The Bowen harvest has peaked and there are just two more BowFEAST community farmers markets this season: Sunday, October 7 with Bowen Heritage's Applefest and Saturday, October 20 at BICS.
Applefest, a celebration of all things apple and our island heritage trees, has invited Bowen growers to sell their produce, baked goods and preserves at its event, Oct. 7 from 11 am to 3 pm in Davies Orchard.
Then the final BowFEAST community farmers market is October 20 at BICS, 9 am to noon, hosted by the Bowen Agricultural Alliance Society (BAA). The market features Bowen-grown fruit and veggies, plus baked goods, vinegars, pickles and jams, and the bounty from the school's student garden. Tables are $5. Vendors, please contact Elle Glave: [email protected]. For info, see www.bowenagalliance.ca.
We spoke to grower extraordinaire Clemencia Braraten of Primrose Farm about this year's harvest.
Q: What's growing in your garden right now?
A: A lot! (Giant) cabbages, beets, corn, tomatillos, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, lettuce, kohlrabi, green beans, Roma beans soon we'll have pumpkins.
Q: How was this growing season?
A: Not too good for apples. We had caterpillars on them and a tiny worm eating our raspberries. But beans, corn, squash, broad beans and peas all did really well.
Q: How can islanders buy from you?
A: They can stop by whenever. Any time! We're on Harding Road, on the right just after you turn off from the main road.
Q: When is your produce available?
A: Through til the end of October, then again next year in June or Julydepending on the weather.
Q: Anything else to mention?
A: I love it when people come by. We can harvest some beautiful vegetables together and visit. It's so nice.
ELLE GLAVE, BowFEAST
