Garden and Roads

Let’s end Trump’s poisonous era.

Image credits to The New Yorker

Landed in Ohio and taking poll observer training tomorrow morning!

I’ve really enjoyed bringing locally grown flowers to so many of our neighbors in Medford this year! Thanks for a great growing season!

Garden and Roads is a florist & small-scale flower farm crafting florals using methods gentle to the environment and creating experiences that bring joy!

I keep saying the last of the dahlias, but it’s going to be 79 degrees tomorrow, so who knows?

Garden and Roads is a florist & small-scale flower farm crafting florals using methods gentle to the environment and creating experiences that bring joy!

Medford has 3 ballot questions that will raise your property tax. Why do we need to consider these property tax increases? The short answer is because the total amount of income for the town doesn’t meet the town’s needs (cost of municipal expenses + maintenance & upgrades to infrastructure).

How did we get in this situation? Massachusetts Proposition 2.5 law was passed in 1980 to prevent towns from arbitrarily hiking taxes on property owners and sets the increase allowed for the total property tax (levy) at no more than 2.5% of the previous year’s levy tax (plus new growth) amount OR 2.5% of the total assessed value of all properties - whichever is lower. Prop 2.5 also provides conditions for overrides that include voter approval via ballot questions that must have a stated purpose and an override amount.

For 40 years, Medford’s total property levy amount growth has remained at the lowest level while the cost of everything has gone up at a much higher rate resulting in the need for override proposals
When you put the increase in context of recent inflation increases and what other communities have done, I think it makes sense to increase the levy amount. That said, I am a strong yes vote 7 and would like to revisit question 8 in a year or two make it a bit easier to stomach. I am honestly confused about question 6, if you have thoughts or questions please drop in the comments. I’m open to hearing more perspectives.

Data source: if you are the type who wants raw data to draw your own conclusions, there is a great interactive at Dept of Revenue Division of Local Services website.

If you are thinking “Yeah, but my property taxes recently went up by way more than 2.5% (ours has too)! It’s likely because the assessed value of your property increased, but do a check to see what % the tax is of the value of your home. We are all happy to have to have the green line, but we won’t be happy about the change in our property values until we sell our homes. Details at the Medford assist office.

I’m guessing most of the folks who will see this are not fabulously wealthy and the cost increase of groceries, goods in the past few years has hit you hard - it’s hit me too both personally and professionally.

I cringe when I hear or read that people believe Trump will handle the economy better than Harris. There are other aspects of Trump’s plan that will wreak havoc on the economy, but tariffs are relatively simple to explain. I’m not sure if Trump doesn’t understand how they work or he’s just hoping you don’t. There’s a link in today’s story that I hope clears up any misconception/misinformation.

As we move toward the election, I will likely post more information that I hope is helpful to support the election process and also to support what I see as the best (maybe only viable) future for our democratic republic and that is defeat Trump. He may or may not understand the implications of his policies and behavior to incite hatred and violence, but it’s very clear he doesn’t care.

Late season dahlias are in the pink!

Garden and Roads is a florist & small-scale flower farm crafting florals using methods gentle to the environment and creating experiences that bring joy!

Last week, I shared that I will be posting some political content because I cannot stand to see our democracy crumble and hard fought freedoms thrown away. Please take some time to research Project 2025 before you cast your vote.

Favorite color combo of the day! Blue & orange are opposite on the color wheel and the intensity (or vibrance) of the color Intrigue Dahlia is matched with the royal blue clapboard, so the flowers really pop!

Garden and Roads is a florist & small-scale flower farm crafting florals using methods gentle to the environment and creating experiences that bring joy!

Lost 5 followers after yesterday’s posts… thanks for sticking with us and it’s their loss not to see the rest of the garden’s bounty! This dahlia is Caitlin’s Joy!

Garden and Roads is a florist & small-scale flower farm crafting florals using methods gentle to the environment and creating experiences that bring joy!

I am a small business owner, a farmer and floral designer (and artist when I’m feeling particularly proud of my work). I care passionately about my community and country and am devastated by those who are pushing an agenda of fear, hate and division. I feel compelled to share information to help support our democratic process and the only presidential candidate who is running on a platform of freedom, hope, autonomy and prosperity for all- Kamala Harris. I will still be mostly sharing flower photos, but wanted to let my followers know to expect some political posts too.

40 million Americans are living in states with voter ID laws enacted since 2020. Americans most impacted by these laws: 1). Women - there have been over 16 million marriages & divorces since 2020 and if the name on your ID doesn’t match your voter registration, you many not be able to vote 2). People who have moved 3). People who don’t have a state issued id like a drivers license (many urban and elderly voters). Check your state’s requirements and make a plan to have your documentation in line before you vote. https://www.usa.gov/voter-id

If you don’t have the right id for your state, Vote Riders is a non-profit organization working to protect and support your ability to vote. https://www.voteriders.org/

Florals from a party at Wright Locke Farm in Wi******er. If you live in the area and have never visited Wright Locke, you are missing out! They have chickens & goats and great walking trails. You can see where they grow produce for their CSA customers and one of the oldest barns in the country! The new 4 season barn is a fantastic event space!

Some sunshine for a cloudy day - the soft yellow dahlia is Sunkissed. Also, check out the cute Chinook hops tucked in!

Garden and Roads is a florist & small-scale flower farm crafting florals using methods gentle to the environment and creating experiences that bring joy!