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SUMMERTIME FUN IN THE FRUIT GARDEN

© Connie Krochmal

Summertime is funtime. It's a time for picnics, barbeques, and other outdoor activities. This season also happens to be the busiest time in the garden. There's always weeding and watering. All of these chores need done. But do take time to relax.

What's more fun than a family outing on the weekend? There's no better place to go than U-pick orchards and berry farms. Times have changed. Once these were places for cheap fruit. Now the emphasis is on having fun together.

Typically these farms have all sorts of facilities for the young and the young at heart. There are usually swings and playgrounds as well as picnic areas. Some of the larger farms even have petting zoos, which are always a favorite with children. One operation in upstate New York has recreational items like ping-pong tables, chess tables and sets, and drums for the musically inclined. A few U-picks even have corn mazes, a great source of entertainment.

Mazes are the rage now. They're a wonderful way to have fun in the great outdoors. Many mazes are made of corn, but one is being designed in North Carolina that will be made of apple trees. When you're picking fruit, you can work up an appetite. Some U-picks offer refreshments. It can be something as simple as cider donuts and hot cider. This is especially popular on weekends. Some farms will have more elaborate facilities, such as cafes, coffee shops, or tearooms.

Fieldstone Enterprise, an 180-acre farm in northeastern Kansas features a vineyard, winery, apple orchard, gooseberries, asparagus, and country store. They even have a delightful B & B. The farm is owned and operated by Ken and Nancy Krause.

The local extension service office in your area should have a list of the U-pick operations. Some regional tourism websites also will have this information available. For more details you may need to contact the farms.

Summer is a great time for wild berry picking, and that is always so much fun. Some people are lucky enough to own woods where the berries can be found. Others may want to pick along the roadsides. Visitors are prohibited from picking fruits or any plants in many public parks, so always check to be sure this is permitted before you do it.

When shopping for fruits and other fresh produce, farmer's markets are becoming very popular destinations. Many of these are outdoors, while others may have simple roofs to provide cover from the rain. Depending on the size and location, farmer's markets may have many kinds of facilities. Some will hold special events and offer free entertainment, such as musicians, puppet shows, and the like. Generally you can buy many other kinds of items at farmer's markets besides fresh produce. They usually sell plants, cut and dried flowers, various kinds of crafts, and even snacks and ready-to-eat foods. Many vendors at farmer's markets accept food stamps.