Barnhart Gardens – Tonkawa OK
Cajun French: le melon doux (lu m’lon doo) – watermelon
Talking with farmers at various markets makes our food purchases a little more personal. Besides the freshness of local items we also get the personal touch of the farmers. Not often do we get to sit and chat with farmers. Recently we enjoyed a visit with farmers at a local farm stand, Barnhart Gardens, in Tonkawa OK.The stand was recommended to us by a local chef. He said it was just out of town and was not manned, it was on the honor system. Lucky for us Tom & Debbie Ray, and John Barnhart were at the stand. Debbie is John’s daughter and the farmer; her great grandfather began farming in the 1940s. She raises a variety of crops from melons to cabbage.
John told us his grandfather bought approximately 30 acres to farm and then his dad took over the farming. After his dad died, Debbie took an interest and began her farming techniques. The farm offers spring, summer and fall crops including a large pumpkin patch which closes out the year.
We not only left with our purchases of watermelon and cabbage but also had a great visit with a local family. Good conversation and a better knowledge of local farming — we love local communities.
The watermelon was sweet as sugar. Enjoy these earrings and the sweetness of summer. Shop CAJUNVILLE.
