As the seasons turn, as buds form and bloom and petals ripen and fall, we learn the lessons of letting go. Many farmers in the area grow only in the field, which means the first freeze ends their season for many flowers and foliage. It is good to check with several growers, though, as temperatures can vary considerably, even within the same county. For instance, I am writing this on Veteran’s Day, yet there has still not been a freeze here.
The first lesson of letting go is that the flowers of tomorrow begin today. My marigolds are gorgeous now, but soon I need to pull them to make way for the tulip bulbs ordered a few months back that arrived this week. Just as florists must plan their calendars in advance, checking flower prices to prepare an proposal, ordering vases and other hard goods, scheduling weddings and events, so, too, must growers think ahead, pre-sprouting ranunculus now for early spring blooms, seeding hardy annuals such as snapdragons and sweet william in August for September and October planting, forcing amaryllis and paperwhite narcissi bulbs for holiday sales.
What does that mean, for you, the floral designer? It means that if you are booking weddings or other events in a specific color palette in 2021, let your growers know so they can add flowers in those colors to their planting plan. Let them know, too, if you have more than one customer asking for the same colors in the same time-period – they may want to increase planting of those colors. If there is a flower or foliage that you are hoping to use in August that you always purchase in June, check in now and let them know your needs so they can either succession plant, if that is possible, or let you know it’s not and suggest an alternative.
Time spent familiarizing yourself with what is available and getting to know your local growers is time well spent. How can you do this? There are three key ways that are easy to do, even during a pandemic.
First, visit websites. Many growers such as Cut Flowers by Clear Ridge www.cutflowersbyclearridge.com list what they offer on their website. Some, such as www.helensgarden.net list by season. Some, such as www.twobootsfarm.com, ask you to sign up for their e-mail list or availability list, the best way to see, week-by-week, what is locally available to you.
Second, follow growers on social media, such as Facebook and Instagram. A great way to educate yourself as to what is available when is to scroll through prior posts and see what different farmers in your area posted in the different months and seasons. Often, they will comment if a particular flower is flowering earlier or later than is typical, so you can familiarize yourself with bloom cycles.
Third, shop at farmer’s markets, introduce yourself, and ask questions. While many markets have ended their season, we are fortunate to also have year-round markets in our area. You can find information about their locations, hours, and vendors here:
https://www.freshfarm.org/markets
https://mda.maryland.gov/maryland_products/Documents/2020-Maryland-Farmers-Market-Directory.pdf
https://northernvirginiamag.com/guides/farmers-markets/
Our region is rich with growers, and you will find them a welcoming community inviting all who love flowers to belong.
What’s Available Locally in November: This list is by no means comprehensive, just a sampling of what growers in our area may have this month.
Callicarpa, dusty miller, eucalyptus, ilex, scented geraniums, heirloom mums, looseneck goosestrife, ninebark, paperwhite narcissus, eucalyptus, evergreens, and wreaths. Also ask your local growers about dried flowers and wreaths – many dry their harvest!
Care tips for ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): Ninebark offers beautiful, arching foliage that, when cut in late summer and fall, has outstanding vase life, typically ten or more days. Floral preservatives extend vase life for most varieties.