It’s easy to have a blooming good time with all the fresh flowers at the Olympia Farmers Market. From desktop arrangements to buckets-full for weddings, the vendors at the market have flowers galore. In rainbows of color, you can find the ones that appeal to you.
Did you know that science shows flowers can chase away anxieties and worries, making people feel less troubled, agitated or depressed? Add color and cheer to any room in your home. Consider picking up an extra bouquet for a friend. Local flowers are fresher and will likely last longer than those purchased at the grocery store. Meet some of the amazing flower growers at the Olympia Farmers Market!
Ojeda Farms
Maria Ojeda has been growing flowers on the family farm for more than a decade. Her vendor spot has two sides, giving customers a wide look at the day’s choices. You can find bouquets pre-made and ready to go, or you can have one put together for you. There are plenty of choices. Dahlias are around most of the summer. Seasonal changes make the assortment vibrant and interesting. Maria is happy to gather buckets of stems for people to take and make their own arrangements for their special occasions. Ojeda Farm also produces blueberries.
Dan’s Dahlia
“Dahlias are my favorite.” says long-time customer, Brittany Parr-Swartz. She decorates her parties with fresh flowers. That day she took home amazing sunflowers. Dan can also make arrangements for your special occasion. He has been growing dahlias since 1983. Dan’s Dalhia’s flowers are certified “Salmon-Safe” and sustainably grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. There may be over 300 varieties! Ask about bulbs for growing your own.
Cedar Slope Farm
Cedar Slope Farm is a small organic farm that specializes in beautiful flower bouquets along with heirloom tomatoes and mini cucumbers (and more). McKennae Colm grows her flowers and arranges small tabletop bouquets. There are continuous blooms through the fall like zinnias and asters. Cedar Slope has a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for flowers. Most customers live in the Steamboat Island neighborhoods. How nice to get new flowers each week! Her partner, Rory Lenehan, is at the market on days when McKennae is tending her fields. He grows the tomatoes and cucumbers.
Flowers in the Pacific Northwest
We are fortunate to live in an area where spring begins early with primroses in January. It’s a virtual parade of colors from roses, daisies, lavender and coneflowers. They are replaced by cosmos, snapdragons and pansies. Dahlias, like roses, have an impressive variety of colors and shapes that show up when other flowers are finished for the season. Dahlias can bloom consistently until the first frost. They are audaciously big and bursting with brightness.
Keep Your Local Flowers Fresh
With a little help, your bouquet will last longer.
- Recut the stems, which helps the plant’s ability to draw in water
- Change the water every few days
- Remove wilted flowers to prevent rot and bacteria from spreading to other stems
- Keep your bouquets out of direct sunlight. It causes dehydration and a quicker wilt.
- Use flower food, if you have it.
Summer Treats at the Olympia Farmers Market
Summer seems to sneak into the Northwest after the fourth of July. Now we are in the midst of the warmest weather of the season. Take advantage of all the Olympia Farmers Market has to offer. The abundance of fruits, vegetables, and other plants is remarkable. The berries are still rolling through. I find happiness there on each visit. Fresh really does taste better. There are other edibles from the bakeries and try out the wine and spirits. Artisan vendors are on-hand to share their interests and goods. There’s a lot to see in one location.
Saving Money at the Olympia Farmers Market
Customers can swipe their EBT card for EBT Market Vouchers. The SNAP Market Match has a grant for $25 in additional dollars to use for fresh vegetables, fruit, mushrooms and edible plant starts.
If you are 55 and above, you can receive a discount on Thursdays during high season. Discounts vary with vendors, so simply ask. You need to be the one to ask for the discount when it is available.
There’s always free parking at the Olympia Farmers Market. Come when you are hungry or thirsty and choose from fresh produce and ready-made meals. There’s a line-up of eateries with international flair like tacos, soba, wurst and gyros. Eat your meal under cover sitting at one of the picnic tables and be entertained by the performers on stage. Have ice cream or a cup of coffee. Remember to bring your reusable grocery bags and your sunglasses.
Read about new with the Olympia Farmers Market newsletter. Find information on the Market’s Instagram and Facebook locations.
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