SUMMER AT PATINA HOME & GARDEN

Summer is a time of abundance. It seems like everywhere you look, you find lush life.

The sun casts its warm rays down upon the earth, giving us long, sweltering days filled with joy and new memories in the making. The fruit of the season ripens all around us, the sweetness of this time of year captured in the flavors of peaches and blackberries. Though fall, winter, and spring each bring their own allure, it feels as though they are all leading us toward this crescendo, which we do our best to savor as it slips away.

At Patina Home & Garden, as always, we look to nature and the way it celebrates summer to inform our displays.

Walking through the door, guests are greeted by the sight of flowers from our farm drying in the windows. This marks our third year of this tradition, and it has become a signal to all of us that summer is in full swing.

Their vibrant hues allow us to bring the season's colors into the shop in a way that feels true to us.

Once they have finished drying, Leila takes them back to Patina Meadow and transforms them into everlasting bouquets, allowing us to appreciate their beauty long after the last flower has bloomed in the field.

The area of our shop that undergoes the biggest transformation this time of year is the Farm Shop, as we adapt our selection to reflect the season and our current cravings. At the moment, that means our countertops are filled with fresh, organically grown tomatoes from the Bloomerie at Patina Meadow, and our freezers are stocked with ice-cold popsicles from Shiversticks.

Because summer is such a busy season for many of us, we've also begun stocking more items that make meals effortless, including locally made ravioli from Nicola's Pasta, spaghetti sauce from Jim's, and Remedy's Bone Broth to add a protein boost to your favorite dishes. We've even taken care of dessert with our selection of gluten-free treats from Wholesome Bakes.

Venturing back into our main space, there is even more to explore.

Across from the Farm Shop is our children's section, which has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the store.

One of my favorite things is watching parents and their children return to this corner again and again. At first, they come looking for a rattle. Before long, those same little hands are reaching for teddy bears, books, and crayons.

Recently, we've begun carrying vintage children's clothing, which has to be one of the sweetest additions to the shop.

And don't worry, our collection of vintage clothing for adults is still here and continues to grow as well.

This season, we've continued to stock pieces that help you host beautiful gatherings, whether it's a backyard barbecue or a quiet morning coffee with friends. Small, thoughtful touches, like our Summerill & Bishop linens or elegant dishware, can elevate even the simplest occasion.

In my mind, summer will always mean gardening and growing. Recently, we installed a greenhouse in our courtyard to help our community do just that.

In the spring, it was filled with plant starts from our farm. Now, it is stocked with our favorite pots, soil, and garden décor. If you haven't grown anything yet this season, don't worry. There is still time. Pick up a pot, a bag of soil, and get your hands dirty.

We hope that, as you wander the shelves of Patina Home & Garden, you'll be inspired to notice the beauty unfolding all around you, not just within our shop, but in the world beyond its doors.

xx,

Brooke