A perfect April Saturday!

Union Square is under construction for the next two years. The farm stands are mixed up with the artist stands – it’s kind of interesting, and I think I actually like it better. If you need to find someone quickly, you can get a “Find Your Producer” map at the Greenmarket stand, but I think it’s fun to just stroll around and take it all in.

Saturday was fantastic; tons of farmers selling plants. The weather was finally warm and sunny, making for a perfect day to just stroll around and soak in the atmosphere. The farmers are coming back, which means more variety and more importantly – more choices.

I first stopped off to get a shot of wheatgrass juice, then I went to Violet Hill Farm to pick up my eggs. Paul really gets the importance of feeding his chickens the right food, at least until the weather is warmer, which is when they start to peck in the fields. There’s nothing like a diet of worms and grasshoppers to get the omega-3 levels up.

Paul’s eggs are terrific; firm shells with bright orange yolks. My family slows down to a dozen a week during the winter, but in the summer we go through at least double that.

Dennison gave me a sample of the venison sausage, which was heavenly. It’s been curing for a few weeks and is finally available for sale. It’s just right - smoky, salty and a bit spicy. It won’t last; I bet they will sell out by next week.

I bought a few plants to fill in my flower boxes. My balcony is lush and green already, and it’s only a matter of time before Matt and I resume our evening cocktail hours out there. It’s become our most-used room during the warmer months.

April is National Garden month, and tons of activities are planned around the theme. Here are some:

Strew, Sachet and Stir at the Lefferts Historic House in Brooklyn – (718) 789-2822
Cut, dry and preserve medicinal and culinary herbs like lavender, rosemary and mint.
Monday-Friday, April 21-25, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

NYC GROWS Garden Festival at Union Square Park, South Plaza
Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wake Up, Garden! Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, New York Botanical Garden
Help get the garden ready for spring! Prepare the beds, removing sticks and rocks and weeds; add compost; and plant radish and spinach seeds, lettuce transplants, and more. Enjoy colorful spring bulbs and recycle winter debris into a nature craft to take home.
4/1/2008 - 4/27/2008: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Wild, Wiggly Worms, Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, New York Botanical Garden
Learn all about these slimy creatures and how they are hard at work in the garden. Make a collage and sift nutritious worm compost to take home for your houseplants.
4/29/2008 - 6/1/2008, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays: 1 p. m. – 5:30 p.m.
www.nybg.org