...My trip to Moss Mountain Farm was complimentary.  My experience was truly extraordinary. I venture to say, priceless.  My opinion is my own and not influenced by the complimentary invitation. 

I feel like a kid who just returned from summer camp.

Happy, tired, full stories of my adventures & missing my new friends already.

I just returned from the Garden2Grow 2017 event at P. Allen Smith's Moss Mountain Farm.

Oh my, where do I begin...?

How about an overview today - then I'll go deeper in some follow up posts.

Garden2Grow 2017

What do you get when you combine an utterly divine bucolic setting, the ultimate renaissance man/consummate host, 12 hand selected garden influencers, 5 inspirational brands, a floral master and fabulous farm to table food?  

You get 48 memorable hours filled with magic, sharing, learning and laughter.  A 48 hours I will never forget.

What began with an email invitation...became this reality.  Reality is rarely this good!

Welcome to Moss Mountain Farm.  600 acres about an hour outside of Little Rock Arkansas.

The spectacular oak tree called Big Sister majestically presides over the house & acreage.  I'll show you her all lit up in the evening as we go along...

We gathered under her extended branches each evening for music, libations, mouthwatering appetizers and conversation.  But let's start at breakfast...

Breakfast & dinner were served at a 75 foot table laden with garlands, bouquets and fanciful floral designs by Jay of UBloom.  We became fast friends so look out for more on Jay in future posts.

Everyone became friends.  As Allen said we would, we became a "family" as the farm unfolded before us, we listened, learned & shared ideas, inspiration and meals.

Speaking of Allen, here is our host with the most!  

P. Allen Smith is legendary in the garden & foodie world.  I have been an avid fan of him, his books and television shows for years.

Learning about his passion for, and deep involvement in, the farm to fork movement, as well his strides in preserving heritage seeds and heritage live stock made me even more enthralled with all things P. Allen Smith.  Plus, wow ~ can he tell a story!

Touring the grounds the first day left us all with dropped jaws & low batteries. Thousand of photos were taken I am certain.  Each vista, turn and blossom more than warranted a "ahhh", a photo and a look back.

As a well planned garden should, Moss Mountain Farm reveals itself slowly.  Allowing the visitor to appreciate each aspect individually and then as a whole.  

The house is elegant, well appointed, full of soul and charm.  We'll take an inside tour on another day.  

Here is a little teaser from the porch.

Lots of walking, talking and soaking it all makes a gardener hungry.  

Lunch was served indoors at brightly checked round tables adorned with more stunning florals.

Back outside for a fun competition.  We split into teams & decorated two darling sheds with container plants, flowers & garden implements.  It was declared a tie!

I have SO much more to share with you about my visit to Moss Mountain Farm.  In the meantime you can visit Allen's website for information about planning your own visit.  

If you do go make sure to stand under Big Sister and take in her presence.  At 300 years old, if only she could talk.  Listen real close just in case...

Thank you P. Allen Smith for your hospitality, generosity, warmth and all the knowledge you shared.  

Grateful,

** Kelly **

Visit P. Allen Smith at his website HERE.

Books by P. Allen Smith that you will enjoy: HERE, HERE & HERE  ( affiliate links )

Take a video tour of the Farm HERE.

P. Allen Smith on PBS HERE.

ENJOY!

...I was not compensated for this post or my visit, but I was treated to complimentary flight, accommodations & meals for my stay at Moss Mountain Farm.  My opinions and memories are all my own.