Brick & Mortar Friends: Orchard Nursery

A seriously gigantic, enormous, "HOWDY!!!" to one of Bean Up The Nose Art's new brick & mortar friends: Orchard Nursery in Lafayette, California. (Check out their terrific website here.)

We don't believe that any brick & mortar friend we've yet chronicled has engendered this number of photos on the blog. (And we didn't even include half of what we took.) Because Orchard Nursery is big, amazing, venerable . . . and HAS GOT IT GOING ON!!!

Really, they had us at this chair.

But that is just one teeny tiny speck of a percentage of what this ambling, rambling, terrific place -- located at 4010 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette -- offers.

Let's take a look!

Yep, we like the whole getting-your-bulbs-planted-for-spring set up! And this one is huge.

Walk on inside the nursery area. And you will find, along with great plant offerings of every kind, that CHRISTMAS IS COMING.

For instance . . . via Air Stream Trailer!

The decorated trees outside in the nursery area are just a foretaste. Because inside the Christmas Tree House, THERE ARE 60 DECORATED TREES.

For example, this one dedicated to "Transportation" ornaments.

This one features "Homespun Felt." Penguins, cats, dogs, hearts . . . crabs!!!

Right on down to your "Snowy Owl" ornament tree.

Back out in the nursery, you can select your own, from a variety of kinds.

And all the traditional potted plant options are available, as well.

But Orchard Nursery's not done! Oh, nope! No way! Amble on down across the ample parking lot and you will find this century-old house, which is lovingly named The Lazy K.

Walk through its yard for a selection of more garden goodies.

And then walk inside to get your socks knocked off by full-blown holiday extravaganza-ness. Big Time.

We are talking SEVEN ROOMS, people!

Decorations, homeware, books, stationery, stocking stuffers . . . . all exquisite.

Including yummy clothing options.

And food treats.

And Bean Up The Nose Art goodies!!!! Like our greeting cards.

And luggage tags!!!

What a rush to be included in all the good things that the artful owners and buyers at Orchard Nursery have assembled for folks. We are proud to be a part of the party here! We love the kindness and enthusiasm extended by everyone at the Lazy K during the photo shoot . . . such a treat! (And we love the stocking stuffers we got there, in a bit of multi-tasking holiday shopping. Hehehe. Or, rather, Hohohoho!)

Hoping that if you are in the San Francisco Bay Area this holiday season, you will do yourself a treat and head on out to Orchard Nursery to see the beauty and fun. They're open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day (but closed Christmas, the day after, and New Year's Day.) Check out their gardening events on their website, too. (Pruning Workshops and Tomato Tutorials? We like!) And even if you're not in the SF Bay Area, you can sign up for their informative weekly newsletter.

Thanks very, very much, Orchard Nursery, for carrying Bean Up The Nose Art cards and luggage tags at your fabulous place. We wish you the very best this holiday season, and throughout 2012. YOU ROCK!!!!