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old tavern

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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Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure! 🍴🌍 Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure! 🍴🌍 Join us on Saturday, March 25th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Saratoga Farmers' Market's International Flavor Fest in the Wilton Mall food court! 🎉 Indulge in frgál cakes, julekaker, burek, curries, samosas, and more, representing cuisines from all around the world! 🌎 There will be live music, family-friendly activities, and food tastings that will take your taste buds on a journey around the globe! 🎶👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Plus, our friends at the World Awareness Children's Museum will be hosting a paper fortune cookie making session for the kiddos! Don't forget to pick up your passport for a chance to win a prize by filling it with stamps from market vendors! Let's celebrate our traditions, history, and community through the language of flavorful food! 😍🍴

 #InternationalFlavorFest #SaratogaFarmersMarket #FoodieAdventure #CommunityConnection
Join us tomorrow for our Saturday market! From 9:3 Join us tomorrow for our Saturday market! From 9:30-1:30 you can find all your favorite vendors in the Wilton Mall Food court. We’ll by joined by the Academy of Life Long Learning, AIM Services, and musician Lee Paquin. Hope you can make it!!!

Photos of: @squash.villa.farm , KOKINDA Farm, and @eurodelicaciesco by Graciela Colston

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #farmersmarket #agriculture #shoplocal
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is seeking donation The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is seeking donations to help improve our market and keep our nonprofit organization running. Your donation will be used for essential functions of the market as well as helping us reach more of our long-term goals for the community. We are looking for additional resources to expand our community offerings such as hosting family friendly events, programs and activities.

You can help us by donating via our GiveButter account (link in bio) or in person at the market via our market manager. Thank you for your ongoing support. We couldn’t do it without you! 

#saratogafarmersmarket #supportlocalfarmers #nonprofit #communitylove #givebutter
Missing those sunny days at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market over at High Rock! ☀️❤️ Stay safe and warm during this snowy storm, friends! ❄️

Only 7 weeks left before we move back outside!

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #thingtodoinupstateny #shoplocal #shopsmall #agriculture #daffodils #spring

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