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barkhill farm

Local farms bring seasonal blooms to the farmers’ market

September 14, 2022 By marketeditor

By Julia Howard

 

From amaranth to zinnias, local farmers are growing various seasonal flowers and creating exquisite bouquets that represent the rhythm of the seasons from early spring to late fall.   

At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, flowers and mixed flower arrangements of brilliant sunflower faces, elegant snapdragons, dahlias, and lisianthus, just to name a few, adorn tables in buckets and vases every Wednesday and Saturday. Their petals and colors summon the attention of market-goers.

“I am super passionate about flowers, and I enjoy talking with customers and educating them about different varieties we grow,” says Amy Hoge, owner of Bark Hill Farm in Hebron. 

Bark Hill Farm, photo provided

Bark Hill is one of several farms offering fresh-cut flowers at the farmers’ market this season. “I am trying to have flowers available as long as possible, seeding flowers in January and over-wintering flowers so that they begin growing even earlier,” explains Hoge.

At Old Tavern Farm in Saratoga Springs, Walt Borisenok and his staff work tirelessly at succession planting native plants, starting seeds in winter. This continual planting of flowers ensures that seasonal blooms are consistent for their bouquets.

Old Tavern Farm, photo provided

Corinne Hansch owns Lovin’ Mama Farm, a certified organic farm in Amsterdam. Hansch attests to the process and rewards of growing flowers throughout the seasons. “Local flowers are the best because they represent so completely the season that we are in. Our fresh flower season begins in April with thousands of tulips grown in our unheated tunnels.”

If you’re wondering what’s so special about seasonal flowers, it’s important to understand that locally grown flowers often can’t be found elsewhere.

At Bark Hill, Amy Hoge describes the delicate nature of flowers and how some flowers have a shorter vase life than other varieties shipped to stores, sometimes traveling from other countries. 

Ryan Holub of Scotch Ridge Flower Farm in Duanesburg shares another key aspect of locally grown flowers. “We cut our flowers a day before the farmers’ market, so they are truly fresh and long-lasting. They have no carbon footprint.”

Other local flower farmers echo the “freshly cut” fact, and there are also tips to extending the vase-life of flower bouquets. Walt Borisenok of Old Tavern Farm recommends changing the water daily and trimming the stem bottoms with clean scissors or pruning shears. 

It’s also important to note that some flowers have a longer vase life than others. For example, according to Ryan Holub of Scotch Ridge, lisianthus and marigolds live longer than dahlias.  

Another notable aspect of locally grown flowers includes the positive effects that plant diversity has on a garden ecosystem. Lovin’ Mama Farm experiences this first-hand as they grow diverse flowers and herbs throughout their fields to create a habitat for beneficial insects.

Lovin’ Mama Farm, photo provided

The first frost will signal an end to the growing season for fresh flowers, but flower connoisseurs can enjoy dried bouquets and wreaths endlessly. Bark Hill, Lovin’ Mama, and Old Tavern Farm offer dried arrangements.

 Aside from purchasing fresh-cut flowers at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, many local farms provide flowers for weddings, baby showers, funerals, and special events. To place a custom flower order, please contact farms directly.

“It is such an honor to be a local florist,” says Hansch of Lovin’ Mama Farm. “I feel a deeper connection to my customers and community when I provide flowers for their special occasions.”

You can also find cut flowers and arrangements from spring to fall at Balet Flowers & Design, Burger’s MarketGarden, Gifford Farms, Kokinda Farm, Leaning Birch Farm, Pleasant Valley Farm, and Saratoga Apple.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: Balet Flowers and Design, barkhill farm, custom flowers, early spring to late fall, Leaning Birch Farm, local florist, locally grown, Lovin' Mama Farm, old tavern, Pleasant Valley Farm, Saratoga Apple, seasonal flowers, special occasions

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Market days are some of the best days and we are h Market days are some of the best days and we are here for it from 9 AM to 1 PM this Saturday at High Rock Park.  This week is extra special as we celebrate the Pumpkin Fest. 

Here's the schedule:

9 am to 1 pm Saratoga Farmers' Market
11 am to 1 pm Pumpkin Painting
11 am to 4 pm Giant Pumpkin Festival

Learn more here: https://www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/celebrating-fall-at-the-8th-annual-pumpkinfest/

This is a collaborative effort with Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and @saratogacitycenter 

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket🔆 #shoplocalsaratoga #supportlocallygrown #supportlocallyproduced #saratogapumpkinfest #giantpumkinfestival
We are also hosting a children’s pumpkin paintin We are also hosting a children’s pumpkin painting event from 11 am to 1 pm for ( $8 donation). The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a 501(c)3 and these small fundraisers help to support our free educational programming, intern program, emergency farm fund, etc 

Our activities are in conjunction with the Saratoga Pumpkin Festival this weekend - Saturday, September 23rd!

What’s happening?

Saratoga Farmers’ market 9 am to 1 pm

Saratoga Pumpkin Festival 11 am to 4 pm

This is a free family event that starts at the Saratoga City Center parking garage on High Rock Avenue and continues down to the Saratoga farmers Market.  This is a community collaboration with the Saratoga county chamber of commerce, Saratoga Springs city center and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket🔆 #saratogapumpkinfest #saratogapumpkinfestival #giantpumpkinfestival #giantpumpkinfestival2023
We love market days! Our vendors are really some We love market days!  Our vendors are really some of the best people … and so are our customers.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is not only a great place to grab everything you need for your weekly shopping.  It’s a place where you get to have conversations and meet the people who grow your food and make the products they offer. 

It’s more than shopping; it’s an experience!  So come down and experience the market today … we are at High Rock Park from 3pm to 6pm.

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket🔆 #shoplocalsaratoga #shoplocalsaratogasprings #supportlocalfarmersmarkets
The Saratoga Pumpkin Festival is this weekend Satu The Saratoga Pumpkin Festival is this weekend Saturday, September 23rd!!!!

What’s happening?

Saratoga Farmers’ market 9 am to 1 pm

Saratoga Pumpkin Festival 11 am to 4 pm

This is a free family event that starts at the Saratoga City Center parking garage on High Rock Avenue and continues down to the Saratoga farmers Market.  This is a community collaboration with the Saratoga county chamber of commerce, Saratoga Springs city center and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

We are also hosting a children’s pumpkin painting event from 11 am to 1 pm for ( $8 donation). The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a 501(c)3 and these small fundraisers help to support our free educational programming, intern program, emergency farm fund, etc 

We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket🔆 #saratogapumpkinfest #saratogaevents #fallinsaratoga #giantpumpkinfestival

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