In Season - Peonies and The First Strawberries

With our local farmer's markets back in full swing, the displays of local fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, and fresh-baked goods seem to become more abundant each week as more becomes available.

This week was a favourite of mine and it meant a special trip into a neighboring city's Saturday morning market.

For only two or three weeks in the year, a local Peony grower fills a stand with pails and pails of Peonies, in as many as half a dozen different varieties. I snapped a picture with my cellphone quickly to send to Ryan so he could understand my excitement.

She sells them for $4 a bunch (five stems) or 3 bunches for $10.

Needless to say, we each left with an armful of peonies.

Another favourite sight were rows and rows of little baskets mounded full of bright red strawberries.

Our strawberry season has officially begun and we are looking forward to when we are able to "pick-your-own", which will start in the coming weeks. There are few things as wonderful as freshly-picked strawberries, still warm from the sun.

These berries didn't last long. I couldn't wash them fast enough.

And no trip to the market is complete without taking home a treat - this week we picked a sticky bun and pain au chocolat and split them between us.

The Peonies found their homes all over the house. In the bathrooms on the vanities, on my night table, on the coffee tables and on the mantel.

Gorgeous.