On the Market.

A few things that may prove helpful in your garden. All items are handmade and support artisans worldwide.

Herb Garden Plant Markers by Nina Gibson Designs, $28
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme
She once was a true love of mine

Perfect little markers for your window herb garden. They are made from nickel metal, or German silver. I’ve cut strips of metal and fashioned a stake point on one end and filed the edges so they are smooth. Then I stamped each little stake with an herb name. You can purchase the parsley, sage, rosemary, & thyme pictured, or specify the plant names you like in your buyer’s notes. They can also be customized with a name or any other word (Numbers are also available). Markers are made to order.

These little stakes are approximately 2 1/8 inch (around 55 mm) long and 1/4 inch (6mm) wide. They are small, so they are great for potted plants. This sale is for one set of four stakes at $7 each.

Wire Nest with Seed Cake Egg by Oopsie Daisy Design, $8
This is a must have! Every bird lover will enjoy watching the birds perch on the edge of the wire nest to enjoy a snack. Each nest is made of tightly wrapped wire and is decorated with rusty tin die cuts in the shape of dragon flies, bees, lady bugs, bird houses, birds, stars, or hearts. One solid seed egg is included. The nests are refillable with our seed eggs which come in bags of 3 or cartons of 6. A perfect gift or treat for yourself.

Self-Watering African Violet Pot by One Wintry Night, $28
These are my take on traditional African Violet pots. The outer pot is wheel-thrown stoneware. The inner pot is wheel-thrown eartherware, which is porous enough for water to wick through. The outer pot is about 7 1/2 inches in diameter, the inner pot about 4 inches.

The pots are designed to keep violets constantly watered, but not overwatered. There is no need to water the violets directly - just keep water in the outside bowl.

These pots also work well for any plant that likes to be uniformly watered, and to be on the dry side.

Farmer’s Hand Salve by Sugarwood Naturals, $6.50
- Softens and heals dry, cracked skin.
- Super thick formula, melts quickly leaving a wonderful protective barrier.
- Contains sunflower oil infused with calendula, nettle, chamomile and plantain - all known for their healing properties.
- Orange, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils have been added for their antiseptic and healing properties. They also give the salve a clean, fresh scent.
- Packaged in a rugged metal 2 oz. tin.
- All natural.

Our Farmers Hand Salve can be used throughout the day, but works best when applied just before bedtime or after scrubbing your hands with our Farmers Scrub Soap. You will be amazed at the results the next morning. Works great on cracked heels too!

Ugly Plant Pot Stones by Spiderling Art, $10.50
Set of three little stones to liven up your plant pots (or anywhere else you fancy!). They’re hand sculpted from stone effect polymer clay and have black glass bead eyes.

The smallest measures 2.5cm/1″ across, the middle one is 3cm across (just under 1 and 1/4 inches) and the biggest is 3.5cm (just under 1 and 1/2 inches).

Mystery Fern Bottle by Leaves of Clay, $23
This is a little bottle made of stoneware clay fired to cone 6. The glaze on the rim and on the inside is a mottled blue and tan color. The outside is imprinted with leaves that grow in the Appalachian Mountains. The veins of the leaves were intensified by painting and rubbing an oxide on the surface. This oxide is permanent. The bottle is 2 and 3/4 inches tall and 3 and 1/2 inches wide. The leaves are a mystery fern (yet to be identified), nettle, white oak, skunk meadow rue, oregano, tulip poplar, wild grape vine, violet, and sage.

Frida Garden Apron by Hot Dish, $50
I love Frida Kahlo, who she was, what she did, everything! This fabric depicts Frida in the garden.
This Hot Dish signature apron is backed with an extra layer of canvas for sturdiness. It has many pockets for all your garden items that we are always misplacing in the dirt such as shovels, seeds, ties, ipod, and sunglasses. It has a loop on each side for hanging tools too. The waist and neck ties are made with sturdy nylon.

Prewashed and dried in biodegradable laundy detergent this apron is 24.5″ long and 25.5″ wide across the waist/hips with 21″ neck ties on each side and 32″ waist ties on each side.

Previous Garden Finds.

Yes! The Roanoke Farmer’s Market is open year round and while most of the farmers will continue to hide until St. Patrick’s Day, the pig farmers and crafters are out in full force. Here’s a sampling of what Saturday’s market was like.

Passing Cheryl Dolby’s Native American sculptures is often like passing a mini art gallery. Heavily influenced by the Hopi Indian tribe, her work truly speaks for itself.

This medley of soap balls by Enchanted Forest Soaps make for a quick and easy gift. Or use them in a dish in your bathroom for a natural air freshener.

Ham and pork tenderloin, sausage and farm fresh eggs were available from Martin’s Farm.

These cinnamon beeswax crosses make any room in the house smell of cinnamon sticks! Jerry sells these along with his own hand painted, wooden signs that boast popular sayings - including every local’s favorite “Running on Floyd Time.”

Linda Jo has arrowhead necklaces for sale in addition to her more highly detailed work of phenomenal necklaces, chokers and pendants.

Slough off dry, itchy skin with some yummy, scented sugar scrub from Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen. This amazing product comes in Raspberry Vanilla (pictured), Lemon Verbena, Pink Sugar, and Blackberry Vanilla. Plus, it won’t leave you feeling greasy or make the tub slippery! Buy one to try or grab two and take advantage of special pricing.

Gary Crowder, former owner of Wertz’s Restaurant, sold pickles alongside produce over the weekend. These dollar pickles were a big hit, and what you see here is all that’s left, at least until cucumber season rolls back around.

Little Blue Woman Candles was offering bright, colorful candle baskets for sale. Of course you can always buy pillars, tapers, and votives individually if you like. These candles are naturally scented with pure essential oils.

Kyle and her husband Dave have the perfect product for those who love to socialize. Their cheese platters, made from recycled wine bottles, are fun and functional. Pick one up to use at your next event.

There were also baked goods, additional jewelry, and produce to be found from several regular farmers including Robert Nichols, Jack Ferguson, and Charlie Lavinder. So feel free to stop by and browse or just say “hello.” We love the company this time of year when the general populace seems to be in hiding!

202 Market is hosting two special artists for Mardi Gras 2008. Celebrate on Friday, February 1st with Eric Lindell and on Saturday, February 2nd withSway Katz. They’re claiming it will be “a party the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else.”

You can also enjoy Open Mic Nights every Tuesday  at 202 Market. Listeners can experience some of this area’s hidden talent…

And on Wednesday nights, musicians can bring their instruments and rock out with singer/ guitarist Hoppie Vaughn at Electric Open Jam. 202 is the place to experience DJ’s Diego, Mateo, Quest Entertainment’s DJs and DJ Dance. Their completely distinct sounds ensure that there is something for every listener!

The lunch specials for Blues BBQ Co. this week are as follows:

Monday, January 28th - Fried Chicken Club-w/ ham, lettuce, tomato, mayo-choice of side, drink $8.95

Tuesday, January 29th - Savannah Style Pulled Pork-choice of side, drink $8.95

Wednesday, January 30th - Chopped Brisket BBQ-choice of side, drink $8.95

Thursday, January 31st - Fried Green Tomato BLT w/provolone-choice of side, drink $8.95

Friday, February 1st - Crab Cake Sandwich w/homemade tartar sauce-choice of side, drink $10.95

Don’t forget, downtown delivery is now free with the purchase of $15 or more.

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You can also catch the following entertainment this week:

Tuesday, January 29th - ACOUSTIC ENDEAVORS (no cover) a fantastic bluegrass band that will
really amaze you!

Thursday, January 31st - GUY”S NIGHT… We all know what ladies night is, but how about a Guy’s
Night!! $2.00 in-house specials, $5.00 appetizers, Action Movies, and great
company…

Friday , February 1st - JACK WAYNE & THE BLUE NOTES (no cover) a group of young Roanoke musicians
that can really play!

Saturday, February 2nd - DYER & ZANNIE (no cover) come check it out…

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY - February 3rd -
Come on down and watch your favorite team on the big screen! There will be
in-house specials and $5.00 appetizers. We will be rooting for the Giants so
anyone wearing Giants attire will receive 10% off of their food purchase.
(Dine-in only)

VALENTINE’S DAY – Thursday, February 14th -
The Blues BBQ Valentine’s Day dinner includes a 5 course meal for $25.00 per
person. Reservations can be made for 5 p.m., 7 p.m., or 9 p.m. MAKE YOUR
RESERVATIONS TODAY!

I currently have a batch of my new Strawberry Preserves soap curing. The scent is a delicious blend of strawberries and sweet syrup and smells almost edible. It’s filled with ground oatmeal and poppy seeds for exfoliation. Each bar weighs at least 4 oz. and will be available for sale on the Roanoke Farmer’s Market in February. Like all of my other soaps, this one is also rich in moisturizing oils and butters for happier, healthier skin. It’s perfect for both cleansing and shaving due to its thick, creamy lather. So be sure to keep an eye for it!

You may also be interested in Old Favorites Making a Comeback and Online Exclusive Sales.

Some of my favorite breakfast sausage is actually locally made in Axton, VA by Sandy River Pork. I love their hot sausage!

Family owned by Walter and Yvonne Rieck, Sandy River Pork has been in the pork business for 27 years. They pride themselves on the way they raise their livestock, in an all natural open environment allowing for both grain and grass feeding. Their meat is free of hormones, steroids, artificial growth stimulants, drugs or antibiotics. Stop by the Roanoke Farmer’s Market on Saturdays to try a free sausage sample or to purchase their products.

You can also read more about their products or order online at SandyRiverPork.com.

Once you’ve bought your sausage, try one of these tasty recipes:
Sausage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Breakfast Sausage Enchiladas
Spicy Sausage Breakfast Bake
Pancake and Sausage Casserole
Sausage Gravy

October Beans are now in season and can be found on the Roanoke Farmer’s Market. I hear that October beans cook similarly to lima beans, but with a chestnut-like flavor and are considered by some a Virginia delicacy. Known as October Beans primarily in the south, Barry of Sumdat Farm Market tells me these beans are more commonly known as Cranberry Beans. Barry cooks these beans fresh by covering them with water then adding a bit of fat back. He then brings them to a boil, reduces the heat, then simmers the beans until they are tender - about 25 minutes. For large quantities of beans he combines the beans with a bit of fat back, half water and half stock, and an assortment of fresh cut vegetables like onions and carrots. For dried beans, soak overnight in water. Note that the beans must be shelled before cooking.

If you have a favorite recipe for October Beans, feel free to share it in the comments section. In the meantime, here are a few recipes that allow you to include this bean in your meals: October Bean and Butternut Squash Soup with Parmigiano and Prosciutto, Dolly Parton’s Cowboy Pork and Beans, Cranberry Beans and Grilled Tuna Salad, Creamed Cranberry Bean Soup, Buttercup Squash, Parsnip And Cranberry Bean Stew, Cranberry Beans and Pasta with Feta, Cranberry Beans and Kale, and Cranberry Beans with Rosemary and Portabella Mushrooms.