by LISA BRIDGE
For the Sequim Gazette
What’s new at the market are some absolutely gorgeous artichokes from Sea Basket Farm.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Marilyn and Greg Gundy, the owners. These folks are self-proclaimed “habitual business starters.”
Their most recent venture is focused on growing organic produce and sharing their amazing sea baskets.
The sea baskets are unique works of art, baskets woven and sewn using carefully treated bull kelp. Marilyn and Greg discovered this skill while traveling and have developed it into a stunning form.
They comb the beaches for bull kelp, particularly after storms when it is abundant, then cut it into strips and roll it up to store. When they are ready to work with the kelp they soak it and dry it and get it to be just the right moisture to work with. This is a basket you would not want to leave out in the rain. They also incorporate other beach treasures into the baskets.
You will be amazed at the look and feel of them. They are gorgeous and would make any gift recipient ooh and aah. Come and see them being made at the market.
The Sea Basket Farm also is growing vegetables; currently, they are bringing in large artichokes. Greg tells me the No. 1 question of the day is, “Are those artichokes real?” And rightfully asked, as they are huge and picturesque. They have bought five acres in Sequim at 312 Cameron Road and have it in alfalfa hay, berries, asparagus, lots of flowers, artichokes and greens such as lettuce, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, plus specialty garlic and loads more.
Greg shared that he also is a hot pepper aficionado — he trades seeds with pepper growers and tells me he has some “absolutely killer hot peppers,” such as the Trinidad scorpion pepper and the Honduran mutton pepper. He says he has too many hot peppers to name, some having had the title of the hottest pepper in the world.
Greg and Marilyn do plan on bringing produce to the market but not the old-fashioned way. Alternatively, you can preorder produce from them and pick it up at the market. They have an innovative method they are trying out where a patron — which could be you! — visits their Sea Basket Farm Facebook page on Thursday or Friday and you will see posted what is available for that Saturday. By using the comment section, you can place your produce order and then they will harvest it for you to pick up at the Sequim Farmers Market! I suggest you check this out!
Like many of us, these folks spent most of their lives on the East Coast, so the second most popular question in their booth is, “Where is your accent from?” which reveals Marilyn’s Boston roots. Having owned and operated an art and office supply store and art gallery in Rockland, Maine, for many years, they ran a bed-and-breakfast on an island off Honduras for five years, then a landscaping business in Florida and they traveled the country for seven years.
Three years ago, they found Sequim. So a warm welcome to these dynamic, creative folks.
In the community booth on June 27, we welcome the Newcomers Club and Peninsula Friends of Animals will be selling its renowned fundraising pot holders.
Sequim Farmers Market
When: June 27, July 4
Open Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through October
Where: Downtown Sequim at Sequim Avenue, Washington Street
Contacts: www.sequimmarket.com; manager@sequimmarket.com; 460-2668
