This is what I came across hanging out in the road. I don't know who was more startled the cow or me!

Last week got away from me so I did not have a chance to write about the farm visit Ajani and I did. It was a rainy Wednesday but still a nice drive to drive to Cleveland, MO, which is located near Louisburg. Carrie Cronan is a teacher but loves growing flowers for cut flower arrangements. She renovated a 60-acre farm in need of love a few years ago and has transformed it into Yellow Dog Farm. The flowers were just starting to come up but not a surprise with the late growing season we have this year. Carrie has devoted one acre for growing flowers she feels this will provide flowers for about 4,000 bouquets. WOW! Carrie will be vending at the Wednesday Mini Market June through August, which works perfect with her teaching schedule. The Mini Market hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. so the perfect time to shop and take time out for lunch.  If you would like to know more about Yellow Dog Farm visit her website at www.yellowdogflowerfarm.com

 Here are some of Carrie’s tips for making your cut flower bouquets last a little longer.

·        Use a clean vase and fill with warm water.

·        Add flower food, or, a small amount of sugar.

·        Change the water daily, or, as often as possible.  Bacteria is the biggest deterrent to flower life, so keeping the water and vase clean is imperative.

·        Trim about 1/4 inch from the stems every other day.

 

Yesterday I had some time in the morning to visit two vendors. Erica Portly will be new to the Sunday Farmers Market this year and makes bath and body products. These items fall under the Markets Artist/Crafter category and must be made and sold by the person making the product. Erica has really done her homework on how to make a quality product and the best ingredients to use. We get many calls from people wanting to make bath and body products, which is why we have recently stopped accepting new applications for these types of products. This is something that will be used on your skin so vendors are required to list all ingredients; similar to what is required for processed food items. The soaps that Erica had curing were beautiful and very fancy. Handmade soaps must be cured for some time, if not they will not last very long. In addition to soaps, Erica makes scrubs, bath bombs, face products, body sprays and lotions. For more information visit www.coconake.com this is Erica’s website, which is launching in mid-May.

I did not made it out to Windy Ridge last year so wanted to take time and drive up to Plattsburg, MO. The Hank’s family have had their running with tornadoes twice over the last few years. Last year the tornado took out the tomato high tunnel and damaged their greenhouses. Like all farmers, you learn to pick up the pieces and keep on going. Over the last 6 months, they have rebuilt even bigger and better than before. I worried about them this week with all the terrible storms going through.

William, Clara, Bill and Jennifer Hanks own and operate Windy Ridge Produce just south of downtown Plattsburg. In addition to selling bedding plants, vegetable plants, beautiful hanging baskets, produce and farm fresh eggs at the City Market and Liberty farmers market the have a wonderful retail location on their farm, which is open to the public. What a great getaway from the city and a great selection of plants, I could not resist buying a Hydrangea while I was there. Bill and Jennifer are at the City Market every Saturday located in the first covered pavilion on the south side of the Market Square, in stalls 32-35. If you would like more information or directions to their farm, visit their website at www.windyridgegreenhouse.com

What a perfect weekend to visit the City Market, the weather is perfect. If you need information on parking options visit our website at www.thecitymarket.org Parking in the City Market lots are free on the weekends. We have lots located at the corner of 5^th and Grand, on Grand behind the Market and three small lots located at 5^th and Main.

The City Market shops and restaurants are open daily, seven days a week.

Farmer Market Hours:

Saturday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.