Atlanta’s Midge Farmer makes a variety of items

Even on hot days, it’s cool and refreshing in Midge Farmer’s yard.

She has six oak trees whose branches almost make a full canopy, a dozen birdbaths and nearly as many windmills overhead. Temperature is probably 75 degrees.

The “Dead End Street” sign that marks the start of her residence on Dogwood Trail in Atlanta, Texas, is mighty wrong. Dead it’s not. Say hello to the 15-year-old Japanese koi fish, who, at a knock upon its doors, will come out of its pond’s reeds and look up at you.

Notice, too, all the bumblebees, the unusual plants and the two alligators who in one bed look quite alive.

Among the more unusual, Midge has castor bean, century, air potato, angel trumpet and water hyacinth plants, and banana stalks, up to the roofline of her house.

The only place that will be hot on this day will be Midge’s kitchen, where’s she cooking jams, jellies, salsa and pickles or making a batch of lye soap from an old-time recipe that she likes to say will “heal a lot of skin problems.”

The recipe certainly works for her. Midge is 86, has clear skin and enjoys telling people how old she is.

“At least my customers

keep coming back,” Midge said, so she keeps going out. She can be found in at least six regional fairs, local celebrations and anyone’s farmers’ market.

And once she meets you, she’ll know you. You won’t forget her either. She’s part Cherokee and knows how to bargain. She’ll give you a plant or jam jar while laughing and telling stories to win you over.

Midge grew up in a Dallas orphanage before coming to Atlanta, at age 14. She married early, worked for 16 years as a waitress at the Triple J Restaurant in Texarkana and always had a garden.

When she retired, the garden and its products became her full-time employment and enjoyment. She has a secret for its success.

“Texarkana’s waste-treatment plant compost,” she said. “Worth its weight in gold.”

Midge started her avocation of making and selling with ceramics before changing to jams, jellies and lye soap. She enthusiastically goes to shows and meets the public.

Midge also has another claim to fame she likes to joke about. Her mother’s maiden name was Hatfield. Yes, she was a member of the Hatfield-McCoy families rivalry.

“I don’t know any McCoys around here though,” Midge said—which helps keep her yard not only cool but also peaceful.

Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity. ~Lindley Karstens

Staff photo by Neil Abeles ■ Midge Farmer is a regular at markets and shows, which give her the chance to show the pubic the many items she makes and sells.

right Midge Farmer likes to walk and keep busy in her front yard … and let the swing just look pretty. left The koi fish is 15 years old and looks mighty spry.

Staff photos by Neil Abeles ■ The conclusion of Dogwood Trail Street in Atlanta may be a dead-end street, but Midge Farmer’s yard is just starting to come alive.

bottom left Yes, Midge Farmer has gators, too.

middle left This impressive stone honors Midge Farmer’s deceased son, Kelley.

below right The Mimosa Garden Club knew a good thing when it saw Midge Farmer’s yard.

■ Midge Farmer is proud of her century plant but very cautious around its thorns.

■ This hibiscus is called a Texas Star because it has five stars.