Diy Aquaponics Garden: Laurel market 2010

Its an exciting season for the Laurel farmers market. They are in a new location at First and Main -- after you exit I-90, head toward town. On your right just after Main Street is a park where youll see the booths set up. There is plenty of parking in the area; go into one of the nearby bank lots if you dont see anything on the street.

I was disappointed not to find my favorite tamales (see last years market review), but there were plenty of other things to enjoy.

On this first day there were 8 vendors (many more are expected to fill the park in August), with a very good selection: jewelry, pottery, cards, baked goods, and produce. Although the crafts were nicely displayed and enticing, and the cakes, brownies, and pies were alluring, the vegetables attracted the crowds.

I bought a large bunch of sweet beets, a hefty bag of new potatoes, and a pound of peas in edible pods for $10, all grown on a third of an acre in Laurel. Other customers were piling onions, rhubarb, and cabbage into their bags.

This was such a treat. Throughout Montana, market managers have been telling me that gardens will be producing late this year because of a very wet June. But talented and persistent farmers and gardeners still manage to do their job no matter what the weather.

The following are a few photos of the day. I begin with cards made by the talented Tris Walls, whose passion for perfection is evident in her creative product. Be sure to look at her cards when you visit the market; youre bound to find something for someone who needs their spirits lifted.