The History of Garden Valley

There’s always a story to every place, to every business that’s been built, and learning that journey is what reveals the heart and soul behind it. What started out as a small, quaint produce stand, has now turned into a beautiful and thriving farmers market that serves a good part of both Alamance and Guilford Counties of North Carolina. That business… is Garden Valley Farmers Market, and this is their story:

Nestled in the heart of Alamance County, there was a small produce stand that was owned and operated by Josh Readling (along his beautiful brown lab, Shelby). His desire was to provide fresh and local produce to a community that was in lack of healthier food options. Josh grew up in Alamance County, and his knack for business and desire to bless people was at the heart of starting Garden Valley, and has such, remained the core desire. To plant better, eat better, and live better.

Fast forward a few years, and along came two brothers who not only lived together, but decided it was a good idea to work together too (read that last line as sarcasm). Those brothers are Paul and Luke Laparra. Long story short, they went to church with Josh, had conversations, and wanted to expand Garden Valley to reach more people. Little did they know that this partnership would turn into a bond that would not only bless the outside community, but also provide a friendship filled with trust and understanding, something that not many businesses are blessed to have.

• Paul is a craftsman by heart. He loves working with his hands, is a former electrician, and loves carpentry work. But even with all of the time consuming work that he continues to do with Garden Valley, his main passion in life is his love for the Lord, and raising his beautiful family.

• Luke was already working for Garden Valley as an employee at the time, and wanted to continue to grow in the company. It was in this journey that he learned his passion for business, finances, and streamlining processes. But even with this new discovery, he still remains passionate about loving his family, and helping others simplify the stresses that can often come with finances.

While this partnership was being developed, Garden Valley was slowly growing from one location, at Chapel Hill Road, to FIVE locations in a span of ten years. What once was a modest produce stand, is now a farmers market that sells pottery, flowers, trees, shrubs, and so much more! And even though they have grown into a bigger company, the promise to provide quality product to the community is still one of their main goals.

The biggest season of growth for Garden Valley came during a very unexpected time… 2020. It was in the thick of this pandemic that Garden Valley was blessed with the most amazing outpour of support from their community. It was filled with hope, strength, and solace in a time that was focused on fear, hurt, and anxiety. The love shown by the community of Alamance/Guilford County brought a refreshed determination to Luke and Paul… this was the right direction for the company. This business was supposed to be here. Garden Valley was home for its community.

Through the good years, and not so good years, Garden Valley has always remained true to their identity: plant better, eat better, live better. They have continued to provide access to healthy vegetation so that the community can plant better. They always strive to provide quality produce so that the community can eat better. And they are a place where anyone can come, and be inspired to live better. This motto of theirs rings true, and it’s Garden Valley’s hope to continue to do so for many years to come.

How To Keep Your Fraser Fir Fresh All Season Long

Native to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, the Fraser Fir tree is considered one of the most commonly bought Christmas trees to grace family’s homes all season long. And it’s a tree that most of us want to enjoy all season long, and maybe a bit after Christmas has ended? So let’s go through how we can keep our trees fresh all season long, shall we?

Did You Know?

Did you know that North Carolina produces the majority of Fraser Fir trees, and that each tree takes about seven to ten years to grow to be 6 or 7 feet tall? But these beauties, if given enough time, can grow to be 50 feet tall (is anyone’s living room that tall?). Named after the Scottish Botanist John Fraser, these beautiful dark green trees give off an amazing scent that embodies Christmas and often is the reason many of us haven’t switched to artificial trees. And in 2005, the Fraser Fir became the official Christmas Tree of North Carolina.

When Choosing Your Tree

When choosing your beautiful tree, remember to feel the needles and make sure that they are not already dry. Doing so can save you a huge heartache and give you peace of mind in knowing that it’s a fresh tree that will last you all season long if you care for it properly.

It’s also very important, when choosing your tree from our lot, that your tree gets a “refresh”. We at Garden Valley, always provide a fresh cut at the trunk before we install it to your stand. This opens up any “clogged cells” in the tree and provides an open channel for it to receive water.

Keep It Watered

When you get your beautiful tree home, fill the stand with plain tap water and keep it filled throughout the season. Not only does this keep your tree fresh all season long, but it will also help to prevent any unfortunate fires that may occur… because bonfires are meant for OUTDOORS.

We welcome you to stop by one of our five locations and pick out a fresh Fraser Fir Christmas tree. Our trees are coming from the northwest region of North Carolina, and buying with us directly supports those farmers who have had it tough these past few years. We also have wreaths and garland to “deck” out your house even more!
We’d love to be a part of your Christmas experience this season. And while you’re here, don’t forget to enjoy some hot apple cider, and maybe you’ll even see a rare siting of our good ole shop dog, Tappy.
Have a Merry Christmas season, and we hope to see you soon!

Thank you so much for joining us here. For more information on what Garden Valley Farmers Market is about, you can visit us here. If you’re wanting to follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook or our Instagram. And if you’re wanting to check out our other recipes and blog posts, or are needing more inspiration, follow us on our Pinterest. We’d love to have you join us in our journey of planting better, eating better, and living better.
Much love,
Your Garden Valley Farmers Market Team