First Farmer's Market of the Season

The cool morning that greeted us on Saturday was ideal weather for a little jaunt to the farmer's market.  We like this one located in Winston-Salem, NC. 

As we made our way over to the farmer's stands, it was inspiring to see what was growing in the gardens of the neighboring Old Salem.

The varieties of lettuce looked lovely together.

Almost too pretty to pick.

The large field of poppies was in it's glory.

It's so much fun to explore the different farm stands.

This one offered beautiful strawberries and spring greens.

Unfortunately we had just purchased strawberries (from California).

The floral bouquets were lovely too.

We purchased pasture raised chicken and sausage, tomato plants and a bush cucumber, spinach and tomatoes (greenhouse grown).

As it was getting near lunch time we decided to pick up our meal from the market.

Last year I tried this iced green "Peace" tea.

It was so good that I bought a package to make at home.

It has the health benefits of green tea and the refreshing benefit of mint.  So good especially on a hot summer day.

We took our sandwiches and tea to the car and had a little picnic.

As the day was warming up a bit,

I cracked the car window to this view.

Not bad for an in the car picnic.

I love going to farmer's markets.

The whole idea of eating locally grown food is so appealing to me.

As is being able to support the farmers.

I always learn something new when I take the time to talk to the farmers.  While buying the pasture raised chicken parts to make my chicken broth, the farmer told me that many of his customers tell him that pig's feet are an essential ingredient to the best broth.  Apparently they all say that once you make it this way you'll never go back.  He was all out of feet that day as they were such a popular item.  When I think of little piggy feet in my soup, I don't envision something delicious.  Tell me, have you ever tried it?

While chatting with him I was eyeing that bag with the pink bow above.

Trying to decide what I was looking at I finally came out and asked him.

Seems that is his young daughter's contribution to the farm stand.

Bagged up chicken p**p.

It was important to her to add the pink bow :).

Believe it or not I was very excited to find this.

I have always heard that it makes wonderful fertilizer.

He told me that popping a few p**p pellets on top of the soil in my container plants would work like a time release fertilizer and it also wouldn't burn the plants or their roots.

Sounds good to me.

I'll let you know how it works out.

If you already use this method of fertilizer, perhaps you can share your experiences with me.