SOWA

"IT'S OPENING NIGHT," To paraphrase Max Bialystock -- or more specifically, OPENING DAY...for the 2009 farmer's market season, that is.

We kick off today -- virtually a month before most of the other Massachusetts markets -- at Boston's South-end SOWA market, and the signs are positve.

Regularly a sunday market, SOWA begins this season with a full weekend event featuring 140 vendors including crafters, artists, artisans, bakers, antique dealers, specialty foods importers and of course, farms.

It's turning out to be a beautiful day today, so if you're looking for something different to do in the city be sure to swing by 540 Harrison Ave in the Southend. You'll be glad you did!

SPRING FLOWER SHOW

Surprizing (and disappointing) as it may be the BOSTON FLOWER SHOW (a/k/a the NEW ENGLAND FLOWER SHOW) has been cancelled! Funding appears to be the main issue and if you would like to help the Mass Horticultural Society out for 2010, you can visit their site at http://www.masshort.org/New-England-Spring-Flower-Show.
The good news to all this is that The 16th Annual Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show will take place THIS WEEKEND, February 19-22, 2009 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. For all information follow this link. http://www.flowershow.com/. These shows are always welcomed by winter-weary New Englanders and are well worth your support.