Photos and text by Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent.

A view of the on-farm retail stand at Lee Farms from across the strawberry fields.

Long-time employee Melvin Hooker works his magic on a local customer.

Straw-berries: clean, mulched strawberry fields, which makes picking a pleasure!

Joshua Johnson grabs a handful of berry.

The strawberry, a member of the rose family, is unique in that it is the only fruit with seeds on the outside rather than the inside.

Lee Farm workers pick berries.

Bet you couldn't do this without spilling any!

Aren't they beautiful?

Donna tends to a customer at the Piedmont Triad Farmers' Market. Donna is unforgettably gracious and friendly to her customers, and they repay her by coming back week after week.

A trio of friends buys their weekly stock of berries and tomatoes.