STRASBURG "Where quality makes the difference," is the theme of Greg and Shirley Borell. The Brewster couple along with their son, Bruce, own and operate Springhill Gardens Farm Market at the intersection of Routes 21/250 and across from the Lynn Drive-In.
They purchased the market in 2002. They close in late fall and re-open by May 1 each year. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
"My father operated a market in Massillon," Shirley Borell said. "I worked for my father, John Helmuth, and loved it. We were looking for a space to purchase and land to rent in the Navarre or Brewster area to plant a large garden. We were able to find 15 acres of land to rent and the market was for sale.
"Bruce handles and plants the produce. He grows a variety of peppers, hot and mild, green beans, half-runner beans, tomatoes and other vegetables. Half-runner beans are shorter and a fuller green bean. Customers travel from all over the area to purchase these beans.
"We also have asparagus, zucchinis, different types of squash, sweet corn, and in the fall pumpkins and gourds."
Currently most of the items offered for sale are hanging baskets, bedding flower plants and vegetable plants.
Borell is expecting strawberries and peaches to arrive early in June. The strawberries are locally grown around the Brewster area. She said South Carolina peaches will arrive soon.
A schedule of items includes plants and flowers in May. June brings strawberries and peaches and there are still flats of flowers and vegetables available to purchase.
When July arrives and warmer temperatures the market will offer sweet corn from Marietta, all kinds of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, cantaloupe and watermelon.
A variety of tomatoes from yellow to red, and green tomatoes are ready for sale in August. Orders can be placed for canning tomatoes, beans, peppers and other vegetables.
By September the season is coming to a close, however tomatoes and peppers are still available through the end of the month.
Fall arrives in October and with it comes apples, pumpkins, gourds and fresh apple cider, fall decorations and mums.
"The market is a nice stop along a busy highway. I enjoy my customers. You have to build a business and have the customers have confidence in us and what we tell them about the products. I just enjoy the work, it comes natural to me," she said.
"We try to always buy local and tell the customers where the produce comes from and because we are a small business we can rotate the products quickly."
Borell said she refers to the market as the prettiest little place with a country setting.
Customers can order bushels of peppers and tomatoes in advance for the canning season.
She said more younger people are canning fruits and vegetables than in the past. She said they are more health conscience and what is being put in store bought items.