Plants 101

What are plants?

Plants are living organisms that are extremely important to life on Earth. Plants provide food for both humans and other animals. They are crucial in allowing us to breathe by converting the CO2 we breathe out back into oxygen for us to breath in. Additionally, Earth is covered in thousands of edible plants and provide us with variety in our diets and necessary nutrients. Plants are made up of many different parts, each with their own important role that it plays for the plant.

Parts of a plant:

Roots – roots are a vital part of a plant’s structure that plays a role in both its ability to survive as well as thrive

Stem – stems are attached to the roots and carry water and nutrients to the rest of the plant

Leaves – leaves are where the food for the plant is made in a process called photosynthesis. Leaves capture sunlight and use it to make sugar for the plant.

Flower – flowers are the reproductive units of plants and create seeds. Flowers are bright to attract pollinators which helps with fertilization.

Fruit – fruit are the seed factories of plants; formed during fertilization. Seeds are dispersed by wind, water, and animals, under the right conditions the seed will then form another plant.

On Sunday June 30 our POP Club kids will be learning about the different parts of a plant as well a what role they play, learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Vendor Spotlight: Boneheads Kitchen

What made you start Boneheads Kitchen? What’s the story behind it?

We are all dog fanatics!! Nate and Jess run Boneheads Pet Services (a local dog walking/hiking company), Michelle is one of the primary pack-masters in the boneheads crew as well as a proud fur momma in her own right (Eddie and Gus), and Tamara is a close friend who has spent many years doing all of the research she can to ensure that she is giving her best friend (Winnie) the best diet possible.  When shopping around for treats to feed our dogs on the trails we weren’t  satisfied with any of the available options–many are over-processed and include questionable ingredients.  We started developing the recipes we use today by making small batches and taking them to the trail to let the dogs tell us if we were on the right track.  We ended up with a recipe formula that is largely local meat and we use either local vegetables or brown rice (rather than filler) to give a healthy boost as well as a pleasing texture.  Many of our recipes also include a blend of spices that generally help with inflammation and digestion.

What are the advantages of using actual meat in your pet treats?

Dogs are generally considered to be omnivorous to a degree which means their diet should be primarily meat with a side of healthy veggies.  For this reason the bulk of our recipes is a mix of liver and lean muscle/organ meat from the same animal.  We use meat from local farmers because it reduces the environmental toll and in most cases we get to see the conditions the animals were raised in!  The other big factor in making treats is that the dogs need to really really like them!! Our research, carefully conducted in a lab run by labs, has informed us that the more liver and meat we put into our treats the more dogs like them 🙂

Do you have any pets a home? Tell us a bit about them!

Michelle is a fur mama to Gus and Eddie, two adorable Airedale terriers that really know how to put the fear of dog into the local rodent population.  Tamara has an awfully cute Brussels Griffon mix named Winnie who has just about perfected the art of looking at you in just such a way that convinces you that you probably don’t need that last bite of whatever you’re eating.  Nate and Jess have a great many dog friends in the world and one primary dog nephew named Bear who absolutely does not know his own size and regularly suffocates Nate by channeling his inner lap dog.

Why is supporting local important to you?

We have a strong sense of community and love being part of the farmers market.  Buying local means you support the people around you and if nothing else local businesses are just more interesting than big national/international products.  We think supporting local is important because we have seen first hand how helpful it has been for us getting started with our own business. We love using local products from people who we have been fortunate enough to build great relationships with. We feel incredibly lucky to be a part of that community with both Boneheads Kitchen and Boneheads Pet Services.

What is your favorite part about selling to a farmer’s market?

Our absolute favorite part of selling at the farmers market is meeting all the awesome dogs and their lovely parents.  It really brightens our day to be able to pet all of the dogs at the market.  Seriously … even if you don’t intend on buying our treats please bring your dog by to say hello and get a sample treat!

 

Summer POP Club – Week 9

Discover the Power of Produce and join the POP Club this Sunday!
June 30 – Week 9: This week in the POP tent we will be learning about the different parts of a plant and what the role of each part is. Stop by the POP tents to sign in (or register) and get started on the activity. Don’t forget to participate in the 2 Bite Club and complete your passport to get your $3 token, redeemable on any fruits and vegetables in the market.
2 Bite Club: strawberry
The POP Club is a farmers market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.
Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Sunday, June 30

This Sunday is Member Appreciation Day! Market Members can visit the market and take advantage of special Member-Only deals from our vendors. Not a Member? No problem! Sign up at the Market Information Table any Sunday, or Click Here!

Member Only Specials available this Sunday: 

  • Bannock Queen: 1 sweet bannock, value $ 2.00, no purchase necessary
  • Central Park Farms: 25% off chicken wings
  • Culture Kefir Co: 10% off
  • Einai Designs: 10% off
  • Gesundheit Bakery: Save $1 off a purchase of $5 or more
  • Nina’s Pierogi: Buy 2 dozen pierogi get $1.00 off
  • Oh Sweet Day: Buy 5 mini cheesecakes get 1 free
  • Scentimental Creations:  Massage oils – buy 2 get 1 free (sensual, relax and ache away) OR get 25% off one.
  • Sweet Thea: 10% off

Come hungry this Sunday and pick up some brunch/lunch at Vick and Jas’s Kitchen, Betty’s Corner, Kara’s Crepes or Nina’s Pierogi.  Don’t forget to grab your Sunday morning coffee creation from Brewnetti Cafe!

We’re pleased to welcome City of Coquitlam Councillor Craig Hodge to market on June 30. Stop by our ‘Coffee with Councillors’ tent between 9-12 to pick up a coffee and treat, and talk to him about all things Coquitlam!

Join us at the Kids Craft Table to make cupcake liner flowers. Layer different colours and shapes to create beautiful flower hybrids!

Musician, John Bowman, joins us at the Market this Sunday! Get a sneak peek of his music HERE, and catch him live this weekend!

Vendors attending market this Sunday * Please note this list is subject to change.
  • A Bread Affair
  • Ace Curries To Go / Vick & Jas’s Kitchen
  • Amazing FoodBC
  • Arnalia Pristine Beauty
  • Aslan Organics
  • Bannock Queen
  • Beckmann Berry Farm
  • Betty’s Corner
  • Black Sheep vegan Cheeze
  • BobAli
  • Boneheads Kitchen
  • Brewnetti Cafe
  • Ca Croustille Bakery
  • Central Park Farms
  • Christina’s Garden
  • Crisp Organics
  • Culture Kefir Co.
  • Dee’s Jewelry Box
  • Drunken Chocolatier
  • Einai Designs
  • Food On The Grow
  • Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm
  • fresh-N Home Products
  • Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies
  • Gesundheit Bakery
  • Golden Ears Cheesecrafters
  • Hill Top Farm
  • Juicily Ginger
  • Kara’s Crepes
  • Koji Fine Foods inc
  • Langley Organic Growers
  • Maan Farms Estate Winery
  • Mandair Farms
  • Mariner Brewing
  • Moody Essentials Co.
  • Never Say Die Nursery
  • Ninas Pierogi
  • Oh Sweet Day!
  • Oyster & King
  • Pebblestone Publishing
  • PlantBase Food and Specialties
  • Rai Produce / Harvest Direct Farms
  • Redl’s Home Grown Beef
  • Reverent Acres
  • Rockweld Farm
  • Royal City Donuts
  • S & S Nursery
  • Samaya Delights
  • Scentimental Creations
  • Solasta Chocolate
  • Sweet Thea
  • Synergy of Nature Aromatherapy & Herbals
  • The Cawston Market Farmer
  • The Jerk Store
  • Vlad’s Apiary
  • Wah Fung Farm
  • WestCoast Cider Co

Getting to Know Your Farmer

Farmers are valuable members of our communities and by getting to know them you can make meaningful connections in the community and form strong and lasting relationships. Farmers are continuously hard at work growing crops, harvesting, raising livestock, and so much more all while ensuring the best quality products are brought to consumers.

Five reasons to get to know your farmer:

  1. Knowing where your food comes from – learn their practices and choose a farmer with values that align with yours
  2. Challenge your perspectives – ask questions and learn from your farmer, this can be valuable and very educational
  3. Support your local economy – choosing to get to know your local farmers and buying from them improves the local economy, cuts down on transportation costs, and helps the environment
  4. Support – farming is labour and time intensive, their livelihood depends on people choosing to support local farm fresh produce and animal goods
  5. Build relationships – getting to know your farmers will build relationships not only between you and the farmer but will also build your relationship with food, it is good to be able to trust the people providing you and your family with food

Next time you are walking around the farmers market don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to the farmers, ask questions, thank them for their hard work, and build lasting relationships with them and the food you and your family consume.

On Sunday June 23 our POP Club kids will do an activity where they get to know the farmers at the market, learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Vendor Spotlight: Warmerdam Flowers

What is the history behind Warmerdam flowers? What made you get into the flower business?

Warmerdam Flowers goes back to when Peter Warmerdam and his family came to Canada from the Netherlands after World War II. Eventually, they found themselves in Aldergrove and later bought land in 1974 in the Sumas Prairie Flats in Abbotsford where the farm currently stands. Peter chose the Sumas area because the sandy soil and the wind was good for growing gladiolas. In its 44 years in Abbotsford, the farm has expanded from the small operation it used to be. Currently, it grows cut peonies, sunflowers, daffodils, and tulips. The family business now spans over three generations.

How do you ensure that your flowers are always the best quality?

The flowers are picked at the correct stage (on the tighter side) and are then maintained in post-harvest coolers so they can be delivered to customers fresh, and ready to be put into vases the day of the market.

What are your favorite flowers?

Out of the flowers we sell my favourite are the gladiolas. They look deceivingly boring when tight, but when they open up, they are stunning! My favourite flower overall is definitely a tropical called Passiflora incarnata, otherwise known as purple passionflower. They have beautiful section of it at Vandusen Botanical garden in Vancouver worth checking out!

What do you enjoy the most about selling at farmers markets?

What I enjoy most about the markets is getting to see the day to day interactions that go on between the vendors and customers. Every week I see people learn or get to try something new, which is great. I also just really enjoy making people’s days with flowers whether they are getting them as a gift, treating themselves, or even coming to the booth to smell them!

Why is supporting local important to you?

Supporting local is a beautiful thing. Shopping at the market not only makes us conscientious shoppers, but it also allows us to form a direct relationship with the producer.

 

Summer POP Club – Week 8

Discover the Power of Produce and join the POP Club this Sunday!
June 23 – Week 8: This week in the POP tent we will be doing an activity to get to know your farmer. Stop by the POP tents to sign in (or register), then grab a worksheet and go out into the market to meet the farmers and get to know them. Don’t forget to come back to the POP tent to participate in the 2 Bite Club and complete your passport to get your $3 token, redeemable on any fruits and vegetables in the market.
2 Bite Club: Swiss Chard
The POP Club is a farmers market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.
Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Sunday, June 23

Sweet summer fruit is arriving at the market!! Come stock up on these delicious treats while they are fresh and in season!! And check out our many other fantastic local items, too!

Come hungry this Sunday and pick up some brunch/lunch at Come Arepa or Kara’s Crepes.  Don’t forget to grab your Sunday coffee from Biscotti Joe!

Have limited space, but still want to grow your own food? Sign up for this Sunday’s workshop with the City of Coquitlam Inspiration Garden! Learn how to grow your own food in containers, and take home a container to start at home! Get more information HERE!

Join us at the Kids Craft Table to make 3D cherries! Make a few of these fun, pretend snacks, and then pick up some real ones for a real treat!

Musician, Norine Braun, joins us at the Market this Sunday! Get a sneak peek of her music HERE, and catch her live this weekend!

Vendors attending market this Sunday June 23 – Please note this list is subject to change
  • A Bread Affair
  • Amazing FoodBC
  • Aslan Organics
  • Back To Roots Kitchen
  • BCB Honey Farm
  • Beckmann Berry Farm
  • Biscotti Joe
  • Brigitta’s Pottery
  • Central Park Farms
  • Chanthorn Orchids and Thai Curry Sauce
  • Chef Pieter
  • Christina’s Garden
  • ClaywithVal
  • Cocoaro Craft Chocolate
  • Come Arepa
  • CraftWilder
  • Crisp Organics
  • Dee’s Jewelry Box
  • Earth Paws Pet Products
  • Ela Made Me Do It
  • Food Migration
  • Forbidden Fruit Winery
  • Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm
  • Fume-eh Gourmet Foods
  • Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies
  • Golden Ears Cheesecrafters
  • Gypsy Jean Jewellery
  • Hill Top Farm
  • Hoochy ‘Booch Kombucha
  • Kara’s Crepes
  • Kics Gourmet Products
  • Kizzy’s Macarons
  • Maan Farms Estate Winery
  • Mama Bear Essentials
  • Mandair Farms
  • Mariner Brewing
  • Metate Bake Shop
  • Nature Pressed Juicery
  • Never Say Die Nursery
  • Occasionally Honey
  • Oyster & King
  • PoCo Soap Co
  • Quality Oak Accents
  • Rai Produce / Harvest Direct Farms
  • Redl’s Home Grown Beef
  • Rockweld Farm
  • S & S Nursery
  • Simply Delish Aritsan Enterprises
  • Sugar Free Kitchen
  • Sweet Thea
  • Tesfa Farms
  • The Cawston Market Farmer
  • Wah Fung Farm
  • Waterside Vineyard and Winery

The Role of Pollinators

What are pollinators?

Pollinators are primarily insects (though some mammals as well) that fertilize plants, resulting in the formation of seeds and fruit. Flowering plants rely on pollinators to make seeds for the next generation of plants.

Why do we need pollinators?

Humans depend on pollinators to produce fruit and nuts that we rely on for a healthy diety. Approximately 300,000 species of flowering plants require pollination, and 3/4 of our major global food crops depend on pollinators. Additionally, pollinators are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem and they play an important role in an array of ecosystem services.

Examples of pollinators:

  • Bees
  • Butterflies
  • Beetles
  • Flies
  • Some birds and bats

Want to help attract pollinators? Here are some examples of plants that bees love that you can plant:

  • Lavender
  • Black-eyed Susans
  • Foxglove
  • Crocus

On Sunday June 16 our POP Club kids will learn how pollination works and then become pollinators themselves, learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Summer POP Club – Week 7

Discover the Power of Produce and join the POP Club this Sunday!
June 16 – Week 7: This week in the POP tent we will be doing a pollination activity. Stop by the POP tents to sign in (or register), then learn the importance of pollinators before making a bee and becoming a pollinator yourself! Don’t forget to come back to the POP tent to participate in the 2 Bite Club and complete your passport to get your $3 token, redeemable on any fruits and vegetables in the market.
2 Bite Club: Carrot
The POP Club is a farmers market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.
Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!