Collegiate Times

farmers market_center

For some college students, Saturday mornings are spent sleeping off wild Friday nights or recovering from long weeks filled with classes, papers and exams.

But for me, Saturday mornings are for a special kind of retail therapy.

There’s nothing more relaxing or healing than the warmth of an early summer morning as I stroll through the Blacksburg farmers market, where there are always signs for free kittens and dogs to be pet. Between free samples and stimulating conversation, the few hours I spend at the market are some of the most enjoyable of my whole week.

On Saturdays, the market is open 8 a.m., until 2 p.m. It’s located on the corner of Draper and Roanoke, just a short walk from campus (or for me, from Gillie’s where I always start my Saturday morning farmers market adventure).

Check out next week when I’ll be profiling several more vendors of the many who make the market possible. Between the farmers, beekeepers and preteen-entrepreneurs, the Blacksburg farmers market can be described of nothing short of interesting.

GREENSTAR FARM

Run by Lauren Cooper and her husband since 1991, Greenstar Farms is one of Blacksburg’s only certified organic farms. Selling predominately certified organic produce and herbal remedies, about 90 percent of what the Coopers grow is sold at the farmers market.

“We grow all of our produce and herbs according to strict standards,” said Lauren Cooper. The farm is inspected once a year in order for its products to  meet the organic certification.

For growing their products, the Coopers use a lot of natural fertilizers, including their own composts and manure from local livestock.

What makes Greenstar stand out from other vendors at the market is its herbal apothecary, which consists of teas, extracts, topical salves, lotions and soaps.

The Coopers offer natural alternatives to over the counter medicines, and have treatments for almost any ailment, including coughs, sore throats, skin problems and infections. They also sell immune supporting and nutrition formulas — Cooper said one of her best sellers is the insomnia formula.

The business has only grown since its beginning. For the last 15 years, they have been able to support their family of four. Furthermore, the farm has become a family affair, and serves as an integral part of the children’s home school education.

Even after 20 years of business at the Market, Cooper said they still have some of their original costumers.

STONECROP FARM

Owned and operated by married couple Gwynn Hamilton and Robert Webster, Stonecrop Farm is located in Newport about 30 minutes outside of Blacksburg.

This will be their seventh year at the Blacksburg farmers market. Since their first year, Hamilton said the market has not only grown in size, but also in quality. There has also been an increase in student attendance over the past several years.

At the stand, Stonecrop sells a variety of products and produce, including organic vegetables, herbs and flowers. The couple has also recently begun to raise chickens for meat.

Their variety of vegetables includes garlic and onions and tomatoes, as well as lots of greens such as salad mix and lettuce. They also sell a lot herb bunches for cooking. Flower bouquets have recently been a growing part of the business.

“It’s great to see people, they just start to smile when they come up the flowers,” said Hamilton. “It’s nice to take that good feeling home.”

Stonecrop sells mainly zinnias, and people often comment that the flowers remind them of parents, grandparents or other special people in their lives.

The farm itself is approximately four acres and includes an apple orchard and multiple berry patches.

“My husband and I farm full time,” said Laura. Their six year old daughter also helps out.

“We moved here to do a CSA, but started at the market to figure out what we could grow,” said Hamilton, but they loved the market so much they changed their mind. “The costumers are very appreciated and loyal.”

Hamilton describes the support from the community as “amazing,” and said the new location is perfect for children and the market’s community.

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A version of this article appeared in the Aug 5 issue of the Collegiate Times.