Last week, after speaking with Janet Bachmann, I found myself nearly convinced that I should become a farmer. Her passion inspired me, and renewed my enthusiasm for the Farmers’ Market Profile series. While I haven’t started redirecting my life yet, one man I met last week was once so inspired by meeting Janet that he did become a farmer.
Jack MacKenzie had an interest in gardening for quite some time, but after attending a gardening program taught by Janet in 2002, he got serious. After only a couple years of convincing his wife that this was a good idea, he moved from Ft. Smith to Fayetteville, bought some land, and began planting flowers full time. He has been selling at the Farmers’ Market now for five years.
Jack’s farm, Woodbine Mead, is located just outside of Fayetteville on Zion Road. He grows and sells flowers along with some herbs that he uses mostly in his flower arrangements. With summer approaching, he is now selling the last of his spring flowers while transitioning into summer flowers. At Jack’s stand, we’ll soon find zinnias, dahlias, gladiolas, Bachelor’s buttons, and of course, sunflowers. Flower shoppers can find him on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings on the square.
Any newly engaged marketgoers out there? Jack has recently begun offering informal wedding flower arrangements. Don’t wait until the last minute to call him though. Planting for a wedding involves some planning ahead. This summer, he will provide flowers for a wedding in July that were chosen last winter and planted in January to ensure that their blooms coincide with the big day. Imagine helping Jack plant the first seeds and watching with your future partner as they grow into what would become your wedding bouquet. So rootsy and romantic…
Jack is very approachable and certainly willing to talk about flowers. Next time you’re at the market, stop and chat with Jack about any and all of your flower needs.
Photos by M Taylor Long
