Indiana's Oldest Herb Farm: Where Gardening, Wonderful Food and Great Wine are Celebrated

As each new garden season unfolds it is approached with great anticipation of the beauty and goodness nature gives. When considering what role Stream Cliff Farm provides to others I suppose it is all about planting seeds. True enough, here at the farm, we plant thousands and thousands of seeds but on a broader view we like to think that we sow seeds of inspiration and appreciation of the pleasure that growing plants can bring. I love the words of Robert Louis Stevenson, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." How true this is, one never knows the outcome of sowing seeds whether it is for our customers, friends or family.

Here at the farm gardening and seed planting are very much a part of our existence. Our work continues whether it is our greenhouse work, developing new recipes, or making wine; work and pleasure gets rolled into one package. When I see a new bloom on a flower I am in awe of that beauty and feel thankful for the gift it gave me. How delicious the little arugula leaves are, what zip they give salads or how wonderful to bite into a fresh tomato. Just to smell the wonderful scent and flavor of herbs and feel the joy that you grew these in your garden. Gardeners know how much these plants lift a grateful human spirit, As Henry David Thoreau said, "If the day and night are such that you greet them with joy, and life emits a fragrance like flowers and sweet-scented herbs...that is your success." I believe that is why our business has continued so many years, we truly enjoy flowers, herbs, fine food and wine. We care about our customers' experiences and want each visit to be the best possible.

A full schedule is planned for the season with many opportunities to celebrate. There is a complete line up of classes on gardening, cooking with herbs and wine, crafting and art. This year we have added two new cooking classes. The first, "Grandma's Comfort Recipes" came about as I was rolling out my homemade noodles and someone remarked that I should teach a class on these old-time recipes since many people would enjoy knowing how to make the old-fashioned pleasure foods. Thank goodness I came from a long line of talented cooks and remember the recipes to share. Also new this year is a second Tearoom Recipe Cooking Class. We will still offer the very popular "Classic" class and now offer "Favorite Recipes From the Tearoom." The Cooking School classes are extremely well received. You are served the meal and have a class demonstration of that food and take home recipes of the menu.

Our Candlelight Dinners are always very popular and having the winery adds to the experience. You start on the winery porch with complimentary tastings (we also have non-alcoholic punch) and have cheese and crackers before moving to the Tearoom for dinner. Often groups of friends attend together and enjoy the good food and fellowship. There are numerous "Make & Take Project Classes" so be sure to check out the list. We find people enjoy coming for a day in the country, eating good food and having something to take home that they have made. We are also able to offer these opportunities to groups through our special group packages. You may sign up for classes, dinners and Mother's Day by mail, phone, or online at www.streamclifffarm.com.

The plant selection is of course wide. We have many culinary herbs such as rosemary, mints, lemon verbena, oregano, dill (its the herb of the year) and many more herbs. There are also heirloom tomatoes and other vegetables plus a huge selection of special annual and perennial flowers. There are many kinds of pest and disease resistant Knock-Out Roses, hydrangeas, clematis and other lovely perennials for every season. Many times we are told our plants grow better and get bigger than those purchased elsewhere. We feel this is because we do not use PGR's (plant growth regulators). These are used extensively in the commercial greenhouses to retard the growth of the plant which extends the "shelf life" for the seller but in our opinion stunts the overall size of the plant. At Stream Cliff Farm we grow as naturally as possible and use beneficial insects in our greenhouses. Although prices are going up everywhere, our prices are the same as last year to help keep gardening affordable to everyone. We host many groups and would be happy to help you organize a special visit for groups of fifteen or more. Our family looks forward to your visit and we wish each of you a beautiful and bountiful garden season.