Local farms bring seasonal blooms to the farmers’ market
By Julia Howard
At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, flowers and mixed flower arrangements of brilliant sunflower faces, elegant snapdragons, dahlias, and lisianthus, to name a few, adorn tables every Wednesday and Saturday. Their petals and colors brighten the market and captivate market- goers.
Beyond their beauty, locally grown flowers at the market represent many plants that are native to the area, offering biodiversity within garden and farm ecosystems.
At Old Tavern Farm in Saratoga Springs, Walt Borisenok and his staff work tirelessly to succession-plant native plants, starting seeds in the winter. This continual planting of flowers ensures that seasonal blooms are consistent for their bouquets.
“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,” says Corinne Hansch, owner of Lovin’ Mama Farm, a certified organic farm in Amsterdam.
Casey Emmett, owner of Furlong Farmhouse Lavender, explains that lavender benefits their farm in many ways. “It attracts pollinators, which help improve the overall health of our crop, and this year we partnered with Saratoga Wood & Honey to add an apiary to the farm, yielding more pounds of lavender honey than we expected!”
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.”
The first frost will signal the end of the growing season for fresh flowers, but flower connoisseurs can enjoy dried bouquets and wreaths endlessly, as well as in handmade products. Halfmoon Harvest, Lovin’ Mama, Furlong Farmhouse Lavender, 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 the farms directly.
“Flowers have become a way for us to share a little bit of joy with others. We truly love sharing flowers at the Saratoga markets and are so grateful for our weekly customers. We feel lucky to be part of a market community that values local, sustainably grown flowers,” says Lockette Blu, owner of Halfmoon Harvest.
You can also find cut flowers and arrangements from spring to fall at Burger’s MarketGarden, Gifford Farms, Kokinda Farm, and Mandy’s Nursery (Canopy).
Market News:
- La Petite Flower Fest & Taste of the Market – SATURDAY, August 23rd
- FINAL Kids Club & Book Launch with Lucky the Dog and Elizabeth Macy- Wednesday, August 27th
This Week’s recipe: Blueberry, Basil, Lemon and Lavender Mocktail
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:
Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs
Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket. And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.
