Distribution News

When choosing flowers for a wedding, local flowers are the more environmentally sustainable choice — since they don’t carry the costs of transport or the residue of toxic pesticides. Local flowers are also one of the only ways to get the delicate, sumptuous blooms — such as dahlias and peonies — that don’t ship well and don’t have a long shelf life. The flowers are also fresher, picked from the fields a day prior and lovingly arranged. Wedding flowers are an individual expression of the bridal couple, just as flower farms reflect the unique nature of the farmers themselves. Below are the stories of three women farmers, their flowers, and their design advice to those saying “I do.” Gilsum Gardens (Gilsum, New Hampshire) 300×250 image ad In 1993, Barbara and Barry Williams started Gilsum Gardens, growing retail annual bedding plants. The business grew organically, just like their daughter, Maegan, who was born soon after they started. Another year, another greenhouse. In 2012, now-grown Maegan Williams returned to the farm to help her father with the business. Williams felt at home in the greenhouses and enjoyed the quiet hard work, but she noted that the work of annual bedding plants always ended abruptly around Mother’s Day. Williams’ work at the Green Wagon farm stand inspired her to think about cut flowers as a way to extend their season. Today Williams is head grower at Gilsum Gardens, which she co-owns with her father. Her choice in the flowers she grows is largely determined by the market, which is shaped by the power of internet influencers. When Martha Stewart featured cafe au lait dahlias in a bridal shoot, brides took note. Since then, the milky dinner plate dahlia has been in high demand and short supply. Dahlias like these, are an ephemeral treat. They are not a long-lasting cut flower, but weddings represent a very specific part of the flower trade because unlike table flowers, wedding flowers only need to endure for one glorious day to be photographed for in memoriam. Even Williams’ flower color palette is carefully curated to the demand. […]

Source: www.sentinelsource.com