Fruit Exploration and Reflection Activities - Hayden Hawes

 Visiting a Farmers Market - Hayden Hawes Bob Roth's New River Groves 5660 Griffin Rd Davie, FL 33314    On August 7th, 2023, I visited Bob Roth's New River Groves in Davie, FL. Many farmers display their crops and other products for sale at this iconic South Florida agricultural establishment. From fresh produce to marmalades and jellies, it can be found at Bob Roth's New River Groves!     The owner, David Roth, sits with me on the board of directors for the Broward County Farm Bureau. He is deeply vested in Broward County agriculture and does all he can to support the industry and its farmers. Gardening space is allocated to many local school clubs and 4-H clubs, a testament to the company leadership looking toward the future of the industry. I took photos to highlight my experience at this iconic establishment. Above: A local producer used a home-style display for their marmalades and jellies. I purchased one! Above: Coconuts were plentiful, but not well...

 Visiting a Garden Center - Hayden Hawes Walmart Garden Center 12555 W Sunrise Blvd Sunrise, FL 33323      After visiting a local Walmart Garden Center on August 7th, 2023, I discovered they had a fair plant selection. Unfortunately, I was not impressed with the quality of the facility. Many shade cloths were broken and hanging from the roof to the point that there were very few shaded spots in the nursery. It was clear that this was not intentional, as there was no rhyme or reason to the broken cloths. However, I took note of the many varieties of plants they had at the store, specifically those stocked in large quantities. To name a few:  Shrubs  included Arboricola Trinette, Double Knock Out Rose ®, Dianella, Fern Kimberly Queen, Heliconia, Choconiana, and Summer Crossandra.  Annuals  included Purslane, Pentax, Vinca, Marigold, and Crossandra.  Perennials  included Musa, Hamelin, and Dianella.   I have included images below ...

 Visiting a Garden - Hayden Hawes Flamingo Road Nursery and Gardens 1655 S Flamingo Rd Davie, FL 33325      On August 7th of 2023, I visited Flamingo Road Nursery and Gardens. This 9.43-acre property, nestled in the heart of urban South Florida, provides patrons with an incredible opportunity to view a large variety of native and exotic plants in a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere.     Many gardening classes are taught here, and there is a Cafe on sight for dining or a quick snack as well. I witnessed countless varieties of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and the likes of palm trees and bonsais. The gardens also serve as a nursery and sell many different plants and gardening equipment. Above: Patriotic plant display and photo area. Above: Entrance to Tropical Asian Garden. Above: Information about a Bonsai workshop and young Bonsai plants. Above: A large bonsai plant. Above: A large variety of palms. Above: Directions to numerous plant shopping areas. Abo...

 Visiting an Active Farm - Hayden Hawes      On August 4th, 2023, I visited Mayhem Ranch in Morriston, FL. Mayhem Ranch serves to introduce the general public to agriculture. They grow a variety of crops and raise numerous species of livestock and exotic animals.    The most significant crop that Mayhem Ranch produces is pumpkins. With the advice of numerous experts, this will mark the second year in a row that they have successfully grown these pumpkins after an initial crop was produced in 2022. The general public is able to pick pumpkins off the vine early in the fall season during the Mayhem Ranch Fall Festival.     Additionally, Mayhem Ranch plants a "crop maze" for participants to enjoy. However, I have been informed that they don't plant corn; instead, they usually plant a variety of Sorghum Grass. Owners Jimmy and Lauren Wickett informed me: "The Sorghum Grass grows quicker, taller, is easier to care for, and somewhat resembles corn t...

Grocery Store Fruit Display Comparisons - Hayden Hawes    I have decided to compare fruit and other fresh produce displays in both Publix and The Fresh Market. Both supermarkets are popular in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area and offer a wide variety of produce. However, the markets have slightly different consumers. I have compared and contrasted the supermarkets and their displays below. Publix 12500 W Sunrise Blvd Sunrise, FL 33323    Publix Supermarket in Sunrise, FL, offered consumers a wide variety of fresh fruit and other produce on August 7th, 2023. I will note that there seemed to be a few empty display shelves, possibly due to the current growing season, supply chain issues, consumer demand, or any other factors or combination thereof.   Publix also offered a surprising number of USDA-certified organic products in addition to conventionally raised products. I expected to see more "organic" produce at The Fresh Market, but I was surprised at the number...