First Winter WFM Features Backyard Gardening Sat, Jan 21, 11-2

The Walpole Farmers Market (WFM) will hold its first ever winter market in the Town Hall THIS Saturday, January 21, from 11 am to 2 pm. Think farmers markets are all about tables overflowing with fresh greens?  Think again! Meat, cheese, maple products, breads, crafts, baked treats and all manner of fiber and fiber products will be available.

Winter produce production here is a bit of a chicken and egg issue. Right now, wintertime availability of local produce is limited. There is no doubt that our farmers could gear up to keep us in food year ‘round. But before they make the necessary and substantial investments to do so, farmers need to know they will have a market. Shoppers create the possibility of more local produce next winter with their purchases of what is available this winter.

Speaking of produce production, the January market will feature backyard food gardening. January is the time to plan gardens and order seeds. Sylvia Davatz, a seed grower and seed saving expert and enthusiast, will join us. Sylvia grows seed specifically adapted to our area in Hartland, VT and offers them through her catalog, Solstice Seeds. In addition to selling her seeds, Sylvia will be available to answer all your seed-related questions.

In the gardening corner, we’ll also have tables where you can sit and peruse gardening books and catalogs, pool seed orders, swap seeds with other gardeners, chat with community garden plot holders, get advice from experienced gardeners and farmers, and see a slide show of Celeste Longacre’s 2011 garden as it developed and of the community garden. Bring all your gardening questions, seeds to swap, a list of seeds you need to order, and a jump drive with your own garden slide show. 

Along with gardening books, Mary Farrell, from the Walpole library, will be bringing everything she needs to issue new library cards. If you don’t have one yet, just bring along a picture ID and proof of residency or employment in Walpole, North Walpole or Drewsville.

While you enjoy marketing in the old-time way, you'll hear old-time pop piano music! Pianist Judy Spinella, will share tunes from her collection of 1900's song sheets and display the antique sheet music so that the intriguing cover art can be appreciated along with the familiar songs. Maybe you'll feel like joining her around the piano to sing as people used to do before records, CDs, and iPods were invented. We hope to see you "in all the old familiar places."

WFM will be holding winter markets every third Saturday through April. If you’d like to receive an email notice about each upcoming market, or for more information, drop an email to jill@walpolefarmersmarket.com. You can also visit the website at walpolefarmersmarket.com or call 756-3168.