Simon and Juanita Bosman turn their passions for food, fitness and friendship into a farmstand of flavor and stories.
Camp Verde residents Simon and Juanita Bosman opened a one-of-a-kind farmstand in Camp Verde in July that not only offers a grocery list of home-cultured delectable items but a bowlful of history.
Simon is an elite cyclist who has conquered world-class feats in Sedona. He is the first of three to ride down famed hiking trail Cathedral Rock. He has also ridden the White Line in Sedona, an extreme unofficial mountain bike trail not recommended for even the most experienced off-road cyclists.
The Zimbabwe Rhodesian native also carries with him the history of his homeland, where his family started a photographic safari lodge. A book that his mother authored about this endeavor is stocked on shelves at Green Magic Gardens Farmstead, alongside jams, hot sauces, salsas, nuts and hummus.
Honey-sweetened homemade ice cream (including ice cream sandwiches) is also offered, along with homemade biscuits (made weekly), cookies and pies. Frozen goods and dog treats are also for sale along with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Simon, who owned a landscaping business in Sedona for more than 30 years, is also selling fertilizer called Green Magic. “It’s a high grade organic composted potting soil made from chicken and horse dung, leaves and other garden vegetation.” He also makes a concentrated liquid fertilizer.
Photographer Michael Marcinko was on his way to Rockin’ River Ranch State Park when he saw the Green Magic Gardens Farmstand sign. “We couldn’t resist and stopped. Simon came out and noticed our car was leaking coolant. He not only refilled our tank but gave us coolant for the ride home. I was blown away by their kindness and their products were amazing! We had maple nuts, pear apple butter and apricot shortbread cookies. My fiancée and I were blown away. We hope to get back soon.”
A Golden Mushroom Elixir, cultured by Juanita features turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom blended with 14 kinds of mushrooms. “I like to drink it as a tea,” she said. “It gives me energy and a clear mind.”
Juanita’s parents met in culinary school. “Food is my upbringing. We moved to Maui when I was an infant and my dad worked as a chef there for 40 years.”
“The Green Magic Gardens Farmstand really feels nice, and I think it brings something special to the community,” said Juanita. “Simon is a people person and likes chatting and sharing stories. I also love cooking and baking so this all feels so natural.”
“Simon and Juanita’s farmstand is chock full of amazing delicacies,” said Arizona Product Destruction and Recycling CEO Beth Williamson, who says she stops by every chance she gets. “Not only can I grab some fresh fruit and veggies from their garden, but her enchilada sauce is to die for. As much as I want to keep this quiet, their ice cream is probably the best I’ve ever tasted in my life and I’m quite the ice cream connoisseur!
Juanita teaches Jiu-Jitsu to women and children, and also exercises with aerial silks. “I like to teach movement in general.”
“The Green Magic Gardens Farmstand is a one-of-a-kind experience that you have to experience to appreciate,” said Sue Koudelka of Camp Verde. “The ice cream! You will fall in love with every bite.”
The couple also opened a boarding home for dogs on the property.
Customers can sign up for the farmstand’s weekly newsletter that features recipes, harvest news, weekly offerings and other information. They can also pre-order via text. VVBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
Green Magic Gardens Farmstand is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, at 1068 S. Canal Circle in Camp Verde. For more information, call 928-300-6832.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Simon and Juanita Bosman offer a wide variety of goods in Camp Verde, from fresh vegetables and sauces to honey-sweetened homemade ice cream.