Zinnias are popular summer garden flowers and come in a wide range of colors and shapes. Zinnia is a genus of plants of the sunflower tribe within the daisy family. In time zinnias came to represent thinking of absent friends in the language of flowers, making them the perfect gift for a neighbor or to take the host of a summer barbecue. Southside Farms often has buckets of these flowers at the market.

There are about 70 species of the sunflower and many of them are grown right here in North Carolina. Cut sunflowers can last a long time if you change the water frequently and cut ½ inch off the stem at a sharp angle every few days to keep them hydrated. Raised in a Barn Farm in Chocowinity celebrates all things sunflower every year in late June with concerts, vendors, games and food.

Celosia, commonly known as woolflowers or cockscombs if the flower heads are crested by fasciation, are a most interesting flower and often hard to find in the larger brain-like shape. Their name is derived from the Ancient Greek word kḗleos, meaning “burning,” refers to their flame-like flower heads. Deep Roots Farm just outside Washington off U.S. Highway 17 grows rows and rows of these stunning flowers.

The Washington Harbor District Farmers & Artisans Market occurs every Saturday 8 a.m. – noon until the end of October on East Main Street just past Market Street. Ample public parking is available just across from the market behind the Market Street shops and restaurants.