On the new craze of gardening for cut flowers, where America starts will we follow or is it really voice versa?

Olden Times

• The Romans brought many plants to the UK in the first century including  various herbs and  the grape.
• Dating from the early 15th century a book called The Feate of Gardening mentions more than 100 plants.
• Gardens as a form of creative display properly began in the sixteenth century, often described as Tudor gardens.
• Oh…. did Christopher Columbus stumble on the new world around then?

Flower Farms

• Skip to the 21st century and ‘flower farms are all the rage’ as though selective cultivation is something new.
• Stunning flower gardens of rewarding species can be grown for seasonal bloom
• A corner of your garden or an allotment plot for sweet peas, chrysanthemums, dahlias and  cosmos can produce bunches and bunches.
• With more space flower production for gate sales or local retail supply can supplement plant and seedling sales.
• Do not forget to grow ‘greenery’ to sell with bunches of flowers.

Possible Markets for Your Flowers

• Bridal displays and bouquets for special occasions are worth a premium price.
• Selling as a producer to a retailer means the retailers  margin and wastage needs to be accounted for in your pricing.
• Market stall, farmers markets and local event selling is seasonal but may generate  some cash.
• Supply agreements will commit you to regularity and consistency so have a good plan to be able to deliver.
• Crafters, flower arranging clubs friends and neighbors are also possible targets.