Oh the sweet return of spring and all the goodness that it brings. As we revel in one of the best times to leisurely wander through the Dallas Farmers Market, allow us this fresh introduction to our staff as they share what they love most about spring at the DFM.
Ashley Andrews – Director of Marketing
Spring is so fun. I love seeing all the new blooms at The Shed and being able to curate my own bouquet, and I never forget to grab my refreshing Sparkling Strawberry Water from Fortune Cat.
Kate Crenwelge – Farmers Market Assistant Director
I love how spring at the Dallas Farmers Market brings so many more fruit and vegetable options. The warmer weather just adds to the charm, making it the perfect time to stroll through the aisles, enjoy the sunshine, and savor the season’s best produce. Can’t wait to soak up the sun with a ginger lemonade from Boo Boo’s Lemonade!
Emily Dugal – Director of Programming and Events
My favorite spring items are plant starts and strawberries. I love shaking off the cold, embracing the sunshine, and admiring all the spring produce.
Lisa Ferri – Director of the Market
All the spring clothes and home items that the retail shops bring in is my favorite part of spring at the DFM. I also love all the beautiful hanging plants offered by Kelley Farms.
Ricky Kowalewski – Farmers Market Director
The best part of spring is seeing all the plant starts that flood the Dallas Farmers Market. It’s a visual confirmation that we made it through winter, and it’s time to start playing in the dirt again!
Spring also means the return of our fauna friends, from bunnies and chicks to bees and butterflies, as well as many species of birds. Curating native plants on your patio or in your garden encourages the bees and butterflies, but what can be done in order to help our travelling birds?
Come learn from Window to the Wild, Sunday, March 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. They’ll teach us all about bird migration and describe important tips to implement during this time of year to keep our native birds safe, including:
- Embracing Lights Out – Turn off all non-essential lights from 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m., from roughly March – June, as migrating birds often fly at night. Bright lights at night can disorient them, leading to collisions with buildings or other structures. Focus on exterior lights and keeping blinds closed. If you must have exterior lights on, aim them downward and use shields to prevent light from shining into the sky or trees. Using motion detectors or sensors so lights illuminate only when needed is also helpful. You can also encourage your local government, businesses, and neighbors to participate in “Lights Out” initiatives.
- Bird-Friendly Windows – If you have windows where bird collisions occur, consider using bird-friendly window treatments such as decals, films, or netting that make windows more visible to birds.
- Other Ways to Help – Native plants provide food and shelter for birds as well as bees and butterflies, making your yard a more attractive place for them to stop and rest. Consider adding a bird feeder and a water source to your yard, and try to keep cats indoors.
Come discover your new favorite thing at the Dallas Farmers Market as we embrace all things spring! There’s so much to love about shopping small and supporting local.
