Mark and Ginny Larva of Floodwood, MN own and operate Mark Larva’s Shop and Garden. Mark and Ginny married and began visiting the market in the early 1980’s. Both native Minnesotans, they were inspired and taken in by the market, and have since found a passion for organic gardening. Other vendors and customers helped the Larva’s in the learning process, as well as a few friends and older farmers f
rom their communityThe Larva’s grow all kinds of crops at their farm just outside Floodwood, Minnesota. The Larva’s, although not certified, base their gardening on organic practices. Just a short drive up Highway 2, they produce these vegetables: peas, lettuce, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, beets, radishes, corn, cucumbers, squash, and cabbage. Ginny cans multiple types of jams and jellies, pickles, kraut; bakes great tasting fresh bread, rolls, cookies, and more . Birch syrup is another Larva specialty, which is not unlike maple syrup and has a unique taste! Not too readily available at any other market. The Larva’s will be at the Duluth Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer season. They see going to the market and meeting and greeting people old and new as one of the best parts of being a farmer. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Mark.
