I knew the two to be family related, carrots and Queen Annes Lace, but not until that moment did I understand I could grow carrots for ornamental purposes! I suppose I’m not the first to get this, but I haven’t seen Giant Carrots grown in any other gardens but Wendys and the Lafond Vegetable Garden that I’ve planted. As I delved into investigating this,

I happened upon a wise old Garden person in town who was demonstrated collecting and germinating seeds at my worksite. He brought along a very long carrot, both in root and tops. He gently shook out the seeds and brought them directly into an awaiting pot of soil, slightly pressing them in and covering it with a light layer of soil. Those were the first batch of carrots for me.

It takes four months of germination to be able to handle the seedlings and gently plant them in the soil. Meanwhile, I ordered coloured carrot seeds ,like red or purple, and began growing these too. In Spring time, when the seedlings were about 3′ tall, I landed them in the gardens. After 5 months, some are 6′ tall and 4′ wide, glorious Umbels that keep on blooming and growing, unlike Queen Annes Lace that gives up the moment summers heat begins.

Gracefully present but not overwhelming, the Queen Umbels are a dependable source of frilly, lacy and interestingly but neutrally tinted flowers thru the Spring, Summer, Fall and I hope, Winter! I always use them in Wendys Bouquets. I love combining the soft and feminine form of the Daucus with opposite forms, like thistle, or Spider Dahlias for contrast. I’ve made cuts of up to 3′ feet on these with three or four sections to be used. I imagine Wedding Bouquets consisting of these instead of babys breath for filler, or alone as a stark and graceful effect.

The insects love these. I’ve observed 15 different insects on each open faced umbel at a time, so oblivious to me I could have touched them, just in heaven being in that flat floret faced beauty. The insects don’t eat the plants, just down the pollen and nectar like its booze and sugar, which in a way, it is. Fortunately there’s plenty of flowers for me, the bouquets and the insects as these never seem to stop making new flowers.

Another great benefit to the garden, the long taproots draw nutrients from the deeper layer of earth, which feeds the soil and thus itself, so it requires little if any fertilizer! The more consistently you use them the more they bloom. I will be growing many more of these, either for the edible roots for the Bistro at the Lafond Garden or the beauteous flowers for Bouguets at the Deli in Montecito. Its great having something like this turn out to be a beautifully stumbled upon useful flower~
Plants are so wonderful! Praise the plants!

Rose Moradian

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Sportswear just received a beautiful group of Loomstate. This organic collection includes blouses,sweaters and jeans. The fabric in this collection is beautiful. The first photo features an embroidered organic cotton sweater available in chili in sizes small, medium and large 154.00, the ruffle knit skirt is available in black in sizes small, medium and large 124.00.

The second photo features a woven checkered blouse available in black and white in sizes small,medium and large 178.00, striped cardigan available in natural in sizes small,medium and large 148.00, and wide leg jeans available in dark denim in sizes small,medium and large 168.00.
For more inforfation call 805.565.1503 or Email
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The Wendy Foster Dresshop has received our fall collection of Elm. The collection is designed by three talented girls from Iceland. The collection includes some beautiful skirts in all lengths and some wonderful blouses and jackets.We love this line.

The first picture features the taffeta strapless dress available in sizes 0,1,2 in black 594.00. The second photo features a chiffon vest available in sizes 0,1,2 in black 354.00, a cotton collared blouse available in sizes 0,1,2 in white 254.00, and a microfiber pant available in sizes 0,1,2 in black 314.00.
For more information call 805.565.1506 or Email
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The Wendy Foster Dresshop just received our first shipment of our Ann Demuelemeester fall collection. The group consists of beautifully constructed jackets,blouses and skirts. The color palette incorporates warm fall shades of gray and dark green in addition to her signature use of black and white.

The collection is amazing. The first photo features the drape front sweater available in sage in sizes 36,38,40 and 42 1188.00. The fishtail skirt available in brown in sizes 36,38,40 and 42 858. 00. The second photo features the classic pant available in black in sizes 36,38,40 and 42 674.00 The sleeveless wrap blouse available in black in sizes 36,38,40 and 42 1124.00.

For more information call 805.565.1506 or Email
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We recently received our first shipment of Anouk Boots and we could not be more excited. Both styles of boots are perfect for the coming seasons and can be worn with skirts and dresses while the weather remains warm or tucked into jeans this winter!

Handmade in Los Angeles from the most luxurious leathers and suedes, each boot is constructed with the up most precision and attention to detail, resulting in the ideal boot for comfort and style. Beautiful and practical, these boots will last you for many seasons to come!
For more information call 805.966.2276 or Email
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At Wendy Foster we have just received our fall collection of Antipast socks. These beautiful socks from Japan come in a variety of colors and unique patterns.The socks are intricately made and make a wonderful gift. The socks are 24.00 a pair.

The Dresshop just received the first shipment of the fall collection by Peachoo & Krejberg. This amazing collection includes some wonderful skirts, blouses and an amazing beaded backless vest. The silk beaded scarf 994.00 available in black. The sarong skirt available in sizes small, medium and large in black 564.00.

The second photo features the long wrap vest dress available in small,medium and large in navy 834.00. The third photo features the backless sequin vest available in black with silver in a size medium 1308.00 and the mermaid skirt in sizes medium and large 488.00.