The July Biz Buzz was in full bloom—literally. Local business owners gathered at Etten’s Eden, Karla Etten’s glorious nursery and flower farm just two miles from town. Despite a stretch of summer storms, everyone was cheerful and eager to gather in the cozy greenhouse. As soon as the skies cleared (and did they ever), MBPA members enjoyed strolling the grounds and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and lush, enchanting scenery.
“Welcome everyone to this very special place known as Etten’s Eden—special and beautiful, for sure,” said MBPA President Punkin Lee. “This boutique plant and flower farm celebrated its Grand Opening on October 20, 2023, and is still in the process of planning, creating, and growing to bring us the best in annuals, perennials, shrubs, floral arrangements, workshops, special events, and even event floral services.”
Karla Etten, the talented and hardworking tour de force behind this unique endeavor, has quickly become an important part of the local business community. From donating her signature floral arrangements as Biz Buzz door prizes to brightening business fronts with her colorful and artistic displays, Karla’s creativity is blooming all over town.
“I bought the property five years ago, and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it,” laughed Karla. “But I knew I was a grower, but this was my first professional foray into it. I am here to help the community with plants and flowers, and I can help those who want to grow their own.”
She continued, “We offer workshops and events, have an online store and offer floral design services as well. We have provided floral design for the NSLM Polo Cup, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show 1853 Club, The Artists in Middleburg, and many other wonderful local events. We’d love to help you host an event here, too!”
MBPA UPDATES
Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery won a Gold Medal and Best in Class Specialty Spirit Award at the statewide First Landing Cup, hosted by the Virginia Distillers Association.
Longtime Middleburg retailer Joann Swift passed away. Known for her store The Shaggy Ram, Joann contributed greatly to the community and was deeply committed to animal rescue. A memorial celebration will be held in September. Donations in her memory can be made to the Middleburg Humane Foundation.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the joint MBPA and Middleburg Police Department “Stuff the Cruiser” food drive on June 27 at Safeway. With a goal of 1,000 pounds of food, the community exceeded expectations—donating 1,218 pounds to Seven Loaves. The next Stuff the Cruiser event is scheduled for December.
Beautiful weather made for a picture-perfect Independence Day in Middleburg. The Middleburg Museum hosted a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and Police Chief Shaun Jones led a spirited group of 100 participants in the MBPA Kids’ Parade. The festivities at the Charter School—including live music, games, Moo Thru ice cream, Happy Family Ranch, and burgers and hot dogs from the Middleburg American Legion—were well attended and enjoyed by all. Many thanks to the Town of Middleburg and Chief Shaun and his team for ensuring a safe and fun evening, and to Salamander Middleburg for the spectacular fireworks display.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Middleburg continues to offer a full calendar of exciting events in July:
• Intro to Oil Painting – National Sporting Library, July 16–17
• Paint & Sip – Middleburg Museum, July 18
• Middleburg Humane Foundation’s Spay-ghetti No Balls Dinner – Mt. Defiance, July 18
• Mixed Media Art Camp for Kids – Artists in Middleburg Gallery, July 21–25
• Wines of Portugal Tasting – Salamander Middleburg, July 24
• Viva Community Dinner – Emmanuel Parish House, July 25 (in partnership with A Place to Be; free and open to all, no need to RSVP)
• Open Late at NSLM – July 25, featuring Fast Eddie and the Slow Pokes
Middleburg’s galleries, the Library, and Middleburg Books continue to offer outstanding exhibits and programming throughout the month.
The 19th Annual Sidewalk Sale takes place August 1–3. Please register by emailing Katy Carter by noon on Friday, July 25. Posters will be delivered ahead of time, and red and yellow balloons will be distributed on the morning of Friday, August 1.
The Middleburg Police Department will host National Night Out at the Community Center ball field on Tuesday, August 5 from 6-8 pm. This event is free and open to the entire community!
The first annual Conservation Cup Golf Tournament is scheduled for August 15, benefiting the Piedmont Foxhounds Conservation Fund. Click here to register to play or to become a sponsor!
The annual lunchbox drive for Seven Loaves is underway and will continue through the first week of August. Click for their Amazon Wish List or for their Wal-Mart Wish List! Monetary donations are also encouraged. Every little bit helps. Last year’s drive provided over 500 lunchboxes to underserved children in our area—let’s do it again this year!
Congratulations to our door prize winners!
Etten’s Eden plants:
Allison Watley from Cana Vineyards
Paul Eden from Bull Run Turf
Linda Nichols from Middleburg Hunt
Dorsey deButts from The Middleburg Museum
Bull Run Turf Go Mug:
Suji Woodill from Whitehall Hounds
Wine from Greenhill, courtesy of the Town of Middleburg:
Elaine Boland from Fields of Athenry Farm
Jeanine Manley from Aldie Heritage Association
Gift Certificate for Middleburg Farmers Market:
Karla Etten from Etten’s Eden
The next Biz Buzz will take place on Tuesday, August 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.
We hope to see you there!