How Blue Rouge Came to be…
Where does the name “Blue Rouge” come from?
Growing up, I was often asked, “Are you cold? Have you been drinking grape juice? Can you breathe?”
Rouge, pronounced rüzh or rüj, is a cosmetic for coloring the cheeks (it was referred to as rouge when I was kid although now it’s called blush or bronzer). This is not to be mistaken for rogue, pronounced rōg, which means to begin to behave in an independent or uncontrolled way (although I actually kind of like that too so if you mispronounced the name I will not be offended).
If you happen to know me and my family, you know we come in blues and pinks. No, we blues do not simply have a higher pH than our pinks (lol – that is a joke for the hydrangea lovers out there). I chose the name Blue Rouge because it was personal and represents my unique roots.
Blue Rouge is rooted in family
Kim (owner)
For those of you who don’t know me, I have been practicing law my entire adult life (almost a quarter of a century), domestic law for that matter. As you can imagine, practicing domestic law isn’t always easy. I find peace and solace in the garden. In the next half of my life, my goal and plan is to sow happiness.
As I transition from a very difficult, often unfriendly, usually sad and contentious existence, where half the town hates you if you’ve done your job properly, I am excited to show the community the beauty and delight of gardening (and the Kim you would find frolicking in zebra grass, hibiscus and trumpet lilies pointing out the fleur du jour to my husband and friends on the weekends).
Justin
I would not have been able to make the Blue Rouge happen without my husband Justin.
Financially, I knew it would be a huge undertaking with two kids in college. Flowers are wonderful and all but will they pay the bills? I can hear my husband, “You’re going to have to sell A LOT of Marigolds.”
Every night after work (our primary jobs) Justin would work with me in the nursery. Every weekend, he spent laboring right there along-side me, helping me to achieve my dream. We would work until we could not move, literally. When I was silently thinking, I don’t know if I can do it today, Justin would be the first to say, “Are you ready, let’s go [to the nursery to work]!”
Opening a small business is not easy but it’s really not easy in today’s world. It seemed at times that all the cards were stacked against me and this change I wanted to make. Every time I turned around, I ran into another road block. At times, I asked myself, “What on earth did I do?” When my strength waned physically and mentally, Justin was there.
I thank you Justin! I am one lucky girl.
my Loves
Speaking of roots, the logo was created by my brilliant and artistic daughter. The refurbished beams and some of the construction on the building was completed by my always helpful and charming son who was also the much-needed muscle to help my husband hang the TVs. The wood work throughout the shop and yard was by and large made by my hard-working and ever-handsome husband.
my Dad
My dad is a researcher. He researched and helped me locate the perfect forklift, Rosie. He helped with the design, supply list and prototype for benches (the bench you see in the greenhouse which by the way has been tried and true for my parents for some 50 years outside). My dad gave me much needed breaks on the back hoe turning soil. He also off-lifted most of the inventory from the trucks.
my Mom
My mom accompanied me to my first plant market. She has helped stain countless boards. She has encouraged, supported, and cheered for me in this endeavor. She shares this passion with me and is always willing to talk all things gardening with me. Don’t be surprised if you see my mom, aka Grammie, tending to the pumpkin patch which she specifically requested be part of the plan for the yard.
Additional Support comes from my brother (who is also my attorney), my friends (who lent an ear, a hand, an idea, and hugs – Jenny & Beck in particular), my legal assistant of some 14-15 years (I don’t know many legal assistants who are forklift certified with a Class 12 Liquor Permit), my contractor and even some clients and opposing parties (believe it or not) all helped to sow the Blue Rouge seed in their own unique ways. You’ll see their pictures displayed in the nursery. While the Blue Rouge was my dream, my desire and will hopefully represent all that is wonderful about my passion for gardening and flowers (not to mention beer), it also represents all those that have given me an origin, a base and continue to hold me up.
