The goal of the 2nd Annual Philly Farm and Food Fest is to empower the locavore in all of us, including those who want to grow their own food. This one-day regional food system celebration includes a host of resources for those who want to bring food production to their backyards or decks. Whether it is seeds, soil, plants or advice you are looking for, the Philly Farm and Food Fest has something for all.
For “Seed-to-Table” eating enthusiasts, a visit to the Happy Cat Farm display is a must. Known for their extensive supply of heirloom tomatoes, the husband and wife team of Tim Mountz and Amy Bloom are sure to have a seed (and the story behind that seed) to satisfy even the most reluctant gardener. With names like Christmas Lima Beans, Blue Podded, Capucijner’s Pea, Hinkelhatz Pepper, Little Brown Cat Bean and Green Sausage Tomato, imagine what your garden creation could look like. Tim Mountz says of the Fest, “It is a great place to see how food starts on the land. Five thousand smiling hungry people loving the coolest food system in the country. Happy Cat will be right there to help with everything you need to grow and forage your own food.”
If you want to start your home garden a little further along the growing process, then Peace Tree Farm and its booth full of thriving plants should be your next stop. This year Peace Tree will be featuring its organic herb and vegetable garden starters, some early spring blooming flowers (with loads of color to brighten up any size garden) and its 2012 Philly Farm and Food Fest fan favorite, hardy figs. Perhaps the most exciting news is that the farm is bringing lavender “Phenomenal.” This hardy lavender, developed and introduced by Peace Tree Farm, was named one of Better Homes & Gardens’ “must grow” perennials for 2013.
Sharing the booth with Peace Tree is the local organic peat-free potting soil company Organic Mechanic Soil Company. When asked about his participation in the Philly Farm and Food Fest, Founder and President of Organic Mechanics Mark Highland replied, “We are excited for the 2nd annual PF3! We’re bringing our new eight-quart bags of 100% organic Seed Starting Blend, our five-pound worm castings and Compost Tea Bags for sale at the show.” Mark also stated that he “can’t wait to try the latest flavors from Little Baby’s Ice Cream, pick up honey from Two Gander Farm, sip on some Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey, find out what Choptank Oyster Company is all about, pick up some seeds from the cats at Happy Cat Farm and learn more about the amazing cuisine coming from Josh Lawler of The Farm and Fisherman!”
In addition to all the products available for purchase in the vendor area, a series of workshops with topics like honeybee management and small batch canning will satisfy all your DIY cravings. The Philly Farm and Food Fest will take place Sunday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Pennsylvania Convention Center Annex Hall G, which is the entrance at Race and Broad Street. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online.
Photographs credited to Claire Murray (Organic Mechanics and Happy Cat images) and Peace Tree (lavender image).
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