Locally grown: peanuts, produce and perennialIris s
Stopping to smell the flowers
By Arlene Marturano marturano@yahoo.com

Bringing fresh locally grown and produced goods to the community is one goal of the Sandhill Farmers Market at the Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center in northeast Columbia. Each Tuesday afternoon from 3:30 pm to 7 pm from April through November, Midlands area farmers and artisans bring their best baked goods, meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, honey, garden produce, plants, shrubs, and trees to consumers. Vendors vary with harvest season and weather.

Fresh challah, ciabatta, and sourdough breads are sold at Heather's Artisan Bakery. The saucer- size chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies at Miss Rachel's Bakeshop are popular with young and old.

Michael Radcliffe, beekeeper in Elgin, sells wildflower honey in jars or sticks.

The Farm of Aaron Smith in Lexington County offer baskets of freshly picked garden peas. Peanuts and produce are abundant at Alan's Market of Lugoff.

Alex and Katelyn Wilson, a brother and sister act, grow Japanese red maples from seed in their backyard nursery.

Creekside Greenhouses of Elgin features colorful annuals and perennials.

Ernest and Barzelle Manning grow bedding and vegetable plants in Ridgeway.

Grand's Garden, owned by Ernest and Barzelle Manning of Ridgeway, has bedding plants and hanging baskets now but will add okra, tomatoes and peppers in June.

Junior Master Gardeners from Riverbanks Botanical Garden sell newly propagated coleus, rosemary, verbena, and elephant ears.

Gardening questions and plant problems can be addressed at the Ask a

Master gardener booth.

The atmosphere is convivial. Coming face to face with the hand that feeds a family is a first for many people. Supporting local farmers is one positive step toward reducing the energy consumption between the farm and the consumer while at the same time boosting nutrient consumption from a fresh harvest.

To keep abreast of news from the Sandhill market visit www.sandhillfarmersmarket. com .

Sisters Hannah, Carolyn, and Kate propagate plants with the Junior Master Gardener program at Riverbanks Botanic Garden. Aaron Smith grows garden peas at The Farm in Lexington County. Alex Wilson is sur - rounded by seedling Japanese maples grown in his backyard nursery.