A fresh start awaits us each morning, but somehow, the turn of the calendar to a new month or year gets the limelight. Beginnings prompt many of us to consider what we want to change, either by improvement or elimination or both. What could be improved or eliminated with locally grown flowers?
Communication is often mentioned as causing challenges between growers and designers. This could be improved by eliminating vagueness on both parts. If a grower isn’t sure they will have what is ordered, speak up sooner rather than later! It doesn’t help the designer if they learn last minute that something hasn’t come on as fast as expected, or was hit with pest damage unexpectedly, or demolished by hail. Tell them early and often what is going on, offer alternatives, and apologize. With global supply-chain issues from the pandemic still disrupting so much, this will be especially important this year.
Designers, too, could be clearer about their needs. If a customer cancels, or changes their vision after you have ordered from the grower, let them know right away. If the product is still in the field, they can sell to someone else. If it has been harvested, they may still be able to sell elsewhere, but that is tougher, depending on the perishability of the item. If you are hedging your bets by contacting more than one grower, let them know that, too. Many growers collaborate to fill large orders, and knowing who else is in the mix makes it easier for growers to work together to meet the needs of florists.
Something else that can improve relationships between growers and designers is patience. It takes time for designers to trust new growers, and it takes time for growers to understand the needs of their floral customers. Delivering as ordered, as well as offering consistent, clear communication, especially when things aren’t going quite as wished, builds a lasting foundation of trust.
Make that your resolution every day, and we can all have more time to celebrate the beauty that brings us together.
What’s Available Locally in February: This list is by no means comprehensive, just a sampling of what growers in our area may have this month.
Forsythia, Hyacinth, Paperwhite Narcissus, Pussy Willow, Quince, and Tulips. Also ask your local growers about dried flowers and wreaths – many dry their harvest!
Care Tips for Chaenomeles, Flowering Quince – These lovely branches can be forced into bloom by placing stems in water in light in warm temperatures. The expected vase life is about a week, sometimes as long as ten days. Look for these from December to March.