Locally Grown Gardens

Pansies and Fresh Herbs Herald Spring

We’re almost to the left side of our green seasonal chalkboard. April means rebirth for many things, including the growing season. In two weeks, we’ll have our first crop of fresh Indiana-grown herbs for sale in quart containers (stop by for the few we have on-hand now). Rosemary, majoram, thyme, basil, sage, Italian and regular parsley, chives and lavender are some of the major herbs we’ll have in soon. Look for a pre-order form on the site this week to lock down your orders. They go in a flash.

Speaking of a flash—delicate, colorful pansies are available now, and their short lives capture the brevity of the serenely temperate spring. Pale blues, lavenders, velvety violets and soft pinks make beautiful, earthy centerpieces for dinner, great gifts for family and friends and welcoming porch decorations.

The left side of our board also brings spring veggies, including asparagus and Tennessee tomatoes. Tomatoes are Tennessee’s No. 1 fruit crop (although the debate about this veg-fruit’s status wages on), and the golden standard in America. Crisp, B6-rich asparagus will soon replace the baby greens on our wildly popular grilled salmon plate.

Got a few seconds to bask in the season? Check out the return of our gorgeous market imagery. (Click on the rightmost icon with arrows to view a full-screen image slideshow.)

Tags: asparagus, chives, flowers, herbs, lavendar, majoram, pansies, parsley, rosemary, thyme, tomatoes