Isgar Farms has been coming to the Durango Farmers Market for the better part of two decades. But it’s not always smooth sailing for the farm located in Breen.

“It’s 7,400 feet out there, so that’s a challenge,” said Brenda Furlow, owner of the farm and widow of former Colorado state Sen. Jim Isgar.

“This year I cut back on my garden space because I’ve got half of my field planted with green manure – which is like vetch, oats and field peas – so I’m growing smaller amounts,” she said.

The farm has neither tomatoes nor raspberries this year because both plants are fighting off viruses. But, in addition to flowers, other crops including radishes, green beans, cucumbers and pinto beans make up for the absence.

“We’re just planting our pinto beans this year,” Furlow said. “That’s a really good crop, too, because since they’re grown on the Dryside, and we don’t fertilize or use any chemicals on them, so it’s kind of a crapshoot with the rain.”

Furlow’s son grows the beans on the farm, and her granddaughters sometimes work at the market with her. In the winter time, Furlow makes American Girl doll clothes.

ngonzales@durangoherald.com