LIVERMORE FALLS ADVERTISER • April 14, 2021
The past year was not ‘business as usual’ for local greenhouses and gardening centers. Each growing season can be a bit different for plant growers but the coronavirus pandemic and the weather created challenges that left greenhouses and their customers scrambling. At Shaky Barn Farm Gardens in Livermore, owner Bonnie Brown said, “I tripled what I usually do for seedlings. Gardening can be calming for the anxiety caused by the pandemic.” COVID-19 is still impacting people, Brown said. “They don’t feel secure enough to leave their neighborhoods,” she said. “Enough time has gone through so new habits are now old habits. For those frustrated with all the COVID-19 restrictions, gardening gives some kind of power, control. It has to help mental health.”