Places We Visited in 2006

A day of fun at the State Fair intertwines with Roland Alstone visiting Tony Barfield of Barfield Landscaping. The Ellison buildings on the fairgrounds brought in several sculputers from Brookgreen Garden and Tony Barfield has done some of his fine work in arranging the pieces and gardens in the building.

Well if it's got fur or if it's got feathers we are sure you can find just what you are looking for at Fitco Farm in Darling County, South Carolina. Ms. Alice Fitzwater was kind enough to let the MIG Team come and tour her farm and what a tour it was.

Team Making It Grow made a terrific trip to Cindy's Seafod & Country Market on John's Island. The store prides itself in the production of organic vegetables and local seafood. Henry Sawyer talked to us about why they produce organic vegetables, sell organic condiments and serve organic meals.

A hotel down in Charleston which really needs on introduction is The Charleston Place. The hotel's spacious rooms, fine foods and friendly atmosphere complient Charleton's hot and humid weather making the hotel's courtyard a perfect place to grow a tropical garden. Team Making It Grow had an oppurtunity to go visit and chat with Beverly Rivers who is in charge of the garden's upkeep.

Family farms throughout the United States are on a decline. But in Saluda County there is a family thriving with their very own beef cattle farm. We visited Yon Farms just outside Ridge Spring South Carolina and spoke with the First Lady of the farm, Lydia Yon. We found out about the family's angus cows, feedings systems, electric fencing and about her children's involvement with the animals.

Volunteers in SC make a big difference, whether they are a Master Gardener in the Clemson Extension Office answering horticultural questions, or if they are working for Habitat for Humanity building homes for the disadvantaged and needing in the Palmetto State.  It is really a site to see when these two organizations’ volunteers come together.  Team “Making It Grow!” found such a location in Sumter, South Carolina, and not only did they have local volunteers, they brought down some students from right around the Canadian line.

- Rina's Kitchen is full of jams, jellies and wonderful relishes. Rina Palmer is an Italian born South Carolinian who immigrated to United States in 1957. Rina now owns her own store in Summerville. Rowland pays her a visit and listens as she tells her wonderful tale of getting started and just how much work goes into making her products.

Lugoff is home to Alan Schneck and his plant farm, Alan's Market. Rowland Alston drops in and talks with Alan about his ferns, tomatoes and Alan's very own fresh squeezed oarnge juice.

F. Brian Smith visits Ashville, NC, once again at the Richmond Hill in to discuss beautiful common and uncommon plants to put around the home landscape.

SC Live in Beaufort, SC

Pearl Fryar - Bishopville, SC &

Philip Simmons - Charleston, SC