Gifts of Nature
Owned by: Violet Vogel; run by: Michele Whalen and Wally Vogel
Located: Williamsburg, Virginia
Went into Business: 2001
Our family has been selling flowers and plants grown on our property for many years. We started when we lived in New York. We moved to Virginia after 9/11 and very soon after began selling at the Williamsburg Farmers Market.
Started at the Williamsburg Farmers Market: 2002
Mother Violet and son Wally began at the very beginning but now Violet is enjoying her "days off." Michele (Mickey) has taken Violets place at the market each Saturday with Wally.
Of all the products you sell, which is the customer's favorite?
Nature is seasonal. In the spring our customers love the tulips. In the summer, it is the bonsai and succulent gardens. The autumn has people looking for the painted pumpkins and the winter brings live wreaths and table center pieces. Nature is amazing as is truly a gift!
What is your favorite thing about the Williamsburg Farmers Market?
My favorite things about the Williamsburg Farmers Market are the people in front of the table. My customers with their colorful outfits, their cute dogs and all their beautiful children. I love the interaction with my Virginian customers. People who come to the Williamsburg Farmers Makret are very smart and conscientious about their health and the environment. There are the tourists who come back every year and the locals who come back week after week. I love it when they tell me that a plant that they bought last year is in bloom again. We have made many friends behind the tables also. The vendors are a bunch of hard working, generous people.
In the years you have participated in the WFM, what is the biggest change?
There are many more new vendors over the years. Also, a great manager and friend, Libbey Oliver, retired this year. You might see her walking around and shopping at this wonderful market she started, and we are so happy that she did. Thank you, Libbey, and thank you to all of our wonderful customers! |