a bedroom and a nice sized bathroom. Two TV’s, two phones, two VCR’s, a pool with a waterfall and one without…oh and the gardens are very nice.

Tomorrow will be another LONG day so I must sign off now and prepare myself.

Day 7 

What a day today has been!

This morning I met with Rick the Landscape Artichect here at Crane’s Beach House. Then I headed off to the Morarikai and the Orchid Society’s Gardens.

I was running about a half an hour late all day!

When we got to our lunch appointment, the manager had left way earlier today and did not leave any message about me arriving. Needless to say, I had to pay for lunch which set me back quite a bit and it wasn’t all that impressive.

Then I went to my spa appointment. It was great!

I got a facial, body wrap, haircut and highlight.

Then I went to Wal-Mart to get some snacks and came home exhausted.

Tomorrow I am heading to Fairchild Tropical Gardens and the Fruit and

Today I went to Fairchild

It was interesting. I also visited a local restaurant that grows some of it’s own produce, The Sunday House.

We sampled some a passionfruit sorbet and a Jaboticoba sorbet.

I got quite a few seeds today, a ylang ylang, sausage tree, allspice and lemon allspice cutting as well.

Tomorrow morning I am off to Key West…and boy am I ever homesick.

Day 9 

Well, here I am in Key West.

The Tropical Fruit Fiesta was a BIG hit. The cacao was gone in less than 10 minutes…no joke and I have about 50 people who want more! I told them $5 each plus shipping. I could not believe how fast they went.

I got an Inga Edulis (Ice Cream Bean) today, starfruit seeds, a night blooming fruit tree seed and Delonix Regina seeds.

It was a great day.

Then I arrived at the Casa Alante.  This place is a tropical paradise. The room  is something to really talk about. I have a front porch, a spiral staricase, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a living room and a huge bed.

For dinner I went to the Hard Rock Cafe. I had a huge t-bone steak, baked potato and vegatables.

When I returned back home I went to play in the pool. The water was 85 degrees and it was a wonderful evening for swimming.

Tomorrow I am off to see the gardens of Key West!

Day 10 

Today I took a 3 1/2 hour sail on the Carribean Spirit. The boat went out about 7 miles and then snorkeling was offered.

After that I went to Kelly’s Carribean Bar & Grill for a bite to eat. It was fabulous! There was so much food that I requested a doggie bag so I could take the extra food back to the hotel.

Day 11 

This morning found me at the Pier House Resort & Carribean Spa.  I had the Carribean Coma Massage. It was fantastic!

I had lunch there too. Sirloin burgers and fries. I was stuffed by the time I headed to Kissimmee.

So far, I feel like I am in a movie here and I haven’t really looked around!

Since when is media equal to movie star?

Well, at least I am taking photos to share when I get home.

When I arrived at the Gaylord Palm Resort in Kissimmee late this evening it looked like a wonderland.

The only problem was I really couldn’t see anything besides huge shapes because it was dark.

Tomorrow is a full day and it is now 2AM here. I must be up

at 7AM and on the run.

Day 12 

Today started out on a rather bad note. I was scheduled to go to Disney’s Nature Preserve. Several stops and an hours worth of driving later, I gave up.

I passed the horse ranch that offered free horseback rides on the way home, so I stopped. The lady behind the counter decided that she did not want to honor the offer. I am going to contact the visitors bureau as soon as I return home.

Then I was off to Leu

Did someone say a botanical garden was in my future????

Then, exhausted, I headed back to the Gaylord Palms for a nap.

The evening was finished off by attending the dinner theater Arabian Nights. The production was great and the horses beautiful! If you come to Orlando, don’t miss this one.

Tomorrow morning I will tour the hotel and head off to Daytona Beach for my motorcycle wedding .

Then I will be on my way home. I am hoping to arrive by the morning of the 5th.

Day 13 

Today we had our wedding vow renewal at Daytona Beach. Wouldn’t you know I got sunburned?

I  stopped at the Daytona Beach Harley-Davidson for the bike, but as luck would have it there were no small bikes available. The smallest one was still too big for me to drive. So, we took some photos and then we were off to the beach. 

The ceremony was held at the Sun

After the ceremony Danon drove us around for a bit showing us the sites. Then I went back to the visitors bureau so I could change out of my wedding attire.

I had my first taste of Key Lime Pie during dinner and all I can say is yuck! It’s a good thing I found out I can use key limes for chicken or all of the ones I am growing would have to be donated to our local food pantry!

After dinner I headed north towards Indiana.

Day 15 

Home at last!

Christmas eve is here again. Gardeners will be dreaming of seeds, plants and other garden goodies instead of sugarplums tonight. The mice may have a feast if they get into the packages tucked neatly under the tree. After all, seeds are a favorite food of mice.

For those of you who are still looking for gifts or wondering what on earth to buy the gardener who has everything, here are some great suggestions.

Books are always a hit with gardeners, especially in the winter when most gardeners are not outside enjoying their garden. There is nothing better than curling up by a fire with a good book and dreaming of your spring garden.

My top two picks for gardeners this year is Tempting Tropicals by Ellen Zachos and Allergy Free Gardening by Tom Ogren.

Both books are wonderful additions to the gardening library and are sure to be appreicated by the gardeners on your list this holiday season.

If a book is not what you had in mind, what about seed starting supplies? The time to start seeds is just around the corner and what gardener would not love a new heat mat or seed germination station?

Seeds and gift certificates make great stocking stuffers too!

Order now and you could still get your present delivered by Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

Sheri and the staff at Exotic Gardening

Compelling poetry sure to draw one into another world, Perspective Visions: Enigmatic Masterpieces, is a unique work of art showing the darker side of life and love.

The works in this book were written over the course of many years. The first poem was written when the author, Sheri Ann Richerson, was just ten years old.

As time progressed, the poetry took on a darker, almost haunting perspective.

Perspective Visions: Enigmatic Masterpieces is sure to conjure up mysterious images and undeniable, hidden feelings of lust, love and the darker side of life.

The staff of Exotic Gardening would like to wish all of our readers a happy, prosperous and flower filled 2008!

The posts have gone down some since the holidays have arrived. It has been a busy time here at the farm. Tulip, our cashmere goat is fluffing up and will be ready in a few more months to be combed. I can’t wait until I get my first cashmere harvest!

The angora bunnies will need plucked soon too. I have been mixing their fiber with wool. I haven’t decided yet what I will make out of the yarn once I spin it – maybe socks, maybe a sweater.

There is no snow on the ground here. Many plants still have green leaves even though the ground is frozen. The hardy Eucalyptus seems to be doing fine. We didn’t get it covered this fall so I am thrilled.

Soon it will be time to start seeds in the greenhouse. I have yet to get my winter seed sowing done. I hope to get to that soon. It would be really great if I could buy peat pots locally right now. I hear it will be about two more weeks before they start arriving in stores.

Stay tuned, we will be back next year with lots of great posts about flowers, gardening and of course, our farm and wildlife habitat!

Sheri and the staff of Exotic Gardening