LUCAS — There is a new generation of florist that have created a movement they call field to vase. Much like the similar field to table movement, the field to vase movement focuses on supporting local flower farms here in the United States.
They differ from the traditional brick and mortar flower shop in that their mission is to use local and American grown flowers exclusively.
The Iris Patch is one of these flower farms and is nestled just outside of the village of Lucas. Connie and Eric Homerick are the owners and flower farmers who started this venture just over three years ago. With 18 years of floral designing experience, Connie wanted to take part of this movement that is rapidly growing in the U.S.
“I soon realized that there were some florists out there growing their own flowers and fell in love with the idea of becoming a flower farmer” Connie said.
As an avid gardener and experienced florist, becoming a flower farmer was a natural transition.
As a member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Connie has been able to make connections with other flower farmers in the United States and more importantly several farms, such as Solis Agro and Berry’s Blooms, right in the heart of Ohio.
The Iris Patch offers everyday arrangements for all occasions and they also take orders for weddings and other special events. Several different workshops are offered throughout the year and a flower CSA subscription is also available during the peak growing season.
The field to vase movement is growing as consumers and florists begin to have increasing concerns with the growing practices using chemicals and the overall quality of imported flowers.
“So many of our flowers are still being imported from other countries, somewhere between 70 and 80 percent, according to some research. There are very few regulations in many of these countries regarding the use of pesticides and herbicides.
“As if that wasn’t bad enough the flowers are then fumigated again once they arrive into the United States. By the time the flowers actually reach the customer, they have already been cut for several days if not weeks and have been bathed in chemicals. Then we also have the issue of fair wages to the employees that work in these crazy environments” Connie said while shaking her head.
“Although, it may be getting better, the standards are not up to what many people expect nowadays. We want our food to be fresh and sustainably grown and we want our flowers to be fresh and sustainably grown.”
Using sustainable methods for pest control is important for these flower farmers. Many of the U.S. flower farmers use methods such as pest integration and crop rotation to help reduce the use of pesticides, she said. Pesticides are often used as an absolute last resort and then are often of organic quality.
The movement also brings awareness of supporting our local farmers.
The Iris Patch offers wholesale prices to any and all florists who are interested in supplying their customers with the freshest and safest flowers possible.
“Providing locally and sustainably grown flowers to florists is a benefit for all involved. When florists support local farmers, it helps cut costs for florists and customers get flowers that are grown not flown,” Connie said.
However, for this movement to be truly successful, both consumers and florists will need to change the traditional ways of thinking when it comes to flowers.
“People need to have an open mind when it comes to choosing flowers,” she noted.
Connie explains that for everyday orders and weddings, it is important to know what is in season because it will effect what they will be able to choose from. Much like produce, flowers have seasons of availability too.
“For example, brides have to realize that they will not get dahlias or lily-of-the-valley in December, but they still have a beautiful selection of what is naturally in season such as pines, cedars, winter berry, flowering cabbage, succulents.”
Also, instead of the traditional red roses for Valentines, consider other options like anemones or even beautiful orchids.
“Besides, roses and baby breaths out dated in the 90s,” Connie laughed. “When brides hire us to do their wedding flowers, we will search all over the state of Ohio to get what they want but ultimately we will use what is available. We will never use imported flowers.
“If a bride and groom have their heart set on flowers that are not available at the time needed, then we are not the right fit for them.”
Connie added that she uses a process when sourcing flowers that are needed.
“We first use what is on our farm. If we do not have what is needed, we then order from other Ohio farms and then spread out into other parts of the U.S.”
Connie points out that in a time where buying local is important to many, we must remember to work with businesses that support local farms.
“We may be buying from a local florist but is that florist buying from local farmers? Here at The Iris Patch we also contribute to the buy local circle by purchasing as much as possible from Ohio based companies for anything from bulbs to compost.”
Connie added that it makes the buy local movement successful.
“I have several local florists that have been part of the wholesale opportunities that The Iris Patch offers including Floral Gardens, Tara’s Floral Expressions and Bellville Floral. I appreciate seeing some of our local florists really supporting local Ohio farms.
“It is important for consumers to know they have a choice. They can choose to buy locally and sustainably grown flowers. The United States can take back the flower growing industry, but it will take initiative from consumers and florists alike to help promote local flower farmers.”
