September 22nd, 2009
One of the best things about autumn is the abundance of colors. They really are spectacular and one place that you cannot miss, as you are driving on Ocean Highway, is Tomato Sunshine. Look at the colors on the pictures. They are amazing, aren’t they?
Their location is 4312 Highway 1, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Telephone is 302-226-9533. Fax number is 302-226-8795. The website is www.tomatosunshine.com. 
There are 3 e-mail addresses for this garden oasis; info@tomatosunshine.com, donna@tomatosunshine.com, and ernie@tomatosunshine.com.
Tomato Sunshine has been in Rehoboth Beach for many years. Every year, at the beginning of the season, all of us, residents, start looking for the spring plants. Then, gradually summer arrives and everyone then goes to see what their new
arrivals will look like. Through the summer we all go to buy corn, vegetables, fruits from all stages of the summer and, you name it, they have it.
Their employees are very knowledgeable and we all have comments about our flowers or vegetables. My big concern is that as my hibiscus gets bigger and with more blooms, it gets eaten by squirrels.
In the fall, the pumpkins are abundant; all sizes and shapes and even colors and the Indian corn has just made its first appearance.
This garden center is so easy to get to. They have have plenty of parking and employees to help you put your purchases in the car.
Their website is pretty informative. Topics you will find are:
In the Greenhouse – In this section you will get an explanation of what type of flower to plant in the fall, for example, the winter pansy. Then you will also find information about the vegetable garden in the fall. I did not know that when you plant broccoli or cauliflower this time of the year, you get the highest quality of vegetable. Others, like kale, develop a better flavor after the frost.
In the Nursery – This section will have all the decorating tips for autumn like corn stalks, painted pumpkins, violas and Johnny jump ups.
In the Garden Calendar you will find when, where and how to plant.
Have a compost pile? A problem with it? The pile is too dry or foul odor, or is cool, or there are pests in the pile or need to balance the carbon/nitrogen ratio. It is all there, on their website.
In your Garden Basics, they have great tips. Even, information for preparing the fish pond for the winter; making sure the necessary steps are taken for fish and plant survival.
Pretty soon, in the not too distant future, the Christmas trees will be arriving and the garden will obtain an incredible pine scent and a different aura will begin to take place.
So, until next time…
Note: Information on the different sections was taken from Tomato Sunshine’s website.
Tomato Sunshine delivers, but please give them a call for more information to the above mentioned telephone number or send them an e-mail.
August 30th, 2009
Fifer Orchards opened this local market in 2007. Around my beaches we are so lucky that we are able to buy so much fresh produce during the summer months into the fall.
This market is located on 2700 Coastal Highway or Rt. 1 in Dewey Beach, or the cross street would be Cullent St. The tel. is 302-227-8680. You cannot miss it whether you are traveling north or south.
But, let me tell you, this is not a new market sprouting in my beaches. Fifer Orchards are full of tradition and since 1919 they have been in existence.
Charles F. Fifer was a Virginia farmer that fell in love with the moderate climate and hearty soil of the region. He bought several farms and originally he was growing apples, peaches, pears and grapes. They were then shipped to different areas from the Wyoming, Delaware train station.
Today, it is a very modern operation that owns 2,500 acres, growing all kinds of produce.
Their Country Store is located on 1919 Allabands Mill Rd., Wyoming, DE 19934. Tel. 302-697-2141. Website is www.fiferorchards.com. Please check their website because they have events that go on all the time. You can pick your own, have birthday parties, group tours, school tours, you name it. You can even get a virtual tour of the farm on your computer.
My interest is that their Dewey Beach local market is only about 1 mile from my house. So, there I was, checking it out and how pleasantly surprised I was.
The produce looked beautiful; arranged perfectly. But, it is not only produce, it is a whole market. From locally made ice cream with Fifer fruits, to preserves, jams, salsas, Dietz & Watson’s meats, fresh baked breads, sugar free apple butter and nuts. They also carry Lewes Dairy milk and cream.
This is the perfect place to visit if you would like to go to the beach and take a picnic. Some of the ready to go salads were: Greek Quinoa, Edamame, Hummus and Guacamole and a Mexican Chicken Salad.
Two of their salsas got my attention. The Mucho Spicy Salsa with tomatillos, chilis, cilantro, garlic and kosher salt. And the other was the Some Like It Hot Salsa and it had the same ingredients of the Mucho Spicy one, except that instead of chilis, it had jalapenos. Ay, caliente!!
Other products made with Fifer Orchards’ produce were sauces like Thai Peanut, Tequila Chili, Peachy Chipotle and the Peach Grilling Sauce.
Spending some time at my beaches and having some people over? Well, do not despair, because they have party trays available for your guests. Just give them notice.
For breakfast, at the local market, you will find bagels, muffins, scones and other fresh baked pastries, as well as croissant sandwiches.
For lunch, they have salads and Panini-Style sandwiches, and other Deli sandwiches.
For dinner, they have Rottiserie Chicken and BBQ Ribs. You may even get fresh cut steaks and fish. Just call to the above telephone and ask for the current selections.
While I was visiting this market, everyone was very helpful and most of all friendly. The new breed of Fifers have a legacy to maintain and it looks like they are doing a great job. They should be very proud of this store.
Writing about all this food has made me hungry so how about if I add a recipe to this post?
Asparagus, Walnut & Goat Cheese Salad
1 cup walnut halves (4 oz.)
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
2 lbs. medium asparagus, tough ends removed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tbsps. sherry vinegar
1 large scallion, white and light green only, minced
1 tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon
1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool, then break in half lengthwise.
Toast fennel in a small skillet over moderately high heat until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Set aside.
Steam asparagus spears over high heat until just tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and let dry. Cool, then cut diagonally into 2″ lengths.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk olive oil with vinegar, scallion, tarragon, mint and fennel seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Add asparagus and walnuts to bowl and toss. Add goat cheese. Adjust seasonings and serve.
Always make the recipes your own and enjoy them.
This one will serve 6.
Note: Information on Fifer farms was taken from www.fiferochards.com
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