Farmer's Market Evolution

I, with great trepidation, tiptoed into the waters of the Farmer's Market world last May to sell daylilies and expand my market for the felt food I sell on Etsy.  The makeshift display

was thrown together in a week's time.  In retrospect, it certainly looks like it.  It did not hold up well in wind, cards clothespins, and burlap taking flight on numerous occasions. The plants were stuffed into tiny pots, making them top heavy and subject to tipping.  But, it was a start, be it ever so humble.

By September, the daylilies had worn themselves out in the summer heat.  They were replaced with bouquets of bright summer flowers, produce from the garden and baked goods.  The display had

became a little cleaner, a little more focused, with everything displayed around a six foot folding table.  The garden themed quilt added a nice punch of color.

Today was my first Farmer's Market of 2015.  Transformations continue.  North Forty Daylilies has become North Forty Gardens, as proclaimed on a makeshift chalkboard of plywood and chalkboard paint.  Several people took photos in front of the table and sign.  The more robust daylilies are potted in larger black pots.  Baked goods have become a staple of the market stand.  A changing variety of breads, muffins, and cookies are offered each week. The menu and prices are listed on a separate chalkboard, replacing tiny paper signs on each item.

The daylily display has become grounded and simplified.  It is easy to pick up the board to display to customers, touting the virtues of each variety offered for sale..  Some type of fresh flowers will always be part of the display.  The oxeye daisy bouquets sold quickly, and at day's end, a woman begged me to sell the bouquet I had intended for display only.  The quilt has been replaced with green burlap with a green ticking overlay, toning down the exuberance of the quilt, which may make a display again when the  bright summer blooms make their appearance.  

Overall, I am satisfied with the refinements made to both the style and content of the Farmer's Market stand.  I guess it feels more like me. It is, however, the people with whom I sell and the townspeople who frequent the market each week that bring the greatest satisfaction - happy chatter, shouted greetings, frolicking children, market bags full of locally grown, baked and created products - all of us gathered under the bright Saturday morning sunshine for a common purpose.
 It just doesn't get much better than that!

Main Street Portsmouth Farmer's Market