Local Businesses Gear Up for Spring

Pansies, Easter bulbs, and cool weather vegetables are making their spring debut at Cedar Post Farm Market in Lakehurst, one of many area businesses gearing up for warmer weather.

The market only re-opened after winter two weeks ago, but owner Stephanie Canali was too busy unloading a truck and waiting on customers to talk when Patch called on Friday morning.

"I've got a very nice selection of some different hanging baskets that are out now," Canali said later in the day.

Lettuces, cauliflower, cabbage, and strawberries are on sale and ready to plant, but peppers, tomatoes, and other summer vegetables won't be available for another week.

"It's really not safe to plant any of that stuff until Mother's Day," Canali said.

She has non-local produce in stock, including Florida tomatoes and citrus.

"As the season goes on, we carry a huge selection of local and non-local peaches and berries, and corn, melons," Canali said. 

Sunday, May 1, is Customer Appreciation Day at Cedar Post, which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  

"We have some sales on some merchandise and we do free hot dogs and drinks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's just kind of our way to say thank you to the people who shop here," Canali said.

Shamrock Gardens and Farm Market in Whiting is open year round, but business is picking up now that spring has arrived said the owner, Steven, who asked Patch not to us his last name.

The market has Easter flowers and shrubs in stock, but also has a deli department and sells fresh bread from bakeries in New York City and Monmouth County. 

Shamrock Gardens is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, Lakehurst Hardware and Lawnmower is selling a lot of lawn mowers now that grass is beginning to poke through the ground, said owner Kieran Flemming.

In addition to selling and servicing push and riding mowers, Lakehurst Hardware offers other spring services like window screen repair, power equipment repair, and powersports repair. The store also sells topsoil, fertilizers, and plants and rents rototillers, thatchers, high grass cutters, and other spring cleanup supplies.

Lakeshurst Hardware and Lawnmower is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Spring also means it's time to work the horses at Chariot Riders in Manchester. Executive Director Linda Fazio said business is picking up and schools are bringing groups of students to the therapeutic riding center for field trips.

On May 22, Chariot Riders will host its Spring Horse Show for assisted and unassisted riders. The event begins at 9 a.m. with assisted riders and is free and open to the public.

Although the show primarily features Chariot Riders students, other riders are welcome to bring their horses. A downloadable entry form is available on the center's website. 

Chariot Riders is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Finally, Luigi's Pizzeria Restaurant and Lounge in Lakehurst has something that the competition doesn't and that is outdoor seating. Luigi's is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.