Today was our very first Portland Farmers Market at PSU. It was a lot of fun and I am very glad it’s over. We were up by 5:00 to get all of the animals fed and the van packed and ready to go. We were there by 6:30 and were asked why we were so late? Late? We are two hours early! We, of course, drive right past our spot and have to leave the market, circle the block and try again. We were a little shaky and nervous by the time we finally unpacked. Luckily our sweet, sweet parents and new friend and worker Desmond where there to help and with everyone working we got the tents up and everything set up in record time. We brought seven varieties of potatoes, leeks, sunchokes and veggie starts. We even had little boxes built with hoophouse covers for salad greens. They were awesome.
The sun even came out for a little while which was a blessed relief as it has been the only day without rain so far this month. Everyone was leaning over the tables to be in the sun while they had the chance. Aby and Desmond got all of the plants organized and labeled and I set up everything else. I even managed to remember to bring CSA applications! We had a total blast. We sold out of leeks and the small potato bags.
The best part of the market was the people there. I have never encountered such a good looking and educated public in my life. The customers didn’t just ask questions they asked thoughtful questions. I was asked for scientific names and planting recommendations and nutritional facts. It was wild. I knew most of the answers. They knew what Permaculture was. They are permaculturists themselves. They want to come to the farm and volunteer! And they are pretty. This is no random sampling of people. No, apparently only the most fabulous people shop at the PSU market with the most adorable children. I have never ever seen so many cute babies in all of my life. It is so much fun to watch them all walking by.
So, I am slumped on the couch totally exhausted. This blog may make no sense at all. I am not a fan of getting up at 5:00 in the morning. Getting up at 5 every Saturday until Christmas is daunting but now I am looking forward to it not freaking out! You should all come out and see us, and buy lots and lots of potatoes. Especially the purple and pink potatoes, which sadly seem to be overlooked for their less showy, more russet like, yellow friends.
The sun even came out for a little while which was a blessed relief as it has been the only day without rain so far this month. Everyone was leaning over the tables to be in the sun while they had the chance. Aby and Desmond got all of the plants organized and labeled and I set up everything else. I even managed to remember to bring CSA applications! We had a total blast. We sold out of leeks and the small potato bags.
The best part of the market was the people there. I have never encountered such a good looking and educated public in my life. The customers didn’t just ask questions they asked thoughtful questions. I was asked for scientific names and planting recommendations and nutritional facts. It was wild. I knew most of the answers. They knew what Permaculture was. They are permaculturists themselves. They want to come to the farm and volunteer! And they are pretty. This is no random sampling of people. No, apparently only the most fabulous people shop at the PSU market with the most adorable children. I have never ever seen so many cute babies in all of my life. It is so much fun to watch them all walking by.
So, I am slumped on the couch totally exhausted. This blog may make no sense at all. I am not a fan of getting up at 5:00 in the morning. Getting up at 5 every Saturday until Christmas is daunting but now I am looking forward to it not freaking out! You should all come out and see us, and buy lots and lots of potatoes. Especially the purple and pink potatoes, which sadly seem to be overlooked for their less showy, more russet like, yellow friends.
RSS Feed
