Spring in Ottawa is a time of sudden, explosive growth. From one day to the next, trees and shrubs erupt with new buds and leaves, while spring flowers burst through the soil and bloom almost instantly. Everything that was once dormant awakes suddenly and without hesitation.
For local growers, the seedlings that they have been tenderly nursing indoors are now ready to be transplanted into prepared beds and fields while many other crops are now being seeded directly. Our first round of summer crops are in the ground. For this season’s hot crops, we wait.
This Saturday, May 17th, marks the beginning of our 15th farmers’ market season in Westboro! And for every Saturday between May and October, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Byron Linear Park is transformed into one of the most vibrant and farmer-rich markets in Eastern Ontario. Be one of the first 50 people to arrive this Saturday and you will be gifted a sweet seedling to plant in your own garden, care of the very lovely Matthew and Madeliene at Heart City Farm. Come say hi to our OFM staff at the info booth to pick one up!
On opening day, you will be able to find the first signs of life in our region: fresh greens, asparagus, fiddleheads, rhubarb, and more, alongside nearly every colour and variety of hanging basket, flower bouquets, and potted plants. Handmade pastries and breads snuggled alongside sourdoughs and sweets, with hot lunches made ready to order, plus every cut of meat for this weekend’s BBQ feasts – the Westboro Farmers’ Market has everything you need to kick off a spectacular Victoria Day long weekend!
Pickles, preserves, sauces, and spreads; honey, maple syrup, cider, and spirits – walk away with full arms and a full belly. Your local produc
ers are ready to bring you the very best this region has to offer. Bring your bags and your appetite for fresh, local produce, and bring your friends and your family for a stroll through the Westboro Farmers’ Market. This is your local food system in action. Your farmers, bakers, growers, and makers are eager to see you again!
See you soon, Westboro!
