August 13, 2005

Watermelons and Cantaloupe, Peaches, Plums, Blue Berries and Black Berries are ripe and juicy. Heirloom Tomatoes, and Cherry Tomatoes of a variety of sizes and colors. Gourmet Gardens has an interesting beet, the Chiogga, which is redder and sweater than your average beet.

On August 13 and 27 the Tree Stewards will again join their fellow Master Gardeners are at AFM, 8 to 11 AM to help answer your tree care, landscaping, lawn and garden questions.

The Chef at the Market Tour - Once a month throughout the summer, a chef with sustainable food interests will be leading a tour through the Arlington Farmer's Market.

• Susan McCreight-Lindeborg or Joe Raffa of Majestic Café for Aug. 20
• Jeff Buben of Vidalia for September 24

AFM regulars know there’s more then sweet fruits and crisp veggies to be had. There are cut flowers for your table, office or just ‘cause.

At Wollman Gardens Karen and Eilene offer ready-made Bouquets, or you can make your own, sold by the stem. Karen’s bother Bob has been growing for 15 years. They do have greenhouses, but most of the 80 varieties of bulbs, bushes, annuals and perennials are grown outside. The flowers are cut the day before the market, so you can expect them to last a long time.

In the next few weeks, you can expect to see Dahlias coming in and more Celosia, the red velvety bloom that’s also described as looking like brains.

They will take special orders if you’re preparing a party or wedding. Just ask and visit for ideas.

Wollam Gardens invites visitors to their farm in Jeffersonton, VA between Warrenton and Culpeper just to stroll around or to purchase direct on Friday and Saturday as they prepare for market. They will also be having an open house October 1 as part of Culpeper Farm Days, with guided tours and refreshments. Or visit on-line at wollamgardens.com

Granny's Garden, run by Donna Grananhan with her mother’s help, has been at AFM for 22 years. Some of the flowers Donna arranges into the bouquets she sells are started in green houses, but most are grown outside, behind her house.

In addition to the cut flower arrangements, Granny’s Gardens has bedding plants, especially plants for shade. They’ll also let you purchase a vase to go with your bouquet. Interesting story that. When staring out years ago, they kept the flowers in plastic buckets. When customers started dropping-off extra flower vases, they were put to use displaying the flowers. But then people began asking about buying those second-hand vases! So to keep up with demand, Granny’s Gardens now buys new vases to offer in addition to the flower arrangements.