April 21, 2000
RELEASE ON RECEIPT

Organically Grown Flowers and Herbs Available From OSAP

Farmers' Market Opens May 13

OBERLIN, OHIO--OSAP wants you to take very good care of your mother.

Just in time for Mother's Day on May 14th, the Oberlin Sustainable Agriculture Project will have available for sale more than 50 varieties of perennials and 25 varieties of herbs--all field grown and overwintered right here in Northeast Ohio. Gerry Gross, a leading expert on herbs and perennials and OSAP's grower, grew the plants organically using recycled pots and homemade soil mix.

The pesticide-free posies and healthful herbs will be sold in pots at the OSAP farm on Saturdays from May 13 to June 17--the day before Father's Day. OSAP cares about dads, too. Hours are from 1 to 4 p.m.

May 13 also marks the opening of the first Farmers' Market of the 2000 season in a new location, soon to be finalized. Look for the market's blue and white tent either in the GTE parking lot off Main Street in Oberlin, or across the street at the Oberlin City parking lot, adjacent to and behind the Municipal Building. Market hours on Saturdays are from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The diverse range of vegetables and fruits grown at the OSAP farm and sold at market are certified organic through the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association.

Due to their abundance, only a limited selection of perennials and herbs will be available at the market. Customers are encouraged to visit the farm to purchase the flowers and herbs. The OSAP farm is located on Pyle-S. Amherst Road in Oberlin, south of Russia Road and about one mile west of Route 58. A sign marks the entrance to the OSAP driveway on Pyle-S. Amherst Road and visitors are asked to use that driveway to enter the farm.

Such colorful perennials as foxglove, purple coneflower, black-eyed susan, pinks, geraniums, hollyhock, ladies mantle, shasta daisy, lavender will be sold individually in one-gallon pots for $7.00 (or three for $20.00); one-quart size pots are available for $3.50 (or three for $10.00).

Basil, thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano and numerous other varieties of herbs are available for $2.00 per pot. Those wishing to reserve flowers and herbs or find out what types are available may contact Gross by email: gands@eriecoast.com or by voice mail at 440/323-7361.

Shareholders of OSAP don't have to wait until May 14-- they can purchase their flowers and herbs now.

Share rates and sizes vary from those for an individual student ($45) to a small share ($135--ideal for couples) to a Walton-sized family ($400). Shareholders are ensured of a steady supply of fresh organic produce; all shares purchased can be exchanged for produce throughout the growing season at OSAP's farm market. Shareholders also receive a 10% bonus for their food purchases under regular market prices.

For more information about becoming an OSAP shareholder and/or member, please contact OSAP President Ken Sloane at 440/775-4158 or ken.sloane@oberlin.edu. For information about becoming an OSAP volunteer, please contact Brad Masi, OSAP farm project coordinator, at 440/775-8409 or brad.masi@oberlin.edu

OSAP, a collaborative venture between the town of Oberlin and the College, is one of several outreach initiatives of the Oberlin College environmental studies program.

Media Contact: Marci Janas 4/21/00 #83 mj