By Nesbitt Realty – a family business
Each May to November, twelve sites throughout Fairfax County spring to life with the activity of an open-air market. These bustling marketplaces draw thousands of Fairfax County residents with a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of freshly picked fruits and vegetables contrast with the fragrant perfume of cut flowers. Across the market floats the aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries while one savors a sample of creamy artisan cheese. The markets provide a way to connect with the producers of our food-a way of life once commonplace for many of our parents and grandparents.
The Markets offer a wide variety of freshly picked fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers. There are also fresh eggs, baked goods, honey and cider to purchase. Milk and cheese products, along with a wide array of meat products, round out the edible delights. If gardening is an interest, many vendors have small plants at the beginning of the season, while other vendors have larger landscape plants for those ambitious projects.
All Fairfax County markets (except the Frying Pan market) host Fairfax County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Plant Clinics. Citizens can bring plant or insect samples for pest identification or disease diagnosis. Master Gardeners also help citizens by having informational displays on topics such as Container Gardening or EcoSavvy Gardening.
