Gardnerville farmers' market opens for the season

Visitors to the Lampe Park Farmers' Market in Gardnerville can expect fresh produce plus an assortment of garden and health items and, if they're lucky, maybe even a shady parking spot.

The market opened on Wednesday and will continue to be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 27.

Opening day featured about 15 booths with an array of fruits, vegetables, garden ornaments, honey, facial cremes, magnetic jewelry for relieving pain, handmade soaps, healthy juices and lots of homegrown plants. A sign told shoppers to look forward to more farmers bringing their produce as the warm weather progresses.

Russell's Mercantile brought breads, bagels and sweet rolls from its Minden bakery, which will have a booth at the farmers' market every week.

Plants grown in Smith Valley by Nevada's Own Perennials have been popular every year, according to some of the shoppers.

"I buy your plants. I like that they're locally grown," said Nancy McDermid to owner Daniel McClure.

McDermid was purchasing more than $300 worth of plants and flowers from the McClure family, Daniel, Rachel and their son Roark, 3.

"We're a family business," said Daniel.

The McClures bought the business three years ago, but it was established in 1993.

"The things that I've bought have grown beautifully," said McDermid. "If I have a problem they can help me."

She asked Daniel for advice on some plants she has that aren't doing well.

"They're getting too much water," said McDermid. "I'm trying to get some plants that don't need a lot of water. They're great for helping me do that."

"Our pitch is any plant you bought from us has already spent a winter here," said Daniel. "With the growth that this area has seen, most people aren't used to gardening here, but we literally take the guesswork out of it."

Daniel said the Lampe Park Farmers' Market is the only farmers' market they sell their plants at.

"This is where we introduce all our new plants and get feedback on how they do in different areas," said Daniel.

Their business at 263 Artesia Road in Wellington is open to the public 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.nevadasown.com or call 220-4107.

Lauriano Sanchez was selling metal garden decorations in another space. He said he made all the decorative iron works himself, including a group of giant sunflowers more than 6 feet tall, standing bees, wheelbarrow and tricycle planters, shelves, bird houses, suns, trellises and bird baths.

Sanchez made metal garden ornaments for about 20 years in Mexico before he moved to Nevada and began selling them at the Lampe Park and Sparks farmers' markets. His business is The Rusty Arch and he can be reached at 331-2481.

"I make everything by hand," said Sanchez. "I will be here every week."

The Lampe Park Farmers' Market is a member of the Nevada Certified Farmers' Market Association, and presented by Sierra Farmers' Markets and the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department.

For information, call 782-9828.

n Jo Rafferty can be reached at jrafferty@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 210.