Neighborhood Garden Party: April 2011

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Neighborhood Markets, A New Way to Shop!

Vendors, taking their wares to Market!

Where do you go to shop? Just last weekend I was able to participate in two local Farmer's Markets. The Simple Farm's Vintage Barn Sale and Farmer's Market, and Boho Farm and Home Farmer's Market in Phoenix. First of all, I want to say that I think this is the new (old) way to shop. From the amazing turnout, other people are loving it too. It's local, personal, fresh and real. And, it's coming to a neighborhood near you! These garden markets are not easy to come by. The farmers/gardeners take months of work preparing their locations for what might look like a nice weekend picnic site. They are called micro-farms, small organic farms of ten acres or less that are emerging as the go-to place for healthy, organic food and specialty items. Not only that, these urban and suburban farms are a nice place for antique dealers, artisan and craftsmen to share their talents and wares with their own community. A neighborhood market is not just selling eggs, fruits and vegetables, jams and handmade soaps to our neighbors and friends. It's about planting, pruning, picking and tending animals. It's about research, time, and lots of passion. It is really all about placing something that one person has cultivated or made with their own hands, into the hands of another. These markets are all about relationships, they are as much a social event as a shopping trip! I want you to meet some of the people behind last weekends markets. Take a look at the activities and beauty of small farms, as they celebrate community, good food and friends.

Me, with Caroline of Boho Farm and Home at her Farmers/Flea Market.

Just picked herbs were available at the market.

My daughters Aaryn and Caitlin at our Sweet Life Garden "store".

Korina, selling her fabulous Fru Fru Pops!

Nick, standing beside his amazing metal sculptures!

Kiara and her gang selling luscious whipped body butter!

Sarah creates the cutest magnetic bulletin boards.

Here's Emily, of EA Designs and her beautiful burlap pillows, enjoying a fru fru pop.

Here's The Simple Farm, a three acre organic farm in north Scottsdale, Arizona

"Goods" from the Vintage Barn Sale.

Fresh Lavender is available at their farmers market!

A French Garden

And... of course french radishes!

Friends and fellow farmers, Michael and Lylah, they run this place!

Lylah and Anita, preparing for the farmers market.

Anita, gathering vegetables for the morning market.

We call this urban or suburban agriculture,

to find out more, check out The Simple Farm (for market day info.), Boho Farm and Home and the amazing talent we have right here in our community.

You'll like what you find!

NGP Journal

The idea came to me last spring. Our five year old peach tree was once again demonstrating what abundance really means. For two weeks, we picked, peeled, bottled and froze our luscious Desert Gold Peaches. In the meantime this ''new" organic movement was finally blossoming. I knew people would really appreciate fresh, homegrown peaches right in their own neighborhood! I know this is not a new idea, but you really don't see it very often these days.

Our first step was to make a sign. Then we bagged our peaches, set up a table, and asked for $3 a bag. I put four bags on the table and within an hour they were all gone. On Saturdays we offered a special treat that became a favorite, peach cobbler. Finally, my peach harvest was over. At the grocery store, later that week, neighbors would stop me and tell me how wonderful my peaches were!

Really, all gardeners could be doing this! Each neighborhood is like a small village. We should be able to share our gifts and talents whatever they may be. As gardeners, we can share planning and information. We can offer hands on experience, knowledge and support. We can sell, trade or exchange our harvest. I would like to think that one day this may even evolve into a neighborhood farmers market. So where do we start? In our own backyards. One seed at a time.

Where do we start?

This blog was created as a resource for local neighbors to connect and support one another. If you are a gardener, or are interested in becoming one, or if you are a neighbor that would like to have access to organic produce from around the corner, we invite you to join us.
We believe that this can be a fun experience, and although providing food for your family and possibly your community is not new, this generation is in the process of re-learning the age old art of gardening.
If you have a garden blog or would like to create one for others to view please contact or send your link to Jill@SweetLifeGarden.com

Victory Gardens

"Twenty million Americans answered the call to plant Victory gardens. 40% of all that consumed was produced in the backyards of America. Citizens considered their gardens a community effort and a national duty. Victory gardens were vegetable gardens planted during World War II to ensure an adequate food supply for civilians and troops. The goal was to produce enough fresh vegetables through the summer for the immediate family and neighbors. Any excess produce was canned and preserved for the winter and early spring until next years victory garden produce was ripe."

Revivevictorygarden.org

Neighborhood Garden Party

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Neighborhood Markets, A New Way to Shop!

Local Gardeners

NGP Journal

Followers

Where do we start?

Local Links

Seed and Garden Catalogs

Blog Archive

Labels

Keeping it Local: supporting neighborhood businesses

Victory Gardens

Preserving The Harvest

Recommended Cookbooks for Your Garden Harvest