Greg Lum's Magic

 

Proof...Nice Guys Do Win

I've come to know Greg through Katherine Zhang when they, along with Lily Chan, generously donated their time and talent back in 2011. And as I'm writing this, I cannot think of a better title or subtitle...Greg is not only talented but also, a very nice guy.

Flashback to 2011, 2012 and 2013...Greg won and kept the Kitayama Cup!

Today, it is my pleasure to share his latest victories at California State Floral Association. Greg won Top Ten AND the People’s Choice Award! Congratulations my friend and I'm happy that you chose Kitayama Brothers to sponsored the flowers. And thanks for allowing us to re-post your winning pictures.

SURPRISE for a front office of an architecture firm!

“Everyone was given the same materials and was asked to design a modern design in 30 minutes.”

 

Personally, I would LOVE to see what Greg can do with our stemmed gardenias. Wouldn't you?

KB Stemmed Gardenia won Best Variety at California State Floral Association

  ~ Linda Nguyen

 

Come Walk with Kitayama Brothers

Walking from KB Greenhouse to Sunset Beach:

I am an avid walker.  I find it simple, enjoyable and good exercise.  And because I am in charge of the greenhouse, it is part of the job to regularly walk around the greenhouse.  I am not a grower, and I am not examining greenhouse procedures.  Mainly, I smile, say “hello” to employees and think, “I should learn Spanish.”  

The greenhouse covers about 50 acres and takes about 45 minutes to walk around.  You can extend the walk by going through each range, or if it is a sunny day by going to the beach.  Every job has its perks, to be able to walk to the beach from the office is one of mine.  

Any of you who come to visit Kitayama Brothers is welcome to walk with me to the beach.  Here are some pictures, as you can tell, it is best to come on a bright, sunny day.  I recommend September or October, that is the best weather.  These are pictures taken from the sand dune out the back of the greenhouse.

 

If I look one way there is the greenhouse just past the campground.

 . 

If I pivot the other way, you can see the surf. 

It's about a 2 minute walk down to the beach from the top of the dune. Right now is sand dollar season.  Too bad...they aren’t dollars, because there are a ton of them.   

Flowers on the Walk: Tulips

Oh, another reason I walk through the greenhouse is to look at the flowers.  Something new at our greenhouse is tulips.  We are just starting to bunch our first tulips of the year.  We currently have four colors but we will have more.  Ask your KB salesperson about price and availability.

OK, got to get back to work.

RHK. 

Grateful in Northern California

Today’s posting is dedicated to our friend and customer Darrell at Greenleaf Oklahoma.  Darrell was named Mr. Flower Oklahoma or some such honor at this year’s OK State Convention.  I wonder if the voters would have changed their minds if they knew Darrell was a bit of a deadhead? 

Don’t tell his boss, but for me, its part of his charm.  Because I am of a certain age and I live in Northern California, I have to go to at least one “Dead” show a year to see my friends.  

This past weekend, I saw “Further” at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley.  “Further” is the remains of the Grateful Dead with Bobby Weir and Phil Lesh.  John Kadlecik plays the role of Jerry.  Here you go Darrell, this was the playlist from Saturday.

Sat. Sept. 28, 2013 - Greek Theatre, U.C. Berkeley, CA    

 

The Music Never Stopped...Loser...Loose Lucy...Candyman...Big River     

Mission In the Rain...Bird Song...Passenger...Lost Sailor...St. of Circumstance

                               

Tennessee Jed...Box of Rain...Dark Star...Dear Mr. Fantasy...Jeff - grand piano solo  

Days Between...Shakedown Street...Not Fade Away

Encore: One More Saturday Night

                  

Since I’m not really a deadhead, I like the songs I can sing, “Box of Rain” and “Not Fade Away” were my favorites.  Yes, everyone has a prescription that smells a little skunky and there was a lot of twirling being done by young and not so young ladies, but by and large the crowd was peaceful and happy. 

A beautiful moon, lovely stars and a balmy September night in Northern California, add an old, favorite, local band and you can see why we love to live and grow flowers here.  Maybe we “can get a miracle” and have Mr. Flower Oklahoma join me one year.

RHK