Spring is in full bloom, bringing with it colorful flowers, farmer’s market visits, and abundant gardening—which is what local business Moonstruck Farms is all about!
If you haven’t visited the Phelan or Wrightwood farmer’s markets lately, now is the perfect time to explore what Moonstruck Farms has to offer this Spring. You won’t miss her booth; it’s the fragrant one adorned with lovely tulips and delightful daffodils.
Rowena McDermott, a local resident of Phelan, is the owner and gardener behind Moonstruck Farms, a cottage business that specializes in homemade pantry staples like jams, mustards, teas, and spices. In addition to these, she offers fresh-cut flowers, all grown on her farm, which also features a greenhouse.
Rowena credits her grandmother with instilling her love for gardening and creating homemade items, recalling how her grandmother made everything from scratch, even her own ketchup. “Gardening is in my DNA,” Rowena said. “I’ve always had my hands in the dirt.” Even Rowena’s great-grandmother, a Native American woman and member of the Cherokee Nation, had a deep connection to the land.
In addition to being skilled in the garden, Rowena is an accomplished cook in the kitchen, producing delicious jams, jellies, and preserves that she sells at the markets. Among her most popular items are her newly introduced homemade granola, triple berry jam, and unique pepper jam. Rowena has been amazed by the community’s support since she started her business, stating that the people in town are her favorite aspect of being a part of the Tri-Community.
Understanding the importance of the community, Rowena took over running the Phelan Certified Farmers Market after the Phelan Pinon Hills CSD decided not to manage it back in 2020. She believes that organic produce and quality products should be accessible to everyone and sees the value in continuing to offer the Phelan Farmers Market each week.
“Our community deserves the best,” Rowena stated. “It [the farmers market] may not be the cheapest, but the quality and longevity of the products are worth it, especially in terms of taste!”
Today, the Phelan Farmers Market continues to grow its offerings, including fresh produce, homemade products, local food options, and more. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the market, you can contact Rowena via email at [email protected].
The Phelan Certified Farmers Market takes place every Monday from 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Phelan Community Park, located at 4176 Warbler Rd. in Phelan.
With Easter approaching on April 20th, Moonstruck Farms will offer beautiful flowers to complete your Easter table, so be sure to stop by the Farmers Markets for a bundle. Mother’s Day is also around the corner on May 11th—consider gifting mom a set of delicious jams or a bouquet of flowers while supporting the locally-owned small business, Moonstruck Farms. You can even purchase products through her online store at https://moonstruck-farms.square.site/
Follow Rowena on Facebook and Instagram @moonstruckfarms2 to see her gardening endeavors and new products that she offers each season. You can also read her monthly column in the Tri-Community NewsPlus newspaper or online at 4newsplus.com under the section titled Barn & Garden, where Rowena shares gardening tips for local residents and farm life in the Tri-Community.
