Garden for Cut Flowers
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.
