Pawpaw Peak, Marigolds, and more
Greetings!
Marigolds and amaranth
It’s a little bit warmer than it was last week but we’re still enjoying working outside during these late summer days. With the shorter days and cooler temperatures some of our flowers have slowed down, much to our chagrin. Every September is busy, but the demand for blooms this year is just out of control! We’re particularly surprised by the demand for white cosmos and scabiosa; we rarely have trouble selling these crops, but there’s a marked increase in demand this time around. For any flower farmers reading this, do consider planting Versailles White cosmos for a September harvest! We wish that we had about 10 times the amount that we do at the moment.
One flower we have in abundance at the moment is marigolds. Marigolds are the perfect late summer and autumn bloom. The giant marigolds we grow come in gold, orange, and yellow, and they’re prolific producers on sturdy plants. We love the golds and oranges, but find the yellow a bit too intense to work with. I personally love to bring home a giant bunch of marigolds to add some sunshine to my dark rowhouse. They practically radiate lightness! Marigolds have an incredible vase life, and they dry well too. We frequently deadhead our plants, and each year I bring home spent blooms to dry on garlands for decoration and for natural dye projects. Our market bouquets this time of year tend to lean heavily on marigolds, as they’re a prolific and affordable focal flower. At a time of year when many of our other blooms are small and whimsical, or carry a significantly higher price point, marigolds fit the bill as the ideal focal flower. If only they came in more colors!
Special guest delivery driver Stern and our absolutely packed van on Thursday morning
2024 Pawpaw Popup Schedule
Our first pawpaw market is this Sunday, just in time for our first truly giant harvests! We’ll have tons of pawpaws available this weekend, and again the following week.
Stop by and see us this Sunday in Takoma Park!
Takoma Park Farmers Market - Sept 15
Dupont Circle Farmers Market, DC - Sept 22, Sept 29
Sampling pawpaws in the field
Help Wanted
We’re in need of some technical assistance on the farm! We would like to add fans to our high tunnels to improve air circulation, but the tunnels aren’t situated near an electric source. Because of the high cost of running wiring underground, we’re considering setting up a small solar array attached to a battery that would power the fans. We’re seeking assistance in figuring out the size of solar array and battery necessary to power the fans, and any other logistical information that may come into play. If you or someone you know might be of assistance, please reach out!
Additionally, we are in the thick of the season and could use extra hands on the farm and at markets from time to time. If you’re an experienced farm worker looking for some part time work in the coming weeks, feel free to contact us!
We’re back at the Baltimore Farmers Market this Sunday, September 15th from 7:00- 12:00!
We’re planning to bring bouquets, celosia, dahlias, eucalyptus, salvia, veronica, and Two Boots merch. We’re hoping to have pawpaws this week as well, but if they’re not there on Sunday, we’ll definitely have them the following week.
And, of course, the Build Your Own Bouquet bar is back!
In October, ceramics artist Tina Haines is hosting a workshop at the farm. Participants will tour the farm and create two ceramic plates using press mold techniques and flowers from Two Boots. Tickets will be available on our website soon!
Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you at the market!
Amelia & The Two Boots crew
Last week’s wedding bouquets
Kate Campbell Floral ordered just about every hydrangea in Maryland for a wedding this week. This is just a portion of our harvest for her!
Finn releasing ladybugs in the high tunnel mums. We loving using ladybugs to predate aphids!