I want to share with you some of the exceptional places that I come across from time to time. These places are gems and not to be missed if you are in the area, or they could even be a destination. Most have a “garden thread” to them. “Places To Know” can be retail, restaurants, nurseries, and other. Whatever the place, expect the unusual.

Meet Kathryn, owner of Kathryn Originals, at the Saturday Vista Farmers Market in North San Diego County. She creates magical blouses, jackets, skirts, aprons, and more out of beautiful vintage fabrics. Original vintage fabrics that were once tablecloths, drapes, embroidered linens, and chenille bedspreads are transformed by her sewing artistry, into a beautiful piece of clothing.

Each of her pieces  are unique. She sews amazing clothing details, using thread colors, quilt-like fabric combinations, and vintage buttons. She carries all sizes, and styles. Her designs are perfect gifts for the gardeners in your life, year-round, and for the holidays.

If you can't make the Saturday morning Vista Farmers Market, Kathryn has her designs and creations available online, too, Kathryn's Originals, (tel) (760) 643-1127. Her line of original clothing made from vintage natural fabrics are all works of art in themselves. Stop by and see Kathryn, and tell her VintageGardenGal sent you.

Whether you frequent farmer's markets, or you are lucky enough to pick your own edibles out of your kitchen garden, why not try and eat what is fresh and in season. Let the seasonal fruits and vegetable dictate your diet and recipe selections. Try creating your Easter Sunday menu from an abundance of these "in season" edibles.

For those of us in Southern California, here is a general list of what is splendid and in season for the month of April. This is a general recommendation, and is not all inclusive. It is a great guide for your trips to the market, farmer's markets, or visualizing what you could be reaping from your kitchen garden this month.

Asparagus, Avocados, Basil, Green Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Cherries, Citrus: (Grapefruit, Kumquats, Lemons, Navel Oranges, Tangelos, Tangerines), Collards, Cucumbers, Medjool Dates, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard, Nectarines, Green Onions, Passion Fruit, Green Peas, Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomatoes, and Turnips.

This photo was taken at the Vista Farmer's Market, one of my favorite North County Farmer's Markets, and one of my "Places to Know." Sunset Magazine describes it as "One of the best in Southern California." Saturdays, 8am - 12 noon. Worth a visit, and a treat to find local seasonal edibles.

Please share if Farmer's Markets are part of your shopping and menus. Please comment on your favorite farmer's market.

VintageGardenGal Tidbit Thyme...

Attention Chicken Lovers! Spruce up your chicken coop for VintageGardenGal's Annual Chicken Coop Photo Contest. Send in your photos this coming May!

Encinitas Garden Festival is Saturday, April 30, 2011. For more detailed information and tickets, please visit Encinitas Garden Festival.