A few years ago Amy Stewart shook up the floral consumer world with her book "Flower Confidential", alerting unwary buyers to some of the ugly facts behind much of the world's flower production. More people became interested in knowing where their flowers came from, how they were produced and many became serious about sourcing their flowers in much the same way they choose their food. Like the slow food movement, the idea of "slow flowers" started rolling. Folks jumped on board the local flower express and the nation headed in a new direction.
Enter Debra Prinzing, talented writer and designer, and David Perry, gifted photographer, both passionate supporters of locally grown flowers. For the past few years, these two have focused on finding farmers growing flowers and marketing them locally. April 1 marked the release of their new book "The 50 Mile Bouquet". Beautifully written and gorgeously photographed, I wish this book was on every designer's shelf.
The book is creating a very positive buzz for farmers like us, and believe me there are plenty. Long time members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, aka ASCFG (yours truly currently serving as VP) we are connected to growers across the nation. Many of our friends and fellow members of the association are featured in this beautiful book. In a recent interview featured in the NY Times, the author Debra Prinzing shared her enthusiasm for locally grown flowers and shares her passion for unique, fragrant blooms.
We are not within fifty, or even 100 miles of many of our clients, but distances are measured differently here in the west so we are the local producer for much of Idaho and parts of eastern Wyoming. Our good friend, Paula Rice, at BeeHaven farm, just this side of Canada, takes care of the rest.
Flowers grown and gathered 50 yards from my door--that's serious local!
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