From the Classroom to the Garden (and, Finally, to Nyack)

Every Thursday from May until November, Nyack, Piermont and nearby residents have chance to pick up homemade goods at the farmers' market in the Riverspace parking area.

At last week's market, on an overwhelmingly humid, 90-plus degree day, the vendors kept themselves cheerfully shaded under white tents. And despite the heat, the spread was eclectic: cheeses, meats, pickles, veggies, flowers, pies and more. I decided to check out the last booth, Bluefield Farm.

Bluefield Farm is located in Blauvelt, on Western highway. The word Blauvelt actually translates to "blue field" in Dutch, the booth's operator, Rebecca, informed me. Blauvelt was settled by the Dutch in the 1600s.

Bluefield is different from most other farms: it's origins? In the classroom.

About five years ago, group of volunteers in the Master Gardener program at Cornell University decided to put their research to further practice. They were, after all, well-versed in gardening: to be part of the program, each individual must go through a minimum 45 hour basic horticulture training course (although many students frequently put in more time). The students learn different methods of farming—without the use of chemicals.

The group wanted a place to call their own. One of the members, Joy Macy, happened to live on an old farm with an open field. In 2005—after her kids were all out of the house—she decided to create Bluefield farms with others from the Master Gardener program.

Everything Bluefield grows is organic and pesticide free. The farm also boats chickens and other animals on their premises.

"It is indeed cool to have a farm at my parent's house," Macy's son said. "I hope it's a great petting zoo for my kids, in 5 years or so."

"It's not too often you come across a place like this on the streets of Rockland County," he added.

About a year ago, the people of Bluefield Farm decided to have a booth at Nyack's farmer's market to share their wares and knowledge of healthy living with fellow citizens. The Bluefield booth offers a variety of flowers—Rebecca notes it's important to inform people the flowers most flower shops are full of toxic chemicals. But at Bluefield, they promote the natural growing of plants.

Business is going well for Bluefield's girls, and it's no surprise—the flowers are stunning, vibrant and full of color. And unlike many of the other vendors, they only sell at this farmers' market (thought they occasionally receive requests for small events, they mostly stick with personal bouquets and arrangements).

So next time you're seeking to brighten up your kitchen table, or bring a smile to grandma's face, stop at the Bluefield Farm booth in Nyack.