Fall gardening brings a ‘visual tapestry’ of plants

Fall gardening brings a ‘visual tapestry’ of plants
Oakhurst Community Garden director calls fall planting a gardener’s respite

By KATIE LESLIE
photo:MIKKI K. HARRIS/mkharris@ajc.com

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

October 2008

To heck with the heat and banish the bugs. Summer vegetable gardening surely yields a tasty crop of peppers and tomatoes, but often at the expense of sunburns and pesky critters running amok.

It might be enough to make novices give up their gardening gloves for the year, but take heart, says Stephanie Van Parys, executive director of the Oakhurst Community Garden in Decatur. Planting in the fall is a gardener’s respite.
What I like about fall gardening is there is so much more to grow after a wild, crazy insect-ridden summer,” she says. “Vegetable gardening in the winter is demure, contained, small and so much more manageable.”

And between the fuschia and yellow stalks of Swiss chard and the chartreuse of young lettuce, winter crops are vibrant with color.

“You can really create a visual tapestry as most plants grow to about 12 inches.”

Georgia is at the tail end of the summer growing season, and now is the time to get your fall planting done for a winter and spring harvest. And with dropping leaves allowing more light into Atlanta’s backyards, those who may not have been able to garden in the summer because of overabundant shade can now get in the game.

Van Parys says the garden, south of Agnes Scott College, is getting visits from increasing numbers of people interested in growing their own. Oakhurst’s gardening classes are regularly sold out with new crops of gardeners.

Louise Estabrook, agriculture and natural resource agent for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension-Fulton County, says she’s also seen a rise in interest. She was recently asked to help create community gardens in Sandy Springs, Roswell and Alpharetta.

Tim Watts, a software engineer, recently visited the Oakhurst Community Garden for ideas to start a community garden in Kirkwood.

“But with the way the economy is looking, who knows?” he says. “This may turn into more than a hobby.”

Garage Sale - part of Neighborhood Wide Sale- Evergreen forest (Decatur / Valleybrook rd) Saturday OCT 11 // 9am-12 noon.

Garage Sale - part of Neighborhood Wide Sale- Evergreen forest (Decatur / Valleybrook rd)

3036 VINE CIRCLE / Saturday 9am to 12 noon. Garage sale is part of Neighborhood Wide Sale. Lots of furniture, clothes, accessories, books, a bit of everything inbetween.
(Druid hiils rd turns into Valleybrook rd. Left on Holywood into the Evergreen Forest Neighborhood and left on Vine).

WHEN:Saturday OCT 11 // 9am-12 noon.

Location: Decatur / Valleybrook rd

3036 VINE CIRCLE
Decatur, GA
Post date: 10/10 07:14 AM
Sale date: 10/11/08
Source: Craigslist

The 11th Annual Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival is Saturday, October 11

The 11th Annual Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival is Saturday, October 11 from 10 am until 7 pm at the center of the Oakhurst community in Harmony Park. This event is presented by the Decatur Arts Alliance in association with the South Decatur Community Development Corporation.

• The 5K Arts Run/Walk
• 50 local artists
• Eight live musical performances
• Community area, featuring Decatur-based nonprofit groups
• Free activity area for children
• Good ol' fashioned parade
• Food and beverages at Oakhurst's many restaurants

Oakhurst Loves Kids!
And kids love activities. If your organization would like to provide a hands-on art activity for children during the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival, fill out this form now.

October 11 • 10 am-7 pm
Harmony Park in Oakhurst Village
404-371-9583
decaturartsalliance@earthlink.net

Front Yard Halloween Displays in Decatur

This was one of the best Halloween decorated yards I saw last year in a front yard of a house in Decatur, Ga. near Winnona Park School.
That area always has some nice decorated yards each year.

Get outside and decorate those yards, I will be riding around the downtown Decatur area taking pictures.

Note: If you know a great decorated yard in Decatur area let me know where or send photo, or give me the link.

Melrose on Ponce

I think they might be ready for Halloween

By Jonathan Goldberg
staff writer for hometown dekalb



When you hear that the name Melrose on Ponce you may be confused into thinking that someone’s talking about a primetime soap opera centered around trendy twenty-somethings and their turbulent romantic lives. In this case you’d be seriously off the mark. Melrose on Ponce is in fact a unique gift store in downton Decatur whose name was inspired by owner Shirlyn Englisby’s grandmother.

Melrose on Ponce is a charming gift shop that specializes in providing items such as backpacks, clothing, linens, napkins and pillows that can be monogrammed on site. The store, which is located at 345 West Ponce De Leon near the square, also sells other unique gifts and frequently has local artists working on site. This gives the shop a wonderful atmosphere that encourages people to come in and chat with the artists who consign their work to the store.

Shirlyn Englisby’s grandmother, Melrose, ran a flea market/vintage shop from her living room in her elder years. Not only was the shop’s namesake inspired by Englisby’s grandmother’s experience, so was Englisby’s desire to have artists work and sell their pieces in her store. Englisby feels that the store’s name is both catchy and keeps the family name special.

Englisby’s partner, Valerie Kartwe, is co-owner of Melrose on Ponce. Kartwe has always harbored a love of vintage merchandise. The result is a store that contains a meld of both the old and the new. In addition to the art works available and the monogrammed items, Melrose on Ponce also offers gift baskets with natural (no preservative) foods, soaps, bees wax candles (that emit less smoke) and other gift items.

Englisby and Kartwe’s mission is to redefine the traditional gift shop concept. Melrose on Ponce is succeeding in their mission and is a shop where you can find a multitude of unique and whimsical gifts for friends and family members as well as for your own home. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is a great time to visit and if necessary, place orders for anything that would need to be monogrammed. Many items for the Spring holidays and garden themed products will be arriving in mid-February.

The store is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with seasonal extended hours. To reach Melrose on Ponce by phone, call (404) 378-1013.

Where is Atlanta’s best kids’ haircut salon? ... Decatur

By Phil Kloer |

What is it with some kids and haircuts?

Most view haircuts as a mild inconvenience, but maybe with a lollipop at the end, so why not go along?

But there are some wee ones - and we’ve seen them, or heard them, or known them, or maybe (shudder) had them - who view a haircut as the most diabolical, agonizing torture that could ever be inflicted. And so the only reasonable response is to raise 39 kinds of ear-shattering hell.

For them, and really for any little kid, finding the right haircut place is almost as essential as getting into the right pre-school.

So where is this place? And what do they do? Candy bribes? Cartoons playing on TV? Soft-spoken stylists? An endless supply of vodka martinis? (For you, not for your child.)

Best of Big A wants to know: Who gives the best kid’s haircut in metro Atlanta? And a few parents out there really need to know.

Salonredkids
119 E Ponce De Leon Ave
Decatur, GA
(404) 377-3164







Salon Red Kid’s in Decatur. I love it- now that we live in McDonough- we still drive back as it is the only place my little ones will go for a haircut!

By Michelle

October 6, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Salon Red Kid’s- Decatur. It’s all about kids there, they make it fun to get a hair cut.

By Michelle

October 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Salon Red Kid’s- Decatur. It’s all about kids there, they make it fun to get a hair cut.

By Melanie

October 6, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Snip Its in Snellville. I’ll admit it is over priced for a kids haircut, but I’ll pay it for the attention she gets, the staff is always friendly and even if there is a long wait, you can put your name on the list, give them your cell phone number and they will call you when it’s your turn. My daughter loves going there and watching the videos they play or sings the songs while they cut her hair and looks forward to the prize when they are done. I can never walk out of there with out spending more money on bows and products, but she always has a great time when we go there.

By otis

October 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Pigtails & Crewcuts in Buckhead

By mama4

October 6, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Where is a good place for a boy to get an “old school” afro touch up or trim in decatur, stone mountain or atlanta?

By Monique

October 6, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Regency Barbershop and Salon - Conyers, GA 3565 GA Hwy 20 (770) 483-6007

All the barbers and stylist are great!!! I promise you and your little one will be completely satisfied. Regency has Little Tykes bids, blow pops and my son received a “My First Haircut Certificates” which he absolutely LOVED. Thanks Regency www.regencybarbershop.com

By janell

October 6, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Hair cuttery

By Alison

October 6, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with Monique REGENCY BARBERSHOP and SALON is the BEST. The waiting time is always minable; atmosphere is always kid friendly and relaxing for adults. The pricing is budget friendly and they offer discounts on both children ($7) and adults ($10) Haircuts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Absolutely the best Barbershop/Salon in Conyers/Covington!!!

GREAT JOB REGENCY KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

GREAT JOB REGENCY

By TL

October 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Harry’s in Marietta.

By RK

O

October 6, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Barbershop - The Ultimate Barbershop (Camp Creek MarketPlace).

By Alonzo

October 6, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

If I must say “Regency Barber Shop and Salon” is where your little man/lady need to come. There is 1st timer certificate, along with a digital photo of his/her experience, and he/she will be featured on the website. Parents we have amenities for you like chess, flat screens,WI-FI, and even services for you while you wait. Come by and see for yourself. It’s about more than just a haircut, its about a positive experience. “NOTHING LIKE THE FIRST TIME, SO MAKE IT GOOD” www.regencybarbershopandsalon.com

By Miko

October 6, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Regency Barbershop in Conyers. Warm friendly environment and staff. Great prices. Check out the website and feel the LOVE.

By sakurali

October 6, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Hairclips at Georgetown rocks. BEST HAIR CUT EVER.

By Angela Moore

October 6, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

I nominate Regency Barber Shop in Conyers. You will experience a great vibe, comtemporary style and a untouchable ambiance. The owner is very handsome ladies.

By PD Harvey

October 6, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Salon Red in Decatur. We moved here from Connecticut; it used to cost $100.00 for two kids haircuts and it is now $40.00 for better service.

By PD Harvey

October 6, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Salon Red in Decatur. We moved here from Connecticut; it used to cost $100.00 for two kids haircuts and it is now $40.00 for better service.

By Kecia

October 6, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

I nominate Regency Barber Shop and Salon in Conyers, Ga. My son is 3 and he loves going there to get his haircut and they do an excellent job.He always gets compliments on his haircut. I must agree with Angela the owner is very handsome.

By C. Woods

Good news / Bad news : Kudzu Antique Market will get a great new tenant

Bad news, it's Decatur's own Victory Vintage Home Store, yes it's true, they have decided to downsize, and will be closing the Decatur store location Oct 29th.
They will continue to be a full-service lamp repair and lamp shade provider operating from Kudzu Antique Market, it's located at 2928 East Ponce de Leon Ave. The phone number at the new location is 404-373-6498 and they are open 7 days a week from 11 to
7.
I am going to miss the Christmas window displays they always had.
I sure hope this year more of the Decatur Stores have great window displays. They should have a contest for the best Christmas window display. That would even get more Christmas shoppers this year.


read full announcement over at inDECATUR.

Run for Rewards with Fleet Feet Decatur

Hi Dennis,

I thought your readers might be interested to learn of the fun run/walk program that Fleet Feet Decatur is offering beginning next week. The program, Run for Rewards, incentivizes those who participate during our fun runs/walks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, starting Oct. 14 and ending Jan. 15. I've included details on the program below. All abilities (runners and walkers) are invited to join at any time during the program's duration. We hope to have a fun time!

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Live FIT,
Kim Scarborough
Fleet Feet Decatur
404.371.0208

Run for Rewards with Fleet Feet Decatur

Need a little incentive to get out the door and start exercising? Fleet Feet Decatur is teaming up with Brooks Sports from October to January to provide you with a carrot – free prizes – as part of our Run for Rewards program.

Here's the low-down:

WHAT: Run for Rewards - A 12-week fun run/walk program that rewards you for showing up and sweating.
WHEN: Oct. 14 - Jan. 15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. during that evening's fun run/walk. We will offer a three- and five-mile course. All abilities (runners and walkers) are welcome!
WHERE: Fleet Feet Sports Decatur (431 W Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur)
HOW: Bring your shoes and join us on our fun run/walk to receive one punch on your Run for Rewards card.
- With multiple punches you will receive free Brooks drawstring bags, technical shirts and hats. What's more, the top three participants will receive a FREE pair of Brooks shoes.
- Bring a friend, and we'll put two punches on your card the first time they join you.
WHY: For the free stuff! (Oh, and also to live FIT and stay active.)

You can join the program at any time during its duration. For more information, visit www.fleetfeetdecatur.com or call us at 404.371.0208.

For those who may have missed the Decatur High School Homecoming Parade on Friday afternoon, October 3, see taped highlights of the parade

Decatur EDtv

North Decatur Pharmacy - Time Machine.

Here is a 1950 photo of the North Decatur Pharmacy which was located at N.Decatur Rd & Clairmont.

Bottom photo as it looks today.

A new City of Decatur blog named "The Decatur Minute"

I want to take a minute and welcome a new City of Decatur blog called "The Decatur Minute" I know all of us will be reading your new blog. The link has been added to my blog roll.
Thanks Linda for the mention of Decatur's 3 most popular blogs, nDecatur, Decatur Metro & Next Stop...Decatur

Below is the description of the blog posted by Linda.


The Decatur Minute Goes Live

October 7, 2008 by Linda

Welcome to The Decatur Minute, a blog written by employees in the Community & Economic Development Department of the City of Decatur. We are excited to enter the blogosphere and welcome any and all comments, ideas, suggestions, and information to share. We will give you the latest on special events, volunteer opportunities, new businesses, things to see and do in Decatur, and more.

Our blog policy is posted on the City of Decatur website and we look forward to ongoing conversations with the community.

We also have links to popular Decatur blogs such as Decatur Metro, nDecatur, Next Stop Decatur and others with Decatur connections. You will also find links to blogs from our shops and restaurants. If you know of a Decatur blog that is missing, please let us know.

Check back often - it only takes a minute!

"AS SEEN AROUND DECATUR" Hatim & Elizabeth. - Mr. & Ms. 12th Grade

Hatim and Elizabeth ( Mr. & Ms. 12th Grade) in Decatur High School Home Coming Parade Oct 3rd, 2008.

Be seen on Next Stop... Decatur

"As Seen Around Decatur"
Send us photos of you , your family or your friends taken at your favorite Decatur site. examples: resturants,bars, ball games, events, etc...

Note: so send in your photo for consideration.
Send to next-stop-decatur@myway.com

A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur

A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur – How You Can Help

Brighten the 2008 Holiday Season for Decatur Children and Seniors

A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur seeks donors to assist our city's low-income children and senior citizens. Last year, the community's generosity allowed this program to provide holiday gifts for more than 400 children and senior citizens. This year our goal is to increase that number to 500.

You can participate individually or as a group with friends, neighbors, family, place of worship, workplace, school, or club. We provide a profile for shopping that lists exact information on what a child or senior needs, including clothing sizes. We ask that you purchase approximately $100 worth of gifts for each person (a mixture of toys and clothing for the children).

Ways to help:
• Have a party and ask each person to bring one of the items on your list.
• Take up a collection and designate one person to do the shopping.
• Make a financial contribution and we will do the shopping for you.
• Volunteer!

We need weekday volunteers to call back donors and mail them information. Times are flexible. Volunteers also help in the distribution center in December. Call 404-378-8068 or email aseasonofgiving@decaturga.com. Make donations to A Season of Giving/Christmas Decatur, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.

Drop by Decatur CD for your copy of the new Bob Dylan CD "TELL NO SIGNS"

Visit Decatur CD:

356 West Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
404.371.9090
Sunday: 12-6
Monday - Saturday: 11-9

Taj Ma Hound in new location on E. Lake Dr.

©2004 Taj Ma Hound
707 D East Lake Drive
Decatur, GA 30030, USA
Phone: 1-404-377-9220

click on logo for more info.

Good News: Toco Hills Shopping Center will get a $7.5 Million Facelift.

By RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Yes. The economy is reeling and big real estate deals are getting harder to start.

But Atlanta has been sought-after by developers for years. And many projects are moving forward, according to developers and brokers at the International Council of Shopping Centers Southeast meeting this week in Atlanta.

Toco Hills upgrade: The Publix shopping center in Toco Hills will get a $7.5 million upgrade, thanks to owner Edens & Avant, a Columbia, S.C. developer. Herbert Ames, the development manager, said they have owned the center for four years, and now will give the mall a new facade, new merchants and a redesigned parking lot with more plants.

Another news story: Macy’s: The department store is considering smaller stores, which could bust the chain out of the malls.

full story here.

**********************************************************************************
Here's an idea maybe MACY'S would consider putting one of those smaller stores in the McDonough Street Market location....hey, it's just a thought you know it use to be a Belk-Gallant store..... Somebody wake me up, I must be dreaming.

A message from The McDonough Street Market about their closing.

A message from The McDonough Street Market about their closing.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the McDonough Street Market has closed.
Please see the "Members" section of this site for information on contacting individual members.

If you did not know already the ice cream store JAKE'S closed and they held the lease, so The McDonough Street Market had to close also.
see photo from a earlier post.

Note: David from the inDECATUR, said now that they have closed I would have to update my Header photo.....maybe so David, I'll wait and see who moves into the location and then decide.

The Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge

Voted # 1 by SP - The Sunday Paper

Read a few comments here.

Twist "N" Scoot .. MotorScooter Store

Twist ‘n’ Scoot Decatur
431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur GA 30030

website here.

Now Playing at The Plaza Theatre

Just up the road on Ponce is The Plaza Theatre
Now Playing
"Ghost Town"
"Tell No One"
"Search Of A Midnight"

Coming Soon "Christmas On Mars".