Barnswallow Flowers and Produce Speaker
Join Mahaska County Master Gardeners as we hear from Meredith Nunnikhoven about peonies, dahlias etal as cut flowers on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 pm at the Mahaska County Extension office; 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa. The Mother-Daughter team of Kerrilyn & Meredith Loynachan Nunnikhoven launched Barnswallow Flowers and Produce. Located on Highway 23 east of Oskaloosa, the farmstead provides farm fresh flowers and produce to Oskaloosa and surrounding counties.
The floral CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) provides weekly bouquets designed within a day of delivery. Most arrangements include vegetables, such as kale and basil. They also donate a bouquet each CSA week to a deserving individual or organization, highlighting local personnel and services that are the backbone to community foundation and development.
Barnswallow Produce, the newer half of the business, provided a limited variety of vegetables to local restaurants in Mahaska County. With their knowledge from growing sweet corn in the 80’s & 90’s, they supplied chemical-free tomatoes, peppers, beets, carrots, squash, basil and pumpkins. Their collaboration with the chefs sought to reduce waste in season.
Barnswallow Flowers and Produce practices environmental consciousness and care amidst the farm operation. They believe in a model that supports the investment in their farm, local community, and local commerce. The blooms on their farm are clearly seen from the highway, serving as a visual representation of best farming practices, providing awareness of the local growing season and continually setting a positive example for farm family growers and operators.
This event is FREE, open to the public and for anyone wishing to learn about the topic. Prior registration is NOT required, but appreciated.
Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their sixteenth year. The local program organized after the county held their first training. The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects. Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service. The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.
More information about this and other horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm.
