What's Haute in the City, Right in Thyme's Back Yard

Why am I so excited about this time of year? Yeah, I know you are thinking, because spring is in the air. Well, yes that is part of it. But I must confess it’s really because fresh fruits and vegetables are in the air. Let me start by saying, this is year 2 of “What’s Haute in the City, Right in Thyme's Back Yard.” Last year was my first foray into growing a vegetable garden and I think for a first timer, it went well. Well, why shouldn’t it, I am the descendant of a sharecropper. And one thing my grandfather and father knew was how to grow crops. This is year two, and I am excited because I have expanded just a little. On the list this year, Heirloom tomatoes, plum tomatoes, red, green, yellow and orange bell pepper; zucchini, eggplant, jalapenos, lettuce, and a variety of herbs. This is quite a task considering that my backyard is small and I have no dirt. City life is quite intriguing, you have to make do with what you have. However, I have space, so I decided that a container garden would do just the trick. I had a wonderful time planting my garden and because I didn’t have anyone to build my shelves for my container garden. I started my adventure by going to Lowe’s to get cement blocks to hold the 2x12x16 and set it up. This allowed me to build two 8 foot shelves. My garden has expanded, so look out for “What’s Haute in the City, Right in Thyme's Back Yard, Part 2,” coming later this summer.

Now let me talk about the opening of the farmers markets in Maryland, which occurs officially the first week of May. I always visit my favorite first, the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar. This is the 33rd year and for the first time the market will open at 7 am, a whole hour earlier. In 2010, the market will be open from May 2 – December 19, every Sunday from 7 – 12. This is considered Baltimore’s largest producers only market. So let’s begin my sensory journey of the farmers market. It was my first time attending the market on opening day, and it was fantastic. The sound of the pan band, playing reggae music just added to the atmosphere. The weather was beautiful and I think for the most part everyone was anticipating the opening, because it seemed as though all of the city residents were there. The major items for sale were plants and herbs and I was able to begin my very own herb and lettuce garden. The local fruits and vegetables for sale included strawberries, apples, spinach, lettuce, and spring onions. I didn’t get to enjoy my usual pit beef because the line was so long. There was about an hour wait. Zeke’s Coffee was there as usual, and I waited 30 minutes to get a cup, it was well worth the wait. Now, the most interesting addition to the farmers market this year was the “Wheely Good Smoothie” stall. You choose your smoothie ingredients and then you hop on a bicycle and you peddle to make your own smoothie. It was quite comical and entertaining to say the least. Talk about getting your physical activity in. Visiting the farmers market is an amazing journey that I will likely make at least twice a month until December. The best part of the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar is that I can enjoy fresh local foods through mid-December.