New weekly farmers market offers chance to shop local at Landscape Garden Centers

This piece is sponsored by Landscape Garden Centers.

There’s no need to only center local shopping on Saturday morning: A new Tuesday farmers market offers a chance to enjoy a similar experience south of Sioux Falls.

Landscape Garden Centers is hosting the South Side Farmers Market from 4 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday through October at 47238 271st St.

“It’s been going well, and our vendors are super-enthusiastic, which is great to see,” events specialist Clare Buseman said. “They’re excited, we’re excited, and it’s been a lot of fun so far.”

So far, about a dozen vendors participate each week, “and we’re able to host more, so we’re still seeking vendors, and we have space to double or triple,” Buseman said.

Vendors represent the broader Sioux Falls metro area and sell everything from bread to bath bombs.

“We have a lot of bases covered, but we’re still looking, especially for more produce growers,” Buseman said. “The commitment is a four-week interval, but we can be flexible as some vendors are able to be here every other week.”

Vendors receive a 10-by-10-foot space but can spread out more as inventory clears in the greenhouse.

“Right now, we’re outside because we still have inventory, but as the season continues, we’re hoping to flow into the nursery,” she said. “Tents are encouraged right now, but it’s just a beautiful place to hang out and wander.”

The hope is that in addition to shopping, visitors find a place outside of work and home “to come sit and relax,” Buseman continued.

“It’s a great place to enjoy a farmers market without overcrowding and with plenty of space to shop. We are open to live music and are booking some food trucks, so if you’re interested, apply online.”

Plus, browse the plants while at the market for one-stop garden shopping.

“Everyone thinks it’s late to be planting, but July is a great time to plant perennials and trees as long as they’re watered,” Buseman said.

“Get them in the ground, get them watered, and July can be a great month. A lot of people are done with annuals and have the garden in, and now they shift to the yard.”

Each Tuesday also brings unique offers, from raffles to giveaways and discounts.

One recent market offered a 60-second Landscape Garden Centers shopping spree to a lucky winner.

“It’s a lot of fun — you have to be present to win, and if your name is drawn, you get 60 seconds to fill a cart or wagon with whatever you want,” Buseman said.

Keep an eye on social media for a list of upcoming vendors and special offers.

“We’re fully stocked, the  nursery is beautiful, and it’s a great time to walk through, take photos, have a girls night, take care of some grocery shopping, and the sunset to the west is perfect.”

In addition to the South Side Farmers Market, Landscape Garden Centers is hosting other upcoming events in July:

Houseplant 101

Learn the basics of houseplant care with this workshop offered from 4 to 6 p.m. July 15-16.

The program will cover:

• Choosing the right plants.
• Watering, sunlight and soil tips.
• Potting and repotting basics.
• Easy plant troubleshooting.

The cost is $15 plus the cost of materials, and your registration includes a 20 percent off houseplant coupon, soil, gloves and guided instruction.

Plants and containers are sold separately.

Visit here to learn more and sign up.

Plant Bingo

This popular event returns to Bloom & Branch downtown at 421 N. Phillips Ave. from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25.

Check in at 6 p.m., grab your seat in the courtyard — weather permitting — a beverage from The Source, and your bingo card before play begins at 6:30 p.m. For $50, you’ll enjoy 10 rounds of bingo, with plant-filled prizes every round.

Each game will offer prizes to first-, second- and third-place winners, plus everyone goes home with a plant.

Spots are limited. Visit here to register.

Flowers After Hours

The next dates are set for the season at Flowers After Hours, when everything in the greenhouse is 20 percent off from 4 to 7 p.m., coinciding with the farmers market.

They are:

• July 14
• Aug. 18
• Sept. 22
• Oct. 13