As 2025 comes to a close, Wenner Hill Gardens invites the community to its final farmers market of the year this Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon, celebrating the season with traditional flavors and community wellness.
This weekend’s market features the quintessential taste of a Virgin Islands Christmas: fresh sorrel, traditionally used to make a festive holiday drink that is equal parts sweet and refreshing.
The market will also be abundant with other seasonal produce perfect for holiday meals, including sugarcane, lemongrass, seasoning peppers, bok choy, and pomegranates. For those looking for ready-to-enjoy items, the market will offer baked goods made with tropical fruits and a hot vegetarian meal.
True to its cooperative roots, the market is a showcase for local vendors. Shoppers can find a diverse array of goods from St. Thomas artisans, including:
Chico George: Pepper Bottles, Seasoning Powder, and Tropical Wines
Faye Auerbach and Kali Alexia: Assorted Baked Goods and Sweet Breads
Hadiya Charles: Spinach and Basil Pesto and Sorrel Tarts
Bernice Wade and Cereese Lewis-Smith: Tofu Platters and Cold-Pressed Juices
Yasmine Haynes and Shemura Bonelli Nicholson: Herbal Aromatic Sprays and Ginger Beet Wellness Shots
Zoe Banfield: Fresh-cut Flowers
Wenner Hill Markets serve as a community hub where visitors can connect with growers. Beyond weekly sales, the cooperative fosters connection year-round through farm tours, farm-to-table dinners, and educational workshops on topics such as grafting, wellness, and cooking.
The work of Wenner Hill Gardens extends far beyond the market stall. The cooperative garden, which sits on a 4-acre plot, is designed to make farming more accessible and strengthen local food security.
Looking ahead to 2026, Wenner Hill Gardens has ambitious plans, including a significant push into flower cultivation, with a quarter-acre dedicated to cut flowers. The garden will also feature vetiver, a versatile plant related to lemongrass, which helps prevent soil erosion and produces essential oils. The community can also expect a bumper crop of guavas in the new year.
This final market is a chance to support a vital local food initiative, stock up on holiday essentials, and celebrate a year of growth. For more information on the cooperative’s mission and how to stay connected, visit the Wenner Hill Gardens Facebook page.
