Before it is light on Saturday mornings I walk across part of my dew laden back yard to my neighbor's house, coffee, peacock feathers, eggs, and yarn in hand; and we drive into the city as the sun comes up. Not many other folks on the road. Sun up by the time we get there, we unload her van. Although its flowers, it feels like clowns out of VW Bug, because its so amazing how much plant material can be packed in there.
My next door neighbor is Marilyn Rooze, The Flower Lady of the Montgomery Farm Woman's Cooperative Market in Bethesda, Maryland. The Market is a unique little spot from times gone by. It is an old historic building that has always been this Coop. Back in the Great Depression wives of struggling local farmers in upper Montgomery Co. Maryland, got together to "save the family farm" by bringing their goods down towards the commerce and activity of Washington DC. There are 11 members on the Coop Board including Marilyn. Most of them several generations down from the original "farm wife". However, Marilyn is new; she has only been at the Market for 43 years. (Goodness!)
She has a quaint little booth by the back door -- crowded with color and the luscious aroma of all her flowers. She also has a corresponding space behind and out side in the back parking area. I usually tend to the outside, especially when the weather is beautiful. Marilyn has a wonderful touch with all things natural. She can beautifully blend the most unpredictable colors with flowers. Her work is amazingly artistic, elegant and naturalistic looking. Absolutely not at all the commercial flower look.
As a painter, my self, I was surprised how much goes into this craft. You are working with space, shapes, color, texture -- and sense of touch and smell! People interact with flowers! A painting is on the wall, a bouquet is at the center of our dinner table. I wish more of the world would slow down enough to "stop and smell the flowers."
With the exception of a little lull just after lunch the day goes by very quickly. The public can take a lot out of you. The noise, counting change correctly with a silly 6% tax calcul
ation, the cars, people rushing, and the constant moving of plant material... it can be a tiring day. But some how, I am addicted to it. I think I like all the different vendors, eccentricity of the flea market, the historic nature of the building and atmosphere, the being out side, food, color, and people -- there is a pleasant social aspect to all of it. I also have been learning a lot from Marilyn. I enjoy learning about the plants themselves; I love to garden. But, I also am learning about flower arranging and of course, retail (oh joy!). I jest, but I've already admitted to thinking its fun.I can't say how thrilled I've been that lately Marilyn has encouraged me to bring some current samples of my yarn down to the market to display in her booth space. The nice thing is that it is getting some attention too. I get lots of complements, and a few sales. Here and there people are beginning to associate me with my own farm and goats.
At the end of the day we pack it all up and take it back to Marilyn's little farm house. After all, they are plants -- each one needs different care with regard to temperature tolerances and watering and the right amount of light to look their best on the next market day. When I get home, my husband looks at me playfully and says, "Why are you so tired, its a few flowers and a potted plant you sold today?" I return the volley with "Honey, I'm taking my shoes off, what's for dinner?"
