By Bette G. Bell

We all know the summer will eventually be here with days of sunshine, but when? The good news is just around the corner…The Edmonds Museum Garden Market.It is a sure sign of brighter days ahead!

The Garden Market opens this Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and continues every Saturday until the Summer Market opens, June 29-Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Garden plants, early vegetables and an array of other tempting items will be offered at the Garden Market. It sort of feels like a “Get out of Jail card” from the old Monopoly game, but is a “Get out of the House” card for the coming season of the Edmonds Museum Markets.

The Garden Market is a smaller version of the Summer Market, simply because it is a little early in the season, for most of the local vegetables, the farmers bring to market. However, it is not too early for these vendors:

1. Skagit River Ranch – from Sedro-Woolley. Bringing Certified Organic pork, poultry and beef from their sustainable farm. This is a family farm, run by George and Eiko, who will be joining us at the market.

2. Port Townsend Creamery – from Port Townsend. This cheese maker specializes in soft cow milk cheeses. Perfect on crackers, these cheeses are not to be missed.

3. Gothberg Cheese – A wonderful small goat cheese maker. Run by Rhonda Gothberg, who has an amazing love for her goats and making cheese, her cheese has won acclaim for its amazing flavor.

4. Soda Jerk – Cory has figured out a way to create freshly made soda for you to enjoy or take home at the market. Featuring weekly different fruit blends, stop by and enjoy a cool refreshing drink while you wander. He will be using as much locally grown fruit as possible.

A new addition to the Garden Market only is Jones Creek Farm, from Lyman. Les, owner and farmer, brings his collection of unbelievable varieties of tomato plants to the market. These are perfect for the home farmer who is looking for something different and delicious to add to his summer veggie garden.

Another new addition to the Summer Market: Thrive. This amazing new company features handmade vegan, raw and drinks to either enjoy at the market or take home for a delicious, easy meal during the summer.

Then there are the returning favorites: Frog Song, Five Acre Farm, Bill’s Fruits, Sky Valley, Collins Family Orchard, Gypsy Rows, Martiny Livestock, Flying Tomato, and more.

The Museum is always looking for volunteers to work at the market, and as museum docents, as well as in several other capacities as projects are implemented. If this piques your interest, call Margaret Wilcox at 425-776-7201. The Museum supports the community in many different ways, and appreciates your continued participation as a customer of the Markets and as a member of the museum, and encourages your community involvement in whatever capacity works for you.

Donations are accepted year round for the White Elephant table, and it is such a good way to dispose of those items that are too good to throw away, but not needed any longer. These donations can be dropped off at the museum, marked “Summer Market” or brought to the White Elephant table any Saturday.

There is a new market manager this year, Christina Martin, who has been a vendor at our market for many years, and has a lot of experience managing markets in her background. The Museum and the Market Committee are enthusiastically welcoming her, and know you will feel the same, if you have the opportunity to meet her.

Get up on Saturday morning with a smile on your face, put on those comfortable walking shoes, and head for the Market. It will be one of the highlights of your day!