In Photos: Lexington Farmers Market

How to Plant a Bourbon Barrel Planter

In my part of Kentucky, landscape designs often feature bourbon barrels pretty prominently. Cities' garden societies beautify their downtowns with the oak barrels, so I figure I’m not above it!

A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to buy four half barrels for $10. Total. I jumped at the chance. For those of you not lucky enough to work in the industry, barrel halves are available for public purchase. Here’s one site I found – watch out for shipping. Maybe they’ll let you pick them up to avoid those charges?

Last weekend, my little sister moved into a new house – one that she and her husband hope will be their home for a very long time. While she assures me that landscaping and front porch furniture are in the works, I decided that a barrel planter was in order for a housewarming gift!

Bourbon barrels are more massive than you think! Each half weighs about 60 pounds, is about 18” tall and about 24” in diameter, tapering towards the bottom.

Each half barrel requires about 2.5 cubic feet of dirt or potting soil. I used Pro-Mix Ultimate Container Mix. Knowing the skill my sister has at keeping plants alive (I’m much like her), I chose to go with the planting medium that claims to hold on to water and contains a fertilizer already mixed in.

Before buying your plants, it’s good to assess the sun/shade situation of your planter. This particular location will get mostly full sun during the day, so I bought accordingly. I always find it helpful to lay out projects before committing to a final draft. Planting flowers is no different. So, here’s my rough draft – situating the still-potted plants around the space to see what works and doesn’t.

It turns out that my rough draft was pretty pleasing. My sister approved it, and I went to work planting the items. In the back, with the broad leaves, I planted 3 Tropical Yellow Canna Lilies. In the middle, as a sort of focus piece, I planted a Hardy Lily – it should grow a bit taller than the canna lillies and really stand out. On either side are two Shasta Daisies. In the middle are low-growing pink Dianthus. Finally, spilling over the front is a pretty plant with velvety leaves called Dichondra or Silver Falls.

As these grow, I’m hoping that they fill out and really shine on the front porch. If we all keep our fingers crossed and they survive my sister’s black thumb and the summer, all the varieties should come back next year, with the exception of the ornamentals up front.

It’s simple to make a nice, welcoming entrance to your home with bourbon barrel planters, plus it’s so completely Kentucky that it will be an instant conversation piece for any out-of-state visitors you might have!

HerKentucky Road Trip to Chicago

Today, HerKentucky continues exploring road trips that are easily made from the Commonwealth. Today's destination: The Windy City!

While Chicago is more quickly reached if departing from Central, Western, or Northern Kentucky, most Kentuckians can reach the home of Garrett Popcorn within 9 hours by car. (Seriously. If you've never had Chicago Mix popcorn, you're missing out. Cheddar cheese and caramel corn mixed. Drool.)

If you'd prefer to fly, there are direct flights from both LEX (Lexington) and SDF (Louisville) which are quick and convenient, as long as you don't mind dealing with O'Hare (ORD).

While you're in Chicago, you must visit The Art Institiute of Chicago so you can see some amazing artwork, including "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges-Pierre Seurat. (And if you're a musical theater junkie, try to refrain from singing songs from "Sunday in the Park with George")

Next door to The Art Institute is Millennium Park, home of the bean. It's quite fun to take pictures in and around.

Of course you'll want to go shopping on Michigan Avenue, where you'll be happy to know that some budget-friendly stores exist, including H&M and Topshop. 

After shopping and exploring (seriously, so many things to do it's crazy to try to list them all. Visit the Chicago tourism website for all kinds of awesome ideas), take a trip up the John Hancock to the 95th floor where you can have drinks at Signature Room at the 95th and take in the view:

Of course, you can always head to the John Hancock observation deck or the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) Skydeck, but sitting after a long day of sightseeing with a martini in hand is quite fabulous.

Now, on your way home, make sure to grab some Chicago mix popcorn for me, okay? 

Kentucky Places: The Bodley-Bullock House

It just isn't summer in Lexington until you've attended a wedding at the Bodley-Bullock House.

Photo via Junior League of Lexington

The 1814 mansion, with its Federal and Greek Revival details, is located in the heart of Lexington's Gratz Park Neighborhood and is a perennial favorite event space for Lexington brides. 

Gratz Park houses, next door to the Bodley-Bullock.

The Bodley-Bullock House was built for Lexington mayor Thomas Pindell, and was most notably owned by General Thomas Bodley, a War of 1812 hero, and Dr. Waller Bullock, a prominent Lexington physician.   Upon the passing of Dr. Bullock and his wife Minnie, the home was left in trust to Transylvania University and was renovated by the Junior League of Lexington in 1984.  It is used as both the Junior League Headquarters and a rentable event space. The house is similar in architecture and decor to many other Gratz Park-area houses, including the Hunt-Morgan House.

View from the window of Minnie Bullock's bedroom

This weekend, I attended a family wedding at the Bodley-Bullock House.  The dramatic staircase and old-fashioned touches provided an absolutely stunning backdrop.

My gorgeous cousin Amy

I've attended dozens of weddings at the venue. I've put in my share of Junior League meetings and picnics there as well.  It's always been one of those comfortable, friendly houses that just embodies Old Lexington, and it's always been rumored to be just a little bit haunted.  The best houses always are.

Looks like the bride and I inadvertantly disregarded Miss Minnie's wishes.

I recently ran across an interesting anecdote about the Bodley-Bullock House.  It seems that the late Mrs. Minnie Bullock was not only a community leader, but also a vehement teetotaler.  Apparently, the original terms of her will provided that alcohol could not be consumed in her home, even after her passing.  It seems that this provision was later changed, to Miss Minnie's dismay -- it's said that her ghost has been known to flicker lights and crack tables when she doesn't like the happenings in her home.  Now,  I've had more than my share of celebratory toasts in this venue, so I hope Miss Minnie can forgive me.  Rumor has it that Dr. Bullock wasn't above kidding Miss Minnie about her temperance beliefs; he hung a portrait of the "town drunk", William "King" Solomon, in their home, where it still remains.

The Bodley-Bullock House is a charming example of Lexington's old Downtown.  I so enjoyed Miss Minnie's hospitality this weekend, and I do hope she can look past my bubbly endulgence!

The New Girl

A college friend of mine loved to proclaim "There's only two kinds of people in this world; the kind who like Loretta Lynn and the kind who don't."

Now, he was right, and I'm sure y'all don't have to guess twice to figure out which camp I fall into.  I love Miss Loretta. I grew up right down the road (well, about 30 miles if you prefer precision to folksiness) from Butcher Holler.  My granddaddy -- a pretty good bluegrass guitar player in his own right -- raised us to believe that Coal Miner's Daughter was one of the greatest films of all time.  And, in my estimation, Miss Loretta can do no wrong.

Well, last week, Miss Loretta went and did something that made me raise an eyebrow.  She came up on stage at the Opry and announced her choice for the star in the upcoming Coal Miner's Daughter musical.  It seems that the Queen herself hand-picked Zooey Deschanel to play the Loretta character on Broadway.  I feel disloyal, y'all. And conflicted.



Via Coal Miner's Daughter Broadway

The thing is, Zooey Deschanel really bugs me.  I know she has legions of fans. My little brother is a dyed-in-the-wool hipster and just loves her.  But, there's just something so...contrived... about Our Lady of the Perky Bangs.  The over-the-top way that she invites Siri in from the rain for some tomato soup and dancing is just too perfectly quirky.  It's just overkill, and I can't imagine her not adding the same smirk to wide-eyed country girl Loretta.  I really fear for Doolittle's baloney sandwiches, y'all. 

Now, back in 1979, Miss Loretta famously pulled Sissy Spacek on the Opry stage the same way, to announce the lead of the Coal Miner's Daughter film.  But, Sissy Spacek is a Texan by birth and a Virginian by choice.  Her name is Sissy, for goodness' sake.  She's not from a California acting family. And she knows how to intone words.

I guess I need to trust that Miss Loretta knows how to tell her own story.  I guess I need to remember that the Cult of Zooey is not all that different from my college friend's assessment of the Loretta Club.  We'll see.

Kentucky Roadtrip: Elkhorn City & The Russell Fork River

Last weekend, I spent some time camping along the banks of the Russell Fork River. It’s one of my favorite spots in all of the Commonwealth even though my whitewater kayaking days are over!

Nestled in the mountains, just south of Pikeville, is a little town called Elkhorn City. You won’t find the latest and greatest in retail establishments, there, nor will you find a movie theater or concert hall for entertainment. Instead, what you’ll find are friendly people, a world-class river and beautiful landscapes all around you. Friendly locals help with the loading of extra firewood into your pickup and also serve up a mean pork tenderloin breakfast at the Rusty Fork diner.

Whether you are a whitewater enthusiast or not, the river is beautiful. For those who know what a boof is or how to catch an eddy, you probably also know that the USA Wildwater National Team held their trials on the Russell Fork in 2011.

Even if you don’t know what those terms mean, but you think you might like to, the Russell Fork is the place for you! Each Spring, the Lexington-based Bluegrass Wildwater Association holds their annual clinic for new boaters. Camping on the banks of the river, those looking to get into the sport of whitewater kayaking are treated to small class sizes, lots of on-water instruction and a fun weekend party. This year, the event even boasted a “women’s only” class.

If you aren’t quite ready for that scene, Elkhorn City is also only about 5 miles from The Breaks Interstate Park. This park’s 4600 acres straddle the Virginia/Kentucky border. It’s absolutely gorgeous, especially in the fall.

The Breaks park features tent camping, RV/Motorcoach hookups, a lodge and restaurant on site, in addition to lots of other amenities. The hiking in this area is superb with trails ranging across all skill levels in and around the park. Most notably, the Pine Mountain Trail begins inside the park. With 42 miles of the trail completed, it’s well on its way to connecting the Breaks to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.

I feel like Elkhorn City and the Breaks are an undiscovered treasure in our own backyard. The town’s Heritage Council is working hard to capitalize on the rich music heritage of the area (the town’s main street is called Patty Loveless Drive for a reason!). and the natural beauty and resources offered by the river and the gorge it has formed. Work has already begun to provide 4-lane access to this little gem along US 460. It won’t be long until many people across the state will know what the Southeast’s kayakers already have stickered on their bumpers: It’s Always Sunny in Elkhorn City.

Kentucky Places: Greentree Tea Room

Lexington's Greentree Tea Room is a longtime favorite "Ladies Who Lunch" spot.

A few weeks ago, I visited Greentree for a bridal tea.  We arrived a little early and took a little time to enjoy the adorable shops near the tea room.  L.V. Harkness is such a lovely spot for gifts, stationery, and home decor, and Belle Maison has such delightful antique finds! 

Luncheon at Greentree and shopping nearby was, as usual, simply enchanting.  I'm always amazed that such a quaint, old-fashioned nook is hidden so close to Rupp Arena and the downtown scene!

 

My cousin Amy (the lovely bride) and me.