It is that time of year again already! Today we celebrate the true arrival of summer with the solstice–the longest day and shortest night of the entire year. Not that summer weather hasn’t already been here for some time–it is hot here in Maryland!

Summertime and the living ain’t so easy for this gardener; “traveling gardener” is an oxymoron. We’ve had lots of rain and the dang weeds are growing bigger than the vegetables. After planting the plants and sowing the seed, I mulched the beds with wheat straw. Then I went away for two weeks and when I returned the wheat seed had sprouted and taken hold and had surpassed the size of the baby lettuces and transplants. So I had to get down and root out that grass and turn every bit of mulch over to save the garden. It is looking okay now, though there are a number of beds that need to be weeded before they are overrun.

I just returned from nearly a week in Madison, Wisconsin, where I attended the Herb Society of America’s annual conference, which is always great fun and educational of course. We visited the University of Madison Arbortetum, Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Allen Centennial Garden–all very different from one another–and all of them not to be missed if you are in the area. Our hotel was right on the main Capitol square in town, with green grassy areas and bright flowers in containers, and one of the biggest farmers’ markets that I have ever seen. This is a college town–a very clean, food-, people- and pet-friendly city with lovely greenspaces and plantings. Madison is located on an isthmus between two lakes, easily within walking distance and we walked to Monona Terrace a number of times–it has native plants in raised bed gardens, a great view of Lake Monona and must-see lights at night.

Since we had conference all day Saturday, a number of us got up early to visit the acclaimed farmers’ market which opened at 6:15 am! It was well worth arising early to visit with the happy vendors and see the mouthwatering array of garden bounty available in Wisconsin. Herbs, veggies, fruits, nuts, honeys and jams, baked goods, cheeses, plants and more were beautifully displayed and we oohed and aahed our way around the market, returning to the hotel laden with all kinds of goodies, as well as plants, even though we were flying back to our homes. I can attest that gardeners are adept at packing plants and foodstuffs in their suitcases.

Enjoy the photos of the Madison farmers’ market here along with a few places in the city–be sure to visit your local farmers’ markets and support our farmers. Celebrate the summer solstice with local, seasonal bounty–perhaps a picnic or dining al fresco–after a bit of weeding!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener, 30th Anniversary Edition

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.

Buy at Amazon

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

Buy at Amazon