Howard County Times

By: Janene Holzberg
For Howard Magazine

Breezy Willow Farm’s store offers a new venue for farmers’ market vendors

Rose “RJ” Caulder is either a time-management wizard or her days contain more than 24 hours.

How else does one explain how the co-owner of Breezy Willow Farm at Hopkins Spring found a way to operate a 700-member community-supported agriculture program, manage Ellicott City’s Old Town Market from May to October and, most recently, open the Breezy Willow Farm Country Market on the corner of Frederick Road and Saint John’s Lane in Ellicott City?

“I’m into a lot of things, and I don’t need to sleep a lot,” says Caulder, who is also renovating her family’s 240-year-old Woodbine farmhouse in her “spare” time.

The country store is basically an indoor farmers’ market, featuring products from farmers and producers within a 25-mile radius, says Caulder, who will sell her own produce and wares there.

The market's decor is reminiscent of an old-time general store with bins, open shelving and quilted wall hangings.

Fresh cheeses are among the goodies available at the store.

RJ Caulder, center, works with store manager, Jenn Condon, and Jason Caulder to label a batch of their Alpaca socks.

Among Caulder’s personal creations sold at the market are these popular Linden Tree handmade soaps.

Pasture-raised beef, lamb and pork, along with free-range chicken are among the meats packing freezers in the sore.

RJ Caulder owns and operates Breezy Willow Farm Store at the corner of St. Johns Lane and Frederick Road in Ellicott City.

The market’s decor is reminiscent of an old-time general store with bins, open shelving and quilted wall hangings. As you browse, what doesn’t make you inhale deeply with delight will make your mouth water. There are sausages flavored with Natty Boh, pickles seasoned with Old Bay or sriracha, an array of flavored hummus, and honey-lavender ice cream, to name a few of the food offerings.

Colin Bickley, chef at EC Tasting Gallery, which is known for its enterprising pop-up dinners, appreciates Caulder’s desire to give local businesses a boost.

“To be able to support local markets is so important to the community, and it’s wonderful to have a local spot where people can do that,” says Bickley, who, with fellow chef Kevin Brothers, is selling fresh pastas made with Breezy Willow produce, like pumpkins and beets.

“The synergy there is really great,” he says.

Caulder’s husband, Ken, and adult children, Casey and Jason, all have a hand in Breezy Willow’s multiple farming outlets.

“What it boils down to is the community supports us and we support the community,” Caulder says. “We want to continue to give back.”

Copyright © 2019, Howard County Times, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication