Farmers Market Finds

With dew still clinging to the grass and strawberry blooms, I was on my way to the first Farmers Market of the season. 

Walking from booth to booth, fresh vegetables, homemade pies, and colorful blooms began to catch my attention, carrying me from one section to the next.

 

While some plants were forced to arrive early, others were in their peak-season pride. So, while my Farmers Market Finds may seem at random, trust me when I say that the perfect produce will cause anyone to pause at its beauty. 

Find #1: Purple Bok Choy 

To be honest, I’m clueless when it comes to cooking Bok Choy. Yet, the farmer I spoke with, Sarah, said that they were tender enough for a salad. So, somehow the delicate purple leaves found their way onto my plate a day later. 

Find #2: Eggs

Who doesn’t like fresh eggs? The answer to almost every “why does this taste so good?” question is— fresh eggs. These freckled beauties will grace my breakfasts for days to come, perhaps in the form of pancakes or over-easy with a side of roasted potatoes? 

Find #3: Chives

I can’t wait to make the perfect baked-potato and garnish any given savory plate of dinner for the night. 

These three selections were only a few gems on what caught my eye on this weekend’s saunter.

So, to those that were able to visit their first Farmers Market of the season, congratulations. And to those who missed the adventure, I look forward to hearing about your best finds next time. 

Verde

Pen and paper in hand. Scratch that, pencil and manila folder. Electrical power flickering on and off. No internet. Quiet and calm outdoors—that is—excluding the occasional breeze making the Cherry blossoms fall like snow outside my window. 

Wondering into a new season

Fresh

Welcome spring

Yes, I’ve had all good intentions of writing a new post entitled “Green.” No, “Paradise.” No, “Container Entertaining.”  Verde / Vert…. that’s the ticket, sounds just exotic enough. 

Danielle Rollins Home Boxwood

Maiden Hair fern, one of the first signs of spring

Recently, I have had the opportunity to meet a few amazing talents as well as larger than life characters and catch up with friends. Danielle Rollins, Debi Lilly and Mark Isenberg just to name a few. What I have learned is that they all have one thing in common. In spite of the initial meet and greets that go along with book signings, presentations, and brick and mortar presents, they are all striving to make things a little more beautiful, accessible,  and most of obtainable. For this they should be recognized. As Debi put it so eloquently in her presentation at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue here in Chicago “my job is to help people celebrate”. In whatever fashion they desire.

Cherry blossoms

The art of entertaining

Historic containers

Which brings me to the celebration of spring on this stormy night. Yes, it has finally arrived in the Mid-west and the competition has begun to see which neighbor has the greenest grass, the prize winning urn or the well decorated front stoop. All of this for the anticipated garden walk to take place in just a few short weeks. It may be a little premature now, but just wait.

Debi Lilly Gatherings; A Perfect Event

Here, I have selected, edited, and shot a few photos of what inspires me. Including a new find, introduced by my good friend Courtney Price, a company named Long Shadow, located right here in Illinois but ships and installs almost anywhere. They were well represented at the Art and Antique show at the Chicago Botanical Garden a few weeks ago, which I was fortunate enough to attend as a guest of Ms. Rollins with the MRD Crew. 

Long Shadow Planters; Classic Gardens

Double RL Display; Just rustic enough

There was much inspiration and product, so I found it hard to narrow down my favorites at the time due to our lack of springtime weather…I wanted it all. (At times I had to cut conversations short in order to take a peek at the new vendors’ merchandise!  All of this to guarantee a beautiful, but delayed spring.) In any case here are a few ideas just to make the neighbors jealous. 

 Take in the view and all that the season offers

Just remember that, the sowing of one seed can give us tremendous opportunity with the very idea of its magic. It can transport a towering runner bean or a fragrant sweet pea into a showstopper. No matter what the container may be. 

What will you be witness of this season?