Spring has sprung early at the farmers market in Fernandina Beach where you will find beautiful succulents, blooming baskets, landscaping plants, tropicals, orchids and more this Saturday on North Seventh Street in historic Fernandina Beach. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Robert and his Everblooming Gardens business takes up four spots in the farmers market offering you a wide selection of hibiscus, rose bushes, gardenias, azaleas and other plants that are ready to brighten up and add color to your landscaping.

Ina and the Dutchman’s company, Seven Trees, has doubled the space they have in the farmers market and fill it with cactus, colorful purslane baskets, pitcher plants, Ming aralias and much more. Jaxma Orchid will also be at the farmers market with gorgeous yellow, pink, lavender, purple, white, and a variety of speckled blooming orchids. Choose from simple containers or add a beautiful pot for ready to give gifts. You can easily shop from dirt to dinner with the vendors of the farmers market.

… and speaking of dinner, Great Harvest Bread Company has begun accepting orders for their bunny shaped bread loaves that are very popular for your Easter dinner table. The flu had knocked out a couple of our semi-monthly vendors and we will be welcoming back Sonia and her Gaia’s Garden organic snacks, flatbreads, nut butters, and dried fruits. Another vendor we haven’t had in a month is Something Good and Dee’s homemade gluten-free biscuits, cookies, and sweetbreads.

This week’s non-profit “Booth with a Cause” will be Take Stock in Children of Nassau County. They provide scholarships, mentors, college readiness programs, and hope to deserving low income students in Nassau County. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or donating to their scholarship program, please visit www.takestocknassau.org. The big red Blood Bus will also be at the Market Place this Saturday with American Legion Post 54 helping the blood bus accept your life saving donations. To make an appointment, please visit https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now.

We are introducing Vocalist and Guitarist Steve Hinnant to the farmers market. Steve comes from South Florida and will be entertaining us with classic rock; music he has played through college at parties and bars, and today he still enjoys playing as a hobby. Being new to the area, come on our and show him a big Fernandina Beach welcome.

The Market Place farmers market is open rain or shine, and your well-behaved, leashed pets are always welcomed. So, ride your bike, take a walk, drive your car, or ride your horse to the farmers market, this or every Saturday. (Yes, we do have customers arrive via horseback.) The only Saturday we are closed is during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival that is always held the first weekend in May. For the latest information, please find us on facebook.