By Deja Jones
Tawes Plaza at the University of Maryland transforms into a lively hub of color, sound. and community as the farmer’s market comes to campus every Wednesday. Students pass through between classes, stopping to pick up a snack, sip on coffee, browse handmade jewelry or bring home a vibrant bundle of flowers or a potted plant.
It’s a break that offers more than just shopping—it’s a moment to breathe, reset and enjoy the plaza atmosphere. The market features a variety of local vendors, including Phil’s Dills Fresh Pickles, Randalia Bee Hives and Little Walter’s Flower Farm. Some vendors are market veterans, while others are newer to the scene—but each adds something unique to the atmosphere, and students are quick to show their appreciation.
Lisa Alexander, a flower farmer with Little Walter’s Flower Farm, recently became a vendor at the market. Though she’s only been selling flowers for a couple of weeks, she’s no stranger to the university. Alexander has been a staff member for 18 years and also runs the Resident Sustainability Program, Terp to Terp Reuse Store and Green Terp initiative on campus.
For her, the market is more than just a space for commerce—it’s a space for connection.
“This is a really great place because it’s kind of a hub for people coming in and out of classes,” Alexander said. “I’ve come to the farmer’s market since it was created on campus, and I love farmer’s markets, so I was a big attendee from the very beginning.”
As finals approach, the farmer’s market takes on a new kind of importance. It becomes a place where students can find a calm environment during a chaotic weeks.
“It encourages people to be outside, even if they’re just walking around and looking at stuff,” Alexander said. “When the weather is nice, students hang out at the tables. They’ll go to the bread vendor, grab a big loaf of bread, and just sit and talk. It really becomes this little reset in the middle of the week.”
Todd Turner, who runs Randalia Bee Hives, sees the farmer’s market as retail therapy for students.
“It gives them a chance to get their minds off things and meet other people,” he said. “Just an excuse—unknowingly—to be outside shopping. I think it just makes people feel better.”
Turner sells perfumes and creams made from natural ingredients. Their most sold products are the roll on perfumes.
Alexander also emphasized the importance of supporting local vendors, especially when many are just down the road.
“These are people from our community,” Alexander said. “A lot of the time, the prices are even better than what you’d find at a grocery store because you’re buying directly from the seller.”
But for her, the best part isn’t the sales—it’s the people.
“Today, someone came up and told me they were given one of my flowers as a gift last week. They said it was the most beautiful thing they’d ever seen,” Alexander said, smiling. “Those moments spark joy. That’s why I love being here.”
Other vendors shared that same appreciation for the atmosphere and student energy.
Phil Lando, owner of Phil’s Dills Fresh Pickles, has been in business for 20 years and is a vendor veteran, selling on campus since the market’s Cole Field House days. For him, the students make it worth it.
“Dealing with young people—it gives us faith in the future of our nation,” Lando said. “All you hear about in the media is the bad things young people do. But being here and dealing with [UMD students] is a pleasure.”
Turner added that his favorite part of being a vendor at the market is connecting with UMD’s diverse student body. “I get to talk to people from all over the world,” Turner said.
Whether it’s flowers, pickles or honey, the farmer’s market offers more than fresh goods. a weekly reminder to slow down, step outside, and connect with the campus community, one Wednesday at a time.
Featured Image: Students and faculty line up at the Ravenhook Bakehouse tent at Tawes Plaza during the Farmer’s Market on April 16, 2025. Photo by Deja Jones.