In case any of our faithful readers haven’t noticed, late August in Southwest Georgia is hot! Perry Wellness Center founder and CEO Stuart Perry pays close attention to the weather year-round, but the summer months are a particular challenge. At the height of the produce and plant season at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market, attention must be paid to everything from watering schedules to sun exposure.

“I know that we should have learned about the weather and the summer heat here in Americus,” Stuart notes. “Even with this oppressive heat, many customers come to support our market. We appreciate the support and help.”

Regular customers typically come by early in the day to shop, although the sun shades installed earlier in the season make a difference in reducing heat and sun glare. One recent longtime customer, Millie Trussell, pictured above, stopped by to stock up on a variety of homegrown vegetables, where she was assisted by market staff member Caitlynn Tanner.

“I sure like Jim Buchanan’s tomatoes,” she offered, as she made her choices from a large selection of Buchanan Farms.