Get to know your local flower farmers
Cut flowers are one of those special things that can brighten up your day, and your space, immediately. We are lucky enough to have several cut flower farmers at the Boulder and Longmont Farmers Markets. And, while flowers serve us with their beauty, there is much more they are doing to keep our ecosystems functioning behind the scenes.
A source of nutrients for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, having flowers near our fruit and vegetable farms is a vital part of producing the food that keeps our stomachs full all year. Additionally, cultivating native flower plants, meaning species that are from this region, ensures the ecosystem functions as a whole – eliminating many pests that threaten our agricultural system. Finally, plants that are adapted to this region require less inputs like water and fertilizer, allowing for a more sustainable farming practice. So, while cut flowers look pretty on your kitchen counter, they are also an important part of supporting our entire food system.
This week we are highlighting the farmer-florists in our community. Read on to learn more about each of them and allow this breakdown to help you select which bouquet you’ll use to liven up your home this week.
Known at the Boulder Farmers Market for colorful blooms and dazzling lilies, peonies, and sunflowers, The Fresh Herb Co. has been a part of the market since its inception. Chet and Kristy Anderson, the founders of The Fresh Herb Co., have been an integral part of the Boulder County farming community (and farmers markets) since the eighties. Once vegetable farmers, the two have since transitioned to ornamental flower farming. Catch them on Saturdays in Boulder!
Located in Berthoud, Dustin Suanders and Kate Davenport have gotten into their groove with Little Hollow Flowers – taking care of the land, planting flowers, building arrangements, and continuously learning. One of the most unique parts of this flower farm is the flowers they choose to grow. Experimenting with native plants and shrubs adapted to the Front Range, getting creative with textures, and constantly changing in response to their environment, Little Hollow Flowers are not just flower farmers, but also land stewards and community builders. Look out for their elegant bouquets, mini vases, and dried florals at the Boulder Farmers Market every Saturday.
Lindsey Beatrice is a flower farmer, native plant garden designer and coach, food sovereignty advocate, and much more, with a passion for helping people heal their relationship with the earth. Farming in Boulder, she seeks to educate while she grows. As Meant to Bea expands, Lindsey is focusing on increasing the amount of perennials she grows, which will lead to better soil health. Meant to Bea cut flowers, known for their ethereal textured beauty can be found at the Longmont Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Food & Flower Farmers
Many of our produce farmers also grow and sell cut flowers, including Aspen Moon Farm – one of the largest certified organic flower farms in the state. Having these pollinator friendly plants alongside their crops is ideal for the growth of tasty, nutritious food and colorful, unique flowers. Many of these farms have constantly changing combinations, so be sure to check in each week to see what they have to offer!
